bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A journey into the world of insect lipid metabolism
Authors: Toprak Umut , Hegedus Dwayne , Doğan Cansu , Güney Gözde 
Published: April 2020

AbstractLipid metabolism is fundamental to life. In insects, it is critical, during reproduction, flight, starvation, and diapause. The coordination center for insect lipid metabolism is the fat body, which is analogous to the vertebrate adipose tissue and liver. Fat body contains various different cell types; however, adipocytes and oenocytes are the primary cells related to lipid metabolism. Lipid metabolism starts with the hydrolysis of dietary lipids, absorption of lipid monomers, followed by lipid transport from midgut to the fat body, lipogenesis or lipolysis in the fat body, and lipid transport from fat body to other sites demanding energy. Lipid metabolism is under the control of hormones, transcription factors, secondary messengers and posttranscriptional modifications. Primarily, lipogenesis is under the control of insulin‐like peptides that activate lipogenic transcription factors, such as sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins, whereas lipolysis is coordinated by the adipokinetic hormone that activates lipolytic transcription factors, such as forkhead box class O and cAMP‐response element‐binding protein. Calcium is the primary–secondary messenger affecting lipid metabolism and has different outcomes depending on the site of lipogenesis or lipolysis. Phosphorylation is central to lipid metabolism and multiple phosphorylases are involved in lipid accumulation or hydrolysis. Although most of the knowledge of insect lipid metabolism comes from the studies on the model Drosophila; other insects, in particular those with obligatory or facultative diapause, also have great potential to study lipid metabolism. The use of these models would significantly improve our knowledge of insect lipid metabolism.
Safety and Efficacy of Lenabasum in a Phase II, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial in Adults With Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Spiera Robert , Hummers Laura , Chung Lorinda , Frech Tracy M. , Domsic Robyn , Hsu Vivien , Furst Daniel E. , Gordon Jessica , Mayes Maureen , Simms Robert , Lafyatis Robert , Martyanov Viktor , Wood Tammara , Whitfield Michael L. , Constantine Scott , Lee Elizabeth , Dgetluck Nancy , White Barbara 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo assess the safety and efficacy of lenabasum in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase II study was conducted at 9 SSc clinics in the US. Adults with dcSSc of ≤6 years’ duration who were receiving stable standard‐of‐care treatment were randomized to receive lenabasum (n = 27) or placebo (n = 15). Lenabasum doses were 5 mg once daily, 20 mg once daily, or 20 mg twice daily for 4 weeks, followed by 20 mg twice daily for 8 weeks. Safety and efficacy were assessed at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16.ResultsAdverse events (AEs) occurred in 63% of the lenabasum group and 60% of the placebo group, with no serious AEs related to lenabasum. Compared to placebo, lenabasum treatment was associated with greater improvement in the American College of Rheumatology Combined Response Index in diffuse cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (CRISS) score and other efficacy outcome measures that assessed overall disease, skin involvement, and patient‐reported function. The median CRISS score increased in the lenabasum group during the study, reaching 0.33, versus 0.00 in the placebo group, at week 16 (P = 0.07 by 2‐sided mixed‐effects model repeated‐measures analysis). Gene expression in inflammation and fibrosis pathways was reduced, and inflammation and fibrosis were improved on histologic evaluation of skin biopsy specimens, in the lenabasum group compared to the placebo group (all P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionDespite a short trial duration in a small number of patients in this phase II study in dcSSc, our findings indicate that lenabasum improves efficacy outcomes and underlying disease pathology with a favorable safety profile.
Role of Lipocalin‐Type Prostaglandin D Synthase in Experimental Osteoarthritis
Authors: Najar Mehdi , Ouhaddi Yassine , Paré Frédéric , Lussier Bertrand , Urade Yoshihiro , Kapoor Mohit , Pelletier Jean‐Pierre , Martel‐Pelletier Johanne , Benderdour Mohamed , Fahmi Hassan 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveLipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase (L‐PGDS) catalyzes the formation of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), which has important roles in inflammation and cartilage metabolism. We undertook this study to investigate the role of L‐PGDS in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) using an experimental mouse model.MethodsExperimental OA was induced in wild‐type (WT) and L‐PGDS–deficient (L‐PGDS−/−) mice (n = 10 per genotype) by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Cartilage degradation was evaluated by histology. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) and ADAMTS‐5 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Bone changes were determined by micro–computed tomography. Cartilage explants from L‐PGDS−/− and WT mice (n = 6 per genotype) were treated with interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) ex vivo in order to evaluate proteoglycan degradation. Moreover, the effect of intraarticular injection of a recombinant adeno‐associated virus type 2/5 (rAAV2/5) encoding L‐PGDS on OA progression was evaluated in WT mice (n = 9 per group).ResultsCompared to WT mice, L‐PGDS−/− mice had exacerbated cartilage degradation and enhanced expression of MMP‐13 and ADAMTS‐5 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, L‐PGDS−/− mice displayed increased synovitis and subchondral bone changes (P < 0.05). Cartilage explants from L‐PGDS−/− mice showed enhanced proteoglycan degradation following treatment with IL‐1α (P < 0.05). Intraarticular injection of rAAV2/5 encoding L‐PGDS attenuated the severity of DMM‐induced OA‐like changes in WT mice (P < 0.05). The L‐PGDS level was increased in OA tissues of WT mice (P < 0.05).ConclusionCollectively, these findings suggest a protective role of L‐PGDS in OA, and therefore enhancing levels of L‐PGDS may constitute a promising therapeutic strategy.
Spectroscopic analysis of Muga silk nanoparticles synthesized by microwave method
Authors: Asapur Prithvi , Banerjee Indrani , Sahare P. D. , Mahapatra Santosh 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMuga silk nanoparticles (MSNP) were synthesized using a microwave‐assisted radiolysis method. The effect of microwave on the Muga protein secondary structures was analyzed. The evolution of the secondary structure from random coils to the β‐sheets was determined by using FTIR, circular dichroism and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The results showed that Muga silk fibroin protein contained the primary structure in silk‐I state. When the protein was irradiated with microwave, nanoparticle synthesis was possible having silk‐II state imparting crystallinity. The silk nanoparticles were characterized by a particle size analyzer and found to be of ~240 nm in size. The optical properties of these nanoparticles were studied by UV–vis. spectroscopy and photoluminescence. For studying thermal properties, differential scanning calorimetry was performed that revealed early glass transition, which could be attributed to the presence of water and proteins. It also revealed that nanoparticles are thermally stable. Such studies are important for understanding more about the MSNP and would be beneficial for their further wide applications.
Right hepatic venous system variation in living donors: a three-dimensional CT analysis
Authors: Watanabe A , Yoshizumi T , Harimoto N , Kogure K , Ikegami T , Harada N , Itoh S , Takeishi K , Mano Y , Yoshiya S , Morinaga A , Araki K , Kubo N , Mori M , Shirabe K 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
The right hepatic venous system consists of the right hepatic vein (RHV) and inferior RHVs (IRHVs). When the right posterior section is used as a graft for liver transplantation, understanding variations and relationships between the RHV and IRHVs is critical for graft venous return and hepatic vein reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate variations in the hepatic veins and the relationships between them.

Methods
The medical records and CT images of patients who underwent hepatectomy as liver donors were assessed retrospectively. The relationship between the veins was evaluated by three-dimensional CT.

Results
The configuration of the posterior section was classified into one of eight types based on the RHV and IRHVs in 307 patients. Type 1a (103 of 307), type 1b (139 of 307) and type 2a (40 of 307) accounted for 91·9 per cent of the total. The diameter of the RHV extending towards the inferior vena cava had a significant inverse correlation with that of the IRHV (r2 = –0·615, P &lt; 0·001). Type 1a, which had no IRHVs, had the RHV with the largest diameter; conversely, type 2a, which had a large IRHV, had the RHV with the smallest diameter.

Conclusion
The hepatic venous system of the right posterior section was classified into eight types, with an inverse relationship between RHV and IRHV sizes. This information is useful for segment VII resection or when the right liver is used as a transplant graft.
Long-term outcome of pT1a–b, cN0 breast cancer without axillary dissection or staging: a prospective observational study of 1543 women
Authors: Ingvar C , Ahlgren J , Emdin S , Lofgren L , Nordander M , Niméus E , Arnesson L-G 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
The implementation of screening programmes in Sweden during the mid-1990s increased the number of small node-negative breast cancers. In this era before staging by sentinel node biopsy, routine axillary dissection for staging of early breast cancer was questioned owing to the increased morbidity and lack of perceived benefit. The long-term risk of axillary recurrence when axillary staging is omitted remains unclear.

Methods
This prospective observational multicentre cohort study included Swedish women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1997 and 2002. The patients had clinically node-negative, pT1a–b, grade I–II tumours. No axillary staging or dissection was performed. The primary outcome was ipsilateral axillary recurrence and survival.

Results
A total of 1543 patients were included. Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) was performed in 94·0 per cent and the rest underwent mastectomy. After surgery, 58·1 per cent of the women received adjuvant radiotherapy, 11·9 per cent adjuvant endocrine therapy and 31·5 per cent did not receive any adjuvant treatment. After a median follow-up of 15·5 years, 6·4 per cent developed contralateral breast cancer and 16·5 per cent experienced a recurrence. The first recurrence was local in 116, regional in 47 and distant in 59 patients. The breast cancer-specific survival rate was 93·7 per cent after 15 years. There were no differences in overall or breast cancer-specific survival between patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy and those who did not. Only 3·0 per cent of patients had an axillary recurrence, which was isolated in only 1·0 per cent.

Conclusion
Axillary surgery can safely be omitted in patients with low-grade, T1a–b, cN0 breast cancers. This large prospective cohort with 15-year follow-up had a very low incidence of axillary recurrences and high breast cancer-specific survival rate.
Trainee-led emergency laparotomy operating
Authors: Boyd-Carson H , Doleman B , Lockwood S , Williams J P , Tierney G M , Lund J N 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
To achieve completion of training in general surgery, trainees are required to demonstrate competency in common procedures performed at emergency laparotomy. The aim of this study was to describe the patterns of trainee-led emergency laparotomy operating and the association between postoperative outcomes.

Methods
Data on all patients who had an emergency laparotomy between December 2013 and November 2017 were extracted from the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit database. Patients were grouped by grade of operating surgeon: trainee (specialty registrar) or consultant (including post-Certificate of Completion of Training fellows). Trends in trainee operating by deanery, hospital size and time of day of surgery were investigated. Univariable and adjusted regression analyses were performed for the outcomes 90-day mortality and return to theatre, with analysis of patients in operative subgroups segmental colectomy, Hartmann's procedure, adhesiolysis and repair of perforated peptic ulcer disease.

Results
The study cohort included 87 367 patients. The 90-day mortality rate was 15·1 per cent in the consultant group compared with 11·0 per cent in the trainee group. There were no increased odds of death by 90 days or of return to theatre across any of the operative groups when the operation was performed with a trainee listed as the most senior surgeon in theatre. Trainees were more likely to operate independently in high-volume centres (highest- versus lowest-volume centres: odds ratio (OR) 2·11, 95 per cent c.i. 1·91 to 2·33) and at night (00.00 to 07.59 versus 08.00 to 11.59 hours; OR 3·20, 2·95 to 3·48).

Conclusion
There is significant variation in trainee-led operating in emergency laparotomy by geographical area, hospital size and by time of day. However, this does not appear to influence mortality or return to theatre.
Is out-of-hours cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis associated with complications?
Authors: Gustafsson C , Dahlberg M , Sondén A , Järnbert-Pettersson H , Sandblom G 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Existing data on the safety of out-of-hours cholecystectomy are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate whether out-of-hours cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is associated with a higher risk for complications compared with surgery during office hours.

Methods
This was a population-based cohort study. The Swedish Gallstone Surgery and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Register (GallRiks) was used to investigate the association between out-of-hours cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and complications developing within 30 days. Data from patients who underwent cholecystectomy between 2006 and 2017 were collected. Out-of-hours surgery was defined as surgery commencing between 19.00 and 07.00 hours on weekdays, or any time at weekends (Friday 19.00 hours to Monday 07.00 hours). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk of complications, with time of procedure as independent variable. The proportion of open procedures and proportion of procedures exceeding 120 min were also analysed. Adjustments were made for sex, age, ASA grade, time between admission and surgery, and hospital-specific features.

Results
Of 11 153 procedures included, complications occurred within 30 days in 1573 patients (14·1 per cent). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for complications for out-of-hours versus office-hours surgery was 1·12 (95 per cent c.i. 0·99 to 1·28). The adjusted OR for procedures completed as open surgery was 1·39 (1·25 to 1·54), and that for operating time exceeding 120 min was 0·63 (0·58 to 0·69).

Conclusion
Out-of-hours complications may relate to patient factors and the higher proportion of open procedures.
Comparative in vivo pharmacokinetics study of affeic acid, isoferulic acid and ferulic acid in crude and three different prepared Cimicifuga foetida L.
Authors: Wu Yu , Xu Yan , Yang Aihua , Shen Shuijie , Mi Daguo , Cao Yongjun , Hua Zhengying , Min Lingtian , Li Weidong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOur study investigated the differences in pharmacokinetics of three major components of crude Cimicifuga foetida L. and its fried product and honey‐ and liquor‐prepared products. A rapid and sensitive ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry approach was established for determing caffeic acid, isoferulic acid and ferulic acid in rat plasma. The approach has good linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery and stability. Phenolic acid was rapidly absorbed. The times to peak concentration were shorter in the processed group than those for the crude product, with their values of <30 min. The peak concentration values of caffeic acid and isoferulic acid were higher in the crude group than in the processed groups (p < 0.05). Area under the curve values of the three phenolics in the crude group were significantly higher than those of the processed groups (p < 0.05).
Teaching computer programming to science majors by modelling
Authors: Lin Yu‐Tzu , Yeh Martin K.‐C. , Hsieh Hsin‐Ling 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study reports the design and implementation of a modelling‐based programming instruction for science majors and its effectiveness on programming and science learning. A modelling approach was proposed to provide guidance to students in implementing solutions for scientific problems in computer programming. This modelling approach includes five stages: (1) phenomenon description, (2) data modelling, (3) algorithmic modelling, (4) coding, and (5) verification and debugging. Authentic scenarios for science learning were adopted in teaching materials and problems to inspire students to learn both the scientific and programming aspects of the underneath phenomena. An empirical experiment to examine the effectiveness of the proposed instruction was conducted in a general education course at a university, and the results showed that students who engaged more in the modelling approach performed better in both the program implementation test and their final projects. In addition, students' feedback agreed with what we had expected the modelling approach would benefit students: they could connect abstract, real‐world phenomena to programming variables and logic by visualizing the phenomena in simulation and animation. Data modelling and algorithmic modelling also helped them analyze the variables in the problem space and propose a solution before coding. Because the proposed instruction provided opportunities to experience the capability of programming in solving scientific problems, high‐programming‐performance students also showed a greater interest in exploring science after the class.
Configuration‐Controlled Crystal and/or Gel Formation of Protected d‐Glucosamines Supported by Promiscuous Interaction Surfaces and a Conformationally Heterogeneous Solution State
Authors: Kapros Anita , Balázs Attila , Harmat Veronika , Háló Adrienn , Budai Lívia , Pintér István , Menyhárd Dóra K. , Perczel András 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe configuration‐dependent self‐association mode of the two anomers of O‐Ac,N‐Fmoc‐d‐glucosamine, a foldamer building block, leading to gel and/or single crystal formation is described. The β‐anomer of the sugar amino acid (2) forms a gel from various solvents (confirmed by SEM, rheology measurements, NMR, and ECD spectroscopy), whereas the α‐anomer (1) does not form a gel with any solvent tested. Transition from the solution state to a gel is coupled to a concurrent shift of the Fmoc‐groups: from a freely rotating (almost symmetrical) to a specific, asymmetric orientation. Whereas the crystal structure of the α‐anomer is built as an evenly packed 3D system, the β‐anomer forms a looser superstructure of well‐packed 2D layers. Modeling indicates that in the lowest energy, but scarcely sampled conformer of the β‐anomer, the Fmoc‐group bends above the sugar moiety, stabilized by intramolecular CH↔π interactions between the aromatic rings. It is concluded that possessing an extended and promiscuous interaction surface and a conformationally heterogeneous solution state are among the basic requirements of gel formation for a candidate molecule.
Effects of Planting Field on Groundwater and Surface Water Pollution in China
Authors: Opoku‐Kwanowaa Yaa , Furaha Rachel Kasoro , Yan Li , Wei Daming 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWater forms an essential resource for life on earth because all living things on earth depend on water for life activities. However, with the increase in the human population, which is coupled with intense urbanization and agricultural activities, global water pollution has increased over the past decades. In China, agricultural activities that occure mainly in the planting fields have been listed as the main source of surface water and groundwater pollution. This review focuses on the major factors that influence pollution from planting fields in China mainly as a result of farming activities such as flood irrigation, excessive application of fertilizers and pesticides, and poor management practices. At present, good results are achieved by adopting soil fertilization test formula, biodegradable pesticides, proper irrigation, and agroforestry interventions. In the future, pollution from planting fields as a non‐point source of water pollution can be improved and resolved by perfect nutrient management, best management practices, organic amendments, restoring water environment, and intelligent assessment management.
Discomfort luminance level of head‐mounted displays depending on the adapting luminance
Authors: Ha Hyeyoung , Kwak Youngshin , Kim Hyosun , Seo Young‐jun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Images in an immersive head‐mounted display (HMD) for virtual reality provide the sole source for visual adaptation. Thus, significant, near‐instantaneous increases in luminance while viewing an HMD can result in visual discomfort. Therefore, the current study investigated the luminance change necessary to induce this discomfort. Based on the psychophysical experiment data collected from 10 subjects, a prediction model was derived using four complex images and one neutral image, with four to six levels of average scene luminance. Result showed that maximum area luminance has a significant correlation with the discomfort luminance level than average, median, or maximum pixel luminance. According to the prediction model, the discomfort luminance level of a head‐mounted display was represented as a positive linear function in log10 units using the previous adaptation luminance when luminance is calculated as maximum area luminance.
Synergistic effect of microbial and nonmicrobial biostimulants on growth, yield, and nutritional quality of organic tomato
Authors: Sani Md. Nasir Hossain , Islam Md. Nazrul , Uddain Jasim , Chowdhury Md. Shah Newaz , Subramaniam Sreeramanan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe current pot experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher‐e‐Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from October 2017 to April 2018, to evaluate the effects of the three biostimulants—Trichoderma‐based biostimulants (TB), seaweed extract (SWE), and humic substance (HS)—and their combinations on the growth, yield, nutritional quality, and antioxidant properties of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentumL.). The experiment was constructed in a completely randomized design using four replications. Thirteen treatments of TB, SWE, and HS were included (single and/or in combination) in the experiment, and the impact on growth, yield, nutritional quality, and antioxidant properties were evaluated. The results showed that T8(50 g L−1Trichoderma+ 2 g L−1SWE) increased the growth attributes positively as a result of the synergistic effects that led to a significant increase in yield over all other treatments. The treatment T8also elicited an increase in total soluble solids, as well as bioactive molecules such as lycopene and ascorbic acid, thereby increasing the nutritional and functional quality of the tomato fruits. Collectively,Trichodermaand SWE improved soil fertility and promoted the growth of rhizosphere microbes, which eventually led to higher tomato yields and increases in antioxidants and minerals. Soil drenching of SWE along withTrichodermais therefore considered to be an effective technique for sustainable tomato production of superior quality and higher yield.