bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examination of corneal deposits in nephropathic cystinosis using in vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography: an age-dependent cross sectional study
Authors: Csorba Anita , Maka Erika , Maneschg Otto Alexander , Szabó Attila , Szentmáry Nóra , Csidey Mária , Resch Miklós , Imre László , Knézy Krisztina , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Presence of corneal cystine crystals is the main ocular manifestation of cystinosis, although controversial findings concerning the corneal layer with the highest density have been reported. The aim of this study was the analysis of the characteristics of crystal arrangement in different corneal layers and the assessment of corneal morphological changes with age.

Methods
A cross sectional study was carried out in three children and three adults who had nephropathic cystinosis and corneal cystine depositions. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination including best corrected distance visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, in vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. An evaluation of the depth of crystal deposits and crystal density in different corneal layers was also performed. Due to the low number of subjects no statistical comparison was performed.

Results
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography images revealed deposition of hyperreflective crystals from limbus to limbus in each patient. Crystals appeared as randomly oriented hyperreflective, elongated structures on in vivo confocal microscopy images in all corneal layers except the endothelium. In children the deposits occurred predominantly in the anterior stroma, while in adults, the crystals were mostly localized in the posterior corneal stroma with the depth of crystal deposition showing an increasing tendency with age (mean depth of crystal density was 353.17 ± 49.23 μm in children and it was 555.75 ± 25.27 μm in adults). Mean crystal density of the epithelium was 1.47 ± 1.17 (median: 1.5; interquartile range: 0.3–2.4). Mean crystal density of the anterior and posterior stroma of children and adults was 3.37 ± 0.34 (median: 3.4; interquartile range: 3.25–3.55) vs. 1.23 ± 0.23 (median: 1.2; interquartile range: 1.05–1.35) and 0.76 ± 0.49 (median: 0.7; interquartile range: 0.4–1.15) vs. 3.63 ± 0.29 (median: 3.7; interquartile range: 3.45–3.8), respectively. Endothelium had intact structure in all cases. Some hexagonal crystals were observed in two subjects.

Conclusions
In vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment optical coherence tomography confirmed an age-related pattern of crystal deposition. In children, crystals tend to locate anteriorly, while in adults, deposits are found posteriorly in corneal stroma.
Muscle building supplement use in Australian adolescent boys: relationships with body image, weight lifting, and sports engagement
Authors: Yager Zali , McLean Siân 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
The extent and implications of muscle building protein supplement use among adolescents is relatively unknown. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of protein powder, creatine, and anabolic steroid use in a sample of 14–16 year-old boys in Australia, and the predictors of actual use, and intentions to use protein powder.

Methods
Data were obtained from questionnaires with Australian adolescent boys aged 14–16 years from one independent boy’s school in Melbourne (N = 237). Hierarchical linear and logistic regressions were used to determine the predictors of intentions, and actual use of protein powder.

Results
49.8% of boys reported current use of, and 62% intended to use protein powder; 8.4% used creatine, and 4.2% used anabolic steroids. Higher levels of drive for muscularity, participation in weight training, and playing a greater number of sports were significant predictors of higher current use and intentions to use protein powder, but age, BMI, body esteem, and ethnicity were not.

Conclusions
Prevalence of muscle building supplement use was relatively high among this adolescent population. This research has implications for intervention and prevention programs to educate young boys about muscle building supplements to reduce negative physical and psychological health effects of their use.
The disequilibrium in the distribution of the primary health workforce among eight economic regions and between rural and urban areas in China
Authors: Wang Yueyue , Li Yuyang , Qin Shangren , Kong Yuanfeng , Yu Xiyang , Guo Keqiang , Meng Jiayu 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Equity is one of the major goals of China’s new medical reforms launched in 2009. This study aimed to analyze the disequilibrium in primary health care (PHC) workforce among various economic zones in China and to compare the fairness between urban and rural areas since the implementation of the new medical reforms.

Method
According to China’s 11th Five-Year Plan, China is divided into eight economic regions. The data of this study were obtained from China Statistical Yearbook 2009–2016. The Atkinson index was used to depict the trend of PHC workforce fairness; the Gini coefficient was used to compare the fairness of workforce distribution between urban and rural areas; the health resource agglomeration degree was used to analyze the distributional equity of the workforce in the eight regions; and the Theil Index was used to compare the fairness of urban and rural workforce distribution across eight regions.

Result
The Atkinson index indicated that the equity of the entire PHC workforce allocation had generally improved during the new medical reforms; the Gini coefficient indicated that the fairness of the entire workforce allocation had improved in cities, but only the nurse allocation became fairer in rural areas. The agglomeration degree and the Theil index indicated that the fairness gaps across the eight regions were still large. These analyses differed from previous studies where China was divided into western, central and eastern regions. In what was previously defined as eastern region, the northeast was under-resourced, while the eastern coastal areas were observing a resource surplus. In western region, we found that the fairness in the northwest was significantly worse than southwest.

Conclusion
In China, the distribution of healthcare workforce has been improved with continuous effort. The gaps in the distribution of PHC workforce across different economic regions and between urban and rural areas are still large, with different regions facing different problems. The government should consider the population and geographical factors in allocation of PHC workforce, especially nurses.
Manipulation of macrophage polarization by peptide-coated gold nanoparticles and its protective effects on acute lung injury
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhang Huasheng , Sun Liya , Gao Wei , Xiong Ye , Ma Aying , Liu Xiali , Shen Lei , Li Qiang , Yang Hong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Macrophage polarization and reprogramming in the lung play a critical role in the initiation, development and progression of acute lung injury (ALI). Regulating the activation and differentiation of pulmonary macrophages may provide a potential therapeutic strategy to treat ALI. We previously developed a novel class of anti-inflammatory nanoparticles (P12) that can potently inhibit Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in macrophages. These bioactive nanodevices were made of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) coated with hexapeptides to not only ensure their physiological stability but also enable GNPs with TLR inhibitory activity.

Results
In this study, using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced ALI mouse model, we showed that P12 was able to alleviate lung inflammation and damage through reducing the infiltration of inflammatory cells and increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the lung. These results prompted us to investigate possible macrophage polarization by P12. We first confirmed that P12 primarily targeted macrophages in the lung to exert anti-inflammatory activity. We then showed that P12 could drive the polarization of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) toward anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Interestingly, in the ALI mouse model, P12 was able to increase the alveolar M2 macrophages and reduce both the alveolar and interstitial M1 macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that peptide-coated GNPs could induce M2 macrophage polarization in vitro and in vivo to effectively regulate lung inflammation, protect lung from injuries and promote inflammation resolution. The ability of regulating macrophage polarization together with TLR inhibition made such a bioactive nanodevice a new generation of potent therapeutics to treat ALI.
Autoresuscitation (Lazarus phenomenon) after termination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation - a scoping review
Authors: Gordon Les , Pasquier Mathieu , Brugger Hermann , Paal Peter 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
Autoresuscitation describes the return of spontaneous circulation after termination of resuscitation (TOR) following cardiac arrest (CA). We aimed to identify phenomena that may lead to autoresuscitation and to provide guidance to reduce the likelihood of it occurring.

Materials and methods
We conducted a literature search (Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed) and a scoping review according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines of autoresuscitation cases where patients undergoing CPR recovered circulation spontaneously after TOR with the following criteria: 1) CA from any cause; 2) CPR for any length of time; 3) A point was reached when it was felt that the patient had died; 4) Staff declared the patient dead and stood back. No further interventions took place; 5) Later, vital signs were observed. 6) Vital signs were sustained for more than a few seconds, such that staff had to resume active care.

Results
Sixty-five patients with ROSC after TOR were identified in 53 articles (1982–2018), 18 (28%) made a full recovery.

Conclusions
Almost a third made a full recovery after autoresuscitation. The following reasons for and recommendations to avoid autoresuscitation can be proposed: 1) In asystole with no reversible causes, resuscitation efforts should be continued for at least 20 min; 2) CPR should not be abandoned immediately after unsuccessful defibrillation, as transient asystole can occur after defibrillation; 3) Excessive ventilation during CPR may cause hyperinflation and should be avoided; 4) In refractory CA, resuscitation should not be terminated in the presence of any potentially-treatable cardiac rhythm; 5) After TOR, the casualty should be observed continuously and ECG monitored for at least 10 min.
Mapping molecular pathways for embryonic Sertoli cells derivation based on differentiation model of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Xu Chenze , Dai Yichen , Mohsin Ali , Hang Haifeng , Zhuang Yingping , Guo Meijin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundEmbryonic Sertoli cells (eSCs) have been known for playing important roles in male reproductive development system. In current studies, eSCs were mainly generated from induced intermediate mesoderm. The deriving mechanism of eSCs has been unclear so far. Therefore, this work was aimed to reveal the molecular pathways during derivation of eSCs.MethodsIn this scenario, a differentiation model from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to eSCs was established through spatiotemporal control of 5 key factors, Wilms tumor 1 homolog (Wt1), GATA binding protein 4 (Gata4), nuclear receptor subfamily 5, group A, member 1 (Nr5a1, i.e.,Sf1), SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 9 (Sox9), doublesex, and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1). To investigate the molecular mechanism, these key factors were respectively manipulated through a light-switchable (light-on) system, tetracycline-switchable (Tet-on) system, and CRISPR/Cas9 knock out (KO) system.ResultsVia the established approach, some embryonic Sertoli-like cells (eSLCs) were induced from mESCs and formed ring-like or tubular-like structures. The key factors were respectively manipulated and revealed their roles in the derivation of these eSLCs. Based on these results, some molecular pathways were mapped during the development of coelomic epithelial somatic cells to eSCs.ConclusionsThis differentiation model provided a high controllability of some key factors and brought a novel insight into the deriving mechanism of Sertoli cells.
Statistical test for GNSS spoofing attack detection by using multiple receivers on a rigid body
Authors: Kalantari Ashkan , Larsson Erik G. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGlobal navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are being the target of various jamming, spoofing, and meaconing attacks. This paper proposes a new statistical test for the presence of multiple spoofers based on range measurements observed by a plurality of receivers located on a rigid body platform. The relative positions of the receivers are known, but the location and orientation of the platform are unknown. The test is based on the generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) paradigm and essentially performs a consistency check between the set of observed range measurements and known information about the satellite topology and the geometry of the receiver constellation. Optimal spoofing locations and optimal artificial time delays (as induced by the spoofers) are also determined.Exact evaluation of the GLRT requires the maximum-likelihood estimates of all parameters, which proves difficult. Instead, approximations based on iterative algorithms and the squared-range least squares algorithm are derived. The accuracy of these approximations is benchmarked against Cramér-Rao lower bounds.Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and show that increasing the number of GNSS receivers makes the attack easier to detect. We also show that using multiple GNSS receivers limits the availability of optimal attack positions.
Growth Hormone Deficiency and Excess Alter the Gut Microbiome in Adult Male Mice
Authors: Jensen Elizabeth A , Young Jonathan A , Jackson Zachary , Busken Joshua , List Edward O , Carroll Ronan K , Kopchick John J , Murphy Erin R , Berryman Darlene E 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe gut microbiome has been implicated in host metabolism, endocrinology, and pathophysiology. Furthermore, several studies have shown that gut bacteria impact host growth, partially mediated through the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis. Yet, no study to date has examined the specific role of GH on the gut microbiome. Our study thus characterized the adult gut microbial profile and intestinal phenotype in GH gene-disrupted (GH-/-) mice (a model of GH deficiency) and bovine GH transgenic (bGH) mice (a model of chronic, excess GH action) at 6 months of age. Both the GH-/- and bGH mice had altered microbial signatures, in opposing directions at the phylum and genus levels. For example, GH-/- mice had significantly reduced abundance in the Proteobacteria, Campylobacterota, and Actinobacteria phyla, whereas bGH mice exhibited a trending increase in those phyla compared with respective controls. Analysis of maturity of the microbial community demonstrated that lack of GH results in a significantly more immature microbiome while excess GH increases microbial maturity. Several common bacterial genera were shared, although in opposing directions, between the 2 mouse lines (e.g., decreased in GH-/- mice and increased in bGH mice), suggesting an association with GH. Similarly, metabolic pathways like acetate, butyrate, heme B, and folate biosynthesis were predicted to be impacted by GH. This study is the first to characterize the gut microbiome in mouse lines with altered GH action and indicates that GH may play a role in the growth of certain microbiota thus impacting microbial maturation and metabolic function.
Bis-Indole–Derived Nuclear Receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77) Ligands as Inhibitors of Endometriosis
Authors: Mohankumar Kumaravel , Li Xi , Sung Nuri , Cho Yeon Jean , Han Sang Jun , Safe Stephen 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects women during their reproductive years, and since current hormonal therapies are of concern, new hormone-independent treatment regimens are needed. The orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1, Nur77) is expressed in patient-derived (stromal) endometriotic cells and also epithelial cell lines, and we observed that knockdown of NR4A1 in patient-derived ectopic endometrium-isolated ovarian endometrioma (ESECT)-7 and ESECT-40 cells decreased cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Moreover, the treatment of these cells with bis-indole derived NR4A1 ligands 1,1-bis(3’-indolyl)-1-(p-hydroxyphenyl)methane (DIM-C-pPhOH) and its buttressed 3-chloro-5-methoxy analog (DIM-C-pPhOH-3-Cl-5-OCH3) inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis and related genes. The compounds exhibit NR4A1 antagonist activities in both functional and transactivation assays whereas these effects were not observed in normal endometrial cells. We also observed that NR4A1 knockdown and treatment with NR4A1 antagonists decreased fibrosis, α-smooth muscle actin, and related pro-fibrotic genes in ESECT-7 and ESECT-40 cells, and similar results were observed in epithelial-derived endometriotic cell lines. Moreover, in an endometriosis mouse model with auto-transplantation and also in severe combined immune deficiency mice transplanted with human endometriotic cells treatment with 25 mg/kg/day DIM-C-pPhOH-3-Cl-5-OCH3 significantly inhibited growth and expansion of endometriotic lesions. Thus, bis-indole–derived NR4A1 ligands represent a novel class of drugs as nonhormonal therapy for endometriosis.
Physiological Responses of Female Load Carriage Improves after 10 Weeks of Training
Authors: WILLS JODIE A. , DRAIN JACE , FULLER JOEL T. , DOYLE TIM L. A. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT

Purpose
This study aimed to characterize and evaluate female-specific physiological and perceptual responses during a load carriage walking task before and after a 10-wk physical training program.

Methods
Eleven recreationally active women (age, 21.5 ± 2.2 yr; stature, 1.66 ± 0.8 m; body mass, 64.4 ± 6.8 kg) completed a load carriage task (5 km at 5.5 km·h−1, wearing a 23-kg torso-borne vest) before and after a 10-wk physical training program. Physiological (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), breathing frequency, and pulmonary ventilation) and perceptual (i.e., rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) responses were collected during the load carriage task. Additional physical performance measures (i.e., push-ups, sit-ups, beep test, and isometric midthigh pull) were collected in a separate session before and after the 10-wk of training.

Results
Compared with before training, maximal oxygen uptake requirements reduced during the load carriage task (P < 0.05), whereas heart rate and RPE remained similar. RER reductions over the 5-km march indicated a shift toward fat utilization, with other physiological responses demonstrating an increased ability to sustain the metabolic demands of the load carriage task. Increases in push-up and isometric midthigh pull performance demonstrated improvements in upper-body muscular endurance and lower-body strength after the 10-wk training program (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
During a standardized load carriage task, physiological and perceptual responses indicated physical adaptations to specific training in women. Although positive physiological responses were elicited, additional strategies (i.e., cognitive resilience training, female-specific vest design to reduce pain burden) to build load carriage task-specific resilience (perceptual responses) may be required.
The Prevalence of Expiratory Flow Limitation in Youth Elite Male Cyclists
Authors: COX KATHERINE R. , SMITH JOSHUA R. , LUDEN NICHOLAS D. , SAUNDERS MICHAEL J. , KURTI STEPHANIE P. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT
The present investigation tested the hypotheses that there would be greater prevalence of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) in endurance-trained (ET) youth cyclists compared with a recreationally active control (CON) group.

METHODS
Twelve ET youth male cyclists (16.3 ± 1.0 yr (13–18 yr), 176.5 ± 6.2 cm, 64.2 ± 5.9 kg) and 12 CON subjects (17.6 ± 2.2 yr (13–18 yr), 177.9 ± 7.1 cm, 74.8 ± 11.2 kg) completed an incremental exercise test to determine peak oxygen consumption (V˙O2peak) on a cycle ergometer. Maximal flow volume loops (MFVL), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC, and peak expiratory flow were assessed before and after exercise, with inspiratory capacity maneuvers and dyspnea ratings measured in the last 20 s of each stage. EFL was quantified as the percentage of the expiratory tidal volume that overlapped with the maximal flow volume loop.

RESULTS
V˙O2peak, dyspnea ratings at peak, and ventilation were higher in the ET compared with CON group (P < 0.05). The ET group experienced greater EFL prevalence at V˙O2peak, with 11 of 12 subjects exhibiting EFL compared with 5 of 12 subjects in the CON group (P = 0.014). When matched for absolute ventilation of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 L·min−1, there were no differences in EFL severity between the ET and CON groups (P = 0.473).

CONCLUSIONS
Elite youth male cyclists have a greater prevalence of EFL at maximal exercise than do CON subjects who are similar in age, height, and lung size. Future research should determine whether EFL in youth ET male cyclists may limit their exercise performance.
Voluntary Activation and Reflex Responses after Hamstring Strain Injury
Authors: BUHMANN ROBERT , TRAJANO GABRIEL S. , KERR GRAHAM , SHIELD ANTHONY 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is a lack of definitive evidence supporting deficits in voluntary activation in participants with prior hamstring injury; moreover, it remains unknown if spinal mechanisms contribute to suspected deficits.

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the effect of prior hamstring strain injury on knee flexor concentric and eccentric strength, voluntary activation, surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity, and stretch and tendon reflex amplitudes.

Methods
Twenty-five participants were recruited, 12 with a history of unilateral hamstring strain injury of at least moderate severity. Voluntary activation, strength, and sEMG activity were recorded during maximal eccentric and concentric knee flexor contractions at 60°·s−1. Stretch and tendon reflexes were also recorded at rest.

Results
Previously injured limbs exhibited lower levels of voluntary activation (mean difference = −24.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −34.1% to −14.0%, P < 0.001), strength (mean difference vs control group = −0.37 Nm·kg−1, 95% CI = −0.71% to −0.03 N·m·kg−1, P = 0.03), and normalized sEMG (mean difference = −17%, 95% CI = −32% to −2%, P = 0.02) during maximal eccentric knee flexor contractions compared with control group. No such differences were seen in concentric contractions. Stretch reflexes (mean difference = −3.8%, 95% CI = −6.8 to −0.8, P = 0.02) and tendon reflexes (mean difference = −13%, 95% CI = −26% to 0%, P = 0.04) were also lower in previously injured compared with control biceps femoris muscles.

Conclusion
Moderate to severe hamstring strain injury is associated with long-term deficits in voluntary activation during maximal eccentric contraction. Hamstring injury history is also associated with deficits in stretch reflex and tendon reflex amplitude.