bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The spatial distribution of sedimentary compounds and their environmental implications in surface sediments of Lake Khar Nuur (Mongolian Altai)
Authors: Strobel P. , Struck J. , Zech R. , Bliedtner M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLake sediments are valuable natural archives to reconstruct paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental changes which consist of inorganic and organic sediment compounds of allochthonous origin from the catchment and of autochthonous production in the lake. However, for robust paleo‐reconstructions it is important to develop a better understanding about sedimentation processes, the origin of inorganic and organic sediment compounds and their distribution within the lake. In this context, modern process studies provide important insights, although environmental and anthropological changes can affect the spatial distribution of sediment compounds through time. Therefore, in this study the spatial distribution of grain size and geochemical proxies in 52 surface sediment samples from Lake Khar Nuur, a small high‐altitude lake in the Mongolian Altai with a small and anthropogenically used hydrological catchment, is investigated. The results show a distinct sediment focussing in the two deep basins of the lake, which therefore act as accumulation zones. In those accumulation zones, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (N) and their isotopic composition (δ13CTOC, δ15N) as well as n‐alkanes indicate that organic sediment compounds are a mixture of both allochthonous and autochthonous origin. While the recent catchment vegetation consists of grasses/herbs and the shrub Betula nana (L.) with distinct differences in their n‐alkane homologue patterns, those differences are not reflected in the sediment surface samples which rather indicates that grass‐derived n‐alkanes become preferentially incorporated in the lake. Extensive anthropogenic activity such as grazing and housing in the southern part of the catchment causes soil erosion which is well reflected by high TOC, N and sulphur (S) contents and 15N depleted δ15N values at the central southern shore, i.e. increased allochthonous sediment input by anthropogenically‐induced soil erosion. Overall, the surface sediments of Lake Khar Nuur origin from allochthonous and autochthonous sources and are focussed in the accumulation zones of the lake, while their distribution is both environmentally and anthropogenically driven.
Shocks to the equity capital ratio of financial intermediaries and the predictability of stock return volatility
Authors: He Feng , Yin Libo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper shows that shocks to the equity capital ratio of financial intermediaries (CRFI) have predictive ability for stock realized volatility, from both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample perspectives. The revealed predictability is also of economic significance, in that it examines the performance of portfolios constructed on the basis of CRFI forecasts of stock volatility. Robustness test results suggest that CRFI provides different information from traditional macro variables. Further analysis shows that simple linear regression is good enough in capturing predictive relationships between CRFI and stock volatility.
Analysis of financial development and foreign direct investment inflows nexus in ECOWAS countries: Least squares dummy variable approach
Authors: Shuaibu Salihu , Badayi Suleiman A. , Musa Balarabe A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn the competitive world nowadays, financial development (FD) is recognized as one of the important drivers of economic growth via absorptive capacity. The link between FD and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in economic community of western african states (ECOWAS) economies is largely ignored in empirical studies. Using panel of 15 ECOWAS countries for the period 1999–2017, with bias corrected least squares dummy variable estimator this study explores the impact of FD on FDI inflows. The empirical findings from this study demonstrate that FD is significant predictor of FDI inflows. The results further suggest that human capital development and trade openness are relevant determinant of FDI influx in ECOWAS countries. The result is robust to alternative indicator of FD; broad money. Functional financial system in the host country is crucial and necessary in attracting foreign capital to the countries; hence FD architecture in the recipient economies should be strengthened.
A systematic review of handheld tools in lieu of colposcopy for cervical neoplasia and female genital schistosomiasis
Authors: Søfteland Solrun , Sebitloane Motshedisi Hannah , Taylor Myra , Roald Borghild Barth , Holmen Sigve , Galappaththi‐Arachchige Hashini Nilushika , Gundersen Svein Gunnar , Kjetland Eyrun Floerecke 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundVisualization of the lesions in the lower genital tract is the mainstay for diagnosis of the four lesions found in female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), but colposcopes are generally not available in low‐resource settings.ObjectiveWe sought to review handheld devices that could potentially be used for FGS diagnosis.Search strategyWe searched Medline and Embase 2015–2019 for handheld devices used in cervical cancer screening and FGS diagnosis.Selection criteriaWe excluded studies that did not compare the device to standard‐of‐care colposcopes or histopathology.Main results and conclusionIn 11 studies, four handheld colposcopes, two smartphones, and one compact digital camera were evaluated. Two handheld colposcopes were found to be potentially adequate for FGS diagnosis, namely Gynocular and Mobile ODT. The smartphones and digital camera did not have sufficient magnification to diagnose grainy sandy patches, one of the FGS lesion types. Customized software should be made to support the diagnosis of both FGS and cervical neoplasia. Real‐time postgraduate training and quality control should be considered in future studies of handheld colposcopes. For patients from schistosomiasis endemic areas, we recommend that handheld devices are used for FGS. Studies are needed to determine which of the two devices is most adequate for FGS diagnosis in schistosomiasis endemic areas.
Skeletal Protection and Promotion of Microbiome Diversity by Dietary Boosting of the Endogenous Antioxidant Response
Authors: Sato Amy Y , Pellegrini Gretel G , Cregor Meloney , McAndrews Kevin , Choi Roy B , Maiz Maria , Johnson Olivia , McCabe Linda D , McCabe George P , Ferruzzi Mario G , Lila Mary A , Peacock Munro , Burr David B , Nakatsu Cindy H , Weaver Connie M , Bellido Teresita 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
There is an unmet need for interventions with better compliance that prevent the adverse effects of sex steroid deficiency on the musculoskeletal system. We identified a blueberry cultivar (Montgomerym [Mont]) that added to the diet protects female mice from musculoskeletal loss and body weight changes induced by ovariectomy. Mont, but not other blueberries, increased the endogenous antioxidant response by bypassing the traditional antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 and without activating estrogen receptor canonical signaling. Remarkably, Mont did not protect the male skeleton from androgen-induced bone loss. Moreover, Mont increased the variety of bacterial communities in the gut microbiome (α-diversity) more in female than in male mice; shifted the phylogenetic relatedness of bacterial communities (β-diversity) further in females than males; and increased the prevalence of the taxon Ruminococcus1 in females but not males. Therefore, this nonpharmacologic intervention (i) protects from estrogen but not androgen deficiency; (ii) preserves bone, skeletal muscle, and body composition; (iii) elicits antioxidant defense responses independently of classical antioxidant/estrogenic signaling; and (iv) increases gut microbiome diversity toward a healthier signature. These findings highlight the impact of nutrition on musculoskeletal and gut microbiome homeostasis and support the precision medicine principle of tailoring dietary interventions to patient individualities, like sex. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Alternative splicing transitions associate with emerging atrophy phenotype during denervation‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Qiu Jiaying , Wu Liucheng , Chang Yan , Sun Hualin , Sun Junjie 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAlternative splicing (AS) presents a key posttranscriptional regulatory mechanism associated with numerous physiological processes. However, little is known about its role in skeletal muscle atrophy. In this study, we used a rat model of denervated skeletal muscle atrophy and performed RNA‐sequencing to analyze transcriptome profiling of tibialis anterior muscle at multiple time points following denervation. We found that AS is a novel mechanism involving muscle atrophy, which is independent changes at the transcript level. Bioinformatics analysis further revealed that AS transitions are associated with the appearance of the atrophic phenotype. Moreover, we found that the inclusion of multiple highly conserved exons of Obscn markedly increased at 3 days after denervation. In addition, we confirmed that this newly transcript inhibited C2C12 cell proliferation and exacerbated myotube atrophy. Finally, our study revealed that a large number of RNA‐binding proteins were upregulated when the atrophy phenotype appeared. Our data emphasize the importance of AS in this process.
Distinct effects of pharmacological inhibition of stromelysin1 on endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and myofibroblast differentiation
Authors: Alharthi Ahlam , Verma Arti , Sabbineni Harika , Adil Mir S. , Somanath Payaningal R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEndothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and fibroblast‐to‐myofibroblast (FibroMF) differentiation are frequently reported in organ fibrosis. Stromelysin1, a matrix metalloprotease‐3 (MMP3) has been indicated in vascular pathologies and organ injuries that often lead to fibrosis. In the current study, we investigated the role of stromelysin1 in EndMT and FibroMF differentiation, which is currently unknown. In our results, whereas TGFβ2 treatment of endothelial cells (ECs) induced EndMT associated with increased expression of stromelysin1 and mesenchymal markers such as α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA), N‐cadherin, and activin linked kinase‐5 (ALK5), inhibition of stromelysin1 blunted TGFβ2‐induced EndMT. In contrast, treatment of NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts with TGFβ1 promoted FibroMF differentiation accompanied by increased expression of αSMA, N‐cadherin, and ALK5. Intriguingly, stromelysin1 inhibition in TGFβ1‐stimulated myofibroblasts further exacerbated fibroproliferation with increased FibroMF marker expression. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data analysis indicated increased stromelysin1 expression associated with EndMT and decreased stromelysin1 expression in human pulmonary fibrosis fibroblasts. In conclusion, our study has identified that EndMT and FibroMF differentiation are reciprocally regulated by stromelysin1.
Outcomes of genetic test disclosure and genetic counseling in a large Parkinson's disease research study
Authors: Verbrugge Jennifer , Cook Lola , Miller Mandy , Rumbaugh Malia , Schulze Jeanine , Heathers Laura , Wetherill Leah , Foroud Tatiana 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGenetic testing for Parkinson's disease (PD) is growing as interventional clinical trials begin to enroll participants with PD who carry pathogenic variants in the LRRK2 or GBA genes. However, the impact of receiving genetic test results and the satisfaction with receiving genetic counseling among PD populations have not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the psychological impact of genetic testing for PD and (2) satisfaction with genetic counseling. Surveyed participants (N = 875) were individuals with PD or at risk of developing PD, initially recruited for the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) study and currently enrolled in the Widespread Recruitment Initiative (WRI) at Indiana University. Individuals were surveyed following genetic test disclosure and genetic counseling regarding results from targeted testing for pathogenic variants in the LRRK2 and GBA genes. Participants were surveyed via two tools: a modified version of the Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment Survey (M‐MICRA), which measured the psychological impact of genetic testing and the Genetic Counseling Satisfaction Survey (GCSS). Participants were divided into affected/unaffected and variant positive/negative groups for subset analyses. The majority of participants had favorable M‐MICRA scores and were satisfied with the disclosure of the genetic test results and genetic counseling for PD. However, participants with PD and those with pathogenic variants had less favorable M‐MICRA scores and lower satisfaction scores compared to those without disease or pathogenic variants. This information is valuable to providers performing genetic testing of and genetic counseling to people and families affected with PD. Individuals with PD and individuals with pathogenic variants may benefit from additional interventions.
Antifungal activity of an allicin derivative against Penicillium expansum via induction of oxidative stress
Authors: Ding Lei , Wu Jian , Tang Ning , Tao Liming , Xu Wenping , Lu Zhou , Zhang Yang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe application of natural preservatives has become an attractive method for controlling postharvest decay of fruits and vegetables. Allicin, the main active ingredient of allium plants, has broad‐spectrum antifungal activity. However, the unstable properties of allicin limit its wide application. In this study, 1‐[(R)‐ethylsulfinyl]sulfanylethane, a structurally stable derivative of allicin, was used to explore its antifungal activity and potential mechanism on the expansion of Penicillium expansum. We demonstrated the antifungal activity of 1‐[(R)‐ethylsulfinyl]sulfanylethane through in vitro antifungal experiments. At the concentration is 2 mg/L, 1‐[((R)‐ethylsulfinyl]sulfanyl]ethane can completely inhibit spore germination and mycelial growth, whereas the concentration of allicin needs to reach 16 mg/L. Fungal Biochemical assay indicated that decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, overgeneration of reactive oxygen species, decrease of adenosine triphosphate and glutathione content, increase of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde content. The results revealed that 1‐[(R)‐ethylsulfinyl]sulfanylethane induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in P. expansum. Due to its excellent antifungal activity, 1‐[((R)‐ethylsulfinyl]sulfanyl]ethane might be developed as a substitute for fungicides against P. expansum in postharvest fruit storage.
Comparison of physicochemical and biochemical properties of natural and arginine‐modified melanin from medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Xu Lijing , Li Jun , Chang Mingchang , Cheng Yanfen , Geng Xueran , Meng Junlong , Zhu Mengjuan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMelanin is a hydrophobic biomolecule produced widely in fungi. Compared with other fungi, health benefits have been associated with medicinal mushrooms, which may provide an excellent source of natural melanin. Nevertheless, the hydrophobicity of melanin may limit its applications. Consequently, the present study was carried out on isolation of melanin from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (GLM) and modification with arginine to improve its solubility. The physicochemical and biochemical properties of melanin were evaluated including structural characterization, solubility, stability, antioxidant activities, and inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase activity. Arginine‐modified melanin showed better solubility, higher color value, stronger antioxidant activity, and stronger inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase activity in vitro than GLM. In addition, both have good stability in the dark and natural light. These results opened possibilities for providing an excellent source of natural melanin in health food or food additives fields.
Conductive and Tough Smart Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogels Hybridized by Green Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Zhang Hangjing , Gao Tianyuan , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Peng , Li Rui , Ma Ning , Wei Hao , Zhang Xinyue 
Published: December 2020

AbstractConductive smart hydrogels with several virtues such as similar characters to biological tissues, sensitive response to ambient variations, have shown their excellent talents in the field of flexible electrical sensors, biomedical devices and directional transportation. However, complex preparing approaches or the instable inner structures have not only been time‐consuming, but also broken up the performance and reliability of the smart hydrogel‐based devices. In this work, a facile one‐step method is put forward to synthesize a kind of conductive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel doped by a new green solvent of deep eutectic solvent (DES) containing choline chloride (ChCl) and acrylic acid (AA). Through the copolymerization of AA and NIPAM, the mechanical strength of the DES‐doped PNIPAM hydrogels is drastically improved compared to the pure PNIPAM gels, and some doped hydrogels lost the typical phase transition temperature of PNIPAM. Moreover, due to the ionic property of DES, the hybrid hydrogels also present the thermal‐depending conductivity as well as sensitive deformation response, which can be used as a smart switch in a circuit or a sensing element with environmental response ability. The cost‐effective preparation and the attractive performance of the DES‐doped hydrogels offer a new avenue to construct multi‐functional materials.
Variable degree of mosaicism for tetrasomy 18p in phenotypically discordant monozygotic twins—Diagnostic implications
Authors: Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Olszewski Pawel , Kedra Darek , Davies Hanna , Filipowicz Natalia , Bruhn‐Olszewska Bozena , Cavalli Marco , Szczałuba Krzysztof , Młynek Marlena , Machnicki Marcin M. , Stawiński Piotr , Kostrzewa Grażyna , Krajewski Paweł , Śladowski Dariusz , Chrzanowska Krystyna , Dumanski Jan P. , Płoski Rafał 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPhenotypically discordant monozygotic twins (PDMZTs) offer a unique opportunity to study post‐zygotic genetic variation and provide insights into the linkage between genotype and phenotype. We report a comprehensive analysis of a pair of PDMZTs.MethodsDysmorphic features and delayed neuro‐motor development were observed in the proband, whereas her twin sister was phenotypically normal. Four tissues (blood, skin, hair follicles, and buccal mucosa) from both twins were studied using four complementary methods, including whole‐exome sequencing, karyotyping, array CGH, and SNP array.ResultsIn the proband, tetrasomy 18p affecting all studied tissues except for blood was identified. Karyotyping of fibroblasts revealed isochromosome 18p [i(18p)] in all metaphases. The corresponding analysis of the phenotypically normal sister surprisingly revealed low‐level mosaicism (5.4%) for i(18p) in fibroblasts.ConclusionWe emphasize that when mosaicism is suspected, multiple tissues should be studied and we highlight the usefulness of non‐invasive sampling of hair follicles and buccal mucosa as a convenient source of non‐mesoderm‐derived DNA, which complements the analysis of mesoderm using blood. Moreover, low‐level mosaic tetrasomy 18p is well tolerated and such low‐level mosaicism, readily detected by karyotyping, can be missed by other methods. Finally, mosaicism for low‐level tetrasomy 18p might be more common in the general population than it is currently recognized, due to detection limitations.
Description of an mHealth tool for breastfeeding support: LactApp. Analysis of how lactating mothers seek support at critical breastfeeding points and according to their infant's age
Authors: Padró‐Arocas Alba , Quifer‐Rada Paola , Aguilar‐Camprubí Laia , Mena‐Tudela Desirée 
Published: December 2020

AbstractInterventions in mHealth have had positive effects on establishing and maintaining breastfeeding, but we still do not know what content women consult when downloading a breastfeeding mobile application. We conducted an observational, descriptive, and retrospective study using the data recorded by LactApp in 2019. The most frequently consulted topics were those related to breastfeeding technique, infant sleep, human milk management and storage, breastfeeding myths, breastfeeding stages, complementary feeding, infant care, and returning to work. Our study results suggest that LactApp's support seems to develop with mothers' needs according to their infant's development stage. The first breastfeeding days include more physiological answers. Between 15 days and 3 months, mothers look for support in topics like breastfeeding crisis/complications and returning to work. At 3 months to 1 year, answers are related to complementary feeding and weaning. When the user's infant is 1 year of age, mothers seek support for weaning, weaning management, and tandem breastfeeding.
The concealed interment of a first‐trimester foetus in Gällared Parish Church (1831), Sweden: Age estimation and reconstructed taphonomy
Authors: Maltin Emma , Turner‐Walker Gordon , Tegnhed Stina , Peacock Elizabeth E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn 2015, during architectural restoration works on the parish church (1831) in Gällared, Sweden, a small wooden box was discovered beneath the floorboards. Unaware of the possible significance of the box and its contents, workers on site removed its lid, revealing a piece of folded cloth. This was later found to be wrapped around fragments of human foetal remains. Although largely forgotten now, concealed interment of foetuses in, and around, churches was formally a well‐known custom in Nordic Europe. Osteological and archaeological examinations of these are rare because the containers are recognised as a form of mortuary ritual and are thus neither removed from the church nor investigated for obvious ethical reasons. The occasion of this providentially found concealed interment provided an opportunity to undertake a systematic study of the coffin and its contents prior to it being reinterred. This paper focuses on the foetal remains: their identification, assessment of age at death and the taphonomic circumstances leading to their preservation, as well as the broader insights this funerary behaviour sheds on the meanings of personhood, infant death and grief. Visual and microscopic analyses conclude that the foetus was miscarried in its first trimester, in Week 9, making it possibly one of the youngest ever reported to be recovered from an archaeological context. Examination of the skeletal elements highlights both the difficulty in ageing early‐stage archaeological foetal skeletons and the paucity of comparative foetal bone size material. The onset of ossification and the development of the mandible as ageing indicators show significant potential. Detailed examination of the wooden coffin, cotton burial shroud and insect fauna, together with an understanding of foetal body chemistry and the circumstances of interment, support the hypothesis that the bones' survival was facilitated by a process of natural mummification prior to becoming fully skeletonised by insects.