bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of DRP1 on myocardial fibrosis in the obese minipig
Authors: Chen Ching‐Yi , Li Sin‐Jin , Wang Chia‐Yu , Mersmann Harry J. , Ding Shih‐Torng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe heart is a highly oxidative tissue, thus mitochondria play a major role in maintaining optimal cardiac function. Our previous study established a dietary‐induced obese minipig with cardiac fibrosis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiac fibrosis of obese minipigs.DesignFour‐month‐old Lee‐Sung minipigs were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (C) and an obese group (O) by feeding a control diet or a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 6 months. Exposure of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts to palmitate was used to explore the effects of high‐fat on induction of myocardial injury in vitro.ResultsThe O pigs displayed greater heart weight and cardiac collagen accumulation. Obese pigs exhibited a lower antioxidant capacity, ATP concentration, and higher oxidative stress in the left ventricle (LV). The HFD caused downregulation in protein expression of PGC‐1α and OPA1, and upregulation of DRP1, FIS1, and PINK1 in the LV of O compared to C pigs. Furthermore, palmitate induced apoptosis and decreased ATP content in H9c2 cells. Palmitate elevated the protein expression of DRP1 and PINK1 in these cells. Inhibition of DRP1 protein expression by siDRP1 in H9c2 cells resulted in enhanced ATP and decreased palmitate‐induced apoptosis.ConclusionsThese results suggest that mitochondrial dynamics were linked to the progression of obesity‐related cardiac injury. Inhibition of DRP1 after palmitate exposure in H9c2 cells resulted in improved ATP level and decreased apoptosis in vitro suggesting that mitochondrial fission serves a key role in progression of obesity‐induced cardiac fibrosis.
Clonal selection in therapy‐related myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia under azacitidine treatment
Authors: Calleja Anne , Yun Seongseok , Moreilhon Chimène , Karsenti Jean Michel , Gastaud Lauris , Mannone Lionel , Komrokji Rami , al Ali Najla , Dadone‐montaudie Bérangère , Robert Guillaume , Auberger Patrick , Raynaud Sophie , Sallman David A. , Cluzeau Thomas 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionTherapy‐related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (t‐MDS/AML) are defined as complications of previous cytotoxic therapy. Azacitidine (AZA), a hypomethylating agent, has showed activity in t‐MDS/AML.ObjectivesWe evaluated the clonal dynamics of AZA‐treated t‐MDS/AML.MethodsWe collected bone marrow samples, at diagnosis and during treatment, from AZA‐treated t‐MDS/AML patients. NGS on 19 myeloid genes was performed, and candidate mutations with a variant allele frequency >5% were selected.ResultsSeven t‐AML and 12 t‐MDS were included with median age of 71 (56‐82) years old, median number of AZA cycles of 6 (1‐15), and median overall survival (OS) of 14 (3‐29) months. We observed correlation between AZA response and clonal selection. Decrease of TP53‐mutated clone was correlated with response to AZA, confirming AZA efficacy in this subgroup. In some patients, emergence of mutations was correlated with progression or relapse without impact on OS. Clones with mutations in genes for DNA methylation regulation frequently occurred with other mutations and remained stable during AZA treatment, independent of AZA response.ConclusionWe confirmed that the molecular complexity of t‐MNs and that the follow‐up of clonal selection during AZA treatment could be useful to define treatment combination.
On the design of hybrid bio‐inspired meta‐heuristics for complex multiattribute vehicle routing problems
Authors: Nogareda Ana‐Maria , Del Ser Javier , Osaba Eneko , Camacho David 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper addresses a multiattribute vehicle routing problem, the rich vehicle routing problem, with time constraints, heterogeneous fleet, multiple depots, multiple routes, and incompatibilities of goods. Four different approaches are presented and applied to 15 real datasets. They are based on two meta‐heuristics, ant colony optimization (ACO) and genetic algorithm (GA), that are applied in their standard formulation and combined as hybrid meta‐heuristics to solve the problem. As such ACO‐GA is a hybrid meta‐heuristic using ACO as main approach and GA as local search. GA‐ACO is a memetic algorithm using GA as main approach and ACO as local search. The results regarding quality and computation time are compared with two commercial tools currently used to solve the problem. Considering the number of customers served, one of the tools and the ACO‐GA approach outperforms the others. Considering the cost, ACO, GA, and GA‐ACO provide better results. Regarding computation time, GA and GA‐ACO have been found the most competitive among the benchmark.
Nationwide survey of continence status among older adult residents living in long‐term care facilities in Japan: The prevalence and associated risk factors of incontinence and effect of comprehensive care on continence status
Authors: Suzuki Motofumi , Okochi Jiro , Iijima Katsuya , Murata Taro , Kume Haruki 
Published: January 2020

AimThis study aimed to identify the prevalence of urinary, fecal and double incontinence among Japanese residents aged ≥65 years living in long‐term care facilities. Furthermore, the association between baseline characteristics and changes in toileting activity after a 3‐month comprehensive care among older individuals was investigated.MethodsWe examined the prevalence of incontinence and its significant predictors. The association between the Functional Independence Measure score at baseline and each type of incontinence (urinary, fecal or double incontinence) was examined using a logistic regression model. Similarly, the association between the Functional Independence Measure score at baseline and improvement in toileting activity after a 3‐month comprehensive care was examined.ResultsIn total, 2517 residents (670 men and 1847 women) were recruited. The prevalence rates of urinary, fecal and double incontinence were 66.9%, 42.8% and 41.1%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the sum of the motor subscales after removing four continence items and the sum of the cognitive subscales of the Functional Independence Measure score at baseline were significantly associated with all types of incontinence. The sum of the motor subscales after removing four continence items of the Functional Independence Measure score was associated with improved toileting activity.ConclusionsThis study presented the prevalence of urinary, fecal and double incontinence among residents living in long‐term care facilities in Japan. The Functional Independence Measure items at baseline were associated with not only continence status, but also improved toileting activity after 3‐month comprehensive care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 285–290.
Trade credit insurance in a capital‐constrained supply chain
Authors: Li Hongping , Bi Gongbing , Yuan Xiaoyong , Wang Dong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe examine the role of trade credit insurance in a capital‐constrained supply chain with one (or two) loss‐neutral retailer(s) and one loss‐averse manufacturer. We model the interplay between these supply chain participants as a Stackelberg game and analyze their operating and financing decisions. In one capital‐constrained retailer case, we find that either the manufacturer's high loss aversion level or the retailer's low initial capital motivates the manufacturer to adopt insurance. Insurance drives more credit financing with more attractive financing terms (a lower wholesale price), which promotes the manufacturer to collect better product sales and performance. Although the retailer enjoys improved profit from insurance, its default risk increases. In contrast, in one capital‐constrained retailer and one well‐funded retailer scenario, numerically, when the manufacturer's loss aversion level is high or the weak retailer's initial capital is low, insurance is also adopted but is not always preferred by the capital‐constrained retailer due to competition. In addition, as the demand substitution rate increases, the manufacturer is more likely to prefer insurance due to better performance.
Chicoric acid ameliorate inflammation and oxidative stress in Lipopolysaccharide and d‐galactosamine induced acute liver injury
Authors: Li Zheng , Feng Haihua , Han Lu , Ding Lu , Shen Bingyu , Tian Ye , Zhao Lilei , Jin Meiyu , Wang Qi , Qin Haiyan , Cheng Jiaqi , Liu Guowen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractChicoric acid is polyphenol of natural plant and has a variety of bioactivity. Caused by various kinds of stimulating factors, acute liver injury has high fatality rate. The effect of chicoric acid in acute liver injury induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and d‐galactosamine (d‐GalN) was investigated in this study. The results showed that CA decreased the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum and reduced the mortality induced by LPS/d‐GalN. CA can restrain mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) to alleviate inflammation. Meanwhile, the results indicated CA can active nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway with increasing the level of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). And with the treatment of CA, protein levels of autophagy genes were obvious improved. The results of experiments indicate that CA has protective effect in liver injury, and the activation of AMPK and autophagy may make sense.
A stroma‐related lncRNA panel for predicting recurrence and adjuvant chemotherapy benefit in patients with early‐stage colon cancer
Authors: Zhou Rui , Sun Huiying , Zheng Siting , Zhang Jingwen , Zeng Dongqiang , Wu Jianhua , Huang Zhenhua , Rong Xiaoxiang , Bin Jianping , Liao Yulin , Shi Min , Liao Wangjun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe heterogeneity in prognoses and chemotherapeutic responses of colon cancer patients with similar clinical features emphasized the necessity for new biomarkers that help to improve the survival prediction and tailor therapies more rationally and precisely. In the present study, we established a stroma‐related lncRNA signature (SLS) based on 52 lncRNAs to comprehensively predict clinical outcome. The SLS model could not only distinguish patients with different recurrence and mortality risks through univariate analysis, but also served as an independent factor for relapse‐free and overall survival. Compared with the conventionally used TNM stage system, the SLS model clearly possessed higher predictive accuracy. Moreover, the SLS model also effectively screened chemotherapy‐responsive patients, as only patients in the low‐SLS group could benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. The following cell infiltration and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network functional analyses further confirmed the association between the SLS model and stromal activation‐related biological processes. Additionally, this study also identified three phenotypically distinct colon cancer subtypes that varied in clinical outcome and chemotherapy benefits. In conclusion, our SLS model may be a significant determinant of survival and chemotherapeutic decision‐making in colon cancer and may have a strong clinical transformation value.
Optimization design of cane sugar evaporative crystallizer based on orthogonal test and computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Zhang Jinlai , Meng Yanmei , Wang Hui , Yao Tao , Yu Shuangshuang , Chen Ji 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis article describes an optimization design of a sugar evaporative crystallizer using numerical simulation experiments. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to simulate the circulation flow of sugar juice in the crystallizer, and the numerical experiments are designed according to orthogonal experiment matrix. First, based on the specific working characteristics of sugar evaporative crystallizer, major factors influencing the cane sugar evaporative crystallization process were identified. Then CFD software was utilized to establish various three‐dimensional CFD models of the sugar evaporative crystallization with different factors and levels. Statistics software (IBM SPSS) is used to analyze the CFD simulation results. In order to measure circulation velocity under different conditions, physical experiments were conducted in the experiment platform in our laboratory. The circulation velocity measured under the optimal condition was increased by 128%, and the crystallization efficiency could be guaranteed.Practical ApplicationsComputation fluid dynamics (CFD) enables studying the details within the crystallizer, making the invisible become visible. The orthogonal test replaces all tests with partial tests. The orthogonal test coupled CFD technique can hugely decrease the cost of optimization design. The application of this method will benefit the optimization design of food engineering.
Influence of allicin administration on reproductive efficiency, immunity and lipid peroxidation of rabbit does under high ambient temperature
Authors: El‐Ratel Ibrahim T. , Abdel‐Khalek Abdel‐Khalek E. , Gabr Sherif A. , Hammad Mohamed E. , El‐Morsy Hanan I. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of daily oral administration with allicin levels (0, 5 and 10 mg/kg of female body weight), 30 days pre‐insemination, on reproductive performance in vivo and in vitro, immunity, and oxidative stress of rabbit does under high ambient temperature. Niliparous NZW does (n = 105) were randomly divided into three groups (35 in each) treated with 0, 5 and 10 mg allicin dissolved in 2 ml distilled water, respectively, for 30 days pre‐insemination. At the end of treatment (30 days), does were artificially inseminated with fresh diluted semen of 20 fertile NZW bucks. Reproductive performance and ovulatory response parameters were determined. Serum biochemicals, enzyme activity, immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) and antioxidant status were determined on day 30 of treatment. Serum progesterone and prolactin were determined pre‐insemination (30 days of treatment), on 15 days of pregnancy and 7 days post‐partum. Results showed that both allicin levels increased live litter size, and bunny viability rat and litter size at birth and weaning. Allicin levels increased ovulation rate and improved embryo quality. Number of total follicles decreased only with 10 mg allicin. Progesterone increased pre‐insemination, 15 days of pregnancy and 7 days post‐partum progesterone by allicin levels. Prolactin pre‐insemination and on day 7 post‐partum increased with 10 mg allicin. Serum total proteins, albumin, globulin, IgG and IgM increased, while glucose, aspartate and alanine aminotransaminases, and thiobarbituric acid reaction decreased by both allicin levels. In conclusion, the mechanism by which allicin administration 30 days pre‐insemination to improve the reproductive performance of rabbit does is based on that allicin can play an important role, as a natural exogenous antioxidant, increasing immune response and reducing lipid peroxidation.
Coupling of microstructural and macrostructural computational approaches for asphalt pavements under rolling tire load
Authors: Wollny I. , Hartung F. , Kaliske M. , Liu P. , Oeser M. , Wang D. , Canon Falla G. , Leischner S. , Wellner F. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTo combine the advantages of microstructural finite element (FE) models of asphalt composites and macrostructural FE models of pavement structures subjected to rolling tire load, this article introduces a novel consistent simulation chain. Starting with experimental tests of asphalt mortar, an existing microstructural FE model of a Stone Mastic Asphalt, which contains coarse aggregates, asphalt mortar and air voids, is parameterized and validated. The microstructural model is then applied to identify macroscopic (homogenized) material properties of the asphalt mixture that are used in FE computations of two pavement structures under rolling tire load. The macrostructural pavement computations are evaluated by a new macro–micro‐interface that generates realistic time‐dependent displacement boundary conditions representing the rolling tire loading conditions for the microstructural model. A verification and exemplary microstructural computations at rolling tire load boundary conditions show that the introduced simulation chain allows for the investigation of the processes, stresses, and strains inside the asphalt composite at realistic loading conditions. Results can, for example, be used to improve the experimental tests on the component level as well as to gain a better understanding of the interacting processes in asphalt mixtures under rolling tire load.
Anorectal manometry in children with defecation disorders BSPGHAN Motility Working Group consensus statement
Authors: Athanasakos Eleni , Cleeve Stewart , Thapar Nikhil , Lindley Keith , Perring Steve , Cronin Hannah , Borrelli Osvaldo , Mutalib Mohamed 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDefecatory disorders in children, including chronic constipation (CC) and fecal incontinence (FI), are common conditions worldwide and have a significant impact on children, their families, and the healthcare system. Anorectal manometry (ARM) and high‐resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) are relatively novel tools for the assessment of anal sphincter function and rectal sensation and have contributed significantly to improving the understanding of the anorectum as a functional unit. ARM has been recognized as the investigation of choice for adults with symptoms of defecation disorders, including fecal incontinence (FI), evacuation difficulties, and constipation. Although it is the gold standard tool in adults, it has yet to be formally accepted as a standardized diagnostic tool in the pediatric age, with limited knowledge regarding indications, protocol, and normal values. ARM/HRAM is slowly becoming recognized among pediatricians, but given that there are currently no agreed guidelines there is a risk that will lead to diversity in practice. The British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN)—Motility Working Group (MWG) therefore has taken the opportunity to provide guidance on the use of ARM/HRAM in children with CC and/or FI.
Population variation in early development can determine ecological resilience in response to environmental change
Authors: Walter Greg M. , Catara Stefania , Bridle Jon R. , Cristaudo Antonia 
Published: January 2020

Summary

As climate change transforms seasonal patterns of temperature and precipitation, germination success at marginal temperatures will become critical for the long‐term persistence of many plant species and communities. If populations vary in their environmental sensitivity to marginal temperatures across a species’ geographical range, populations that respond better to future environmental extremes are likely to be critical for maintaining ecological resilience of the species.

Using seeds from two to six populations for each of nine species of Mediterranean plants, we characterized patterns of among‐population variation in environmental sensitivity by quantifying genotype‐by‐environment interactions (G × E) for germination success at temperature extremes, and under two light regimes representing conditions below and above the soil surface.

For eight of nine species tested at hot and cold marginal temperatures, we observed substantial among‐population variation in environmental sensitivity for germination success, and this often depended on the light treatment. Importantly, different populations often performed best at different environmental extremes.

Our results demonstrate that ongoing changes in temperature regime will affect the phenology, fitness, and demography of different populations within the same species differently. We show that quantifying patterns of G × E for multiple populations, and understanding how such patterns arise, can test mechanisms that promote ecological resilience.
Comfort positioning during procedures in pediatric dermatology
Authors: Skaljic Meliha , McGinnis Andrea , Streicher Jenna L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractProcedures performed in pediatric dermatology can often be painful or distressing for patients and their families. Comfort positioning, which involves sitting the child upright, immobilized and held by a caretaker, is one strategy that may be employed in this setting; this measure has been shown to reduce patient distress, improve cooperation and give caretakers a more active role in the procedure. We demonstrate several positions of comfort for dermatologic procedures involving the arm, cheek, back and leg of a young child.
Higher levels of TNF and IL‐4 cytokines and low miR‐182 expression in visceral leishmaniasis‐HIV co‐infected patients
Authors: Barbosa Júnior Walter Lins , Justo Alda Maria , Aguiar dos Santos Ana Maria , de Lorena Virginia Maria Barros , do Carmo Rodrigo Feliciano , de Melo Fábio Lopes , de Medeiros Zulma Maria , Vasconcelos Luydson Richardson Silva 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimsThe aim of the present study was to assess serum cytokine and miRNA expression in visceral leishmaniasis‐HIV (VL‐HIV) co‐infection and HIV mono‐infection.Methods and resultsWe analysed 113 serum samples from HIV patients in areas endemic for leishmaniasis. The diagnosis of VL was confirmed in 65 of these 113 samples. The VL‐HIV and HIV groups presented significant differences regarding haemoglobin level (P < .0001), lymphocyte count (P = .0444), white blood cell count (P = .0108), weight loss (P = .0310), HIV load (P < .0001) and CD4+ T‐lymphocytes count (P = .0003). Levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10, IFN‐γ and IL‐6, IFN‐γ and IL‐10, TNF and IL‐2 were positively correlated in VL‐HIV co‐infection, indicating higher serum levels of TNF and IL‐4 (P < .0001). In addition, miR‐182 expression was found to be significantly higher in HIV (P = .009), miR‐210 exhibited no statistically significant difference between groups, and nonexpression of miR‐122 was found in both groups.ConclusionTogether, TNF, IL‐4 and miR‐182 may represent circulatory biomarkers of VL‐HIV co‐infection.
Hoarding for stormy days—Test of international reserves adjustment providing financial buffer stock services
Authors: Aizenman Joshua , Jinjarak Yothin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper outlines a tractable cost‐benefit analysis of the buffer stock financial services provided by international reserves (IR) and applies it to eight of the largest Emerging Markets (BRICS, Indonesia, Mexico, Turkey) during 2000–2019. The efficient management of IR generates sizable benefits for countries characterized by hard‐currency external debt. These benefits increase with the volatility of the real exchange rates and sovereign spreads. While the first‐best policy calls for prudential regulations, counter‐cyclical management of hoarding reserves in good times and selling them in bad times provides buffers stock financial services adding up to about 3% of the gross domestic product during our sample period.