bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural and behavioral changes driven by observationally-induced hypoalgesia
Authors: Raghuraman Nandini , Wang Yang , Schenk Lieven A. , Furman Andrew J. , Tricou Christina , Seminowicz David A. , Colloca Luana 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObserving successful pain treatment in others can induce anticipatory neural processes that, in turn, relieve pain. Previous studies have suggested that social learning and observation influence placebo hypoalgesia. Here, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to determine the neurophysiological changes associated with pain relief acquired through the observation. Thirty-one participants observed a demonstrator undergo painful heat stimulations paired with a “control” cream and non-painful ones paired with a “treatment” cream, which actually were both Vanicreams. After their observation, the participants then received the same creams and stimulations. We found that the treatment cream led to lower self-reported pain intensity ratings than the control cream. Anticipatory treatment cues elicited smaller P2 in electrodes F1, Fz, FC1, and FCz than the control condition. The P2 component localization indicated a higher current density in the right middle frontal gyrus, a region associated with attentional engagement. In placebo responders, the sensorimotor cortex activity captured in electrodes C3, Cz, and C4 indicated that hypoalgesia was positively correlated with resting state peak alpha frequency (PAF). These results suggest that observationally-induced placebo hypoalgesia may be driven by anticipatory mechanisms that modulate frontal attentional processes. Furthermore, resting state PAF could serve as a predictor of observationally-induced hypoalgesia.
Effects of Simulated Gravel on Hydraulic Characteristics of Overland Flow Under Varying Flow Discharges, Slope Gradients and Gravel Coverage Degrees
Authors: Liu Xiaona , Fan Dengxing , Yu Xinxiao , Liu Ziqiang , Sun Jiamei 
Published: December 2019

AbstractTo quantify the hydraulic characteristics of overland flow on gravel-covered slopes, eight flow discharges (Q) (8.44–122 L/min), five slope gradients (J) (2°–10°) and four gravel coverage degrees (Cr) (0–30%) were examined via a laboratory flume. The results showed that (1) gravel changed flow regime. Gravel increased the Reynolds number (Re) by 2.94–33.03%. Re were less affected by J and positively correlated with Cr and Q. Gravel decreased the Froude number (Fr) by 6.83–77.31%. Fr was positively correlated with Q and J and negatively correlated with Cr. (2) Gravel delayed the flow velocity (u) and increased the flow depth (h) and flow resistance (f). Gravel reduced u by 1.20–58.95%. u was positively correlated with Q and J and negatively correlated with Cr. Gravel increased h by 0.12–2.41 times. h was positively correlated with Q and Cr and negatively correlated with J. Gravel increased f by 0.15–18.42 times. f were less affected by J, positively correlated with Cr and negatively correlated with Q. (3) The relationships between hydraulic parameters and Q, J and Cr identified good power functions. Hydraulic parameters were mainly affected by Cr. These results can guide the ecological construction of soil and water conservation.
FABP4 and MMP9 levels identified as predictive factors for poor prognosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver using data mining approaches and gene expression analysis
Authors: Coilly Audrey , Desterke Christophe , Guettier Catherine , Samuel Didier , Chiappini Franck 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) may progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and ultimately to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Prognostic markers for these conditions are poorly defined. The aim of this study was to identify predictive gene markers for the transition from NAFL to NASH and then to poorer conditions. Gene expression omnibus datasets associated with a prediction analysis algorithm were used to create a matrix composed of control subject (n = 52), healthy obese (n = 51), obese with NAFL (n = 42) and NASH patients (n = 37) and 19,085 genes in order to identify specific genes predictive of the transition from steatosis to NASH and from NASH to cirrhosis and HCC and thus patients at high risk of complications. A validation cohort was used to validate these results. We identified two genes, fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP4) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), which respectively allowed distinguishing patients at risk of progression from NAFL to NASH and from NASH to cirrhosis and HCC. Thus, NAFL patients expressing high hepatic levels of FABP4 and NASH patients expressing high hepatic levels of MMP9 are likely to experience disease progression. Therefore, using FABP4 and MMP9 as blood markers could help to predict poor outcomes and/or progression of NAFL during clinical trial follow-up.
Effect of biodegradable chelators on induced phytoextraction of uranium- and cadmium- contaminated soil by Zebrina pendula Schnizl
Authors: Chen Li , Wang Dan , Long Chan , Cui Zheng-xu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid (EDDS), oxalic acid (OA), and citric acid (CA) on phytoextraction of U- and Cd-contaminated soil by Z. pendula. In this study, the biomass of tested plant inhibited significantly following treatment with the high concentration (7.5 mmol·kg−1) EDDS treatment. Maximum U and Cd concentration in the single plant was observed with the 5 mmol·kg−1 CA and 7.5 mmol·kg−1 EDDS treatment, respectively, whereas OA treatments had the lowest U and Cd uptake. The translocation factors of U and Cd reached the maximum in the 5 mmol·kg−1 EDDS. The maximum bioaccumulation of U and Cd in the single plants was 1032.14 µg and 816.87 µg following treatment with 5 mmol·kg−1 CA treatment, which was 6.60- and 1.72-fold of the control groups, respectively. Furthermore, the resultant rank order for available U and Cd content in the soil was CA > EDDS > OA (U) and EDDS > CA > OA (Cd). These results suggested that CA could greater improve the capacity of phytoextraction using Z. pendula in U- and Cd- contaminated soils.
Assessment of the hepatoprotective effect of developed lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) encapsulating naturally extracted β-Sitosterol against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Abdou Ebtsam M. , Fayed Marwa A. A. , Helal Doaa , Ahmed Kawkab A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe hepatoprotective effect of β-Sitosterol (BSS), a natural phytosterol, after being formulated into a suitable pharmaceutical drug delivery system has not been widely explored. BSS was isolated from Centaurea pumilio L., identified and formulated as lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) using the poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer and DSPE-PEG-2000 lipid in different ratios. The selected formulation, prepared with a lipid: polymer: drug ratio of 2:2:2, had an entrapment efficiency (EE%) of 94.42 ± 3.8, particle size of 181.5 ± 11.3 nm, poly dispersity index (PDI) of 0.223 ± 0.06, zeta potential of −37.34 ± 3.21 and the highest drug release after 24 h. The hepatoprotective effect of the formulation at two different doses against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in rats. The results showed that the BSS-LPHNPs (400 mg/kg) have the ability to restore the liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), liver lipid peroxidation markers (malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT)), total bilirubin and albumin to their normal levels without inhibitory effect on the CYP2E1 activity. Also, the formulation could maintain the normal histological structure of liver tissue and decrease the cleaved caspase-3 expression. LPHNPs formulation encapsulating natural BSS is a promising hepatoprotective drug delivery system.
Evidence of health inequity in child survival: spatial and Bayesian network analyses of stillbirth rates in 194 countries
Authors: Adeyinka Daniel Adedayo , Olakunde Babayemi Oluwaseun , Muhajarine Nazeem 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEstimated at 2.6 million annually, stillbirths worldwide have stayed alarmingly high, in contrast to neonatal and under-five mortality rates. It is a neglected public health challenge globally, with less attention to its social determinants. We examined spatial patterns of country-level stillbirth rates and determined the influence of social determinants of health on spatial patterns of stillbirth rates. We also estimated probabilistic relationships between stillbirth rates and significant determinants from the spatial analysis. Using country-level aggregated data from the United Nations databases, it employed ecological spatial analysis and artificial intelligence modeling based on Bayesian network among 194 World Health Organization member countries. From the spatial analysis, thirty-seven countries formed a cluster of high values (hot-spots) for stillbirth and 13 countries formed a cluster of low values (cold-spots). In the multivariate regression, gender inequality and anaemia in pregnancy were significantly associated with spatial patterns of higher stillbirth rates, while higher antenatal care (ANC) coverage and skilled birth attendants during delivery were associated with clusters of lower stillbirth rates. The Bayesian network model suggests strong dependencies between stillbirth rate and gender inequality index, geographic regions and skilled birth attendants during delivery. The Bayesian network predicted that the probability of low stillbirth rate increased from 56% to 100% when the percentage of countries with high skilled birth attendants during delivery increased from 70% to 88%, high ANC coverage increased from 55% to 70%, high prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy decreased from 27% to 11% and high gender inequality index decreased from 43% to 21%. Recognizing the urgency in reducing stillbirths globally, multi-pronged strategies should be designed to promote gender equality and strengthen the reproductive and maternal health services in Africa, Eastern Mediterranean, South Eastern Asia, and other countries with disproportionately high stillbirth rates.
Neurometabolic Remodeling in Chronic Hiv Infection: a Five-Year Follow-up Multi-Voxel Mrs Study
Authors: Boban Jasmina , Thurnher Majda M. , Brkic Snezana , Lendak Dajana , Bugarski Ignjatovic Vojislava , Todorovic Aleksandar , Kozic Dusko 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThere is a lack of data about the long-term follow-up changes in neurometabolic profile and neuropsychological performance of HIV-positive subjects under continuous antiretroviral therapy (cART). The aim of the study was to assess changes in neurometabolic profile in chronically-infected, HIV-positive subjects during a five-year follow-up period, using multi-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Nineteen neurologically asymptomatic, aviremic, HIV-positive subjects, underwent multi-voxel 2D MRS on a 3 T MR unit and synchronous neurocognitive assessment in a five-year follow-up period. Twelve voxels were placed in prefrontal cortices, anterior and posterior cingulate gyrus, intraparietal sulci, and frontal centrum semiovale white matter, to identify peaks of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), choline (Cho), and myoinositol (mI). Ratios of NAA/Cr, NAA/Cho, NAA/mI, mI/Cr, and Cho/Cr were analyzed. Longitudinal differences in ratios and neurocognitive scores were tested with the Wilcoxon signed-rank-test. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.004 significant, and 0.05 > p > 0.004 trending toward significance. A significant longitudinal increase in NAA/Cr ratio was observed in 5/12 voxels, while there was a trend toward significance in an additional three. The increase in Cho/Cr reached statistical significance in one voxel. Changes in the mI/Cr ratio demonstrated a significant increase in 4/12 voxels. A progressive increase in NAA/Cr, followed by better neurocognitive performance, may be an indicator of brain plasticity in the setting of chronic HIV-related neuronal injury. A progressive mI/Cr increase could be partly explained by glial proliferation due to functional compartment remodeling and partly attributable to insufficient control of persistent neuroinflammation by cART.
The Role of T Follicular Helper Cells and T Follicular Regulatory Cells in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Gao Yuhan , Jin Haiqiang , Nan Ding , Yu Weiwei , Zhang Jianhua , Yang Ying , Hou Ruiqin , Qin Ranran , Hao Hongjun , Sun Yongan , Tian Wenqin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAutoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an acquired autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies against the patient’s red blood cells. However, the underlying mechanisms for antibody production are not fully understood. Previous studies of etiology and pathogenesis of AIHA mainly focus on autoreactive B cells that have escaped tolerance mechanisms. Few studies have reported the function of TFH and TFR cells in the process of AIHA. The present study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of TFH and TFR cells in the pathogenesis of AIHA. With the model of murine AIHA, increased ratios of TFH:TFR, elevated serum IL-21 and IL-6 levels, and upregulated Bcl-6 and c-Maf expression were reported. Also, adoptive transfer of purified CD4+CXCR5+CD25- T cells from immunized mice promoted the induction of autoantibody in the AIHA mouse model. Altogether, our data demonstrate the important role of TFH cells for control and induction of AIHA. In the light of the key contributions of TFH cells to the immune response in AIHA, strategies aimed at inhibiting the TFH development or function should be emphasized.
Targeting MAP3K19 prevents human lung myofibroblast activation both in vitro and in a humanized SCID model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Jones Isabelle C. , Espindola Milena S. , Narayanan Rohan , Coelho Ana L. , Habiel David M. , Boehme Stefen A. , Ly Tai Wei , Bacon Kevin B. , Hogaboam Cory M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIdiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a disease with a devastating prognosis characterized by unrelenting lung scarring. Aberrant activation of lung fibroblasts is a key feature of this disease, yet the key pathways responsible for this are poorly understood. Mitogen-activated protein kinase, kinase, kinase- 19 (MAP3K19) was recently shown to be upregulated in IPF and this MAPK has a key role in target gene transcription in the TGF-β pathway. Herein, we further investigate the role of MAP3K19 in cultured normal and IPF fibroblasts and in a humanized SCID mouse model of IPF employing both short interfering (si) RNA and novel small-molecule inhibitors directed at this kinase. Targeting MAP3K19 had significant inhibitory effects on the expression of both alpha smooth muscle actin and extracellular matrix in cultured human IPF fibroblasts. Quantitative protein and biochemical assays, as well as histological analysis, showed that MAP3K19 was required for the development of lung fibrosis in SCID mice humanized with IPF lung fibroblasts. MAP3K19 was required for IPF myofibroblast differentiation, and targeting its activity attenuated the profibrotic activity of these cells both in vitro and in an adoptive transfer SCID model of pulmonary fibrosis.
Transcriptome analysis in roots and leaves of wheat seedlings in response to low-phosphorus stress
Authors: Wang Jun , Qin Qin , Pan Jianjun , Sun Lijuan , Sun Yafei , Xue Yong , Song Ke 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLow phosphorus availability is a major abiotic factor constraining wheat growth. The molecular mechanisms of the wheat whole genome under low-phosphorus stress are still unclear. To obtain information on gene expression in wheat seedlings under low-phosphorus stress, transcriptome sequencing was performed on roots and leaves. The results showed that 2,318 (1,646 upregulated and 672 downregulated) transcripts were differentially expressed in the leaves, and 2,018 (1,310 upregulated and 708 downregulated) were differentially expressed in the roots. Further analysis showed that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in carbon fixation in photosynthetic organs and in carbon metabolism, photosynthesis, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism and plant-pathogen interaction in both leaves and roots. These pathways were mainly associated with environmental adaptation, energy metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, suggesting that the metabolic processes were strengthened in wheat seedlings under low-phosphorus stress and that more energy and substances were produced to resist or adapt to this unfavourable environment. This research might provide potential directions and valuable resources to further study wheat under low-phosphorus stress.
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Integrated Slice-specific Shimming for old myocardial infarction: A Pilot Study
Authors: Xiang Shi-Feng , Zhang Xue-Qiang , Yang Su-Jun , Gao Yun-Yun , Gao Bu-Lang , Shi Qing-Lei , Li Shuai 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCurrently, little is known regarding the value of quantitative parameters derived from the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with integrated slice-specific shimming (iShim) sequence in detecting old myocardial infarction and myocardial fibrosis. This study was to investigate the value of IVIM-MRI with iShim sequence in diagnosing old myocardial infarction and fibrosis. Thirty-five patients with both old myocardial infarction and myocardial fibrosis and 12 healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled to undergo cardiac diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) using seven b-values (0, 20, 60, 80, 120, 200 and 600 s/mm2). The iShim sequence was used for IVIM data acquisition, and the diffusion parameters, D, D* and f values for IVIM, and conventional apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were evaluated on the anterior, posterior and lateral walls of the ventricular septum using the short axis of the heart. Significant differences were found in the D, D* and f values between healthy subjects and patients with old myocardial infarction and myocardial fibrosis (P = 0.000), with the median value of the D and f significantly smaller in the myocardial infarction and fibrosis than in the normal control but the median value of D* significantly greater in the myocardial infarction and fibrosis than in the normal control. In the receiver operating curve analysis, the areas under the curve were 0.939, 0.988 and 0.959 for the D, D* and f values, respectively. The sensitivities and specificities were 84.6% and 94.4% for D, 88.9% and 84.6% for D* and 100% and 93.1% for the f values, respectively. In conclusion, the IVIM-derived parameters (D, D* and f) obtained using the iShim DWI technique showed high capacity in diagnosing old myocardial infarction and myocardial fibrosis by providing diffusion and perfusion information, which may have great importance in future clinical practice.
XEDAR inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by regulating JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Lihong , Huang Xiaojun , Wang Wei , Jiang Tao , Ding Feifei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
X-linked ectodermal dysplasia receptor (XEDAR) has been widely studied in epidermal morphogenesis, but few studies have been conducted on tumorigenesis and development, including gastric cancer. In the present research, we aimed to investigate the effect of XEDAR on gastric cancer and further explore the molecular mechanisms involved. The differential expression of XEDAR in 90 tissue specimens (30 gastric cancer tissues, 30 adjacent tissues and 30 normal tissues) was detected by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were explored using MTT and Annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) assays, respectively. The results revealed that the expression of XEDAR was decreased in gastric cancer tissues and in gastric cancer cell lines, and its expression is regulated by p53 in BGC-823 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of XEDAR inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in BGC-823 cells. XEDAR moreover inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by regulating the JNK signaling pathway. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested that XEDAR inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by participating in p53-mediated signaling pathway and inhibiting the downstream JNK signaling pathway in gastric cancer.
Extensor Tendon Entrapment on Computed Tomography Imaging of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Nigh Evan D. , Emerson Christopher P. , To David , Barnhill Spencer , Rizzo Michael G. , Nguyen Duc M. , Ugarte Ane , Muñera Felipe , Greif Dylan N. , Jose Jean , Dodds Seth D. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective To examine the association between distal radius fractures and tendon entrapment identified on computed tomography (CT) imaging.
Patients and Methods After Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed distal radius fractures that underwent CT imaging from an electronic database between January 2006 to February 2018 at a single level 1 hospital trauma center. We categorized all distal radial fractures according to the AO-OTA (AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association) classification. Distal upper extremity tendons were assessed for entrapment. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis with significance at p < 0.05.
Results A total of 183 distal radius fractures were identified in 179 patients. A total of 16 fractures (13 males and 3 females) were associated with tendon entrapment. Mechanism of injury included falls (n = 7), motor vehicle accidents (n = 6), dog bites (n = 2), and gunshot wound (n = 1). Entrapped tendons were limited to the extensor compartment and included the extensor pollicis longus (EPL; n = 11), extensor pollicis brevis (n = 1), extensor carpi ulnaris (n = 1), extensor carpi radialis longus (n = 1), and extensor digitorum communis (n = 2). The most commonly associated AO-OTA fracture pattern with tendon entrapment was complete articular radial fractures (2R3C; 69%), eight of which were simple articular with metaphyseal multifragmentary fractures (2R3C2). Of the distal radius fractures, 81% were associated with additional ulnar fractures of varying severity and displacement.
Conclusion Approximately 8.7% of distal radius fractures were retrospectively identified to have tendon entrapment compared with a previously reported incidence of 1.3%. Wrist surgeons and radiologists should have higher suspicion for tendon entrapment and carefully review preoperative CT imaging for tendon entrapment in distal radius fractures especially if there is an intra-articular, multifragmentary injury pattern. Wrist surgeons and radiologists should also have increased suspicion for EPL tendon entrapments given its high incidence in association with distal radius fractures.
Level of Evidence This is a Level III, retrospective cross-sectional study.