bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐130a regulates neurological deficit and angiogenesis in rats with ischaemic stroke by targeting XIAP
Authors: Deng Wenjing , Fan Chenghe , Zhao Yanan , Mao Yuewei , Li Jiajia , Zhang Yonggan , Teng Junfang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have already been proposed to be implicated in the development of ischaemic stroke. We aim to investigate the role of miR‐130a in the neurological deficit and angiogenesis in rats with ischaemic stroke by regulating X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP). Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models were established by suture‐occluded method, and MCAO rats were then treated with miR‐130a mimics/inhibitors or/and altered XIAP for detection of changes of rats’ neurological function, nerve damage and angiogenesis in MCAO rats. The oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) cellular models were established and respectively treated to determine the roles of miR‐130a and XIAP in neuronal viability and apoptosis. The expression levels of miR‐130a and XIAP in brain tissues of MCAO rats and OGD‐treated neurons were detected. The binding site between miR‐130a and XIAP was verified by luciferase activity assay. MiR‐130a was overexpressed while XIAP was down‐regulated in MCAO rats and OGD‐treated neurons. In animal models, suppressed miR‐130a improved neurological function, alleviated nerve damage and increased new vessels in brain tissues of rats with MCAO. In cellular models, miR‐130a inhibition promoted neuronal viability and suppressed apoptosis. Inhibited XIAP reversed the effect of inhibited miR‐130a in both MCAO rats and OGD‐treated neurons. XIAP was identified as a target of miR‐130a. Our study reveals that miR‐130a regulates neurological deficit and angiogenesis in rats with MCAO by targeting XIAP.
Exploring epidermal mucus protease activity as an indicator of stress in Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrhinchus)
Authors: Murphy Anna E. , Stokesbury Michael J. W. , Easy Russell H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAtlantic sturgeon are anadromous fish that spend much of their life in near‐shore environments. They are designated as “threatened” by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and listed by the IUCN as “near threatened.” In Canada, Atlantic sturgeon support small commercial fisheries in the Saint John River, New Brunswick, and the St. Lawrence River, Quebec. While occupying the marine environment, the species is susceptible to various anthropogenic stressors, including by‐catch in trawl fisheries and through interactions with coastal engineering projects such as tidal power development. Atlantic sturgeon are also susceptible to implantation of acoustic tags used by researchers to study their movement ecology. These stressors can cause physiological and behavioural changes in the fish that can negatively impact their viability. Because the species are commercially important, and are also of conservation concern, it is important to understand stress responses of Atlantic sturgeon to better mitigate the effects of increased industrial activity in the coastal zone. This study used proteomics to identify and characterize protease activity and identify putative novel protein biomarkers in the epidermal mucus of Atlantic sturgeon. Changes in protein profiles in Atlantic sturgeon epidermal mucus as a result of by‐catch and surgery stress were investigated using one‐dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Proteolytic activity was identified and characterized using inhibition zymography, which provided information on the classes of proteases that are associated with stress. Samples were collected from Atlantic sturgeon on the Minas Basin, Nova Scotia, Canada, after capture by brush weir and otter trawl, and after surgical implantation of a V16‐69 kHz VEMCO acoustic tag. Significant proteins found in the epidermal mucus include various inflammatory proteins, with calmodulin and complement 9 found ubiquitously, and more rarely lysosome C, identified in a brush weir capture sample. Serum albumin, a blood plasma protein, was another ubiquitous protein and verifies how the sample collection method provides a picture of the internal systems. Protease activity was dominantly exhibited by matrix metalloproteases and serine proteases in all sample collections, with serine proteases more active in otter trawl captures than in brush weir captures. By identifying potential protein biomarkers of stress, this study is an example of a non‐invasive method for measuring stress in Atlantic sturgeon. Understanding the defence mechanism and release of non‐specific biomarkers can be used to improve conservation regulations, as well as to contribute to the limited scientific knowledge on the stress response of Atlantic sturgeon.
SSEL, a selective enrichment broth for simultaneous growth of Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Qu Yang , Bai Yalong , Liu Yanhong , Zhou Changyan , Zhou Xiujuan , Zhang Donglai , Shi Chunlei , Suo Yujuan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSalmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Listeria monocytogenes may contaminate similar types of food and cause foodborne disease. The objective of this study was to develop a selective enrichment broth for simultaneous enrichment of Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Listeria monocytogenes (SSEL) using nalidixic acid, acriflavine, lithium chloride, and sodium cholate as selective agents. Developed SSEL broth not only enriched the target pathogens to 5 log10 CFU/ml after 18 hr incubation at 37°C with 10–100 CFU/mL of inoculation concentration, but also could successfully support the simultaneous enrichment of target pathogens with similar growth rates and inhibit the growth of most nontarget bacteria effectively. The enrichment effect of SSEL was confirmed by artificial contamination test coupled with multiplex PCR. In summary, SSEL has been shown to be a promising multiplex selective enrichment broth for the detection of the four pathogens on a single‐assay platform.
Serum copeptin level is a biomarker associated with ascites retention and the formation of a portosystemic shunt in chronic liver disease
Authors: Shigefuku Ryuta , Iwasa Motoh , Eguchi Akiko , Tamai Yasuyuki , Yoshikawa Kyoko , Sugimoto Ryosuke , Takei Yoshiyuki 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and AimCopeptin is a stable cleavage product of the arginine vasopressin precursor and is equimolarly secreted with arginine vasopressin. We aimed to assess whether copeptin is the surrogate marker for complications related chronic liver disease (CLD) such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), portosystemic shunts (PSSs), and all causes of mortality in CLD.MethodsSerum copeptin was measured in 170 CLD patients upon hospital admission. The association of copeptin levels with liver enzymes, liver functional reserve, and clinical parameters was investigated. Cox proportional hazard regression, logistic regression, and Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of copeptin and ascites, HE and PSS formation, and prognostic factors with short‐term (1 year) and long‐term (4 years) mortality.ResultsSerum copeptin levels were significantly correlated with liver and renal function, elevated in parallel with liver disease progression, and also associated with HE. Serum copeptin, albumin–bilirubin score and hepatocellular carcinoma were independent predictors of PSS formation and decreased rate of survival. Serum copeptin and albumin–bilirubin scores were independent predictors of ascites retention. The short‐term and long‐term cumulative mortality rate was significantly decreased in patients with serum copeptin >5.5 or >4.8 pmol/mL compared with patients in whom serum copeptin levels were <5.5 or <4.8 pmol/mL (P < 0.0001; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsSerum copeptin level is a predictor for ascites retention and HE and PSS formation associated with portal hypertension. Moreover, serum copeptin level may be useful in predicting the rate of survival in patients with CLD.
Influence of nutrition education in paediatric coeliac disease: impact of the role of the registered dietitian: a prospective, single‐arm intervention study
Authors: Suárez‐González M. , Bousoño García C. , Jiménez Treviño S. , Iglesias Cabo T. , Díaz Martín J. J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnosis of coeliac disease (CD) involves a change in the diet of the individual, which may influence their quality of life and nutritional status. The present study aimed to determine whether nutrition education by a registered dietitian is able to improve eating habits and body composition in children with CD.MethodsDietary, physical activity and body composition changes were analysed, comparing baseline assessments with those 1 year after receiving education on healthy eating. At both time points, a 3‐day dietary survey, a food frequency consumption questionnaire, an adherence to the Mediterranean diet test (Kidmed), duration of activity and an electrical bioimpedance study were conducted. Student's paired t‐test and the McNemar test were also employed.ResultsSeventy‐two subjects (42 girls) with an mean (range) age of 10 (2–16) years were included. Before the intervention, an unbalanced diet was observed, rich in protein and fat, and deficient in complex carbohydrates. Only 14% consumed an adequate Mediterranean diet. After nutrition intervention, a significant increase in the consumption of plant‐based foods and a concomitant decrease in meat, dairy and processed food intake (P < 0.001) were observed. Moreover, 92% of the patients (P < 0.001) managed to consume an adequate Mediterranean diet. Similarly, an increase was observed in the duration of physical activity undertaken [mean (SD) 1.02 (1.79) h, P < 0.001] and improvements in body composition were recorded, with a 17% decrease in fat mass percentage (P < 0.001).ConclusionsNutrition intervention focused on healthy eating is effective with respect to improving the nutritional status and diet quality in CD patients.
Reunderstanding Cairo through urban metabolism: Formal versus informal districts resource flow performance in fast urbanizing cities
Authors: Khalil Heba Allah Essam E. , Al‐Ahwal Ahmad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUrban expansion can be seen as the most pervasive human impact on the environment where its high resource use contributes negatively to climate change and resource scarcity crises. Many experts call for decoupling resource use, economic development, and related urban development especially within cities of the Global South. This paper focuses on investigating resource efficiency through the lens of urban metabolism. It investigates current resource flows, through material flow analysis, from source to sink, in two diverse districts in Cairo: a formal district and an informal one, regarding materials (waste) and mobility. Consequently, the paper discusses locally responsive interventions that address local priorities as opposing to citywide one‐size fits all solution. The paper relies on parcel audits, which are embedded in an Urban Metabolism Information System developed by the Ecocity Builders and their partners, through a joint project with Cairo University. The methodology couples crowd‐sourced data, parcel audits, and experts’ knowledge to better understand resource flows based on a bottom‐up approach, given the unavailability of governmental data on the local level. The paper further correlates the perceived quality of life with the actual resource flows. It utilizes fieldwork investigations to argue against the local misconceptions regarding the inefficiency of informal areas/systems versus the higher efficiency of planned areas/systems. The paper concludes by proposing integrated solutions that respond to local needs and resources. It highlights the challenges and lessons of this tailored bottom‐up approach and its applicability in other cities worldwide.
Anatomical evidence of non‐parasympathetic cardiac nitrergic nerve fibres in rat
Authors: Navickaite Ieva , Pauziene Neringa , Pauza Dainius H. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNeuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)‐derived nitric oxide (NO) plays a major role in the neural control of circulation and in many cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact mechanism of how NO regulates these processes is still not fully understood. This study was designed to determine the possible sources of nitrergic nerve fibres supplying the heart attempting to imply their role in the cardiac neural control. Sections of medulla oblongata, vagal nerve, its rootlets and nodose ganglia, vagal cardiac branches, Th1‐Th5 spinal cord segments, dorsal root ganglia of C8‐Th5 spinal nerves, and stellate ganglia from 28 Wistar rats were examined applying double immunohistochemical staining for nNOS combined with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), peripherin, substance P, calcitonin gene‐related peptide, tyrosine hydroxylase or myelin basic protein. Our findings show that the most abundant population of purely nNOS‐immunoreactive (IR) neuronal somata (NS) was observed in the nodose ganglia (37.4 ± 1.3%). A high number of nitrergic NFs spread along the vagal nerve and entered its cardiac branches. All nitrergic neuronal somata (NS) in the nucleus ambiguus were simultaneously immunoreactive (IR) to ChAT and composed only a small subset of neurons (6%). In the dorsal nucleus of vagal nerve, biphenotypic nNOS‐IR/ChAT‐IR neurons composed 7.0 ± 1.0%, while small purely nNOS‐IR neurons were scarce. Nitrergic NS were plentifully distributed within the nuclei of solitary tract. In the examined dorsal root and stellate ganglia, a few nitrergic NS were sporadically present. The majority of sympathetic NS in the intermediolateral nucleus were simultaneously immunoreactive for nNOS and ChAT. In conclusion, an abundant population of nitrergic NS in the nodose ganglion implies that neuronal NO is involved in afferent cardiac innervation. Nevertheless, nNOS‐IR neurons identified within vagal nuclei may play a role in the transmission of preganglionic parasympathetic nerve impulses.
Body size miniaturization in a lineage of colubrid snakes: Implications for cranial anatomy
Authors: Rajabizadeh Mahdi , Adriaens Dominique , De Kegel Barbara , Avci Aziz , Ilgaz Çetin , Herrel Anthony 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAs body size strongly determines the biology of an organism at all levels, it can be expected that miniaturization comes with substantial structural and functional constraints. Dwarf snakes of the genus Eirenis are derived from big, surface‐dwelling ancestors, considered to be similar to those of the sister genus Dolichophis. To better understand the structural implications of miniaturization on the feeding apparatus in Eirenis, the morphology of the cranial musculoskeletal system of Dolichophis schmidti was compared with that of the miniature Eirenis punctatolineatus and E. persicus using high‐resolution µCT data. The gape index was compared between D. schmidti and 14 Eirenis species. Our results show a relatively increased neurocranium size and decreased maximal jaw muscle force in E. persicus, compared with the D. schmidti, and an intermediate situation in E. punctatolineatus. A significant negative allometry in gape index relative to body size is observed across the transition from the Dolichophis to Pediophis and Eirenis subgenera. However, the gape index relative to head size showed a significant negative allometry only across the transition from the Dolichophis to Pseudocyclophis subgenus. In Dolichophis–Eirenis dwarfing lineages, different structural patterns are observed through miniaturization, indicating that overcoming the challenge of miniaturization has achieved via different adaptations.
Health outcomes of unpaid caregivers in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Magaña Irene , Martínez Pablo , Loyola María‐Soledad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAims and objectivesTo explore differences in health outcomes between unpaid caregivers and noncaregivers living in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).BackgroundPrevious meta‐analyses found worse health outcomes for unpaid caregivers in high‐income nations. However, no meta‐analysis has considered unpaid caregivers from LMICs. A systematic integration of this topic may contribute to nursing care for unpaid caregivers in LMICs.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies.MethodsFollowing PRISMA statement, studies were searched for using the CINAHL, PubMed and SciELO databases, limited to publications until 31 December 2019. Random‐ and fixed‐effects meta‐analyses were used for data synthesis.ResultsFourteen studies from Africa, Asia and South America were included. Unpaid caregivers of people with ill‐health were more anxious and depressed than noncaregivers. Studies conducted in Asia and South America reported poorer health outcomes for unpaid caregivers than noncaregivers, whereas the trend for African studies was the opposite. Unpaid caregivers of healthy individuals may have better health status than noncaregivers, particularly those caring between 1–14 hr per week. Of the six studies which examined gender differences, two studies informed worse health outcomes for women, one presented the opposite effect, and three found no differences.ConclusionsIndividual, social, cultural and systemic factors play an important role in the health outcomes of unpaid caregivers in LMICs. More evidence is needed from LMICs. As unpaid caregivers are predominantly female, urgent attention to the health outcomes of female unpaid caregivers is required.Relevance to clinical practiceThe management of mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression, should be an integral part of nursing care for unpaid caregivers living in LMICs. To further promote the health of unpaid caregivers in developing countries, stakeholders should consider launching educational campaigns that assist caregivers in finding ways to meet their cultural obligations while also reinforcing caregiver self‐care.
Income inequality and technological progress: The effect of R&D incentives, integration, and spillovers
Authors: Osório António , Pinto Alberto 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRecent years witnessed an increase in income inequality. Several explanations have been put forward. In the present paper, we consider a series of technologically related events that have been crucial for the increased income inequality, that is, public R&D incentives, increasing horizontal integration and spillover effects. We found that public R&D incentives and the increasing horizontal integration have biased the income distribution towards the top income group. In particular, the high‐skilled workers involved in the R&D process have benefited enormously from this process. Similarly, capital owners have seen an increase in their profits, because of the reduction in product market competition and technological improvements in the production process. We found the effect of knowledge spillovers to be less clear‐cut. We conclude discussing the implications of our results and suggesting possible solutions to the increasing income inequality. We call for the creation of supranational institutions, and for stricter legislation on competition and antitrust policy.
Population pharmacokinetics of micafungin over repeated doses in critically ill patients: a need for a loading dose?
Authors: Kapralos Iasonas , Mainas Efstratios , Neroutsos Efthymios , Apostolidi Stella , Siopi Maria , Apostolopoulou Olympia , Dimopoulos George , Sambatakou Helen , Valsami Georgia , Meletiadis Joseph , Dokoumetzidis Aristides 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To study the population pharmacokinetics of micafungin in critically ill patients, evaluate and optimize dosage regimens.

Methods
An HPLC–fluorescence bioassay for micafungin was developed, fully validated and applied to a pharmacokinetic study conducted in 14 ICU patients. Dense blood sampling was performed from days 1 to 7. A population pharmacokinetic model accounting for interindividual (IIV) and interoccasion variability (IOV) of the PK parameters was developed. Simulations were performed to estimate the probability of target attainment (PTA) for several dosing regimens.

Key findings
A two-compartment pharmacokinetic model best described the data, with population clearance CL = 1.31 L/h and central volume V1 = 14.2 L. The relatively high IOV observed (45% for CL, 27% for V1) sets limits for the dose individualization in this population. The low PTA on the first day of treatment suggests the need of a loading dose. PTA and CFR estimates show that the current micafungin dosage may be insufficient for the treatment of borderline susceptible Candida strains.

Conclusions
A loading dose of up to 300 mg of micafungin is needed for the treatment of invasive candidiasis in ICU patients while a maintenance dose of up to 200 mg can be considered in empirical antifungal treatment.
A network meta‐analysis of different positive airway pressure interventions in obesity hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Iftikhar Imran H. , Greer Meredith , Wigger Gregory W. , Collop Nancy A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractContinuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and different types of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) have been studied in obesity hypoventilation syndrome such as bi‐level PAP with back‐up rate (BPAP‐BUR), BPAP without BUR, and the new hybrid devices that target a pre‐set volume by adjustment of pressure support (VT‐PS). Although several studies have compared one PAP intervention with the other, none has compared all four in a head‐to‐head design, which formed the basis of this network meta‐analysis. PubMed and Web of Science were searched for potentially includable randomised active comparator trials. Changes in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) were the primary outcomes of interest. Network meta‐analysis was done in R program using the ‘frequentist’ framework. A total of seven trials were included. Only VT‐PS and BPAP‐BUR showed statistically significant reductions in PaCO2 compared to control, with no significant inter‐PAP differences except for the comparison between VT‐PS and CPAP. Only VT‐PS showed a statistically significant improvement in ESS as compared to control, with no other significant inter‐PAP differences. P‐score ranking (based on effect size and standard errors) and Hasse diagram ranked VT‐PS and BPAP as superior to other PAPs for both primary outcomes. There were no significant differences between the different PAP interventions for hospital or emergency department admissions. The results of this network meta‐analysis suggest superiority of VT‐PS and BPAP over other PAP interventions at least for daytime hypercapnia and subjective daytime somnolence.
Toward a theory of myth
Authors: Mills Jon 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWhy do we need a theory of myth? Because no systematic theory exists, let alone a consensus. What I am particularly interested in addressing are not specific theories of myth, or specific myths themselves, but rather what constitutes a good theory. In particular, throughout our investigation I hope to illuminate what a proper theory of myth would be expected to offer in terms of its descriptive and explanatory power, coherency, generality, meaningfulness, and functional utility. Here I offer a theoretic typology of myth by exploring the origin, signification, symbolic structure, and essence of myth in terms of its source, force, form, object, and teleology derived from archaic ontology. Through my analysis of an explanandum and an explanans, I argue that both interpretation and explanation are acts of explication that signify the ontological significance, truth, and psychic reality of myth in both individuals and social collectives.