bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy System Assessment in Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cuesta-Vargas Antonio I , Buchan Jena , Pajares Bella , Sofía Ruiz-Medina , Alba Emilio , Trinidad-Fernandez Manuel , Diaz-Balboa Estibaliz , Roldan-Jimenez Cristina 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Metastasis breast cancer commonly report physical and psychosocial side effects, which requires a supervised exercise prescription with an individualized assessment. This cross-sectional study examined the feasibility of energy system-based assessment, also generating descriptive values for assessment performance in this population.Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 70 women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. After baseline assessment, participants attempted up to three energy system assessments: submaximal aerobic (multi-stage treadmill); anaerobic alactic (30-second sit-to-stand [30-STS]); and anaerobic lactic (adapted burpees). Heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Secondary outcomes included body composition, CRF and upper- and lower-limb functionality. Results: 64 and 70 of the participants performed the submaximal aerobic test and the 30-STS, respectively, and 5 completed the adapted burpees task. Heart rate and RPE specific to each task were correlated, reflecting increased intensity. Women reported low-moderate levels of CRF [3(2.1)] and moderate-high functionality levels [upper-limb: 65.8% (23.3); lower-limb: 63.7% (34.7)]. Conclusions: Using a combination of heart rate and RPE, as well as baseline assessment of each energy system, clinicians may improve ability to prescribe personalized exercise and give patients greater ability to self-monitor intensity and progress.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03879096
Dexmedetomidine Provides Protection to Neurons Against OGD/R-Induced Oxidative Stress and Neuronal Apoptosis
Authors: Xu Deming , Zhou Changbi , Lin Juanyun , Cai Wenhui , Lin Wei 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Dexmedetomidine, a potent α2-adrenoceptor (α2-AR) agonist, is extensively used in the operating room (OR) and intensive care unit (ICU) and has applied in several diseases. However, the precise role of dexmedetomidine in oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-treated neurons, and the mechanisms underlying its effect, has yet to be elucidated. Methods: OGD/R-treated neurons served as a cellular model in our study. Western blotting was used to investigate the protein levels of α-adrenergic receptor (α-AR) in OGD/R-treated neurons, apoptosis related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax and Cleaved Caspase 3) and a range of proteins associated with the Nrf2/ARE pathway (Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, SOD). The CCK-8 assay was used to determine cell survival rates while Co-IP was used to determine the interactions between α2-AR and Nrf2. The TUNEL assay was used to detect the levels of apoptosis in neurons. Results: OGD/R treatment reduced the level of α2-AR protein in neurons and reduced neuronal survival in a time-dependent manner. However, treatment with dexmedetomidine led to an elevation of α2-AR protein expression in OGD/R-treated neurons and the survival rate of OGD/R-treated neurons. These results indicated that dexmedetomidine treatment promoted the viability of OGD/R-treated neurons but inhibited OGD/R-mediated oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. From a mechanistic point-of-view, Nrf2 can bind effectively with α2-AR. We believe that dexmedetomidine exerted effect on the Nrf2/ARE pathway in OGD/R-treated neurons. Silencing the expression of Nrf2 reversed the effects of dexmedetomidine on cell viability, oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis in OGD/R-treated neurons.Conclusion: Collectively, our data indicate that elucidated that the activation of α2-AR by dexmedetomidine had a protective effect in neurons against OGD/R-triggered oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis by modulating the Nrf2/ARE pathway, thus providing a novel way forward to develop clinical therapies to reduce oxidative stress induced by neuronal injury.
Evaluating Common Variants in NOS1AP in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator for Secondary Prevention
Authors: Zang Xiaobiao , Shulong Zhang , Li Sisi , Wang Xianqing , Song Weifeng , Chen Ke , Ma Jifang , Tu Xin , Xia Yunlong , Yonghui Zhao , Chuanyu Gao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Contemporary researchers found single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) gene are associated with altered QT intervals and SCD. However, the clinical utility and implications of these SNP have not been described. This study aims to explore the clinical utility and implications of SNPs in nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prevention.
Methods

We firstly conducted a case-control study to evaluate the associations between hot-spot SNPs in NOS1AP (rs12143842, rs10494366, rs12567209 and rs16847548) and patients with ICD for secondary prevention. Then the clinical values of the positive SNPs were further evaluated in these patients. All patients were divided into three groups according to different genotypes of the positive SNPs. ICD interrogation data at 3, 12 months, and 3 years after implantation, which include rapid ventricular arrhythmia episodes and appropriate therapies, were analyzed in three genotypes.
Results

Case-control study revealed significant allelic association between rs10494366 and ICD recipients who experienced appropriate therapies. After a mean follow-up time of 31.70 ± 9.15 months, we detected not only significant difference among three genotypes on the distribution of ICD shocks and appropriate therapies, but apparently also the correlation of rs10494366 and ICD shocks. Furthermore, under kaplan-meier and cox regression analysis, TT genotype both showed higher risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared with GG genotype.
Conclusions

The present study revealed that SNP rs10494366 was associated with appropriate therapies and SCD in patients with ICD for secondary prevention for the first time.
Intestinal protozoan infections and environment conditions among rural schoolchildren in Western Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Balbino Layane Ferreira , Filho Alberto Alves , Farias Beatrice Émeli Silva , Costa Geórgia Veloso , Sinhorin Gustavo Henrique , Silva Lidyane Liadja Souza , Marques Rubens de Cássio Reis , Jucá Francimar Leão , Brilhante Andreia Fernandes , Melchior Leonardo Augusto Kohara 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective

This study sought to analyse the occurrence of intestinal parasites in schoolchildren from rural areas in Rio Branco, State of Acre, Western Brazilian Amazon.
Results

The proportion of children tested positive for intestinal parasites in this study was 91.48%, of which all of them had protozoan infections. About 65.96% of the students were characterised by a polyparasitism state. Among the parasites found, Endolimax nana, Blastocystis sp., and Giardia duodenalis were the most prevalent in the positive samples. The proportions observed between sociodemographic and environment conditions data and positive diagnosis did not show significant statistical.
Hexanol Biosynthesis From Syngas by Clostridium Carboxidivorans P7 - Investigation of Product Toxicity, Temperature Dependence and in Situ Extraction&nbsp;
Authors: Kottenhahn Patrick , Philipps Gabriele , Jennewein Stefan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundClostridium carboxidivorans P7 converts synthesis gas (also called syngas, a mixture of CO, CO2 and H2) directly into industrially relevant alcohols (hexanol, butanol and ethanol) and their corresponding acids (caproate, butyrate and acetate). The product titers and ratios are highly dependent on fermentation parameters and the compositions of syngas as well as the growth medium. Hexanol titers produced by C. carboxidivorans P7 have recently been improved by optimizing these conditions, but little is known about the toxicity of hexanol towards Clostridium species. We hypothesized that the hexanol titers currently produced by C. carboxidivorans P7 are limited by product toxicity. ResultsWe tested our hypothesis by analyzing IC50 values for hexanol at 30 °C and 37 °C, which we determined as 17.5 ± 1.6 mM and 11.8 mM ± 0.6 mM, respectively, indicating a major influence of growth temperature on hexanol sensitivity. We found that 20 mM hexanol was acutely toxic to C. carboxidivorans P7 at 30 °C and growth was already completely inhibited in the presence of 15 mM hexanol at 37 °C. Membrane fatty acid analysis showed that the cell membrane composition of C. carboxidivorans adapted strongly to the higher growth temperature but surprisingly did not change significantly when grown in the presence of 10 mM hexanol. To avoid product toxicity during hexanol production we added oleyl alcohol as an extraction solvent. At 30 °C, addition of the solvent increased total hexanol titers nearly 2.5-fold from 10.5 to 23.9 mM. However hexanol titers decreased from 7.0 to 5.6 mM in the presence of oleyl alcohol at 37 °C. At 30 °C, the extraction phase contained large amounts of hexanol (448 ± 130 mM) and butanol (102 ± 20 mM). Values were lower at 37 °C with 101 ± 27 mM hexanol and 50 ± 6 mM butanol. Growth was not inhibited by oleyl alcohol. Biomass remained high in the presence of oleyl alcohol at 30 °C, but rapidly decreased in the absence of the solvent. At 37 °C biomass decreased even in the presence of oleyl alcohol. We tested corn oil and sunflower seed oil as potentially cheaper and more sustainable extraction solvents. While oleyl alcohol displayed the highest extraction efficiency for hexanol, total hexanol titers were similar with all solvents tested. ConclusionsBoth, product toxicity and growth temperature were identified as limiting factors during the conversion of syngas to hexanol by C. carboxidivorans P7. At 30 °C the addition of a biocompatible solvent led to detoxification and a significant increase in hexanol titers, 80% higher than highest previously reported titers. These findings help to mediate the limitation of product toxicity in hexanol production from syngas for the development of more efficient process designs and production strains.
Hypoxia-regulated expression of CD44 and osteopontin can change the phenotype of glioma stem-like cells from highly invasive to less invasive/proliferative tumors in glioblastoma
Authors: Nishikawa Masahiro , Inoue Akihiro , Ohnishi Takanori , Yano Hajime , Ozaki Saya , Kanemura Yonehiro , Matsumoto Shirabe , Suehiro Satoshi , Ohtsuka Yoshihiro , Kohno Shohei , Ohue Shiro , Shigekawa Seiji , Watanabe Hideaki , Kitazawa Riko , Tanaka Junya , Kunieda Takeharu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The poor prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is primarily due to highly invasive and highly migratory glioma stem-like cells (GSCs) in tumors. Upon GBM recurrence or progression, the highly invasive phenotype of GSCs changes to a less-motile, proliferative phenotype, thus generating tumor mass. Elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying this phenotypic transition could lead to the identification of effective molecular targets for treating GBM.
Methods

We examined mRNA expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, HIF-2α, CD44, and osteopontin in GBM tissues and investigated the effect of hypoxia (1% O2: severe or 5% O2: moderate) on expression of these molecules using two lines of cultured GSCs. We also analyzed the effect of osteopontin on the invasiveness, migration, and proliferation of GSCs under hypoxic conditions. In addition, the effect of CD44 knockdown on tumor growth and survival were investigated in vitro and in vivo using a mouse xenograft model.
Results

Severe hypoxia upregulates CD44 expression via activation of HIF-1α, inducing GSCs to assume a highly invasive phenotype. In contrast, moderate hypoxia upregulates osteopontin expression via activation of HIF-2α. Osteopontin in turn binds to CD44, simultaneously inhibiting CD44-promoted GSC migration and invasion and stimulating GSC proliferation, resulting in GSCs assuming a less-invasive, highly proliferative phenotype. CD44 knockdown significantly inhibited GSC migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. However, although CD44 knockdown did not affect tumor growth in vitro, mouse brain tumors generated from GSCs with CD44 knockdown exhibited diminished invasiveness, and the mice survived significantly longer than control mice. In contrast, siRNA-mediated silencing of the osteopontin gene led to decreased GSC proliferation, but the osteopontin-mediated inhibition of high GSC migratory behavior and invasiveness was diminished.
Conclusion

The highly invasive phenotype of GSCs can be reversed by switching from severe to moderate hypoxia, leading to less-invasive and proliferative tumors. CD44 and osteopontin, which are expressed in a mutually exclusive manner under severe or moderate hypoxia, play a central role in regulating GSC invasion and proliferation by inducing a phenotypic transition, suggesting that these molecules could be effective targets for treating both primary and recurrent GBM.
Intrinsic coupling between spatially-separated surface Fermi-arcs in Weyl orbit quantum Hall states
Authors: Nishihaya Shinichi , Uchida Masaki , Nakazawa Yusuke , Kriener Markus , Taguchi Yasujiro , Kawasaki Masashi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Topological semimetals hosting bulk Weyl points and surface Fermi-arc states are expected to realize unconventional Weyl orbits, which interconnect two surface Fermi-arc states on opposite sample surfaces under magnetic fields. While the presence of Weyl orbits has been proposed to play a vital role in recent observation of quantum Hall effect even in three-dimensional topological semimetals, actual spatial distribution of the quantized surface transport has been experimentally elusive. Here, we demonstrate intrinsic coupling between two spatially-separated surface states in the Weyl orbits by measuring a dual-gate device of a Dirac semimetal film. Independent scans of top- and back-gate voltages reveal concomitant modulation of doubly-degenerate quantum Hall states, which is not possible in conventional surface orbits as in topological insulators. Our results evidencing the unique spatial distribution of Weyl orbits provide new opportunities for controlling the novel quantized transport by various means such as external fields and interface engineering.
Proton capture strategy for enhancing electrochemical CO2 reduction on atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen active sites
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Sang Xiahan , Dong Chung-Li , Yao Siyu , Shuai Ling , Lu Jianguo , Yang Bin , Li Zhongjian , Lei Lecheng , Qiu Ming , Dai Liming , Hou Yang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Electrocatalysts play a key role in accelerating the sluggish electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) involving multi-electron and proton transfer. Herein, we develop a proton capture strategy via accelerating the water dissociation reaction catalyzed by transition metal nanoparticles (NPs) adjacent to atomically dispersed Ni-Nx active sites (Ni@NiNCM) to accelerate the proton transfer to the latter for boosting the intermediate protonation step, and hence the whole ECR process. For the first time, the accelerated protonation process is amply demonstrated experimentally. Aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron radiation X-ray absorption spectroscopy, together with DFT calculations, revealed that the Ni NPs accelerated the adsorbed H (Had) generation and transfer to the adjacent Ni-Nx sites for boosting the intermediate protonation and the overall ECR processes. This proton capture strategy is highly general, which can be extended to the design and preparation of various high-performance catalysts for diverse electrochemical reactions even beyond ECR.
Blood-brain barrier permeability is regulated by matrix metalloproteinase-3 via the ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Qin , Zheng Mei , Betancourt Cristian E , Liu Lifeng , Sitikov Albert , Sladojevic Nikola , Zhao Qiong , Zhang John H , Liao James K , Wu Rongxue 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) regulates the exchange of molecules between the brain and peripheral blood and is composed primarily of microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs), which form the lining of cerebral blood vessels and are linked via tight junctions (TJs). The BBB is regulated by components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) remodels the basal lamina of the ECM, which forms part of the BBB. Thus, we investigated whether MMP3 modulates BBB permeability.
Methods

Experiments included in-vivo assessments of isoflurane anesthesia and dye extravasation from brain in wild-type (WT) and MMP3-deficient (MMP3-KO) mice, as well as in-vitro assessments of the integrity of monolayers of WT and MMP3-KO BMVECs (via measurements of transendothelial electrical resistance [TEER] and transwell assays in a co-culture of BMVECs with astrocytes and the expression of junction proteins.
Results

Compared to assessments in WT mice, measurements of isoflurane usage and anesthesia induction time were higher in MMP3-KO mice and lower in WT mice that had been treated with MMP3 (WT + MMP3), while anesthesia emergence times were shorter in MMP3-KO mice and longer in WT + MMP3 mice than in WT mice. Extravasation of systemically administered dyes was also lower in MMP3-KO mouse brains, and higher in WT + MMP3 mouse brains, than in the brains of WT mice, and the results from both TEER and transwell assays indicated that MMP3 deficiency (or inhibition) increased, while MMP3 upregulation reduced, barrier integrity in either BMVEC monolayers or the co-culture. MMP3 deficiency also increased the abundance of TJ and VE-cadherin proteins in BMVECs, and the protein abundance declined when MMP3 activity was upregulated in BMVECs, but not when the cells were treated with an inhibitor of extracellular signal related kinase (ERK).
Conclusion

MMP3 increases BBB permeability by upregulating the ERK signaling pathway, which subsequently reduces TJ and VE-cadherin proteins abundance in BMVECs. Collectively, these observations suggest that MMP3 could be therapeutically targeted to manipulate BBB permeability and treat neurological disease.
Predictors for Outcomes related to upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in a healthy Working Population: a methodological Approach
Authors: Lotter Oliver , Lieb Tobias , Molsner Jochen , Breul Viktor 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundTo investigate the association between different clinical endpoints and the presence of upper extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a healthy working population. Furthermore, the influence of socio-demographic, work-related and individual predictors on different endpoints was examined.MethodsTwo self-completion questionnaires were administered to 70 workers and employees. In addition, a standardized physical examination and an industry test were performed in this cross-sectional study. Correlations between WMSDs and clinical endpoints were analysed with the Spearman method. Depending on the type of dependent endpoint, linear or logistic multivariate regression models were used to study the strength of associations with a pre-defined set of potential influencing factors.ResultsThe prevalence of WMSDs was 56% (39/70). Correlations between WMSDs and the DASH score / pain under strain (VAS) were by far the strongest ones. Independent predictors could not be identified as risk factors for WMSDs, but there was some correlation between these factors.ConclusionsThe DASH score, used in the primary analysis of the study data, remains a close candidate for best surrogate endpoint for WMSD detection. The VAS has to be examined for this role in further research. Our analysis should help to improve the methodological quality of future occupational health studies through improved standards.Trial registrationThis study was registered at ClinicalTrials.org with the identifier NCT03014128, on January 9, 2017.
Key Technologies and Equipment for Contaminated Surface/Groundwater Environment in the Rural River Network Area of China: Integrated Remediation
Authors: Wang Han , Wang Tianbei , Xue Gang , Zhao Jiang , Ma Weiwu , Qian Yajie , Wu Min , Zhang Zhuoran , Guo Jingsong , Wang Yayi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In eastern China, the rural river network area (RRNA) is an anthropic active area characterized by its rapid economic development and high gross national product. However, the water environmental pollution in these areas is increasingly severe, which has greatly hindered its sustainable development. Especially, the frequent interactions between surface/groundwater (SW-GW) have intensified the pollution migration and transformation in RRNA. Therefore, an integrated remediation in rural river network area project (IR-RRNA) has been launched, funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, to realize the integrated remediation of SW/GW and soil in RRNA. The IR-RRNA (2019–2022) will apply the related interdisciplinary and methodological knowledge to elucidate the transportation and transformation of pollutants in water and soil during SW-GW interaction, and develop key remediation technologies of surface water, groundwater, and soil suitable for the RRNA. By this way, we attempt to realize the remediation technologies integration for surface/groundwater and soil in RRNA and implementing application demonstration. Meanwhile, a technical guideline will be compiled for the integrated remediation suitable for the RRNA. This project is conducive to addressing the urgent environmental problems of RRNA, and promoting the rural economic revitalization and ecological environment optimization.
Early Myopia Onset, Predicted by First Spectacle Use, is A Risk Factor for High Myopia in Adulthood: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Chiang Wei-Yu , Chen Yun-Wen , Liu Yu-Peng , Liu Yung-Hsun , Wu Pei-Chang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the risk factors for high myopia in adulthood, especially as it relates to the age of first spectacle wearing.Methods: A retrospective study enrolled adults aged between 20 and 45 years being invited to complete a questionnaire about age, sex, current refractive error, high myopia in parents, age at first spectacle use, refractive power of the first spectacles, and life habits at different educational stages. The association between these factors and high myopia were then evaluated and analyzed.Results: In total, 331 participants were enrolled. Their average refractive error was -4.03 diopters, and high myopia was noted in 27.5% of the study population. Only 3.3% of participants had fathers with high myopia, while 6.0% had mothers with high myopia. The participants received their first spectacles at a mean age of 13.35 years, with a mean refractive error of -1.63 diopters.The significant risk factors for developing high myopia in adult life were earlier age at first spectacle use (p < 0.001), higher refractive power of first spectacles (p < 0.001), mother with high myopia (p = 0.015), and after-school class attendance in senior high school (p = 0.018). Those who wore their first spectacles at < 9 years of age were more predisposed to high myopia than those who did so at ≧ 13 years, with an odds ratio of 24.891, while the odds ratio for those aged between 10 and 12 years was 5.294.Conclusions: The present study shows that earlier age at first spectacle use, higher myopic refraction of first spectacles, mothers with high myopia, and after-school class attendance in senior high school are predictive factors for high myopia in adulthood. The most important predictive factor is earlier age at first spectacle use, which emphasizes earlier myopia control is a protective factor for high myopia in adulthood.