bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of conductive flexible cellulose carbon nanohorn sheets for human tissue applications
Authors: Selvam Karthik Paneer , Nagahata Taichi , Kato Kosuke , Koreishi Mayuko , Nakamura Toshiyuki , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Nishikawa Takeshi , Satoh Ayano , HAYASHI Yasuhiko 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Conductive sheets of cellulose and carbon nanomaterials and its human skin applications are an interesting research aspect as they have potential for applications for skin compatibility. Hence it is needed to explore the effects and shed light on these applications.Method: To fabricate wearable, portable, flexible, lightweight, inexpensive, and biocompatible composite materials, carbon nanohorns (CNHs) and hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) were used as precursors to prepare CNH-HEC (Cnh-cel) composite sheets. Cnh-cel sheets were prepared with different loading concentrations of CNHs (10, 20 50,100 mg) in 200 mg cellulose. To fabricate the bio-compatible sheets, a pristine composite of CNHs and HEC was prepared without any pretreatment of the materials. Results: The obtained sheets possess a conductivity of 1.83×10-10 S/m and bio-compatible with human skin. Analysis for skin-compatibility was performed for Cnh-cel sheets by h-CLAT in vitro skin sensitization tests to evaluate the activation of THP-1 cells. It was found that THP-1 cells were not activated by Cnh-cel; hence Cnh-cel is a safe biomaterial for human skin. It was also found that the composite allowed only a maximum loading of 100 mg to retain the consistent geometry of free-standing sheets of < 100 µm thickness. Since CNHs have a unique arrangement of aggregates (dahlia structure), the composite is homogeneous, as verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and other functional properties investigated by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), conductivity measurement, tensile strength measurement, and skin sensitization.Conclusion: It can be concluded that cellulose and CNHs sheets are conductive and compatible to human skin applications.
Identification, characterization and functional analysis of AGAMOUS subfamily genes associated with floral organs and seed development in Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Wei Ludan , Wang Wenjing , Qi Wenquan , Cao Zhe , Li Hang , Bao Manzhu , he yanhong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: AGAMOUS (AG) subfamily genes regulate the floral organs initiation and development, fruit and seed development. At present, there has been insufficient study of the function of AG subfamily genes in Asteraceae. Marigold (Tagetes erecta) belongs to Asteraceae family whose unique inflorescence structure makes it an important research target for understanding floral organ development in plants. Results: Four AG subfamily genes of marigold were isolated and phylogenetically grouped into class C (TeAG1 and TeAG2) and class D (TeAGL11-1 and TeAGL11-2) genes. Expression profile analysis demonstrated that these four genes were highly expressed in reproductive organs of marigold. Subcellular localization analysis suggested that all these four proteins were located in the nucleus. Protein-protein interactions analysis indicated that class C proteins had a wider interaction manner than class D proteins. Function analysis of ectopic expression in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that TeAG1 displayed a C function specifying the stamen identity and carpel identity, and that TeAGL11-1 exhibited a D function regulating seed development and petal development. In addition, overexpression of both TeAG1 and TeAGL11-1 leaded to curling rosette leaf and early flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. Conclusions: This study provides an insight into molecular mechanism of AG subfamily genes in Asteraceae species and technical support for improvement of several floral traits.
Determinants of early sexual initiation among female youth in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Arefaynie Mastewal , Yalew Melaku , Damtie Yitayish , Kefale Bereket 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: There is limited national representative evidence on determinants of early sexual initiation among female youth especially, community level factors are not investigated in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess individual and community level factors associated with early sexual initiation among female youth in Ethiopia.Method: A secondary data analysis was done on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey dataset which were collected cross-sectional. A total of 6143 female youth irrespective of their sexual activity were included in the analysis. Multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was done by STATA version 14.0 to identify individual and community-level factors. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength and direction of association and statistical significance was declared at P value less than 0.05.Result: Individual-level factors significantly associated with early sexual initiation among female youth were; age group from 19-24 years [AOR=5.77, 95% CI= (4.58, 7.27)], not attend school [AOR=14.1, 95% CI= (8.06, 24.66)], ever chew Chat [AOR= 1.98, 95%CI= (1.32, 2.97)]. From community label factors living in Addis Ababa [AOR= 0.28, 95% CI= (0.17, 0.45)], living in Gambella [AOR=2.7, 95% CI= (1.7, 4.29)] and live in low proportion of poor communities [AOR= 0.66, 95% CI= (0.49, 0.9)] were significantly associated with early sexual initiation among female youth in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Age, low educational status, ever chewing Chat, region and live in high proportion of poor community had statistical association with early sexual initiation among female youth in Ethiopia. Improving educational coverage, improving community level wealth status are important interventions to delay the age of early sexual initiation among female youth.
Minimally invasive surgery for intra-articular calcaneus fractures: A 9-year, single-center, retrospective study of a standardized technique using a 2-point distractor
Authors: Rodemund Christian , Krenn Ronny , Kihm Carl , Leister Iris , Ortmaier Reinhold , Litzlbauer Werner , Schwarz Angelika , Mattiassich Georg 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: A fracture of the calcaneus can be a painful and disabling injury. Treatment modalities may be conservative or operative. Surgical treatment strategies include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) techniques, as well as a variety of minimally invasive methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment options and post-treatment complication rates for intra-articular calcaneal fractures at the Traumacenter Linz over a 9-year period.Methods: All patients with calcaneal fractures treated at the Traumacenter Linz between 2007 and 2015 were included in this study. The patients records were retrospectively reviewed, and the data, including demographic parameters, cause of injury, and the time between injury and operative treatment were analyzed. The number of secondary operative interventions due to soft-tissue complications, hardware removal, and the long-term arthrodesis rate were evaluated. Results: A minimally invasive 2-point-distractor method was used in 85.8% (n=182) of all operatively managed calcaneal fractures (n=212) in our department. The majority of the operations (88.7%) were performed within two days after the accident. The secondary operation rate resulting from wound complications was 2.7% in the 2-point distractor group and 16.7% in the ORIF group. A secondary arthrodesis was performed in 4.7% (n=9) of the subtalar joints in the entire study population. Conclusions:Our data supported the assumption that severe wound complications would be less likely to occur after minimally invasive treatment compared to ORIF treatment. The rate of secondary arthrodesis in the study cohort was comparable to that in the literature.Trial Registration: Not applicable, level of evidence IV.
A Comparative Study on the Effect of Cemented and other Different Biological Type of Artificial Femoral Head Prosthesis in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fractures in the Elderly
Authors: Li Junmin , Jia Fu , Xiao Jiayu , Zhang Zhongzi , Yang Zhengzong , Lei Zhouyang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study is to assess comparatively the clinical effect of cemented and other biological type of artificial femoral head in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in elder patients.Methods: The clinical data of 121 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with hip replacement from July 2017 to December 2018 in our hospital were reviewed.Results: There were 121 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fracture received hip replacement enrolled in this study. Of those patients, 60 patients received bone cement femoral prosthesis (bone cement group), while 61 cases (62 hips) received biological femoral prosthesis (biological group). The results showed that the biological group treated had shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding and longer time of complete weight-bearing than the bone cement group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the time of partial weight-bearing and Harris score of hip joint function between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The cemented and biological artificial type of femoral head might lead to satisfactory short-term results in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures for elder patients. Results showed that the biological group had shorter operation time, less intraoperative bleeding and longer time of complete weight-bearing than the bone cement group. For the unstable intertrochanteric fracture of femur with severe osteoporosis and difficult to maintain stability after fracture reset, biological femoral prosthesis stems might be employed for the treatment of artificial hip replacement according to the shape of the proximal femoral cavity, the quality of bone and the range of fracture coverage, which may promote the recovery of hip joint function and obtain good clinical effect.
The loss of flight in ant workers enabled an evolutionary redesign of the thorax for ground labour
Authors: Peeters Christian , Keller Roberto A. , Khalife Adam , Fischer Georg , Katzke Julian , Blanke Alexander , Economo Evan P. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

Explanations for the ecological dominance of ants generally focus on the benefits of division of labour and cooperation during foraging. However, the principal innovation of ants relative to their wasp ancestors was the evolution of a new phenotype: a wingless worker caste optimized for ground labour. Ant workers are famous for their ability to lift and carry heavy loads, but we know surprisingly little about the morphological basis of their strength. Here we examine the consequences of the universal loss of flight in ant workers on skeletomuscular adaptations in the thorax for enhanced foraging on six legs.

Results

Using X-ray microcomputed tomography and 3D segmentation, we compared winged queens and wingless workers in Euponera sikorae (subfamily Ponerinae) and Cataglyphis savignyi (subfamily Formicinae). Workers are characterized by five major changes to their thorax: i) fusion of the articulated flight thorax (queens) into a rigid box optimized to support the muscles that operate the head, legs and abdomen, ii) redesign of internal cuticular structures for better bracing and muscle attachment, iii) substantial enlargement of the neck muscles for suspending and moving the head, iv) lengthening of the external trochanter muscles, predominant for the leg actions that lift the body off the ground, v) modified angle of the petiole muscles that are key for flexion of the abdomen. We measured volumes and pennation angles for a few key muscles to assess their increased efficacy. Our comparisons of additional workers across five genera in subfamilies Dorylinae and Myrmicinae show these modifications in the wingless thorax to be consistent. In contrast, a mutillid wasp showed a different pattern of muscle adaptations as a result of the lack of wing muscles.

Conclusions

Rather than simply a subtraction of costly flight muscles, we propose the ant worker thorax evolved into a power core underlying stronger mandibles, legs, and sting. This contrasts with solitary flightless insects where the lack of central place foraging generated distinct selective pressures for rearranging the thorax. Stronger emphasis is needed on innovations of social insects as individuals at the phenotypic level to further our understanding of the evolution of social behaviours.
hUMSCs regulate the differentiation of ovarian stromal cells via TGF-β1 /Smad3 signaling pathway to inhibit ovarian fibrosis to repair ovarian function in POI rats
Authors: Cui Linlu , Bao Hongchu , Liu Zhongfeng , Man Xuejing , Liu Hongyuan , Hou Yun , Luo Qianqian , Wang Siyuan , Fu Qiang , Zhang Hongqin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: The basic pathological changes of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) include ovarian tissue fibrosis and follicular development disorders. The human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) transplantation has been shown an effective method to improve the ovarian function in POI rat model; however, the exact mechanisms are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the recovery of ovarian function in POI rats is related to the inhibition of tissue fibrosis following hUMSCs transplantation. Furthermore, the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1 ) signaling pathway is explored to determine the mechanisms of ovarian function recovery through its inhibition of tissue fibrosis. Methods: The primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of chemotherapy drug cisplatin (CDDP) for 7 days, The levels of serum sex hormones were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The tissue fibrosis in ovary was examined using masson staining and Sirus red staining. The collagen fibers in the ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot analysis. To investigate the mechanisms of ovarian function recovery following hUMSCs transplantation, ovarian stromal cells were isolated from the ovarian cortex of immature rats. The expression of Cytochrome P450 17A1 (Cyp17a1) and fibrosis marker of alpha smooth muscle Actin (α-SMA) in ovarian stromal cells were examined using immunofluorescence analysis. Also, the protein levels of Cyp17a1 and α-SMA in ovarian stromal cells were examined by western blot analysis. The expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 signals were measured by Western blot and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Results: The results show that the function of ovary in POI rats were significantly improved after hUMSCs transplantation. The expression of fibrosis markers (α-SMA) and production of Collagen Type I (Collagen Ⅰ) and Collagen Type Ⅲ (Collagen Ⅲ) in POI rats were significantly inhibited in POI rats following hUMSCs transplantation. In the cultured ovarian stromal cells, the decrease of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3 protein expression was observed in hUMSCs treated POI rats. The treatment with TGF-β1 inhibitor of SB431542 further confirmed this signal pathway was involved in the process. Conclusion : Our study demonstrated that the TGF-β1 /Smad3 signaling pathway was involved in the inhibition of ovarian tissue fibrosis, which contributed to the restoration of ovarian function in POI rats following hUMSCs transplantation.
Focal brain ischemia in mice does not cause electrophysiological signs of critical illness neuropathy
Authors: Huehnchen Petra , Toyka Klaus Viktor , Gertz Karen , Endres Matthias , Boehmerle Wolfgang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: Critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) is a common complication of severe systemic illness treated in intensive care medicine. Ischemic stroke leads to an acute critical injury of the brain with hemiparesis, immunosuppression and subsequent infections, all of which require extended medical treatment. Stroke-induced sarcopenia further contributes to poor rehabilitation and is characterized by muscle wasting and denervation in the paralytic, but also the unaffected limbs. Therefore, we asked whether stroke leads to an additional CIP-like neurodegeneration.Results: Focal brain ischemia was induced in adult mice by 60-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) following reperfusion and led to functional deficits and marked hemispheric brain atrophy. Nerve conduction function and muscle potentials were measured in the ipsilateral sciatic nerve and gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscle with electroneurography/-myography on days 10, 22, 44 after stroke. An additional crush-injury to the sciatic nerve was included in two sham mice as positive control (sham+). We found no differences in nerve conduction function nor spontaneous electromyographic activity between MCAo and sham animals. Sham+ mice developed marked reduction of the motor action potential amplitudes and conduction velocities with pathologic spontaneous activity. In conclusion, we found no peripheral nerve dysfunction/ degeneration as signs of a CIP-like phenotype after MCAo.
Correlation of patient characteristics with arm and finger measurements in Asian parturients: a preliminary study
Authors: Lim Ming Jian , Tan Chin Wen , Tan Hon Sen , Sultana Rehena , Eley Victoria , SNG Ban Leong 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement depends on appropriate cuff size and shape in relation to the arm. Arm dimensions outside the recommended range of cuff sizes or trunco-conical arms may result in inaccurate BP measurements. Measuring BP using finger cuffs is a potential solution. Arm cuff size is based on mid-arm circumference (MAC), and trunco-conicity is quantified by conicity index. We aimed to determine the correlation of MAC, body mass index (BMI), and weight with conicity index.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the KK Women’s and Children’s hospital where third trimester parturients scheduled for cesarean delivery were recruited after obtaining informed consent. Parturients were asked to rate their experience with time taken to obtain BP readings, cuff popping off during measurement, need to move the cuff from the upper arm to lower arm or leg, and need to change to a different cuff. Our primary outcome was the correlation between MAC and conicity index, calculated using Pearson’s correlation. The correlation between BMI and weight with conicity index was also determined.Results: We enrolled 300 parturients. Moderate correlation was found between left MAC and left conicity index (r=0.41, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.51), and right MAC and right conicity index (r=0.39, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.48). Weight (r=0.35 to 0.39) and BMI (r=0.41 to 0.43) correlated with conicity index in this study. MAC of 1 parturient fell outside the recommended range for arm cuffs, but all parturients fit into available finger cuffs. Obese parturients had increased problems with arm cuffs popping off and needing a change of cuff.Conclusions: BMI better correlated with conicity index compared to MAC or weight. Standard finger cuffs were suitable for all parturients studied and may be a suitable alternative.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04012151. Registered 9 Jul 2019 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04012151
Imiquimod does not elicit inflammatory responses in the skin of the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber)
Authors: Kisipan Mosiany Letura , Ojoo Rodi Omondi , Kanui Titus I. , Abelson Klas S.P. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objective: Naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) has recently attracted interest in biomedical research due to its exceptional longevity, cancer resistance and tolerance to potentially harmful conditions or stimuli. Given its unique attributes, this study was designed to characterize inflammatory skin reactions of this animal to topical application of imiquimod, a toll-like receptor 7 and 8 agonist that triggers psoriasis-like skin reaction. Results: Imiquimod did not cause the expected psoriasis-like skin changes. There was no epidermal thickening and a straight epidermo-dermal boundary was maintained. There was no parakeratosis and the granular layer of epidermis was well formed. In the dermis, there was no leukocyte infiltration. This points to an exceptional nature of inflammatory/immune responses of this animal, but the mechanism could not be explained by our results. Naked mole rat could be a valuable negative model for studying psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions but as a prerequisite, there is need for further investigations to establish the mechanisms behind its lack of response to imiquimod.
BTG1 inhibits malignancy as a novel prognosis signature in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Li Yibing , Huo Jianing , He Junjian , Zhang Yunzheng , Ma xiaoxin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the three major malignant tumors of the female reproductive system. In recent years, the incidence and mortality rate of EC have increased. B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) is an anti-proliferation gene that regulates the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors, but there is no research regarding this gene in EC.Methods: Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we used a variety of bioinformatics tools and databases to explore the expression and prognosis of BTG1. We verified expression and prognosis of BTG1 in EC using qRT-PCR and analyzed the relevant clinicopathological parameters. We functionally enriched BTG1 and related genes in EC patients through the bioinformatics website and analyzed miRNA targets of BTG1 and interacting protein networks. Cell proliferation, wound healing, transwell invasion, and cell apoptosis assays were used to detect the effects of BTG1 on the malignant biological behavior of endometrial carcinoma cells (ECCs). The effect of BTG1 on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was detected using western blot.Results: We analyzed the expression and prognosis of BTG1 based on TCGA and found that low expression of BTG1 was associated with poor EC prognosis. The qRT-PCR suggested that BTG1 had low expression in EC. BTG1 expression was significantly correlated with overall survival (OS) shortening. Clinicopathological analysis suggested that expression of BTG1 was related to invasion depth and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage. EC pathological tissue type, fertility history, lymphatic metastasis, menopause, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and age of diagnosis were not related. Functional enrichment analysis showed that BTG1 plays an important role in regulating embryonic development, tumorigenesis, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Biological behavior experiments suggest that BTG1 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of ECCs, and promotes apoptosis of ECCs. Western blot indicated that BTG1 inhibited the EMT process of ECCs.Conclusions: BTG1 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of EC. BTG1, as a tumor suppressor gene, shows low expression in EC, which can inhibit malignant biological behavior and EMT process of ECCs. In addition, BTG1 can be used as a potential prognostic biomarker for EC.