bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No relationship between the digit ratios (2D:4D) and salivary testosterone change: Study on men under an acute exercise
Authors: Kowal Marta , Sorokowski Piotr , Żelaźniewicz Agnieszka , Nowak Judyta , Orzechowski Sylwester , Żurek Grzegorz , Żurek Alina , Juszkiewicz Anna , Wojtycka Lidia , Sieniuć Wiktoria , Poniatowska Małgorzata , Tarnowska Karolina , Kowalska Kaja , Drabik Katarzyna , Łukaszek Patrycja , Krawczyk Krzysztof , Stefaniak Tadeusz , Danek Natalia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe digit ratio (2D:4D) is said to be a potential marker of exposure to prenatal sex steroids. Some studies suggest that the 2D:4D is also linked with the testosterone response to challenging situations due to organizational effect of prenatal hormonal milieu on adult endocrine functioning. However, up to date, there were only four studies (conducted on small samples) that examined the 2D:4D and the testosterone response to a challenging situation (i.e. physical exertion or aggressive context). Here, we examined the relationship between the 2D:4D and the testosterone change under an acute exercise among 97 men. We found that the digit ratios (the right 2D:4D, the left 2D:4D, and the right minus left 2D:4D) were neither predictors of pre-exercise testosterone, nor the change in testosterone level after a cycling task. Our results add a contradictory to previous studies evidence in a discussion on the links of the 2D:4D and the testosterone change.
Association of the methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase gene rs1801133 C677T variant with serum homocysteine levels, and the severity of coronary artery disease
Authors: Bouzidi Nadia , Hassine Majed , Fodha Hajer , Ben Messaoud Mejdi , Maatouk Faouzi , Gamra Habib , Ferchichi Salima 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate whether the single nucleotide polymorphism C677T (rs1801133) of the methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene was associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and circulating homocysteine (Hcy) levels in Tunisian population. 310 angiografically diagnosed CAD patients and 210 controls were enrolled in this study. The MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) polymorphism was genotyped, and the Hcy concentrations were measured. The severity of CAD was evaluated using the Gensini scoring system. Compared to the CC genotype, the TT genotype confers a higher risk for CAD severity with an OR = 9.07 and 95% CI = 3.78–21.8. The T allele was the predisposing allele for CAD and that it was probably associated with CAD severity. The area under the ROC curve for Hcy was 0.764 (95% CI 0.660 to 0.868, p = 0.001). The receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) for Hcy showed its useful prediction of CAD. Hcy levels were not significantly associated with CAD severity expressed by Gensini Score (GS). The MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) polymorphism influences circulating Hcy levels. The MTHFR C677T polymorphism and hyperhomocysteinemia could have an important role in the prediction of the presence and not the severity expressed by GS of CAD.
Subcarrier wave continuous variable quantum key distribution with discrete modulation: mathematical model and finite-key analysis
Authors: Samsonov E. , Goncharov R. , Gaidash A. , Kozubov A. , Egorov V. , Gleim A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper we report a continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocol using multimode coherent states generated on subcarrier frequencies of the optical spectrum. We propose a coherent detection scheme where power from a carrier wave is used as a local oscillator. We compose a mathematical model of the proposed scheme and perform its security analysis in the finite-size regime using fully quantum asymptotic equipartition property technique. We calculate a lower bound on the secret key rate for the system under the assumption that the quantum channel noise is negligible compared to detector dark counts, and an eavesdropper is restricted to collective attacks. Our calculation shows that the current realistic system implementation would allow distributing secret keys over channels with losses up to 9 dB.
Accuracy of Electrocardiography and Agreement with Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Pediatric Left Atrial Enlargement
Authors: Ng Charis , Ahmad Attila , Budhram Dalton R. , He Mu , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy , Mondal Tapas 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLeft atrial enlargement (LAE) is a marker for diastolic cardiac dysfunction. Echocardiograms are considered the gold-standard for diagnosis, but given their wider access and lower economic cost, electrocardiograms (ECGs) may be useful in identifying patients who would benefit from further investigation. This study investigates the utility of ECG criteria to diagnose LAE in pediatric patients. A retrospective chart review (n = 492) was conducted in patients whose echocardiograms demonstrated LAE by left atrial indexed diameter z-score ≥2.0 and/or increased left atrial to aortic root ratio at various cutoffs (≥1.4, ≥1.6, ≥1.8). ECG criteria studied included: (1) P wave ≥110 msec, (2) P mitrale ≥40 msec, in LII (3) terminal negative P wave deflection in lead V1 > 40 msec, and (4) P/PR segment >1.6 in lead II. Sensitivity, specificity, Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (κ), and ROC curves were calculated. A combination of P mitrale ≥40 msec and terminal negative P wave deflection in lead V1 > 40 msec yielded the greatest agreement (κ = 0.221, 95%CI 0.060–0.382), but all ECG criteria used to diagnose LAE had poor diagnostic value (AUC < 0.60). The present ECG criteria should not be used to diagnose LAE in the absence of an echocardiogram and findings should be considered in the context of clinical symptoms.
A nomogram to predict cadmium-induced renal tubular dysfunction
Authors: Wang Xinru , Chen Xin , He Weiming , Zhu Guoying , Jin Taiyi , Chen Xiao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCadmium-induced renal dysfunction varies between individuals. It would be valuable to figure out those susceptible individuals or predict the risk of cadmium induced renal dysfunction. In the present study, we used a nomogram model to identify high-risk of cadmium-induced renal tubular dysfunction. 342 subjects living in low and moderately cadmium polluted areas were included in this study. The daily cadmium intake from food (FCd) was estimated using food survey. The cadmium in blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) were detected by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Urinary β2Microglobulin (UBMG) was chosen as indicator of renal dysfunction. Logistic regression was used to select the independent risk factors for renal dysfunction. Bootstrap self-sampling and calibration curves were performed to quantify our modeling strategy. Age, sex, BCd and TCd were used to construct the nomogam in total population; age, BCd and TCd were adopted in women; age and BCd were used in men. The internal validation showed the C-index was 0.76 (95% 47 confidence interval (CI): 0.71–0.82) in total population, 0.74 (95% CI: 0.69–0.79) in men and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72–0.84) in women. The area under the curve of the nomogram was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.71–0.83) in total population, 0.82(95% CI: 0.74–0.90) in women and 0.74(95% CI: 0.66–0.82) in men. Nomogram may be a rapid and simple risk assessment tool for predicting high-risk of renal tubular dysfunction in subjects exposed cadmium.
Micro-Fabricated Presure Sensor Using 50 nm-Thick of Pd-Based Metallic Glass Freestanding Membrane
Authors: Van Toan Nguyen , Tuoi Truong Thi Kim , Tsai Yao-Chuan , Lin Yu-Ching , Ono Takahito 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper reports on micro-fabricated pressure sensors based on a thin metallic glass membrane. The Pd66Cu4Si30 metallic glass material is deposited successfully by a sputter technique. An amorphous feature of the deposited film is confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and the corresponding the selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The ultra-flat freestanding metallic glass membrane with 50 nm in thickness and 2 mm in circular diameter has been fabricated successfully. In addition, two kinds of micro-fabricated pressure sensor types, including itself membrane and additional metallic glass bar as piezoresistive sensing elements, are proposed and fabricated. A displacement of membrane can reach over 100 µm without any damage to membrane which is equivalent to over 0.7% of an elastic strain. Besides, the temperature coefficient of resistance of the Pd-based metallic glass thin film is extremely low 9.6 × 10−6 °C−1. This development of nano-thick metallic glass membrane possibly opens a new field of micro-fabricated devices with large displacement and enhanced sensing.
Effect of amniotic fluid stem cell transplantation on the recovery of bladder dysfunction in spinal cord-injured rats
Authors: Liang Ching-Chung , Shaw Sheng-Wen Steven , Ko Yu-Shien , Huang Yung-Hsin , Lee Tsong-Hai 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe effects of human amniotic fluid stem cell (hAFSC) transplantation on bladder function and molecular changes in spinal cord-injured (SCI) rats were investigated. Four groups were studied: sham and SCI plus phosphate-buffered saline (SCI + PBS), human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells, and hAFSCs transplantation. In SCI + PBS rat bladders, cystometry showed increased peak voiding pressure, voiding volume, bladder capacity, residual volume, and number of non-voiding contractions, and the total elastin/collagen amount was increased but collagen concentration was decreased at days 7 and 28. Immunoreactivity and mRNA levels of IGF-1, TGF-β1, and β3-adrenoceptor were increased at days 7 and/or 28. M2 immunoreactivity and M3 mRNA levels of muscarinic receptor were increased at day 7. M2 immunoreactivity was increased, but M2/M3 mRNA and M3 immunoreactivity levels were decreased at day 28. Brain derived-neurotrophic factor mRNA was increased, but immunoreactivity was decreased at day 7. HEK293 cell transplantation caused no difference compared to SCI + PBS group. hAFSCs co-localized with neural cell markers and expressed BDNF, TGF-β1, GFAP, and IL-6. The present results showed that SCI bladders released IGF-1 and TGF-β1 to stimulate elastin and collagen for bladder wall remodelling, and hAFSC transplantation improved these changes, which involved the mechanisms of BDNF, muscarinic receptors, and β3-adrenoceptor expression.
Synthesis of diglycolic acid functionalized core-shell silica coated Fe3O4 nanomaterials for magnetic extraction of Pb(II) and Cr(VI) ions
Authors: Nawaz Tehreema , Zulfiqar Sonia , Sarwar Muhammad Ilyas , Iqbal Mudassir 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAmine-terminated core-shell silica coated magnetite nanoparticles were functionalized with diglycolic acid for the first time to create acid moiety on the surface of the nanoparticles. The formation of magnetite nanoparticles was scrutinised through XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM, VSM and FTIR spectroscopy. The BET surface area of nano-sorbent was found to be 4.04 m2/g with pore size 23.68 nm. These nanomaterials were then utilized to remove the Pb(II) and Cr(VI) ions from their aqueous media and uptake of metal ions was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). A batch adsorption technique was applied to remove both ions at optimised pH and contact time with maximum adsorption efficiency for Pb(II) ions at pH 7 while for Cr(VI) ions at pH 3. Adsorption mechanism was studied using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms and equilibrium data fitted well for both the isotherms, showing complex nature of adsorption comprising both chemisorption as well as physio-sorption phenomena. The nanosorbents exhibited facile separation by applying external magnetic field due to the ferrimagnetic behaviour with 31.65 emu/g saturation magnetization. These nanosorbents were also found to be used multiple times after regeneration.
Photosynthetic and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Characteristics of Isodon rubescens (Hemsley) H. Hara
Authors: Zaiyou Jian , Xiuren Zhou , Jing Tian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe ecological and economic cultivation of Isodon rubescens is currently being carried out. The demand of I. rubescens for light intensity should be made clear to estimate whether the environmental conditions of an area are suitable for cultivating I. Rubescens and improve cultivation techniques. The photosynthetic and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of I. rubescens were determined with a Li-6400 photosynthesis system and PAM-2500 portable chlorophyll fluorescence apparatus. The results showed that there was no obvious midday depression of photosynthesis in I. rubescens leaves. The light compensation point and light saturation point of I. rubescens leaves were 21.83482 µmol·m−2·s−1 and 802.262 µmol·m−2·s−1, respectively. The CO2 compensation point and CO2 saturation point of I. rubescens leaves were 101.7199 µmol·mol−1 and 1674.514 µmol·mol−1, respectively. The maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II ((Fm-Fo)/Fm) in I. rubescens leaves reached 0.7. The electron transport rate of photosystem II in I. rubescens leaves reached 20 μmol electrons/(m2·s). I. rubescens can tolerate intense light above the light compensation point and utilize low light. I. rubescens leaves have a strong photoprotective capacity. I. rubescens can grow in both sunny and shady places. The most important factor affecting photosynthetic efficiency in I. rubescens leaves is the concentration of CO2 in air.
Predatory functional responses under increasing temperatures of two life stages of an invasive gecko
Authors: Haubrock Phillip J. , Cuthbert Ross N. , Veselý Lukáš , Balzani Paride , Baker Nathan Jay , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Kouba Antonín 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe direct effects of temperature increases and differences among life-history might affect the impacts of native and invasive predators on recipient communities. Comparisons of functional responses can improve our understanding of underlying processes involved in altering species interaction strengths and may predict the effect of species invading new communities. Therefore, we investigated the functional responses of the mourning geckoLepidodactylus lugubris(Duméril & Bibron, 1836) to explore how temperature, body-size and prey density alter gecko predatory impacts in ecosystems. We quantified the functional responses of juvenile and adult geckos in single-predator experiments at 20, 23 and 26 °C. Both displayed saturating Type-II functional responses, but juvenile functional responses and the novel Functional Response Ratio were positively affected by temperature as juvenile attack rates (a) increased as a function of increased temperature. Handling times (h) tended to shorten at higher temperature for both predator stages. We demonstrate that the effects of temperature on functional responses of geckos differ across ontogeny, perhaps reflecting life-history stages prioritising growth and maturation or body maintenance. This indicates that temperature-dependent gecko predatory impacts will be mediated by population demographics. We advocate further comparisons of functional responses to understand the invasiveness and future predatory impacts of geckos, and other invasive species globally, as temperatures change.
Features of p53 protein distribution in the corneal epithelium and corneal tear film
Authors: Tendler Yevgeny , Panshin Alexander 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTumor suppressor protein p53 is the key factor in the regulation of cell proliferation. Its concentration is low in the cytoplasm of most cell types. However, in corneal epithelium cells, abnormally high p53 content is detected. The aim of the present study was to characterize p53 distribution in the corneal epithelium. For this purpose, immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis and electronic microscope examinations were performed. A low level of p53 was identified in the lens, iris and retina; by contrast, a significantly high concentration of this protein was observed in the corneal epithelium. In opposite, MDM2 was identified in the lens, iris and retina while it is completely absent in the corneal epithelium. In addition, we found a significant amount of exosomes and other microvesicles containing p53 in the corneal mucin layer. We thus hypothesize that a significantly high level of p53 was caused by a combination of absents of MDM2 in parallel with p53 microvesicles storage.
A feasibility study of conducting surveillance for swine pathogens in slurry from North Carolina swine farms
Authors: Bailey Emily S. , Borkenhagen Laura K. , Choi Jessica Y. , Greer Annette E. , Culhane Marie R. , Gray Gregory C. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDespite close contact between humans and animals on large scale farms, little to no infectious disease research is conducted at this interface. Our goal in this preliminary study was to explore if we could detect swine pathogens using a non-invasive, indirect approach through the study of swine slurry. From April to November 2018, 105 swine slurry samples were collected by farm personnel from waste pits at two sites on a swine farm in North Carolina. These samples were tested for DNA and RNA viruses using a real-time PCR and RT-PCR. Statistical analyses were performed to measure association between virus positive outcomes and potential predictors such as date of sample collection, weight of pigs, number of pigs in barn, temperature, and weather conditions. Overall, 86% of the samples had evidence of at least one of the targeted viruses. Ultimately, this study demonstrated the utility of conducting noninvasive surveillance for swine pathogens through the study of swine slurry. Such swine slurry surveillance may supplant the need to handle, restrain, and collect specimens directly from pigs thus providing an approach to emerging pathogen detection that appeals to the swine industry.
Incidence and seasonality of major ocular trauma: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Kwon Jin-woo , Choi Moon Young , Bae Jung Min 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe designed this study to identify the epidemiological characteristics and trends of various types of ocular trauma in the population of the Republic of Korea. We conducted a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study using the Korean National Health Insurance claims database for January 2010 to December 2018. We compiled the monthly numbers of patients diagnosed with hyphema and those who received open reduction surgery due to orbital blowout fracture (BOF), primary closure of the cornea or sclera (PCCS), or intraocular foreign body (IOFB) removal. We obtained annual and monthly incidence rates, and differences according to age, sex, yearly trends, and seasonal variations. The incidence rate (per 100,000 person-years) was high in the order of hyphema (18.43), BOF (11.58), PCCS (1.99) and IOFB removal (0.39). Male predominance was evident in all types of major ocular trauma, but the age distribution varied with the type: hyphemas were most prevalent at 10–14 years of age, BOFs at 25–29 years of age, and open globe injuries (OGIs) at age 60 and older. Although all types of trauma showed significant seasonality, hyphemas (amplitude: 174.81) and BOFs (23.17) showed higher amplitudes compared to OGIs (PCCS: 11.96; IOFB removal: 6.72). While the incidence of blunt trauma injuries, including hyphemas and orbital BOFs, decreased steadily from 2010 to 2018, that of OGIs showed no remarkable change.
Nationwide patterns of hemorrhagic stroke among patients hospitalized with brain metastases: influence of primary cancer diagnosis and anticoagulation
Authors: Lee Victor , Jairam Vikram , Yu James B. , Park Henry S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBrain metastases can contribute to a decreased quality of life for patients with cancer, often leading to malaise, neurologic dysfunction, or death. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is an especially feared complication in patients with brain metastases given the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. We aim to characterize patients with cancer and brain metastases admitted to hospitals nationwide and identify factors associated with ICH. The 2016 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) was queried for all patients with cancer hospitalized with a diagnosis of brain metastases. Admissions with a primary or secondary diagnosis of ICH were further identified. Baseline differences in demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, and hospital-related characteristics between patients with and without ICH were assessed by chi-square, Mann–Whitney U, and ANOVA testing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ICH. Weighted frequencies were used to create national estimates for all data analysis. In 2016, a total 145,225 hospitalizations were associated with brain metastases, of which 4,145 (2.85%) had a concurrent diagnosis of ICH. Patients with ICH were more likely to have a longer length of stay (median 5 days vs 4 days, p < 0.001) and a higher cost of stay (median $14,241.14 vs $10,472.54, p  < 0.001). ICH was found to be positively associated with having a diagnosis of melanoma (odds ratio [OR] 5.01; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 3.50–7.61) and kidney cancer (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.69–3.72). Patients on long-term anticoagulation had a higher risk of ICH (OR 1.49; CI 1.15–1.91). Approximately 3% of patients hospitalized with brain metastases also had a diagnosis of ICH, which was significantly associated with longer length of stay and cost. Patients with melanoma, kidney cancer, and on long-term anticoagulation had a higher risk of ICH. Physicians should consider the risks of anticoagulation carefully for patients with brain metastases, especially those with melanoma and kidney cancer.
Effects of β-HgS on cell viability and intracellular oxidative stress in PC-12 cells
Authors: Geng Lujing , Xia Zhenghua , Yuan Lu , Li Cen , Zhang Ming , Du Yuzhi , Wei Lixin , Bi Hongtao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Traditional Tibetan medicines containing β-HgS have been used to treat chronic ailments for thousands of years. However, there has recently been speculation regarding the safety of these medicines due to their high mercury content. Although the toxic effect of β-HgS has been previously investigated in vivo, the mechanism underlying the toxicity of this compound remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the mechanism of β-HgS cytotoxicity via experiments performed on rat adrenal gland tumor cells (PC-12). Specifically, we analyze the viability and intracellular oxidative stress state of PC-12 cells treated with varying concentrations of β-HgS. For comparison purposes, the effects of MeHgCl and HgCl2, two Hg-based compounds, on ROS generation and MDA, GSH/GSSG, Nrf2, NQO-1, and HO-1 levels are also determined. It should be noted that we used the small-molecule thiols of cell culture medium, such as cysteine, to increase the solubility of β-HgS and prepare a β-HgS solution to treat PC-12 cells. The obtained results show that β-HgS inhibits cell viability at concentrations of 200–1000 ng Hg mL−1 (48 h treatment). In the concentration range of 200–600 ng Hg mL−1 (24 h treatment), the inhibitory effect of β-HgS is stronger than that of MeHgCl; however, this trend is reversed at higher concentrations (800–1000 ng mL−1) and longer exposure times (48 h). Moreover, β-HgS significantly promotes MDA, but has no appreciable influence on cell apoptosis and ROS generation in PC-12 cells, which suggests that its inhibitory effect on cell viability might be related to the stimulation of ROS-independent oxidative stress. Notably, β-HgS and HgCl2 significantly increase the GSH content, GSH/GSSG ratio, NQO-1 mRNA expression, and HO-1 protein expression in PC-12 cells, indicating that the antioxidant protection against these compounds is triggered by Nrf2 activation. HPLC-AFS analysis shows that in β-HgS and HgCl2 solutions, mercury exists in the same form of Hg2+, but the cytotoxicity of the former is greater. This is probably due to the additional oxidative damage induced by the S2− ion in β-HgS. In conclusion, β-HgS induces ROS-independent oxidative stress in PC-12 cells, and thus, is obviously cytotoxic. At the same time, it promotes the antioxidant capacity of cells by activating the Nrf2 pathway.