bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amygdala activity related to perceived social support
Authors: Sato Wataru , Kochiyama Takanori , Uono Shota , Sawada Reiko , Yoshikawa Sakiko 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPerceived social support enhances well-being and prevents stress-related ill-being. A recent structural neuroimaging study reported that the amygdala volume is positively associated with perceived social support. However, it remains unknown how neural activity in this region and functional connectivity (FC) between this and other regions are related to perceived social support. To investigate these issues, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed to analyze the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF). Perceived social support was evaluated using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Lower fALFF values in the bilateral amygdalae were associated with higher MSPSS scores. Additionally, stronger FC between the left amygdala and right orbitofrontal cortex and between the left amygdala and bilateral precuneus were associated with higher MSPSS scores. The present findings suggest that reduced amygdala activity and heightened connectivity between the amygdala and other regions underlie perceived social support and its positive functions.
Spread of equine arteritis virus among Hucul horses with different EqCXCL16 genotypes and analysis of viral quasispecies from semen of selected stallions
Authors: Socha Wojciech , Sztromwasser Pawel , Dunowska Magdalena , Jaklinska Barbara , Rola Jerzy 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEquine arteritis virus (EAV) is maintained in the horse populations through persistently infected stallions. The aims of the study were to monitor the spread of EAV among Polish Hucul horses, to analyse the variability of circulating EAVs both between- and within-horses, and to identify allelic variants of the serving stallions EqCXCL16 gene that had been previously shown to strongly correlate with long-term EAV persistence in stallions. Serum samples (n = 221) from 62 horses including 46 mares and 16 stallions were collected on routine basis between December 2010 and May 2013 and tested for EAV antibodies. In addition, semen from 11 stallions was tested for EAV RNA. A full genomic sequence of EAV from selected breeding stallions was determined using next generation sequencing. The proportion of seropositive mares among the tested population increased from 7% to 92% during the study period, while the proportion of seropositive stallions remained similar (64 to 71%). The EAV genomes from different stallions were 94.7% to 99.6% identical to each other. A number (41 to 310) of single nucleotide variants were identified within EAV sequences from infected stallions. Four stallions possessed EqCXCL16S genotype correlated with development of long-term carrier status, three of which were persistent shedders and the shedder status of the remaining one was undetermined. None of the remaining 12 stallions with EqCXCL16R genotype was identified as a persistent shedder.
Structural origins of the Mixed Alkali Effect in Alkali Aluminosilicate Glasses: Molecular Dynamics Study and its Assessment
Authors: Lodesani Federica , Menziani Maria Cristina , Hijiya Hiroyuki , Takato Yoichi , Urata Shingo , Pedone Alfonso 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe comprehension of the nonlinear effects provided by mixed alkali effect (MAE) in oxide glasses is useful to optimize glass compositions to achieve specific properties that depend on the mobility of ions, such as the chemical durability, glass transition temperature, viscosity and ionic conductivity. Although molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have already been applied to investigate the MAE on silicates, less effort has been devoted to study such phenomenon in mixed alkali aluminosilicate glasses where alkali cations can act both as modifiers, forming non-bridging oxygens and percolation channels, and as charge compensator of the AlO4− units present in the network. Moreover, the ionic conductivity has not been computed yet; thus, the accuracy of the atomistic simulations in reproducing the MAE on the property is still open to question. In this work, we have validated five major interatomic potentials for the classical MD simulations by modelling the structure, density, glass transition temperature and ionic conductivity for three aluminosilicate glasses, (25 − x)Na2O − x(K2O) − 10(Al2O3) − 65(SiO2) (x = 0, 12.5, 25). It was observed that only the core-shell (CS) polarizable force field well reproduces the experimentally measured MAE on Tg and the ionic conductivity as well as the higher conductivity of single sodium aluminosilicate glass at low temperature and the higher conductivity of single potassium aluminosilicate glass at high temperature. The MAE is related to the suppression of jump events of the alkaline ions between dissimilar sites in the percolation channels consisting of both sodium and potassium ions as in the case of alkaline silicates. The superior reproducibility of the CS potential is originated from the larger and the flexible ring structures due to the smaller Si-O-Si inter-tetrahedra angle, creating appropriate percolation channels for ion conductivity. We also report detailed assessments for using the potential models including the CS potential for investigating MAE on aluminosilicates.
A high biodiversity mitigates the impact of ocean acidification on hard-bottom ecosystems
Authors: Rastelli Eugenio , Petani Bruna , Corinaldesi Cinzia , Dell’Anno Antonio , Lo Martire Marco , Cerrano Carlo , Danovaro Roberto 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBiodiversity loss and climate change simultaneously threaten marine ecosystems, yet their interactions remain largely unknown. Ocean acidification severely affects a wide variety of marine organisms and recent studies have predicted major impacts at the pH conditions expected for 2100. However, despite the renowned interdependence between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, the hypothesis that the species’ response to ocean acidification could differ based on the biodiversity of the natural multispecies assemblages in which they live remains untested. Here, using experimentally controlled conditions, we investigated the impact of acidification on key habitat-forming organisms (including corals, sponges and macroalgae) and associated microbes in hard-bottom assemblages characterised by different biodiversity levels. Our results indicate that, at higher biodiversity, the impact of acidification on otherwise highly vulnerable key organisms can be reduced by 50 to >90%, depending on the species. Here we show that such a positive effect of a higher biodiversity can be associated with higher availability of food resources and healthy microbe-host associations, overall increasing host resistance to acidification, while contrasting harmful outbreaks of opportunistic microbes. Given the climate change scenarios predicted for the future, we conclude that biodiversity conservation of hard-bottom ecosystems is fundamental also for mitigating the impacts of ocean acidification.
Evaluation of an activated carbon disposal system for safe disposal of model prescription sedative medications
Authors: Dasht Bozorg Behnam , Fowler William , Korey Andrew , Anderson Carter , Banga Ajay K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractLack of a safe and convenient disposal method for expired and unused medications may lead to many problems such as accidental exposure, intentional misuse, and food and water contamination. Activated carbon can offer safe disposal of medications due to its highly porous structure, which exerts strong physical adsorption forces with chemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of an activated carbon-based drug disposal system for deactivating three model sedative prescription medications. Deactivation was performed by mixing the medication, activated carbon, and tap water. Desorption was evaluated by exposing the deactivation system to wash-out solutions. Rapid, precise, accurate, and sensitive HPLC-UV method for each drug was successfully developed, validated and employed. Results of the 28-day deactivation study showed that on average, more than 94.00% of drugs were rapidly deactivated within 8 hours. All drugs reached more than 99.00% deactivation by the end of 28-day period. Desorption study demonstrated that all medications were retained by the system, with insignificant amount of drug (0.25%) leached into the washout solutions within 24 hours. In conclusion, activated carbon rapidly and successfully deactivated the medications tested, suggesting activated carbon-based drug disposal system provides a convenient, secure, and effective method for unused medication.
Small molecule activation of metabolic enzyme pyruvate kinase muscle isozyme 2, PKM2, circumvents photoreceptor apoptosis
Authors: Wubben Thomas J. , Pawar Mercy , Weh Eric , Smith Andrew , Sajjakulnukit Peter , Zhang Li , Dai Lipeng , Hager Heather , Pai Manjunath P. , Lyssiotis Costas A. , Besirli Cagri G. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPhotoreceptor cell death is the ultimate cause of vision loss in many retinal disorders, and there is an unmet need for neuroprotective modalities to improve photoreceptor survival. Similar to cancer cells, photoreceptors maintain pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2 (PKM2) expression, which is a critical regulator in aerobic glycolysis. Unlike PKM1, which has constitutively high catalytic activity, PKM2 is under complex regulation. Recently, we demonstrated that genetically reprogramming photoreceptor metabolism via PKM2-to-PKM1 substitution is a promising neuroprotective strategy. Here, we explored the neuroprotective effects of pharmacologically activating PKM2 via ML-265, a small molecule activator of PKM2, during acute outer retinal stress. We found that ML-265 increased PKM2 activity in 661 W cells and in vivo in rat eyes without affecting the expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism. ML-265 treatment did, however, alter metabolic intermediates of glucose metabolism and those necessary for biosynthesis in cultured cells. Long-term exposure to ML-265 did not result in decreased photoreceptor function or survival under baseline conditions. Notably, though, ML-265-treatment did reduce entrance into the apoptotic cascade in in vitro and in vivo models of outer retinal stress. These data suggest that reprogramming metabolism via activation of PKM2 is a novel, and promising, therapeutic strategy for photoreceptor neuroprotection.
Bluephage, a method for efficient detection of somatic coliphages in one hundred milliliter water samples
Authors: Méndez Javier , Toribio-Avedillo Daniel , Mangas-Casas Raquel , Martínez-González Judit 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEmerging water quality guidelines and regulations require the absence of somatic coliphages in 100 mL of water, yet the efficiency of standardized methods to test this volume of sample is questionable. A recently described procedure, Bluephage, using a modifiedE. colihost strain, overcomes some of the methodological limitations of standardized methods. In a maximum of 6.5 hours (2.5 hours for pre-growing the host strain and 4 hours for the presence/absence test), Bluephage allows the direct detection of one plaque-forming unit (PFU) in a 100 mL water sample. The test shows high levels of specificity for somatic coliphages and comparable accuracy with standardized methods.
Methodology as a Lingua Franca in International Relations: Peripheral Self-reflections on Dialogue with the Core
Authors: Aydinli Ersel 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Scholarly dialogue between ‘core’ and ‘periphery’ or ‘West/non-West’ in many disciplinary communities has become an issue of discussion in recent decades, spawned in part by increased expectations in many periphery communities of being published in core journals, and complicated by factors such as the linguistic hegemony of English and concerns about access. The International Relations (IR) discipline has been at the forefront of this discussion. However, despite widespread awareness of the issue, and a dedicated push for greater emphasis on local theorising out of the periphery, the cutting edge of global IR scholarship still remains core dominant. This article proposes that a focus on ‘quality’ methodology, in the broadest possible sense of having transparent and effectively applied research designs, could serve as a lingua franca to promote the exchange of ideas in a way less prone to disadvantage periphery scholars. The article goes on to examine this issue by focusing on the case of the Turkish IR disciplinary community. It looks at how methodological issues are currently considered in Turkish IR pedagogy and scholarship and then offers a self-reflective assessment of the quality of methodology in Turkish IR. It concludes by offering suggestions on how the Turkish IR disciplinary community could better address methodological issues and, ultimately, perhaps achieve greater impact within the global IR community.
Chinese Student Teachers’ Reticence in Teacher Education Courses
Authors: Yan Chunmei , He Chuanjun 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
There has been a plethora of research on the reticence of Chinese EFL students at undergraduate level both in China and beyond; however, little attention has been paid to this phenomenon in content-based EFL teacher education courses at the postgraduate level. This study focused on a group of Chinese EFL MEd student teachers in a language teacher development course delivered by a Chinese teacher educator. Three triangulated qualitative methods were employed to gather data, including one-semester-long classroom observations, course evaluations, and group interviews. Reticence was found to have been caused by the interplay between dispositional and circumstantial factors related to both students and teachers. The study highlights a need for mutual adaptations to address reticence in content-based teacher education classes.
Health research and knowledge translation for achieving the sustainable development goals: tackling the hurdles
Authors: Sipido Karin R , Nagyova Iveta 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
We are far from reaching the sustainable development goals (SDGs) for health despite a wealth of novel insights in disease mechanisms and possible solutions. Why have we failed in knowledge translation and implementation? Starting from the case of cardiovascular diseases as one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases, we examine barriers and hurdles, and perspectives for future health research. Health has multiple links with other SDGs. To accelerate the progress towards a healthy society, health research needs to take a broader view and become more cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral. As one example, behavioural studies will underpin better prevention and treatment adherence. The next generation workforce in health and research needs an adapted education and training to implement more effective health approaches. As well, only effective dialogue and communication between researchers, practitioners, society and policymakers can lead to translation of evidence into policies, addressing the complexity of socioeconomic factors and commercial interests. Within Europe, health research needs a comprehensive vision and strategy that connects to achieving better health, as one of the interconnected SDGs.
The SDGs and health systems: the last step on the long and unfinished journey to universal health care?
Authors: Rajan Selina , Ricciardi Walter , McKee Martin 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In 2015, the world’s governments committed, in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, something they will be held accountable for. We examine progress in the WHO European Region using data from several sources. We assess effective coverage using data from the Global Burden of Disease Programme, including access to 9 key interventions for maternal and child health and communicable and non-communicable diseases and mortality from 32 conditions amenable to health care. Progress is mixed; while Finland and Iceland have already achieved the 2030 target already, other countries, including in the Caucasus and Central Asia have not yet, and are unlikely to by 2030. We then examine financial protection, where progress lags in Central and South East Europe and the former Soviet Union, where high out-of-pocket healthcare payments and catastrophic spending are still common. We stress the need to consider inequalities within countries, with the most vulnerable groups, such as Roma or newly arrived migrants (from the Middle East and Africa) often underserved, while their needs are frequently undocumented. To make progress on the SDGs, governments must invest more heavily in health services research and support the infrastructure and capacity required to enable it.
Isotonitazene Quantitation and Metabolite Discovery in Authentic Forensic Casework
Authors: Krotulski Alex J , Papsun Donna M , Kacinko Sherri L , Logan Barry K 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
The synthetic opioid landscape continues to change as non-fentanyl-related substances appear in forensic toxicology casework. Among the newest synthetic opioids to emerge is isotonitazene, an analogue of a benzimidazole class of analgesic compounds. Isotonitazene is an active and potent synthetic opioid, but the extent to which this compound is causing toxicity among drug users was previously unknown. This report describes the confirmation and quantitation of isotonitazene in blood, urine and vitreous fluid through standard addition, as well as in vivo metabolic profile determination in drug users. Quantitative analysis was performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and metabolite discovery was performed using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). In total, 18 cases were confirmed positive for isotonitazene, nine of which were previously negative for any opioid. The average isotonitazene concentration in blood was 2.2 ± 2.1 ng/mL (median 1.75 ng/mL, range 0.4–9.5 ng/mL), and the average isotonitazene concentration in urine was 2.4 ± 1.4 ng/mL (median 2.7 ng/mL, range 0.6–4.0 ng/mL). The lowest concentration of isotonitazene in blood was 0.4 ng/mL (two cases) with no other opioids present; findings in death investigations. Four metabolites of isotonitazene were detected in vivo. N- and O-dealkylation products were determined to be the most prominent urinary biomarkers, while 5-amino-isotonitazene was identified in most blood samples. The prevalence and popularity of isotonitazene continue to increase in the United States in early 2020. Toxicologists, medical examiners and coroners should be aware of novel opioids outside the standard scope of testing, especially in medicolegal death investigations. Forensic scientists should add isotonitazene to testing procedures, and public health officials should counsel about potent new drugs and the dangers of opioid use.
Minimally Invasive Muscle Embedding Generates Donor-Cell-Derived Muscle Fibers that Express Desmin and Dystrophin
Authors: Roche Joseph A , Begam Morium , Eaton Andrea K , Elkins Collin J , Johnson Jaclyn P , Rosinski Mattina M , Galen Sujay S 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The aim of this study was to quantify the extent of donor-cell-derived myogenesis achieved by a novel surgical technique known as Minimally Invasive Muscle Embedding (MIME).

Materials and Methods
Through MIME, we implanted a single extensor digitorum longus muscle from donor mice (N = 2) that expressed a red fluorescent protein (RFP), into the left tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of immunodeficient host mice (N = 4) that expressed a green fluorescent protein (GFP). Soon after MIME, we injected a myotoxin (barium chloride), into the host TA muscle, to trigger concerted muscle degeneration and regeneration. In lieu of MIME, we performed a SHAM procedure on the right TA muscle of the same set of animals.

Results
In MIME-treated muscles, 22% ± 7% and 78% ± 7% muscle fibers were RFP+ and GFP+, respectively (mean ± standard deviation); and all RFP+ fibers were positive for desmin and dystrophin. Conclusion. We conclude that MIME helps generate muscle fibers of donor origin, in host muscle.
The Joint Emergency Medicine Exercise: A Capstone Training Evolution of a Military Unique Curriculum for Emergency Medicine Residents
Authors: Engelbert LT Patrick R , Deaton Travis G , Walrath Benjamin D , Rudinsky Sherri L 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The role of the Emergency Medicine (EM) physician in the U.S. military continues to expand, and current Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education general training requirements do not optimally prepare military EM graduates to be successful in postresidency operational assignments. To address this gap, the Naval Medical Center San Diego EM residency program introduced a Military Unique Curriculum (MUC) culminating in a capstone event, the Joint Emergency Medicine Exercise (JEMX).

Methods
Part of an approved Quality Improvement project, annual survey results from 2012 to 2017 evaluated graduate opinion on the strengths and weaknesses of the MUC. We describe a pilot project conceived by tri-service EM physicians to evaluate the feasibility of the JEMX.

Results
Forty-eight graduate residents responded to surveys, 18 of which were administered pre-MUC implementation. With a 100% response rate from graduate residents, overall trends showed greater perceived readiness for postresidency operational assignments after MUC implementation. Written comments received cited the MUC as areas where the Naval Medical Center San Diego EM program excelled and the successful JEMX evolutions as the most valuable curricular component of the MUC.

Conclusion
An integrated MUC with a capstone exercise, such as our JEMX, provides a feasible and effective educational experience that improves operational readiness of graduating EM residents.
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Improve Lifespan of Stored Blood
Authors: Rzigalinski Beverly A , Giovinco Holly M , Cheatham Byron J 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Blood is a precious commodity, with storage limited to 42 days under refrigeration. Degradative changes in red blood cells (RBCs) begin as early as 11–21 days after collection, and compromise their function. Materials that extend the life of RBCs will improve blood utilization in the field, as well as in hospital settings. Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) are widely used in the materials industry to counteract oxidative stress and improve oxygen storage. We have previously shown that CeONPs extended the lifespan of cells in culture and counteract oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. Here, we test the hypothesis that CeONPs extend the lifespan of RBCs in whole stored blood.

Materials and Methods
Rat whole blood was collected with sodium citrate and stored at 4°C. Groups consisted of control (no CeONPs), and 10 and 100 nM CeONPs (average particle size 10 nm) added. Aliquots of stored blood were removed weekly and analyzed for different blood parameters.

Results
Results demonstrate that CeONPs improve storage and functional lifespan of RBCs in stored whole blood.

Conclusions
This work suggests that CeONPs may be a promising additive for extending storage and function of blood and blood products.