bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimodal analysis of the effects of dexamethasone on high-altitude cerebral oedema: protocol for a pilot study
Authors: Fisher O. , Benson R. A. , Wayte S. , Kimani P. K. , Hutchinson C. , Imray C. H. E. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a cluster of symptoms that commonly occur in those ascending to high altitudes. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, insomnia and fatigue. Exposure to high altitude can also lead to high-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE), which is a potential cause of death whilst mountaineering. Generally, AMS precedes the development of HACE. Historical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of regular dexamethasone administration in reducing the symptoms of AMS. However, the mechanism by which dexamethasone works to reduce symptoms AMS remains poorly understood. Further studies, simulating altitude using hypoxic tents, have characterised the effect of prolonged exposure to normobaric hypoxia on cerebral oedema and blood flow using MRI. This randomised trial assesses the effect of dexamethasone on hypoxia-induced cerebral oedema in healthy adult volunteers.

Methods/design
D4H is a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial assessing the effect of dexamethasone on hypoxia-induced cerebral oedema. In total, 20 volunteers were randomised in pairs to receive either 8.25 mg dexamethasone or normal saline placebo intravenously after 8 h of hypoxia with an FiO2 of 12%. Serial MRI images of the brain and spinal cord were obtained at hours 0, 7, 11, 22 and 26 of the study along with serum and urinary markers to correlate with the severity of cerebral oedema and the effect of the intervention.

Discussion
MRI has been used to identify changes in cerebral vasculature in the development of AMS and HACE. Dexamethasone is effective at reducing the symptoms of AMS; however, the mechanism of this effect is unknown. If this study demonstrates a clear objective benefit of dexamethasone in this setting, future studies may be able to demonstrate that dexamethasone is an effective therapy for oedema associated with brain and spinal cord ischaemia beyond AMS.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03341676. Registered on 14 November 2017.
Smoking and diabetes: dangerous liaisons and confusing relationships
Authors: Campagna D. , Alamo A. , Di Pino A. , Russo C. , Calogero A. E. , Purrello F. , Polosa R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe combined harmful effects of cigarette smoking and hyperglycemia can accelerate vascular damage in patients with diabetes who smoke, as is well known. Can smoking cause diabetes? What are the effects of smoking on macro and microvascular complications? Now growing evidence indicates that regular smokers are at risk of developing incident diabetes. Since the prevalence rates of smoking in patients with diabetes are relatively similar to those of the general population, it is essential to address the main modifiable risk factor of smoking to prevent the onset of diabetes and delay the development of its complications. Quitting smoking shows clear benefits in terms of reducing or slowing the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes. Does quitting smoking decrease the incidence of diabetes and its progression? What are the effects of quitting smoking on complications? The current evidence does not seem to unequivocally suggest a positive role for quitting in patients with diabetes. Quitting smoking has also been shown to have a negative impact on body weight, glycemic control and subsequent increased risk of new-onset diabetes. Moreover, its role on microvascular complications of the disease is unclear. What are the current smoking cessation treatments, and which ones are better for patients with diabetes? Stopping smoking may be of value for diabetes prevention and management of the disease and its macrovascular and microvascular complications. Unfortunately, achieving long-lasting abstinence is not easy and novel approaches for managing these patients are needed. This narrative review examines the evidence on the impact of smoking and smoking cessation in patients with diabetes and particularly in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. In addition, management options and potential future directions will be discussed.
Development of microsatellite markers for the Japanese endemic conifer Thuja standishii and transfer to other East Asian species
Authors: Worth James R. P. , Chang K. S. , Ha Y.-H. , Qin Aili 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveDesign polymorphic microsatellite loci that will be useful for studies of the genetic diversity, gene-flow and reproduction in the Japanese endemic coniferThuja standishiiand test the transferability of these loci to the two other East Asian species,T. sutchuenensisandT. koraiensis.ResultsFifteen loci were developed which displayed 3 to 21 alleles per locus (average = 9.2) among 97 samples from three populations ofT. standishii. Observed heterozygosity for all samples varied between 0.33 and 0.75 (average = 0.54) while expected heterozygosity values were higher with an average over the 15 loci of 0.62 (0.37–0.91). Low multi-locus probability of identity values (< 0.00002) indicate that these markers will be effective for identifying individuals derived from clonal reproduction. All 15 loci amplified in 13 samples ofT. sutchuenensis, the sister species ofT. standishii, with 1 to 11 alleles per locus (average = 4.33) while 13 loci amplified in four samples of the more distantly relatedT. koraiensiswith 1 to 5 alleles per locus (average = 2.15).
Exclusive breastfeeding practices and associated factors among lactating mothers of infants aged 6–24 months in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Joseph Yaw , Forkuor David , Agyemang-Duah Williams 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Objective
In spite of the benefits associated with exclusive breastfeeding practice (EBP), the practice remains low in Ghana. This study investigates prevalence and factors associated with EBP among lactating mothers of infants aged 6–24 months in Metropolitan Kumasi. Cross-sectional hospital-based data were collected at 5 health facilities from 160 randomly sampled lactating mothers. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine factors associated with EBP.

Results
The prevalence of EBP was 50.6%. The study revealed that mothers aged 30–49 years (AOR = 1.948; 95% CI [1.146–3.310]), with normal delivery (AOR = 1.824; 95% CI [0.863–2.467]) and those who were unemployed (AOR = 1.202; 95% CI [0.557–2.593]) and without sore nipple (AOR = 1.890; 95% CI [1.534–3.484]) were significantly more likely to practise exclusive breastfeeding. The study further found that respondents with 3–4 deliveries were 0. 492 times significantly less likely to practise exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 0.492; 95% CI [0.274–0.886]). The study has established the primacy of socio-demographic and health-related factors such as mothers’ age, employment status, number of deliveries (parity), mode of delivery and sore nipples in explaining EBP among lactating mothers. We recommend that policy on exclusive breastfeeding should consider multiple socio-demographic and health-related factors, especially, those associated with EBP.
Prevalence and associated factors of Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections among voluntary counseling and testing clients attending private health facilities in Bahir Dar city, North West Ethiopia 2014
Authors: Ameha Zena , Tadesse Senait , Assefa Abate , Tessema Belay 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveAlthough incredible progress has been made in treatment and prevention of Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections, the epidemic continues to spread in developing nations. The information on the prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections among voluntary counseling and testing clients in Ethiopia is limited. Hence, the study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections among voluntary counseling and testing clients attending private health facilities in Bahir Dar city.ResultA total of 382 study participants with the mean age of 25.43 years (SD = ± 6.87) were enrolled. Overall, 14 (3.7%) and 8 (2.1%) voluntary counseling and testing clients were positive for human immunodeficiency virus and Hepatitis C virus respectively. All Hepatitis C virus antibody positive individuals were males (3.8%). The sero-prevalence of Hepatitis C virus was significantly associated with the age group 41–50 years old (AOR = 65.65; 95% CI 4.57–943). Married study participants were also significantly associated with HIV infection (AOR = 7.92, 95% CI 1.32–47.31).
User rate and power optimization for HetNets under Poisson cluster process
Authors: Jiang Xinqi , Zheng Fu-Chun 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Heterogeneous cellular networks (HetNets) consist of different tiers of base stations (BSs) to meet the ever-increasing mobile traffic demand. Due to the random deployment of BSs, Poisson point process (PPP) is often used to model the BS distribution. However, low power small cells are usually clustered around the popular areas, and PPP can not reflect such a feature. To this end, we in this paper consider base station (BS) cooperation and analyze user rate and energy efficiency of HetNets based on a Poisson cluster process (PCP). A calculable formula for the average data rate (or spectral efficiency) and its approximated closed form are derived. Based on this closed form, a power minimization solution with certain spectral efficiency constraint is proposed, and the optimal cooperation radii are derived. Furthermore, we analyze spectral efficiency under a limited number of cooperative BSs in a two-tier network. Finally, we propose a range expansion (RE) scheme and examine the impact of this scheme. The theoretical analyses are verified by simulation results.
Characterizations of the dilation of frame generator dual pairs for group
Authors: Li Liang , Li Pengtong 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we are interested in the dilation problem on frame generator dual pairs for a unitary representation in Hilbert spaces. We show the existence of a Riesz generator dilation dual pair of a frame generator dual pair in Hilbert spaces. Then we reveal the uniqueness of such dilations in the sense of similarity and give a characterization of the dilation of frame generator alternate dual pairs by that of the canonical dual pair in terms of a special operator. We also exhibit that the corresponding operator between two dilations of a frame generator dual pair is in a special structure.
Stochastic P-bifurcation in a bistable Van der Pol oscillator with fractional time-delay feedback under Gaussian white noise excitation
Authors: Li Yajie , Wu Zhiqiang , Zhang Guoqi , Wang Feng , Wang Yuancen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe stochastic P-bifurcation behavior of a bistable Van der Pol system with fractional time-delay feedback under Gaussian white noise excitation is studied. Firstly, based on the minimal mean square error principle, the fractional derivative term is found to be equivalent to the linear combination of damping force and restoring force, and the original system is further simplified to an equivalent integer order system. Secondly, the stationary Probability Density Function (PDF) of system amplitude is obtained by stochastic averaging, and the critical parametric conditions for stochastic P-bifurcation of system amplitude are determined according to the singularity theory. Finally, the types of stationary PDF curves of system amplitude are qualitatively analyzed by choosing the corresponding parameters in each area divided by the transition set curves. The consistency between the analytical solutions and Monte Carlo simulation results verifies the theoretical analysis in this paper.
X-ray crystal structure of endosulfan sulfate
Authors: Lee Hwa-Kyung , Lee Jonghwa , Lee Junghak , Moon Joon-Kwan , Kim Jeong-Han 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
X-ray crystallography is an important method used to confirm the three-dimensional structure of a chemical compound. In this study, the crystal structure of endosulfan sulfate was investigated. Endosulfan sulfate is the major metabolite of the insecticide endosulfan, which is composed of two stereoisomers (α and β). From GC–MS analysis, α- and β-endosulfan each gave a single peak in the endosulfan sample, but only one peak was observed for endosulfan sulfate. Interestingly, in X-ray crystallography, two conformers of endosulfan sulfate (A and B) were observed at a ratio of 2(A):1(B). A heterocyclic seven-membered ring of conformer B assumed a horizontal-chair form, differing from two twisted forms of α-endosulfan while a vertical-chair form was observed for conformer A, showing the very similar structure to β-endosulfan; this difference in conformation is caused by differing bond angles at O(1)–C(8)–C(3) and O(2)–C(9)–C(4). In space packing, two asymmetric units were obtained, and three molecules were aligned in the order of A–A–B conformers in each unit. The total potential energy of A was slightly lower (approximately 4 kcal/mol) than B, possibly resulting in the two molecules of A that exist in a rigid crystal state. However, A and B conformers should not exist at room temperature in a solution state for GC–MS analysis, likely due to the small energy difference.
Investigation of the metabolic difference between ST-elevated myocardial infarction and non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction via LC/Q-TOF/MS/MS
Authors: Gundogdu Gulsah , Demirkaya Miloglu Fatma , Senol Onur , Koza Yavuzer , Gundogdu Fuat 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a clinical condition caused by a disturbance in myocardial blood flow. ACS can be basically divided into two forms: ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to complete occlusion of the coronary artery and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) due to partial occlusion of the coronary artery. In this study, we aimed to monitor the metabolite profile of STEMI and NSTEMI patients and compare the results via untargeted metabolomics approach. Serum samples were collected from STEMI and NSTEMI patients, and each group consists of 20 participants. Extraction was achieved by acetonitrile, and chromatographic separation was performed by LC/Q-TOF/MS/MS accompanied with dual AJS ESI positive ion mode. METLIN, MATLAB 2017a-PLS Toolbox7.2, and Human Metabolome Database were utilized for bioinformatics evaluation of obtained findings. In our results, 203 m/z ratio was detected and 163 m/z ratio passed the significance criteria (fold analysis > 1.5 and p < 0.05). Twenty-five metabolites including BCAAs, LysoPC species, lactic acid, succinate, malonic acid, maleic acid, butyric acid, carnitine, and betaine were identified. In conclusion, new biomarker candidates were identified to differentiate the diagnosis of STEMI and NSTEMI. Identified metabolites are indicative of alterations in oxidative stress, hypoxia, TCA cycle, and amino acid metabolism.
Improved optical performance of multi-layer MoS2 phototransistor with see-through metal electrode
Authors: Park Junghak , Das Dipjyoti , Ahn Minho , Park Sungho , Hur Jihyun , Jeon Sanghun 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In recent years, MoS2 has emerged as a prime material for photodetector as well as phototransistor applications. Usually, the higher density of state and relatively narrow bandgap of multi-layer MoS2 give it an edge over monolayer MoS2 for phototransistor applications. However, MoS2 demonstrates thickness-dependent energy bandgap properties, with multi-layer MoS2 having indirect bandgap characteristics and therefore possess inferior optical properties. Herein, we investigate the electrical as well as optical properties of single-layer and multi-layer MoS2-based phototransistors and demonstrate improved optical properties of multi-layer MoS2 phototransistor through the use of see-through metal electrode instead of the traditional global bottom gate or patterned local bottom gate structures. The see-through metal electrode utilized in this study shows transmittance of more than 70% under 532 nm visible light, thereby allowing the incident light to reach the entire active area below the source and drain electrodes. The effect of contact electrodes on the MoS2 phototransistors was investigated further by comparing the proposed electrode with conventional opaque electrodes and transparent IZO electrodes. A position-dependent photocurrent measurement was also carried out by locally illuminating the MoS2 channel at different positions in order to gain better insight into the behavior of the photocurrent mechanism of the multi-layer MoS2 phototransistor with the transparent metal. It was observed that more electrons are injected from the source when the beam is placed on the source side due to the reduced barrier height, giving rise to a significant enhancement of the photocurrent.
Configuration and structure of the Philippine Sea Plate off Boso, Japan: constraints on the shallow subduction kinematics, seismicity, and slow slip events
Authors: Ito Aki , Tonegawa Takashi , Uchida Naoki , Yamamoto Yojiro , Suetsugu Daisuke , Hino Ryota , Sugioka Hiroko , Obana Koichiro , Nakahigashi Kazuo , Shinohara Masanao 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe applied tomographic inversion and receiver function analysis to seismic data from ocean-bottom seismometers and land-based stations to understand the structure and its relationship with slow slip events off Boso, Japan. First, we delineated the upper boundary of the Philippine Sea Plate based on both the velocity structure and the locations of the low-angle thrust-faulting earthquakes. The upper boundary of the Philippine Sea Plate is distorted upward by a few kilometers between 140.5 and 141.0°E. We also determined the eastern edge of the Philippine Sea Plate based on the delineated upper boundary and the results of the receiver function analysis. The eastern edge has a northwest–southeast trend between the triple junction and 141.6°E, which changes to a north–south trend north of 34.7°N. The change in the subduction direction at 1–3 Ma might have resulted in the inflection of the eastern edge of the subducted Philippine Sea Plate. Second, we compared the subduction zone structure and hypocenter locations and the area of the Boso slow slip events. Most of the low-angle thrust-faulting earthquakes identified in this study occurred outside the areas of recurrent Boso slow slip events, which indicates that the slow slip area and regular low-angle thrust earthquakes are spatially separated in the offshore area. In addition, the slow slip areas are located only at the contact zone between the crustal parts of the North American Plate and the subducting Philippine Sea Plate. The localization of the slow slip events in the crust–crust contact zone off Boso is examined for the first time in this study. Finally, we detected a relatively low-velocity region in the mantle of the Philippine Sea Plate. The low-velocity mantle can be interpreted as serpentinized peridotite, which is also found in the Philippine Sea Plate prior to subduction. The serpentinized peridotite zone remains after the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate and is likely distributed over a wide area along the subducted slab.
Altered human cytomegalovirus-encoded miRNAs in host circulation: novel disease biomarkers and potential aetiological agents
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wang Jun-Jun , Zhang Chunni 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCirculating microRNAs (miRNAs) are exceptionally stable molecule markers in extracellular environments for various diseases. Importantly, some circulating miRNAs that were encapsulated in extracellular microvesicles (MVs) have been identified as critical mediators of intercellular communication, and function as novel cell-cell crosstalk gene-regulators. Burgeoning evidence has demonstrated that several types of viruses, including the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), can encode various miRNAs that play essential roles in disturbing the translation of either the eukaryotic host’s genes or virus own during multiple pathophysiological processes. Recently, HCMV-encoded miRNAs have also been uncovered in human circulation, moreover, some circulating HCMV-encoded miRNAs showed specific expression patterns in different diseases with no precise aetiology. In particular, dysregulated HCMV-encoded miRNAs can effectively regulate the host genes regulation, and were implicated in disease development. Given the clinical impact of circulating miRNAs and their abilities to profoundly modulate specific recipient cells, we postulate that characterization of altered HCMV-encoded miRNAs in host circulation may afford valuable insights into developing non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers and clarifying the potential pathophysiological mechanism for various complex diseases, even if the research on circulating HCMV miRNAs is just emerging. The focus of this review is on summarizing the updates on current developments and perspectives for diagnostic and discriminative usefulness of circulating HCMV-encoded miRNAs in various diseases, including essential hypertension, oral lichen planus disease, chronic hepatitis B and type 2 diabetes. We also review the physiological and pathophysiological effects of HCMV-encoded miRNAs on disease development and progression.
H-reflex latency changes after combined application of traction and neural mobilization in cervical radiculopathy
Authors: Hegazy Mohammed M. , Gomaa Ebtessam F. , Abd El Mageed Salwa F. , El Habashy Hala R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Cervical radiculopathy is a pathology of the cervical nerve root and mostly caused by a cervical disk herniation leading to chronic pain and disability.

Objectives
This study was conducted to show the effect of the combined application of intermittent cervical traction with median nerve mobilization on flexor carpi radialis (FCR) muscle H-reflex latency of median nerve in patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy due to disk lesion in a pre-post design.

Methods
Fifteen patients (10 females and 5 males) with a mean age of 38.07 ± 5.85 years received simultaneous application of intermittent cervical traction and median nerve mobilization. Six sessions were given every other day for 2 weeks. Also, patients perormed chin in exercises and upper back extension with scapular retraction. FCR H-reflex latency was measured pre- and post-treatment.

Results
Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant reduction of H-reflex latency at post-treatment in comparison to pretreatment (t = 5.447, p value = 0.0001*).

Conclusion
Simultaneous application of intermittent cervical traction and median nerve mobilization are effective in improving FCR H-reflex latency in patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy.