bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Betaine in ameliorating alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis
Authors: Rehman Aisha , Mehta Kosha J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAlcohol-associated liver disease (AALD) is one of most common chronic liver diseases. Hepatic steatosis is the earliest stage in AALD pathological spectrum, reversible by alcohol abstinence. Untreated steatosis can progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis and/or cirrhosis. Considering the difficulties in achieving complete abstinence, challenges in disease reversal at advanced stages, high costs of AALD management and lack of standardised prescribed medications for treatment, it is essential to explore low-cost natural compounds that can target AALD at an early stage and halt or decelerate disease progression. Betaine is a non-hazardous naturally occurring nutrient. Here, we address the mechanisms of alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis, the role of betaine in reversing the effects i.e., its action against hepatic steatosis in animal models and humans, and the associated cellular and molecular processes. Accordingly, the review discusses how betaine restores the alcohol-induced reduction in methylation potential by elevating the levels of S-adenosylmethionine and methionine. It details how betaine reinstates alcohol-induced alterations in the expressions and/or activities of protein phosphtase-2A, FOXO1, PPAR-α, AMPK, SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase, diacylglycerol transferase-2, adiponectin and nitric oxide. Interrelationships between these factors in preventing de novo lipogenesis, reducing hepatic uptake of adipose-tissue-derived free fatty acids, promoting VLDL synthesis and secretion, and restoring β-oxidation of fatty acids to attenuate hepatic triglyceride accumulation are elaborated. Despite its therapeutic potential, very few clinical trials have examined betaine’s effect on alcohol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. This review will provide further confidence to conduct randomised control trials to enable maximum utilisation of betaine’s remedial properties to treat alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis.
Clinical phenotype modulates brain’s myelin and iron content in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Roggenhofer Elisabeth , Toumpouli Evdokia , Seeck Margitta , Wiest Roland , Lutti Antoine , Kherif Ferath , Novy Jan , Rossetti Andrea O. , Draganski Bogdan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTemporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is associated with brain pathology extending beyond temporal lobe structures. We sought to look for informative patterns of brain tissue properties in TLE that go beyond the established morphometry differences. We hypothesised that volume differences, particularly in hippocampus, will be paralleled by changes in brain microstructure. The cross-sectional study included TLE patients (n = 25) from a primary care center and sex-/age-matched healthy controls (n = 55). We acquired quantitative relaxometry-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data yielding whole-brain maps of grey matter volume, magnetization transfer (MT) saturation, and effective transverse relaxation rate R2* indicative for brain tissue myelin and iron content. For statistical analysis, we used the computational anatomy framework of voxel-based morphometry and voxel-based quantification. There was a positive correlation between seizure activity and MT saturation measures in the ipsilateral hippocampus, paralleled by volume differences bilaterally. Disease duration correlated positively with iron content in the mesial temporal lobe, while seizure freedom was associated with a decrease of iron in the very same region. Our findings demonstrate the link between TLE clinical phenotype and brain anatomy beyond morphometry differences to show the impact of disease burden on specific tissue properties. We provide direct evidence for the differential effect of clinical phenotype characteristics on processes involving tissue myelin and iron in mesial temporal lobe structures. This study offers a proof-of-concept for the investigation of novel imaging biomarkers in focal epilepsy.
New possibilities for neuroprotection in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Victor Suresh , Rocha-Ferreira Eridan , Rahim Ahad , Hagberg Henrik , Edwards David 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAround 0.75 million babies worldwide suffer from moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) each year resulting in around 400,000 babies with neurodevelopmental impairment. In 2010, neonatal HIE was associated with 2.4% of the total Global Burden of Disease. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH), a treatment that is now standard of care in high-income countries, provides proof of concept that strategies that aim to improve neurodevelopment are not only possible but can also be implemented to clinical practice. While TH is beneficial, neonates with moderate or severe HIE treated with TH still experience devastating complications: 48% (range: 44–53) combined death or moderate/severe disability. There is a concern that TH may not be effective in low- and middle-income countries. Therapies that further improve outcomes are desperately needed, and in high-income countries, they must be tested in conjunction with TH. We have in this review focussed on pharmacological treatment options (e.g. erythropoietin, allopurinol, melatonin, cannabidiol, exendin-4/exenatide). Erythropoietin and allopurinol show promise and are progressing towards the clinic with ongoing definitive phase 3 randomised placebo-controlled trials. However, there remain global challenges for the next decade. Conclusion: There is a need for more optimal animal models, greater industry support/sponsorship, increased use of juvenile toxicology, dose-ranging studies with pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling, and well-designed clinical trials to avoid exposure to harmful medications or abandoning putative treatments.

What is Known:• Therapeutic hypothermia is beneficial in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.• Neonates with moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with therapeutic hypothermia still experience severe sequelae.

What is New:• Erythropoietin, allopurinol, melatonin, cannabidiol, and exendin-4/exenatide show promise in conjunction with therapeutic hypothermia.• There is a need for more optimal animal models, greater industry support/sponsorship, increased use of juvenile toxicology, dose-ranging studies with pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling, and well-designed clinical trials.
Co-infection of pigs with Taenia solium cysticercosis and gastrointestinal parasites in Eastern and Western Uganda
Authors: Ngwili Nicholas , Thomas Lian , Githigia Samuel , Muloi Dishon , Marshall Karen , Wahome Raphael , Roesel Kristina 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA study was carried out in Kamuli and Hoima districts in Eastern and Western regions of Uganda to determine the Taenia solium porcine cysticercosis (PCC) and gastrointestinal (GI) parasites co-infection status in pigs. One hundred sixty-one households were selected randomly and visited between November and December 2019. A household questionnaire was administered, and faecal and blood samples were collected from at least one pig older than 3 months per household. A blood sample was obtained from a jugular venipuncture, and a rectal faecal sample was obtained. Taenia spp. circulating antigen levels in the sample sera were tested using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, apDia™ cysticercosis Ag ELISA. The modified McMaster technique was used to identify and quantify the GI parasites. The apparent animal-level seroprevalence for PCC was 4.8% (95% CI 2.7–7.1) and differed across the two districts (p = 0.018). At the pig herd level, the prevalence was 9.7% (95% CI 5.5–14.4). The prevalence of the different nematode eggs and coccidian oocysts in the two districts was as follows: strongyles 79.0% (95% CI 74.3–83.6), coccidia 73.3% (95% CI 68.3–78.6), Trichuris spp. 7.4% (95% CI 4.9–10.6), Strongyloides ransomi 2.1 (95% CI 0.7–3.5) and Ascaris spp. 4.9 (95% CI 2.8–7.4). Overall, across the two districts, the arithmetic mean for the oocysts per gram (OPG) for coccidia was 2042.2 ± 5776.1, and eggs per gram (EPG) were the highest in strongyles 616.1 ± 991. Overall, 57.4% of the porcine cysticercosis seropositive pigs were also positive for at least one of the gastrointestinal helminths which included strongyles, Strongyloides ransomi, Trichuris spp. and Ascaris spp. The co-infection status of pigs with both PCC and GI parasites demonstrated by this study can provide an incentive for integrating the control and management of both parasites with oxfendazole. Further studies are required to understand the feasibility of using oxfendazole including cost–benefit analysis and the acceptability by local stakeholders for the control of T. solium cysticercosis and gastrointestinal parasites in pigs.
Bounding the Inefficiency of Compromise in Opinion Formation
Authors: Caragiannis Ioannis , Kanellopoulos Panagiotis , Voudouris Alexandros A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSocial networks on the Internet have seen an enormous growth recently and play a crucial role in different aspects of today’s life. They have facilitated information dissemination in ways that have been beneficial for their users but they are often used strategically in order to spread information that only serves the objectives of particular users. These properties have inspired a revision of classical opinion formation models from sociology using game-theoretic notions and tools. We follow the same modeling approach, focusing on scenarios where the opinion expressed by each user is a compromise between her internal belief and the opinions of a small number of neighbors among her social acquaintances. We formulate simple games that capture this behavior and quantify the inefficiency of equilibria using the well-known notion of the price of anarchy. Our results indicate that compromise comes at a cost that strongly depends on the neighborhood size.
Ein holistisches Update zu kongenitalen Handfehlbildungen
Authors: Smolle Christian , Singer Georg , Kraus Tanja , Girsch Werner 
Published: November 2021

ZusammenfassungKongenitale Deformitäten der Extremitäten treten mit einer Inzidenz von etwa 1,5 bis 3 Fällen pro 1000 Geburten auf. Einfache Deformitäten wie Syn- oder Polydaktylien sind um ein Vielfaches häufiger als komplexe Deformitäten, wie Radius- oder Ulnahypoplasien oder Peromelien, wobei dazu in Österreich (wie in den meisten Ländern der westlichen Welt) dokumentationsbedingt keine verlässlichen Daten existieren. Dank moderner diagnostischer Verfahren, insbesondere der immer besseren pränatalen Bildgebung, werden Deformitäten der Extremitäten zunehmend früher erkannt. Die Diagnose löst bei den Eltern stets große Verunsicherung aus, weswegen hier von Anfang an eine umfassende Beratung und empathische Begleitung notwendig ist. Kleinkinder mit Deformitäten der oberen Extremität empfinden subjektiv meist überhaupt keine Einschränkung und verwenden die Extremität auf die Art und Weise, die die Malformation erlaubt. Dazu sei erwähnt, dass in den allermeisten Fällen keine kognitiven Beeinträchtigungen bestehen und mit einer normalen geistigen Entwicklung gerechnet werden kann. Die Korrektur der Deformität hat zum Ziel, dem Kind eine sensible Extremität mit einer im Alltag verwendbaren Greiffunktion zu Verfügung zu stellen. Der ideale Operationszeitpunkt liegt zwischen dem 6. Lebensmonat und 2. Lebensjahr, um eine vollständige funktionelle Integration der rekonstruierten Hand ins Körperschema zu gewährleisten. Psychologische Betreuung der Eltern und Kinder bis zum Erreichen des Erwachsenenalters stärkt das Selbstbewusstsein der Betroffenen; dabei wird bewusst großer Wert auf die richtige Diktion gelegt und die Deformität von Anfang an positiv als Besonderheit und nicht als Fehlbildung bezeichnet.
Genetic alterations associated with malignant transformation of sporadic vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Håvik Aril Løge , Bruland Ove , Miletic Hrvoje , Poulsgaard Lars , Scheie David , Fugleholm Kåre , Lund-Johansen Morten , Knappskog Per-Morten 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the vestibulocochlear nerve (VN-MPNST) is exceedingly rare and carries a poor prognosis. Little is known about its underlying genetics and in particular the process of malignant transformation. There is an ongoing debate on whether the transformation is initiated by ionizing radiation. We present here the analysis and comparison of two post-radiation VN-MPNST and one undergoing spontaneous transformation.

Methods
Four tumors from three patients (radiation-naïve vestibular schwannoma before (VS) and after (VN-MPNST) malignant transformation in addition to two post-radiation VN-MPNST) were subjected to DNA whole-genome microarray and whole-exome sequencing and tumor-specific mutations were called. Mutational signatures were characterized using MuSiCa.

Results
The tumor genomes were characterized predominantly by copy-number aberrations with 36–81% of the genome affected. Even the VS genome was grossly aberrated. The spontaneous malignant transformation was characterized by a near-total whole-genome doubling, disappearance of NF2 mutation and new mutations in three cancer-related genes (GNAQ, FOXO4 and PDGFRB). All tumors had homozygous loss of the tumor suppressor CDKN2A. Neither mutational signature nor copy number profile was associated with ionizing radiation.

Conclusion
The VN-MPNST genome in our cases is characterized by large copy-number aberrations and homozygous deletion of CDKN2A. Our study demonstrates a VS with genetic alterations similar to its malignant counterpart, suggesting the existence of premalignant VS. No consistent mutational signature was associated with ionizing radiation.
Economic stress of people 50 + in European countries in the Covid-19 pandemic–do country policies matter?
Authors: Chłoń-Domińczak Agnieszka , Holzer-Żelażewska Dorota 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Covid-19 pandemic caused lockdown of economies, which in turn led to the worsening of the economic situation of many households. During the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic governments undertook various measures to support economies and societies, including jobs protection along with financial support provision to people who suffered financial loss during the economic crisis. We analyse the economic situation of older Europeans, depending on their socio-economic status as well as country of residence characteristics, including economic and labour market changes during the first phase of the pandemic, the strictness of government policies but also the country development level using the Human Development Index. We use the results of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), including the SHARE Corona Telephone Survey, which was conducted during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our results indicate that individual characteristics have a higher impact on individual economic stress, compared to country characteristics. However, country’s response to the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also the overall level of development influences the economic situation and ability to cope with the economic risks people aged 50 and over face. People in more developed countries have smaller difficulties in making ends meet, while the economic crisis and more stringent policies reduce chances to receive financial support and increase economic risks.
TIARA 2.0: an interactive tool for annotating discourse structure and text improvement
Authors: Putra Jan Wira Gotama , Matsumura Kana , Teufel Simone , Tokunaga Takenobu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDiscourse structure annotation aims at analysing how discourse units (e.g. sentences or clauses) relate to each other and what roles they play in the overall discourse. Several annotation tools for discourse structure have been developed. However, they often only support specific annotation schemes, making their usage limited to new schemes. This article presents TIARA 2.0, an annotation tool for discourse structure and text improvement. Departing from our specific needs, we extend an existing tool to accommodate four levels of annotation: discourse structure, argumentative structure, sentence rearrangement and content alteration. The latter two are particularly unique compared to existing tools. TIARA is implemented on standard web technologies and can be easily customised. It deals with the visual complexity during the annotation process by systematically simplifying the layout and by offering interactive visualisation, including clutter-reducing features and dual-view display. TIARA’s text-view allows annotators to focus on the analysis of logical sequencing between sentences. The tree-view allows them to review their analysis in terms of the overall discourse structure. Apart from being an annotation tool, it is also designed to be useful for educational purposes in the teaching of argumentation; this gives it an edge over other existing tools.
Generalized Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger Arguments from Quantum Logical Analysis
Authors: Svozil Karl 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) argument against noncontextual local hidden variables is recast in quantum logical terms of fundamental propositions, states and probabilities. Unlike Kochen–Specker- and Hardy-like configurations, this operator based argument proceeds within four nonintertwining contexts. The nonclassical performance of the GHZ argument is due to the choice or filtering of observables with respect to a particular state. We study the varieties of GHZ games one could play in these four contexts, depending on the chosen state of the GHZ basis.
Bifurcation analysis of rotor/bearing system using third-order journal bearing stiffness and damping coefficients
Authors: El-Sayed T. A. , Sayed Hussein 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHydrodynamic journal bearings are used in many applications which involve high speeds and loads. However, they are susceptible to oil whirl instability, which may cause bearing failure. In this work, a flexible Jeffcott rotor supported by two identical journal bearings is used to investigate the stability and bifurcations of rotor bearing system. Since a closed form for the finite bearing forces is not exist, nonlinear bearing stiffness and damping coefficients are used to represent the bearing forces. The bearing forces are approximated to the third order using Taylor expansion, and infinitesimal perturbation method is used to evaluate the nonlinear bearing coefficients. The mesh sensitivity on the bearing coefficients is investigated. Then, the equations of motion based on bearing coefficients are used to investigate the dynamics and stability of the rotor-bearing system. The effect of rotor stiffness ratio and applied load on the Hopf bifurcation stability and limit cycle continuation of the system are investigated. The results of this work show that evaluating the bearing forces using Taylor’s expansion up to the third-order bearing coefficients can be used to profoundly investigate the rich dynamics of rotor-bearing systems.
The perception of doability and how is it measured
Authors: Praszkier Ryszard , Zabłocka Agata 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis article argues that the propensity to perceive impossible challenges as doable is a personality trait, and presents a method for measuring it. The name coined for this concept is “possibilitivity,” a portmanteau of “possible” and “creativity.” Possibilitivity is related to such personality traits as self-efficacy and locus of control. This article shows that this trait is embedded in individual cognitive processes, whilst targeting social issues; in this vein, it may be seen as an important mechanism facilitating change-making and transgressing the seemingly impossible. Methodology for assessing this trait is presented, i.e., the process of constructing and validating a questionnaire, its psychometric properties, and some comparisons within the sample (N = 1117). One of the findings is that women are significantly more prone to perceive difficult challenges as doable than men. Seeing this study as the first step, further research recommendations are presented, e.g., comparing possibilitivity between various segments of society, as well as analyzing potential correlations with other traits, e.g., empathy or ambiguity tolerance.
Prenatal exposure to poly-/per-fluoroalkyl substances is associated with alteration of lipid profiles in cord-blood
Authors: Sinisalu Lisanna , Yeung Leo W. Y. , Wang Jinghua , Pan Yitao , Dai Jiayin , Hyötyläinen Tuulia 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Poly-/per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental pollutants that may induce metabolic perturbations in humans, including particularly alterations in lipid profiles. Prenatal exposure to PFAS can cause lasting effects on offspring metabolic health, however, the underlying mechanisms are still unknown.

Objectives
The goal of the study was to investigate the impact of prenatal PFAS exposure on the lipid profiles in cord blood.

Methods
Herein, we combined determination of bile acids (BAs) and molecular lipids by liquid chromatography with ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry, and separately quantified cord blood concentrations of sixteen PFAS in a cohort of Chinese infants (104 subjects) in a cross-sectional study. We then evaluated associations between PFAS concentration and lipidome using partial correlation network analysis, debiased sparse partial correlation, linear regression analysis and correlation analysis.

Results
PFAS levels showed significant associations with the lipid profiles; specifically, PFAS exposure was positively correlated with triacylgycerols (TG) and several bile acids. Importantly, exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were associated with increased levels of TGs with saturated fatty acids while multiple classes of phospholipids were decreased. In addition, several free fatty acids showed significant positive correlations with PFOS.

Conclusions
Our results indicated that prenatal exposure to PFAS mediated metabolic changes, which may explain the associations reported between PFAS exposure and metabolic health later in life.
Detecting Validated Intracellular ROS Generation with 18F-dihydroethidine-Based PET
Authors: Waters Edward C. T. , Baark Friedrich , Yu Zilin , Mota Filipa , Eykyn Thomas R. , Yan Ran , Southworth Richard 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To determine the sensitivity of the 18F-radiolabelled dihydroethidine analogue ([18F]DHE) to ROS in a validated ex vivo model of tissue oxidative stress.

Procedures
The sensitivity of [18F]DHE to various ROS-generating systems was first established in vitro. Then, isolated rat hearts were perfused under constant flow, with contractile function monitored by intraventricular balloon. Cardiac uptake of infused [18F]DHE (50–150 kBq.min−1) was monitored by γ-detection, while ROS generation was invoked by menadione infusion (0, 10, or 50 μm), validated by parallel measures of cardiac oxidative stress.

Results
[18F]DHE was most sensitive to oxidation by superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Normalised [18F]DHE uptake was significantly greater in menadione-treated hearts (1.44 ± 0.27) versus control (0.81 ± 0.07) (p < 0.05, n = 4/group), associated with concomitant cardiac contractile dysfunction, glutathione depletion, and PKG1α dimerisation.

Conclusion
[18F]DHE reports on ROS in a validated model of oxidative stress where perfusion (and tracer delivery) is unlikely to impact its pharmacokinetics.