bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exercise Intolerance in Volume Overload Heart Failure Is Associated With Low Carotid Body Chemosensitivity
Authors: Andrade David , Diaz Esteban , Toledo Camilo , Schwarz Karla , Pereyra Katherin , Diaz Hugo , Marcus Noah , Ortiz Fernando , Rios Angelica , Ortolani Domiziana , Rio Rodrigo Del 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Mounting an appropriate ventilatory response to exercise is crucial to meeting metabolic demands during exercise and abnormal ventilatory responses may contribute to exercise-intolerance (EX-inT) in HF patients. We sought to determine if abnormal ventilatory chemoreflex control contributes to EX-inT in volume-overload HF rats. Cardiac function, hypercapnic (HCVR) and hypoxic (HVR) ventilatory responses and exercise tolerance were assessed at the end of a 6 weeks exercise training program. Exercise tolerant HF rats (HF+EX-T) completed all training sessions and benefit from exercise as evidenced by improvements in cardiac systolic function and reductions in HCVR, sympathetic tone and arrhythmias. Contrarily, HF rats that failed to complete training sessions (HF+EX-inT) showed no improvements in cardiac systolic function nor in HCVR, sympathetic tone, or arrhythmias but displayed a further compromise in cardiac diastolic function when compared to HF-sedentary rats. In addition, HF+EX-inT rats showed impaired HVR which was associated with increased arrhythmias susceptibility and mortality during hypoxic challenges (~60% survival). Finally, exercise tolerance was closely dependent on carotid body (CB) function since their selective ablation impaired exercise capacity in HF. Our results indicate that: i) exercise may have detrimental effects on cardiac function in HF-EX-inT, and ii) reduced CB chemoreflex contributes to EX-inT in HF.
Design of Novel Sensitive Terahertz Biosensors Based on Graphene-Plasmonic Nanostructures
Authors: Chahkoutahi Atefeh , Emami Farzin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, four different configurations of sensitive biosensors based on graphene-plasmonic combinations are designed and proposed. The nanostructures are made of graphene, SiO2, aluminum and gold layers on a silicon substrate. Graphene-ring shaped structures with diagonal strips in vertical and horizontal directions are considered in the structures which greatly affect the absorption characteristics (absorption peak value and wavelength). Aluminum layer is used in the structure to prevent the transmission of light throughout some layers and improving the absorption factor. To promote the functionality of the structures, effects of the structural parameters (R1 and R2) and chemical potentials (Ef1, Ef2, Ef3 and Ef4) on the absorption peak-wavelength and its value, are also studied. The four individual configurations with different layers and strip directions demonstrate distinct and different wavelength ranges; structure-1: 45-60 µm, structure-2: 50-70 µm, structure-3: 70-85 µm, and structure-4: 80-100 µm. Thus, they can be utilized for wide categories of applications. Sensitivities of 1500nm/RIU, 2250/RIU, 3750nm/RIU and 4850nm/RIU are obtained for four types, respectively. The proposed structures indicate more sensitivities and they can be used in acceptable sensing characteristics for different applications like hemoglobin and glucose concentrations in blood samples and can be utilized as refractive index bio-sensing sensors.
Improved Procedure for Electro-Spinning and Carbonisation of Neat Solvent-Fractionated Softwood Kraft Lignin
Authors: Khan Inam , Hararak Bongkot , Fernando Gerard Franklyn 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In general, the electro-spinning of lignin requires it to be functionalised and/or blended with synthetic or natural polymers. This paper reports on the use of solvent fractionated lignin-lignin blend to electro-spin BioChoice® softwood Kraft lignin. The blend consisted of acetone-soluble and ethanol-soluble lignin in a binary solvent of acetone and DMSO. Solvent fractionation was used to purify lignin where the ash content was reduced in the soluble lignin fractions from 1.24% to ~0.1%. The corresponding value for conventional acid-washing in sulphuric acid was 0.34%. A custom-made electro-spinning apparatus was used to produce the nano-fibres. Heat treatment procedures were developed for drying the electro-spun fibres prior to oxidation and carbonisation; this was done to prevent fibre fusion. The lignin fibres were oxidised at 250⁰C, carbonised at 1000⁰C and 1500⁰C. The cross-section of the fibres was circular and they were observed to be void-free. The longitudinal sections showed that the fibres were not fused. Thus, this procedure demonstrated that solvent fractionated lignin can be electro-spun without using plasticisers or polymer blends using common laboratory solvents and subsequently carbonised to produce carbon fibres with a circular cross-section.
Nicotine Stimulates Peristalsis in N. Vectensis: From Behavior to Nicotinic Receptor Genes
Authors: Figueiredo Joanne , Rest Joshua , Adamo Sarah , Grella Rebecca , Dilger James 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play a pivotal role in the nervous system, and there is great interest in understanding their evolution. Cnidarians, an ancestral group of metazoans, display an early nervous system utilizing complex neural architecture that provides insight into the early evolution and function of nAChRs. Using the anthozoan Nematostella vectensis, we found that the rate of peristalsis, a radial constriction of the body column, is modulated by nicotinic agonists. Nicotine caused a robust, dose dependent increase in the rate of peristalsis. The peristalsis rate also increased in response to ACh in the presence of edrophonium, an acetylcholine esterase inhibitor. Thus, N. vectensis possesses functional nAChRs. We developed a phylogeny of nAChRs from 15 cnidarian and 16 bilaterian species. Our results indicate that the large number of cnidarian and bilaterian nAChR gene copies is convergent, resulting from gene expansions after the two lineages diverged. These independent expansions led to an average of 31 and 34 paralogous nAChR gene copies in sampled bilaterians and cnidarians, respectively. The N. vectensis proteome contains 49 paralogous nAChR copies. The independent expansions indicate that nAChRs receptors in cnidarians may have distinct pharmacological and biochemical characteristics in comparison to their bilaterian counterparts.
Disparities Between People with Diabetic Retinopathy and Community Health Service Centers’ Staff in Estimating Satisfaction with Telescreening for Diabetic Eye Diseases
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Xu Yi , Lu Lina , Zou Haidong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

The success of the telescreening and management for diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the communities depends on the satisfaction of the people with diabetes, and the community health service centers (CHSCs)’ staff, referred to as providers. To investigate the satisfaction of people with DR and CHSCs’ staff, with the comprehensive management system for diabetic eye diseases (abbreviated as “the System” in the following text).
Methods

This cross-sectional survey for those receiving the service, included 3817 people with vision-threatening DR (VTDR), focused on the satisfaction with the System, including telescreening process, speed of feedback, interpretation of results, awareness of the related diseases, and eye care service. The survey for the providers, included 234 CHSCs’ staff focused on satisfaction and main barriers encountered during the implementation of the System. Sociodemographic characteristics and perceived barriers related to satisfaction were identified by conducting univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Results

The overall satisfaction of those receiving the service was 96.0%, and 75.8% of them were willing to undergo telescreening for DR the following year. The convenience of telescreening, reasonable and orderly telescreening, and improvement in the related disease awareness significantly correlated with satisfaction. Only 48.3% of the providers were satisfied with the System. The three most mentioned barriers to the development of the System were insufficient technical staff, inadequate funds, and incomplete information transmission system.
Conclusions

Disparities between the high satisfaction of those receiving the service and the low satisfaction of the providers with the System were mainly related to the current weak ophthalmic medical level in the CHSCs and the low awareness of screening for diabetic eye diseases among not only people with DR but the CHSCs’ staff.
A New Locally Active Memristive Synapse Coupled Neuron Model
Authors: Li Ronghao , Wang Zenghui , Dong Enzeng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a new type of non-volatile locally active memristor with bi-stability is proposed by injecting appropriate voltage pulses to realize a switching mechanism between two stable states. It is found that the memristive parameters of the new memristor can affect the local activity, which has been rarely reported, and this phenomenon is explained based on mathematical analyses and numerical simulations. Then, a locally active memristive coupled neuron model is constructed using the proposed memristor as a connecting synapse. The parameter-associated dynamical behaviors are revealed by bifurcation plots, phase plane portraits and dynamical evolution maps. Moreover, the bi-stability phenomenon of the new coupled neuron model is disclosed by local attraction basins, and the periodic burster and multi-scroll chaotic burster are found if a multi-level pulse current is used to imitate a periodical external stimulus on the neurons. The Hamiltonian energy function is calculated and analyzed with or without external excitation. Finally, the neuronal circuit is designed and implemented, which can mimic electrical activity of the neurons and is useful for physical applications. The experimental results captured from the analog circuit are consistent well with the numerical simulation results.
Two Novel Models Evaluating the Determinants of Resting Metabolic Rate in Indian Children
Authors: Areekal Sandra Aravind , Khadilkar Anuradha , Ekbote Veena , Kajale Neha , Kinare Arun S. , Goel Pranay 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) quantifies the minimal energy required to sustain vital body functions and is a crucial component of childhood development. While inter-individual variations in RMR have been studied for over a century they are poorly understood. Wang (Am. J. Hum., 2012) has modelled mean RMR per unit body mass (RMR/BM) in children grouped into age classes one year apart; this model is able to explain the variation in RMR/BM very accurately in a reference Caucasian dataset based on the relative masses of four major organs (liver, kidney, brain, heart) and the residual mass. However, it is not clear if it applies to other ethnicities, especially when the variation in the RMR is observed to be large in a population. Here we address the extent to which such a model can be adapted to explain RMR/BM in Indian children. Here we present two novel phenomenological models that describe the mean RMR/BM stratified by age in Indian children and adolescents, using data from the Multi-Centre Study (MCS) and RMR-USG. MCS is a cross-sectional dataset on 495 (235 girls) children aged 9 to 19 years with anthropometric, body composition and RMR measurements. RMR-USG consists of anthropometric data, RMR, and liver and kidney volume measured through ultrasonography in nine girls and nine boys aged 6 to 8 years. The mean RMR/BM in Indian children is observed to be significantly lower compared to their Caucasian counterparts, except in boys in the age groups 9 to 11 years and 12 to 13 years. The first is a modified Wang model in which the relative masses of four major organs are assumed to be uniformly lowered for Indian children. Theoretical predictions of size are not uniformly borne out in a pilot validation study, however, the relative mass of the kidney is indeed found to be significantly lower. We then present another version of the Wang model to demonstrate that changes in body composition alone can also explain the Indian data. Either model can be thus used phenomenologically to estimate mean RMR/BM by age in Indian children; however, understanding the mechanistic basis of variation in RMR/BM remains an open problem.
Chrysin Promotes Temozolomide-induced Apoptosis by Activating p38 MAPK and Suppressing Akt and ERK1/2 in Human Glioblastoma.
Authors: KAMARUDIN MUHAMAD NOOR , Parhar Ishwar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Temozolomide (Tmz) faces the challenges of high chemoresistance and high dose leading to various side-effects. Chrysin exhibits anticancer and adjuvant effects in various cancer models. Nevertheless, chrysin’s synergistic effect with Tmz against Tmz-sensitive and Tmz-resistant human glioblastoma has never been reported. Chrysin and Tmz reduced the viability of A172 and LN18 in concentration- and time-dependent manner, with chrysin exhibited IC50 values lower than Tmz. The combination of chrysin and Tmz enhanced cell death (CI indexes between 0.59–0.98), suggesting synergistic efficacy of chrysin at lower concentrations. Chrysin promoted Tmz-induced phosphatidylserine externalization and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential. Chrysin promoted Tmz-induced suppression of pAkt (Ser473) and pERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) while enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182). This further reduced the antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1), elevated proapoptotic proteins (Bax, Bad, Bak, PUMA, Noxa), and activated caspase-9 and caspase-3 compared to Tmz treatment alone. Pretreatment with Z-LEHD-FMK and Z-VAD-FMK attenuated apoptosis and restored caspase-9 and − 3 levels. However, pretreatment with Z-IETD-FMK did not suppress the promotion of apoptosis. Collectively, chrysin promotes Tmz-induced apoptosis through p38 MAPK activation and suppression of Akt and ERK1/2. These results suggest chrysin as a potential therapeutic adjuvant to improve Tmz effects in Tmz-sensitive and -resistant GBM.
The Effects of Home-Grown Rule on Efficiency of Sports Teams : Evidence from English Premier League
Authors: Shin Seungmin , Kim Changhee 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Research questionThe English Premier League, one of the most successful football league, is on the verge of losing its competitive edge due to Home-grown regulation proposal. This study focuses on the effects of this regulation on football clubs’ financial and operational efficiency. Research methodsTo accurately measure the effects of these measures, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique was used to 10 different Premier League Clubs spanning 7 years. Data of 10 clubs that have never been relegated were collected over 7 years. Results and findingsEfficiency score spread shows that clubs were seriously affected in efficiency in adjacent season after the implementation of the Home-grown regulation. Clubs were financially impacted due to rising cost of required Home-grown players, further depriving its financial footholds. Also, efficacy of this regulation was not effective as the Home-grown players did not gain much playing time in the field. ImplicationsFootball Association proposes further strengthening the Home-grown regulation in the future seasons. This study concludes that proposed home-grown regulation will further impact the football clubs financially as it was evident from the efficiency modeling in the study.
Opening decision spaces: a case study on the opportunities and constraints in the public health sector of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: Witter Sophie , Merwe Maria van der , Twine Rhian , Mabetha Denny , Hove Jennifer , Byass Peter , Tollman Stephen M. , D’Ambruoso Lucia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Decentralised and evidence-informed health systems rely on managers and practitioners at all levels having sufficient ‘decision space’ to make timely locally informed and locally relevant decisions. Our objectives were to: (a) understand decision spaces in terms of constraints and enablers (using a framework focused on authority, accountability and capacity and the interrelationships between these domains); and (b) outline opportunities through which to expand and enhance them in an understudied rural context in South Africa.
Methods
This study examined decision spaces within Mpumalanga Province, using data and insights generated through a participatory action research process with local communities and health system stakeholders since 2015, which was triangulated with published documents and research team participant observation to produce findings on the three core domains at three levels of the health system.
Results
There is significant capacity in the system, which is delivering on many of its goals, with areas of high achievement. While lines of authority are generally well-defined, personal networks take on an important dimension in how stakeholders can act. This is expressed through marked ingenuity and a range of informal coping strategies built on local relationships. There are constraints in terms of limited formal external accountability to communities and internal accountability which is weak in places for individuals and focused more on meeting performance targets set at higher levels and less on enabling effective local leadership. More generally, political and personal factors are clearly identified at higher levels of the system, whereas at sub-district and facility levels, the dominant theme was constrained capacity, affecting all health system components.
Conclusions
Decision space can be opened up through supporting leadership and organisational culture changes. In this scenario, the real resources in the system, which are human, technical and financial, can be empowered to realise potential more fully. The article adds to existing literature by applying a decision space lens at multiple levels of a decentralised health care system, focusing on a broad range of capacities, and providing future directions to support and expand existing capacity.
Heavy metal pollutants and their spatial distribution in surface sediments from Thondi coast, Palk Bay, South India
Authors: Perumal Karthikeyan , Antony Joseph , M Subagunasekar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

The concentration of heavy metals and their spatial distribution in surface sediments collected from the Thondi coast, Palk Bay, South India were analysed in this study. The sediment grain size, pH, EC, and heavy metal concentrations (Mn, Fe, Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, and Pb) were determined and the values for the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), potential contamination index (Cp), potential ecological risk index (PERI), contamination factor (CF), modified contamination degree (mCd), degree of contamination (Cd), and potential contamination factors (Cp) were calculated based on their background values to determine the pollution level of the study area. The sediment grain size, pH, EC, and heavy metal concentrations were determined and the values for the pollution indices were calculated based on their background values to determine the pollution level.
Results

The pollution indices, namely EF, CF, Cd, mCd, CP, \({\text{E}}_{\text{r}}^{\text{i}}\), and PERI, except for Igeo, revealed that the heavy metal contamination was due to Cd, while a moderate level of contamination was caused by Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr. The principal component analysis and correlation matrix analysis showed a strong positive loading for Cd due to its high level of contamination in the study area. Anthropogenic inputs such as municipal wastewater, domestic sewage discharge, fishing harbour activities, and industrial and aquaculture wastes led to the increased Cd concentration in the study area. Moreover, the pollution load index revealed that the sediments were polluted by heavy metals.
Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed that the increased concentration of heavy metals in the study area increases the toxicity in the marine environment, thus affecting the ecosystem.
Hazardous Effects of HighVoltage on Albino Rats and Role of Rosmarinus Officinalis
Authors: Tony Sallm , Tony Sallam K. , Ismail Hamadi A. , Hatour Fawzy S. , Mahmoud Magda E. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are common in our everyday lives. They have many origins and severe effects on individuals and environments where they inflict a great deal of health and psychological harm. The current study investigated the impact of high voltage (H.V.) EMF 5.4 k / v for 2, 4 h per day with a frequency equal to 50 Hz on body weight(b.wt), blood indices, and certain liver enzymes of albino rats after 25 days of exposure to the electromagnetic field. This work focuses on the therapeutic action of methanol extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis) leaves at a dose (5 mg/kg b. wt) against harmful EMF-induced effects. The findings showed that electromagnetic field exposure induced a substantial decrease in red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and catalase activity (CAT). Although white blood cells (WBCs), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Total Bilirubin, Urea, Creatinine, Uric Acid, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels have increased significantly under EMF treatment. Treatment with R.officinalis showed attenuation in these parameters that were induced in rats exposed to H.V. These findings were followed by the histopathological analysis of the liver in the observations. Finally, we conclude that R.officinalis leaves extract offered substantial protection against H.V induced liver damage and can be applied in drug production.
Overexpression of the Plant Medium-chain Acyl-carrier Protein Thioesterase BTE for the Overproduction of the nC14-surfactin Isoform with Promising MEOR Applications
Authors: hu fangxiang , Cai Weijie , Lin Junzhang , Wang Weidong , Li Shuang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSurfactin, a representative biosurfactant of popeptide mainly produced by Bacillus subtilis, consists of a cyclic heptapeptide linked to a β-hydroxy fatty acid chain. The functional activity of surfactin is closely related to the length and isomerism of the fatty acid chain. ResultsIn this study, the plant medium-chain acyl-carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (BTE) from Umbellularia californica was overexpressed in a recombinant surfactin production strain based on B. subtilis 168. As a result, the surfactin yield after 24 h of cultivation improved by 23%, and the production rate increased from 0.112 to 0.177 g/L/h. The isoforms identified by RP-HPLC and GC-MS showed that the proportion of nC14-surfactin increased 6.4 times compared to the control strain. A comparison of further properties revealed that the product with more nC14-surfactin had higher surface activity and better performance in oil-washing. Finally, the product with more nC14-surfactin isoform had a higher hydrocarbon-emulsification index, and it increased the water-wettability of the oil-saturated silicate surface. Conclusion﻿The obtained results provide an original approach to modify the fatty acid chain of surfactin and further demonstrate the importance of the length and isomerism of the β-hydroxy fatty acid chain for the MEOR application of surfactin.