bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Plume Study of DRO, GRO, Benzene, and MTBE: Implications for Risk Management
Authors: O'Reilly Kirk , Lahvis Matthew A. , DeVaull George E. , Deines Andrew M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGroundwater remediation and no‐further action decision making at petroleum underground storage tank (UST) sites has largely been based on an understanding of plume length, plume stability, and attenuation rates for key hydrocarbon constituents. Regulatory guidance to support and guide such decisions is based in part on plume studies involving individual hydrocarbon constituents, namely benzene and methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE). Questions remain regarding whether current guidance is applicable to chemical mixtures such as gasoline range organics (GRO), diesel range organics (DRO), and oxygen containing organic compounds (OCOCs) resulting from hydrocarbon biodegradation. To help address this concern, data from California's GeoTracker database were used to estimate maximum plume lengths, plume stability, and attenuation rates of DRO (which can be used as an analytical surrogate for OCOCs) and GRO relative to benzene and MTBE. The distributions of maximum plume lengths were similar for the four constituents with medians ranging from 27 to 32 m. The fraction of monitoring wells with a decreasing concentration trend ranged from 19% for DRO to 40% for MTBE, while fewer than 7% of the wells had an increasing concentration trend for any of the constituents. Median attenuation rates ranged from 0.10% day−1 for DRO to 0.17% day−1 for MTBE. The results suggest attenuation based risk management is appropriate for DRO and GRO plumes at most petroleum UST sites.
Histology‐based profile of inflammatory mediators in experimentally induced pulpitis in a rat model: screening for possible biomarkers
Authors: Li M. , Tian J. , Xu Z. , Zeng Q. , Chen W. , Lei S. , Wei X. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTo profile molecular changes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced experimental pulpitis in a rat model and explore the feasibility of a molecular‐based diagnostic strategy for pulpitis.MethodologySeventy‐three maxillary incisors of Sprague‐Dawley rats were used to establish pulpitis models with LPS. Inflammatory grading was performed in four equal sections of the pulp divided from the injured site to the root apex. An antibody array was used to compare the expression of 67 molecules between control pulp and inflamed pulp 12 and 72 h after LPS application. The levels of differentially expressed molecules in the control and inflamed pulp (collected at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 72 h after LPS treatment) were examined via ELISA, and correlations between inflammatory scores and molecule expression were assessed. The molecule distributions in the pulp were investigated by immunofluorescence staining. Data were analysed with paired t‐test, one‐way anova, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlations with significance set at P < 0.05.ResultsPolymorphonuclear neutrophils were observed in the injured site 3 h after LPS stimulation. Inflammatory infiltration peaked at 12 h and was limited to the injured site with osteodentine deposition at 72 h. Thirteen molecules were significantly differentially expressed between the control and LPS‐injured pulp. ELISA validated that tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) expression dramatically peaked at 12 h (compared with other time points, P < 0.05) and returned to baseline at 72 h. The TIMP‐1 concentration was strongly correlated with inflammation severity in the apical three‐quarters of the pulp, and the strongest correlation was found in the lower‐middle quarter (r = 0.786, P < 0.001). Immunofluorescence staining revealed that in the apical three‐quarters of the pulp, TIMP‐1 expression was significantly higher in the 12 h group than in the control and 3, 6, 24 and 72 h groups (P < 0.01).ConclusionThis study provides a molecular profile of LPS‐induced pulpitis in a rat model. TIMP‐1 had a strong positive correlation with the severity of dental pulp inflammation, verifying the feasibility of applying biomarkers to identify specific pathological conditions in pulpitis.
Immature platelet fraction over time and clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yahud Ella , Schilo Tamar , Nevzorov Roman , Asher Elad , Bryk Gabriel , Laish‐Farkash Avishag , Lev Eli I. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundImmature platelets in the circulation can be measured as immature platelet fraction (IPF). Limited data exist regarding IPF during the course of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the association between IPF and extent of cardiac damage, and the long‐term prognostic implications of IPF in patients with AMI.AimsTo examine the temporal course of IPF during the first month after AMI, the association between IPF and extent of cardiac damage, and the long‐term prognostic effect of IPF in AMI patients.MethodsPatients with AMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were examined. IPF was evaluated by a Sysmex XN‐3000 autoanalyzer, at 4 time points: baseline; one day post‐PCI; 3 days post‐PCI, and 30 days post‐PCI. The association between peak troponin‐T levels and IPF was evaluated. One‐year clinical outcomes (cardiac hospitalization, urgent revascularization, or death) were assessed.ResultsOne hundred patients were included, mean age was 59.5 ± 11.3 years, 82 were men, 27 had diabetes, and 54 were hospitalized with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 46 with non‐ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The levels of IPF modestly decreased a day after PCI but did not change in subsequent measurements. Peak troponin‐T level was significantly associated with the levels of IPF at all 4 time points. IPF levels three days post‐PCI were associated with the composite clinical outcome at 1 year.ConclusionsThe levels of IPF following AMI remain relatively stable over a one‐month period. Higher levels of IPF during the acute phase of AMI appear to be associated with worse cardiac outcomes at 1 year.
Barriers to accessing mental health services in Somali‐Australian women: a qualitative study
Authors: Said Mulki , Boardman Gayelene , Kidd Susan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDespite the global prevalence of mental disorders being widely acknowledged, mental illness, complex trauma and the significant impact on individuals, families and communities continues to be poorly recognized, under‐diagnosed and underreported. Based on the 2017 Australian census, one‐in‐five (20%) people have experienced some type of mental illness within the last 12 months (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2019). The prevalence rate of mental illness in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities is difficult to estimate due to cultural and linguistic issues and underutilization of mental health services. In particular, little epidemiological data is available about the prevalence of mental illness in the Somali‐Australian community. The aim of this study was to identify the perceived barriers to help‐seeking for mental health for Somali‐Australian women. A qualitative descriptive study incorporating focus group discussions with 31 Somali‐Australian women was conducted in Melbourne, Australia. Braun & Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis was applied to the data. Four themes relating to help‐seeking barriers were abstracted. Influence of faith explored how Islam can impact the person views on mental illness. Stigma focused on the relationship between public and self‐stigma and help‐seeking. Mistrust of Western healthcare system describes the participants concerns about the cultural disconnect between the community and the Western healthcare system. Finally, denial of mental illness reflected the community views on mental health. This study provides an insight into the factors that influence the Somali‐Australian community help‐seeking with mental health services. The findings have implications for mental health professionals and the Somali‐Australian community.
Painful diabetic neuropathy is associated with increased nerve regeneration in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing intensive glycemic control
Authors: Ponirakis Georgios , Abdul‐Ghani Muhammad A , Jayyousi Amin , Zirie Mahmoud A , Qazi Murtaza , Almuhannadi Hamad , Petropoulos Ioannis N , Khan Adnan , Gad Hoda , Migahid Osama , Megahed Ayman , Al‐Mohannadi Salma , AlMarri Fatema , Al‐Khayat Fatima , Mahfoud Ziyad , Al Hamad Hanadi , Ramadan Marwan , DeFronzo Ralph , Malik Rayaz A 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionPainful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN) is associated with small nerve fiber degeneration and regeneration. This study investigated whether the presence of pDPN might influence nerve regeneration in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing intensive glycemic control.Materials and MethodsThis exploratory substudy of an open‐label randomized controlled trial undertook the Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questionnaire and assessment of electrochemical skin conductance, vibration perception threshold and corneal nerve morphology using corneal confocal microscopy in participants with and without pDPN treated with exenatide and pioglitazone or basal–bolus insulin at baseline and 1‐year follow up, and 18 controls at baseline only.ResultsParticipants with type 2 diabetes, with (n = 13) and without (n = 28) pDPN had comparable corneal nerve fiber measures, electrochemical skin conductance and vibration perception threshold at baseline, and pDPN was not associated with the severity of DPN. There was a significant glycated hemoglobin reduction (P < 0.0001) and weight gain (P < 0.005), irrespective of therapy. Participants with pDPN showed a significant increase in corneal nerve fiber density (P < 0.05), length (P < 0.0001) and branch density (P < 0.005), and a decrease in the Douleur Neuropathique en 4 score (P < 0.01), but no change in electrochemical skin conductance or vibration perception threshold. Participants without pDPN showed a significant increase in corneal nerve branch density (P < 0.01) and no change in any other neuropathy measures. A change in the severity of painful symptoms was not associated with corneal nerve regeneration and medication for pain.ConclusionsThis study showed that intensive glycemic control is associated with greater corneal nerve regeneration and an improvement in the severity of pain in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.
Haematological and metabolic profiles associated with age and sex in giant kokopu (Galaxias argenteus) (Gmelin 1789) broodstock
Authors: Lulijwa Ronald , Alfaro Andrea C. , Venter Leonie , Young Tim , Decker Paul , Merien Fabrice , Meyer Jill 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study characterized selected peripheral blood (PB) haematological parameters, liver, serum and muscle metabolic features in 3‐ and 5‐year‐old male and female giant kokopu (Galaxias argenteus) broodstock reared indoor at 16°C. Sex and age did not affect PB total cell count and haematocrit values. Nonetheless, higher erythrocytes in 5‐year‐old fish, elevated thrombocyte and lymphocyte counts in 3‐year‐old fish indicate age‐specific cellular regulation. Higher thrombocyte counts in female fish suggest sex‐specific regulation. At a metabolic level, liver abundance for long chain saturated fatty acids (FAs) was higher in males, whereas females had elevated levels of polyunsaturated FAs. Essential and non‐essential amino acids (AAs) in liver and serum were also elevated in females compared to males. These findings suggest differential allocation of FAs and AAs to reflect requirements for gonadal, development and provisioning. Similarly, age significantly resulted in higher liver and serum abundances of some non‐essential AAs in 3‐year‐olds compared to 5‐year‐old fish, suggesting higher metabolism in younger fish. Overall, results enhance our understanding of sex‐ and age‐based differences in fish haematology, muscle, liver, and serum metabolite profiles in healthy G. argenteus. Future studies should carefully consider potential age‐ and sex‐specific differences in metabolic responses.
Lysophosphatidylcholine exerts an anti‐skin photoaging effect via heat shock protein 70 induction
Authors: Hwang Hyunmin , Chun Hyeyeon , Kim Daehyun , Shin Munju , Kim Yun‐Sun , In Sohyun , Kim Taeyoon , Kang Nae‐Gyu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveSkin‐brightening agents prevent melanogenesis and reduce melanin production. However, a lower melanin content leads to weaker protection against sunlight. In this study, we evaluated the effect of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and its commercial‐grade product, Lysofix Dry™ (LD), on heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression in epidermal cells and their anti‐skin photoaging effect against ultraviolet B (UVB) and blue light.MethodsThe HSP70 induction was detected using ELISA. To confirm the inhibition of melanin synthesis by LPC or LD, the melanin content assay and gene expression were analyzed. Cell viability was assessed to verify whether LPC or LD prevents photo‐induced skin damage. The split‐face test was performed to confirm skin‐brightening effect of LD. Cream formulation with 2% of LD and placebo were used for 8 weeks, and skin brightness (L) was measured with chromameter (CR‐400, Konica Minolta).ResultsLPC‐ and LD‐induced HSP70 expression in epidermal cells. LPC and LD effectively suppressed melanogenesis provoked by α‐MSH in B16 cells. They also inhibited the mRNA transcription of MITF and tyrosinase under blue light irradiation. LD increased the viability of B16 and HaCaT cells after UVB and blue light irradiation in vitro. The cream containing 2% LD increased ΔL by 1.7 after 8 weeks of use, whereas the placebo led to an increase of 0.7.ConclusionLPC and LD were effective in suppressing melanogenesis and enhancing cell viability under UVB and blue light via HSP70 expression. Thus, they can be considered as potent skin‐brightening agents with protective effects against skin photoaging.
The roles of sucrose on the retronasal thresholds of tea catechins and polyphenols in water‐based system
Authors: Oh Hyeona , Kim Mina K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the role of sucrose in the retronasal detection thresholds of caffeine, theobromine, and tea catechins, including epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), gallic acid (GA), and gallocatechin gallate (GCG), in a water‐based system. The detection threshold tests were conducted using standard practice for determination of taste thresholds by a forced choice ascending concentration series method of limits in ASTM E679‐05 on different water‐based matrices with varying degrees of sucrose levels. The Best Estimate Thresholds (BET) of caffeine, theobromine, ECG, EGC, EGCG, and GCG in water were 73.88, 70.83, 47.58, 40.03, 61.91, and 29.06 mg/kg, respectively. An increase in BETs was observed with an increased level of sucrose in the water‐based model for caffeine, and each of the catechins except theobromine and gallic acid. This result suggests a possible gallic acid‐sucrose interaction. This study reported the increase of detection threshold of bitter and astringency‐causing compounds with addition of sucrose in water‐base model system. This can provide another perspective of using sucrose to mask bitterness and astringency in coffee and tea products.Practical applicationsConsumption of coffee and tea has been increasing worldwide. Catechins and caffeine are the chemical compounds that give bitterness and astringency in green tea and coffee products, making consumers avoid these products. Reduction of bitterness and astringency in coffee and green tea products is crucial to expand the market. The outcome of this study indicated an increase in BETs with an increased level of sucrose in the water‐based model for caffeine, and each of the catechins except theobromine and gallic acid. This means that addition of sugar can help reducing bitterness and astringency perception by increasing individual threshold of such compound. Findings from this study can contribute beverage industry to reformulating their beverage products more appealing to their target consumers.
Second Language Vocabulary Acquisition: The Effects of Semantic Relatedness, Form Similarity, and Translation Direction
Authors: Kemp Lisa S. , McDonald Janet L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCharacteristics of vocabulary lists as well as study and test translation direction may affect the ease of learning second language (L2) vocabulary. We examined immediate and delayed test performance of first language (L1) English speakers learning a fixed set of L2 vocabulary placed on lists formed by crossing semantic relatedness (unrelated vs. related) with L2 orthographic form similarity (not similar vs. similar). During the study phase, half the participants translated from L2 to L1 and half from L1 to L2; tests were then taken in both directions. Semantic relatedness in the absence of form similarity improved accuracy when the first test taken translated from L2 to L1, and tended to hurt accuracy when the first test taken translated from L1 to L2; it sometimes increased confusion errors. Form similarity usually hurt accuracy and always increased confusion errors. The combination of the L1‐to‐L2 study direction with the optimal semantic and form conditions yielded the best long‐term performance.
Can a Neighborhood Fall Sick? Opioid Addiction, Collective Violence and Currents of Death in Contemporary India
Authors: Singh Bhrigupati 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOpioid abuse is an increasingly global phenomenon. Rather than assuming it to be a uniformly global or neoliberal pathology, how might we better understand comparative and locally specific dimensions of opioid addiction? Working with neighborhoods as a unit of analysis, this article analyzes the striking differences between patterns of addiction and violence in two proximate and seemingly similar urban poor neighborhoods in Delhi, India. Rather than global or national etiologies, I suggest that an attention to sharp ecological variation within epidemics challenges social scientists to offer more fine‐grained diagnostics. Using a combination of quantitative and ethnographic methods, I show how heroin addiction and collective violence might be understood as expressions of what Durkheim called “suicido–genetic currents.” I suggest the idea of varying currents as an alternative to the sociology of neighborhood “effects” in understanding significant differences in patterns of self‐harm and injury across demographically similar localities.
The role of macrophages in Guillain‐Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Koike Haruki , Katsuno Masahisa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMacrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis of immune‐mediated neuropathies, particularly Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Early reports of pathological findings in patients with GBS and CIDP suggested demyelination resulting from phagocytosis of myelin by macrophages as the cause of aberrant nerve conduction in these diseases. Later studies established a concept that molecular mimicry of gangliosides in the peripheral nervous system to surface epitopes of pathogens results in the production of autoantibodies in patients with an axonal form of GBS. In some of the patients diagnosed with CIDP, IgG4 autoantibodies against paranodal junction proteins, such as neurofascin 155 and contactin 1, were found to induce aberrant nerve conduction resulting from the detachment of paranodal myelin terminal loops from axolemma. In contrast, the mechanisms of neuropathy in cases with classical macrophage‐induced demyelination are still to be elucidated. Electron microscopic examination suggested that macrophages recognize specific sites of myelinated fibers as the initial target of demyelination in both GBS and CIDP. It seems that the components that distinguish between the nodal regions, such as the nodes of Ranvier, paranodes, and internodes play a pivotal role in the behavior of macrophages that initiate the phagocytosis of myelin. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms of macrophage‐induced demyelination to facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies directed against the pathology of macrophages.
Dialysis initiation in older persons across centres and over time in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Ethier Isabelle , Campbell Scott B. , Cho Yeoungjee , Hawley Carmel M. , Isbel Nicole M. , Krishnasamy Rathika , Roberts Matthew A. , Semple David , Sypek Matthew , Viecelli Andrea K. , Johnson David W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimWith improved life expectancy over time, the burden of kidney failure resulting in kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in older persons is increasing. This study aimed to describe the age distribution at dialysis initiation in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) across centres and over time.MethodsAdults initiating dialysis as first KRT in ANZ from 1999 to 2018 reported to the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry were included. The primary outcomes were the age distribution and the proportion of older persons (75 years and older) initiating dialysis across centres and over time. Secondary outcomes were characterization of the older population compared with younger people and differences in dialysis modality and treatment trajectories between groups.ResultsOver the study period, 55 382 people initiated dialysis as first KRT, including 10 306 older persons, in 100 centres. Wide variation in age distribution across states/countries was noted, although the proportion of older persons at dialysis initiation did not significantly change over time (from 13% in 1999 to 19% in 2003, then remaining stable thereafter). Older persons were less likely to be treated with home therapies compared with younger people. Older persons were mostly Caucasians; had higher socioeconomic position, more cardiovascular comorbidities and higher eGFR at baseline; and resided in major cities. Higher proportions of older persons per centre were noted in privately funded facilities.ConclusionWide variations were noted in the proportions of older persons initiating dialysis across centres and states/country, which were associated with different case‐mix across regions, particularly in terms of ethnicity, remoteness and socioeconomic advantage.
Arabidopsis FAR‐RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL3 negatively regulates carbon starvation responses
Authors: Ma Lin , Li Gang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLight is one of the most important environmental factors that affects various cellular processes in plant growth and development; it is also crucial for the metabolism of carbohydrates as it provides the energy source for photosynthesis. Under extended darkness conditions, carbon starvation responses are triggered by depletion of stored energy. Although light rapidly inhibits starvation responses, the molecular mechanisms by which light signalling affects this process remain largely unknown. In this study, we showed that the Arabidopsis thaliana light signalling protein FAR‐RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL3 (FHY3) and its homolog FAR‐RED IMPAIRED RESPONSE1 (FAR1) are essential for plant survival after extended darkness treatment at both seedling and adult stages. Transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that disruption of both FHY3 and FAR1 resulted in destruction of chloroplast envelopes and thylakoid membranes under extended darkness conditions. Furthermore, treatment with sucrose, but not glucose, completely rescued carbon starvation‐induced cell death in the rosette leaves and arrested early seedling establishment in the fhy3 far1 plants. We thus concluded that the light signalling proteins FHY3 and FAR1 negatively regulate carbon starvation responses in Arabidopsis.