bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor engagement during redox alteration determines the fate of CD4+ T cells in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Mohammadi Hamidreza , Daryabor Gholamreza , Ghaffarian Bahraman Ali , Keshavarzi Majid , Kalantar Kurosh , Mohammadi‐Bardbori Afshin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe preservation of the redox homeostasis is critical for cell survival and functionality. Redox imbalance is an essential inducer of several pathological states. CD4+/helper T cells are highly dependent on the redox state of their surrounding milieu. The potential of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) engagement in controlling CD4+ T‐cell fate during redox alteration is still challenging. C57BL/6 mice were treated with AhR agonist 6‐formylindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole (FICZ), AhR antagonist CH223191, an inhibitor of glutathione biosynthesis buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), and the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) alone or in combination. Six days later, splenocytes were evaluated for the expression of the redox‐related genes and the possible changes in T‐cell subsets. FICZ like BSO significantly elevated the expression of HMOX1, GCLC, and GCLM genes but it failed to increase the expression of the Nrf2 gene. Moreover, FICZ + BSO increased while FICZ + CH223191 or NAC decreased the expression of these genes. FICZ also significantly increased Th1 cell numbers but decreased Tregs in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, a high dose of FICZ + CH223191 + NAC significantly enhanced Th1, Th17, and Treg cells but its low dose in such a situation increased Th2 and Th17 while decreased Treg cells. AhR engagement during redox alteration can determine the fate of CD4 + T cells, so, AhR agonists or antagonists might be useful in assessing immune responses. However, these results need further verifications in vitro and in animal models of various diseases.
Left Ventricular Strain Analysis by Tissue Tracking‐ Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for early detection of Cardiac Dysfunction in children with End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Sobh Donia M. , Batouty Nihal M. , Tawfik Ahmed M. , Gadelhak Basma , Elmokadem Ali H. , Hammad Ayman , Eid Riham , Hamdy Nashwa 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) represents late left ventricle (LV) dysfunction. Cardiac MRI myocardial strain analysis is an alternative method for assessment of LV function.PurposeTo investigate whether LV strain analysis is more sensitive than LVEF for early detection of systolic dysfunction in children with ESRD.Study typeCase control.PopulationThirty‐two children with ESRD (median 14 years, 17 females) and 10 healthy control (median 12.5 years, 7 females).Field Strength and SequencesA 1.5 T /retrospective ECG‐gated steady‐state free precession (SSFP).AssessmentLVEF, and indexed LV mass (LVMi) and LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDVi) were measured. Using tissue tracking analysis, LV endocardial and epicardial contours were traced in short and long axes at end diastole to calculate global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS) and radial (GRS) strains.Statistical AnalysisCardiac MRI and strain parameters were compared between patients and control, and between subgroup with preserved LVEF and control by Student t‐test/Mann Whitney test. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by Receiver operating characteristic analysis. Strain as predictor of poor outcome (mortality, pulmonary edema, and/or heart failure) within 1‐year follow up was investigated by binary logistic regression.ResultsCompared to control, cardiac MRI LVEF, LVEDVi, LVMi, GLS, GCS and GRS were significantly impaired in patients. Patients with preserved LVEF had significantly higher LVEDVi, LVMi and significantly impaired GCS and GRS than control. Strain parameters were significantly correlated with LVEF, LVEDVi, and LVMi. GCS and GRS demonstrated greater diagnostic accuracy than GLS (area under curve: 0.89). LVEF, LVMi, GCS, and GRS were correlated with poor outcome.ConclusionCardiac MRI tissue tracking could identify subclinical LV dysfunction in children with ESRD and still preserved LVEF. Furthermore, LV strain parameters (GCS and GRS) were correlated with future cardiovascular events.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 2.
Trends of daily extreme and non‐extreme rainfall indices and intercomparison with different gridded data sets over Mexico and the southern United States
Authors: Colorado‐Ruiz Gabriela , Cavazos Tereza 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTrends of 15 extreme and non‐extreme daily rainfall indices for Mexico and the southern United States are analyzed for the extended boreal winter (November–March) and summer (June–October) during 1981–2010. The analysis includes gridded observations (CHIRPS and Livneh), reanalyses (ERA5, ERA‐Interim, MERRA2, and CFSR), the regional climate model RegCM4.7 (forced by ERA‐Interim), and four general circulation models (GCMs) from the CMIP5 (HadGEM2‐ES, CNRM‐CM5, MPI‐ESM‐MR, and GFDL‐ESM2M). The domain is divided into 13 regions with similar seasonal rainfall patterns according to the k‐means algorithm applied to CHIRPS monthly precipitation, as a reference. Gridded observations and reanalyses (O&R) show similar regional annual cycles and metrics of precipitation. The two observational data sets show the largest differences in the magnitude of some indices in the wettest region (southeastern Mexico) and in the monsoon. During summer, O&R show positive significant trends in extreme rainfall indices in regions commonly affected by tropical cyclones (southern Baja California Peninsula, northeastern Mexico, and the southeastern United States), while negative significant trends of seasonal accumulation of rainfall are seen in the Mediterranean Californias and the Sonoran Desert region. There is an agreement among most data sets that the frequency and intensity of extreme winter precipitation indices have declined in northwest Mexico and the southwestern United States, but trends are not statistically significant, while southeastern Mexico shows significant increases in 5‐days accumulation (rx5d). ERA5 followed by MERRA2 show the best performance. RegCM4.7 reproduces the annual cycle of precipitation in most of the regions and captures the main trend signals especially in winter, but it has difficulties in reproducing the summer interannual variability of few indices. The GCMs tend to overestimate (underestimate) the annual cycle of precipitation and the median values of extreme indices in the driest (wettest) regions. They are not able to capture the regional trends of the indices.
Development of a standardized histopathology scoring system for intervertebral disc degeneration in rat models: An initiative of the ORS spine section
Authors: Lai Alon , Gansau Jennifer , Gullbrand Sarah E. , Crowley James , Cunha Carla , Dudli Stefan , Engiles Julie B. , Fusellier Marion , Goncalves Raquel M. , Nakashima Daisuke , Okewunmi Jeffrey , Pelletier Matthew , Presciutti Steven M. , Schol Jordy , Takeoka Yoshiki , Yang Sidong , Yurube Takashi , Zhang Yejia , Iatridis James C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundRats are a widely accepted preclinical model for evaluating intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and regeneration. IVD morphology is commonly assessed using histology, which forms the foundation for quantifying the state of IVD degeneration. IVD degeneration severity is evaluated using different grading systems that focus on distinct degenerative features. A standard grading system would facilitate more accurate comparison across laboratories and more robust comparisons of different models and interventions.AimsThis study aimed to develop a histology grading system to quantify IVD degeneration for different rat models.Materials & MethodsThis study involved a literature review, a survey of experts in the field, and a validation study using 25 slides that were scored by 15 graders from different international institutes to determine inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability.ResultsA new IVD degeneration grading system was established and it consists of eight significant degenerative features, including nucleus pulposus (NP) shape, NP area, NP cell number, NP cell morphology, annulus fibrosus (AF) lamellar organization, AF tears/fissures/disruptions, NP‐AF border appearance, as well as endplate disruptions/microfractures and osteophyte/ossification. The validation study indicated this system was easily adopted, and able to discern different severities of degenerative changes from different rat IVD degeneration models with high reproducibility for both experienced and inexperienced graders. In addition, a widely‐accepted protocol for histological preparation of rat IVD samples based on the survey findings include paraffin embedding, sagittal orientation, section thickness < 10 μm, and staining using H&E and/or SO/FG to facilitate comparison across laboratories.ConclusionThe proposed histological preparation protocol and grading system provide a platform for more precise comparisons and more robust evaluation of rat IVD degeneration models and interventions across laboratories.
A thermodynamic study of capillary electrochromatographic retention of aromatic hydrocarbons on a lauryl acrylate porous polymer monolithic column with measured phase ratio
Authors: Daniels Charlisa , Li Si Ying , Iba Brady , Zhao Yizhou , Kuklinski Nicholas , Bushey Michelle M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe phase ratio of a chromatographic system is an important measurement that has long been estimated or calculated, but rarely directly measured. This study utilized a nanoflow liquid chromatography instrument to more accurately measure the phase ratio for a lauryl acrylate porous polymer monolith. Direct measurement of the phase ratio, and its dependence on temperature, allows for a better understanding of the thermodynamics of retention of small analytes. This study investigates the retention of an alkyl benzene series, toluene to octylbenzene, via capillary electrochromatography. The phase ratio was determined to be 0.202 at 303 K and 0.213 at 333 K. Using the directly measured phase ratio, entropic contributions to retention can also be obtained. Therefore, the Gibbs free energy calculations from these measurements and methods can give insight to modes of retention. The free energy of retention for toluene is –3.97 kJ/mol at 303 K and –3.78 kJ/mol at 333 K. The trends for enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy of transfer show that retention is enthalpically driven in this capillary electrochromatography (CEC) porous polymer monolith system.
Long non‐coding RNA HOTAIR/microRNA‐761 sponge regulates PPME1 and further influences cell biological functions in thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Guo Runsheng , Ning Yong , Ma Ye , Lin Qianhuang , Shen Na , Shi Peidong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundMost well‐differentiated thyroid carcinomas display good therapeutic outcomes, but there are still some patients who are not sensitive to the general treatments lose their treatment opportunities. Thus, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms that cause thyroid carcinoma, so as to find effective diagnostic and therapeutic targets.Aim of the studyTo explore the role of homeobox transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in thyroid carcinoma through protein phosphatase methylesterase 1 (PPME1) by sponging microRNA 761 (miR‐761).MethodsThe regulation network amongst HOTAIR, miR‐761 and PPME1 was predicted by online sources. RT‐PCR was conducted to evaluate the expression of HOTAIR and miR‐761 in tumor tissues. Clinical data was collected and analyzed by Chi‐square test. Cell apoptosis and proliferation was evaluated using three types of cancer cells (HTh‐7, CAL‐62, BCPAP) after treated with si‐HOTAIR and miR‐761inhibitor. The binding site among HOTAIR, miR‐761 and PPME1 was verified by dual luciferase reporter assay. PPME1 expression was measured after HOTAIR and miR‐761 were suppressed by western blot. Survival time was measured in nude mice using log‐rank test.ResultsHOTAIR was expressed to a significantly greater extent than miR‐761 in thyroid tumor tissues (P < .001). miR‐761 and PPME1 were negatively correlated (coef = −1.91, P < .001). HOTAIR competitively binds to miR‐761 and miR‐761 directly targets PPME1. HOTAIR was highly correlated with TNM (χ2 = 5.797, P = .016), tumor size (χ2 = 7.955, P = .005) and lymphatic metastasis (χ2 = 6.0, P = .014). HOTAIR promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis, whereas miR‐761 did not. HOTAIR elevated and miR‐761 suppressed PPME1 expression. HOTAIR expression appears to affect the survival time in vivo.ConclusionHOTAIR regulated thyroid cancer cells by binding to miR‐761 through PPME1.
H. pylori infection induces CXCL8 expression and promotes gastric cancer progress through downregulating KLF4
Authors: Liu Zhengxia , Wu Xiao , Tian Yuanyuan , Zhang Wanchun , Qiao Siyuan , Xu Wenting , Liu Yakun , Wang Siying 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTumour‐derived CXCL8 facilitates the movement of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, which are able to restrain antitumour immune responses to the tumour microenvironment. Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) is a potential tumour suppressor in gastric cancer (GC). However, knowledge regarding correlations between KLF4 and CXCL8 in GC is limited. We use cellular and molecular biological methods to assess whether these two factors interact in GC. Expression CXCL8 and KLF4 was altered in human GC tissues compared to normal gastric tissues in opposite ways. Additionally, cytotoxin‐associated gene A protein (CagA) gene transduction or Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection upregulated CXCL8 expression. Knockdown of KLF4 expression increased CXCL8 protein and RNA expression, whereas its overexpression had the opposite effect. CXCL8‐mediated enhancement of GC cell migration and proliferation was reversed by upregulation of KLF4 expression. Further mechanistic research revealed that KLF4 binds the CXCL8 promoter, suppressing CXCL8 transcription. Moreover, CXCL8 stimulation reduced KLF4 protein expression and promoted GC cell proliferation and migration, eventually promoting neoplasm growth in vivo. Together, our findings demonstrate that CagA promotes CXCL8 and inhibits KLF4. CXCL8 is a decisive downstream target gene of KLF4, and KLF4 negatively regulates CXCL8 in GC. Furthermore, CXCL8's negative regulation of KLF4 in vivo and in vitro, indicates that CagA may downregulate KLF4 by inducing CXCL8 expression, low expression of KLF4 further promotes that of CXCL8, forming a vicious circle in GC. Targeted KLF4 activation might improve the immunosuppressive microenvironment through direct negative regulation of CXCL8, providing a new potential target to strengthen the efficacy of immunotherapy in GC patients.
Using Population Dynamics to Model Harvest Regulation Impacts to Channel Catfish in the Monongahela River, West Virginia
Authors: Chestnut-Faull Kristen L. , Phelps Quinton E. , Smith Dustin M. , Wellman David I. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus were collected during 2018 and 2019 from the Monongahela River in West Virginia using hoop nets to estimate population dynamics. Length, weight, sex, fecundity, and age data were obtained from collected individuals. Population characteristics (e.g., relative abundance, size structure, age structure, growth, etc.) were modeled under three proposed length limits of 300, 375, and 450 mm. Simulation results indicated that growth overfishing may occur when exploitation rates reach 36% under a 300-mm minimum length limit. Furthermore, recruitment overfishing began to occur at 40% exploitation under a 300-mm minimum length limit. Additionally, simulations suggest that no recruitment or growth overfishing occur at minimum length limits of 375 mm or 450 mm until extremely high exploitation levels (&gt;90%) are reached. Thus, future consideration should be given for implementation of a 375-mm minimum length limit of Channel Catfish in the Monongahela River to prevent growth and recruitment overfishing while also ensuring anglers are still able to harvest Channel Catfish.
NONMEM population pharmacokinetics and Monte Carlo dosing simulations of imipenem in critically ill patients with life‐threatening severe infections during support with or without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in an intensive care unit
Authors: Jaruratanasirikul Sutep , Boonpeng Apinya , Nawakitrangsan Monchana , Samaeng Maseetoh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStudy ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were (i) to determine the population pharmacokinetic (PK) of imipenem in critically ill patients with life‐threatening severe infections, (ii) to investigate the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) on the population PK of imipenem during support with ECMO compared to those without ECMO support, and (iii) to assess the probability of target attainment (PTA) for finding the optimal dosage regimens of imipenem in critically ill patients with life‐threatening severe infections.DesignOpen‐label, PK study.SettingAcademic tertiary care medical center.PatientsFifty critically ill patients with or without ECMO by pooling data from previously published studiesand unpublished data from 14 patients.Intervention and MeasurementsThe population PK of imipenem was determined using NONMEM and a Monte Carlo simulation was performed to determine the PTAs of achieving 40% and 75% exposure times during which the plasma drug concentrations remained above the MIC.Main ResultsThe values of volume of distribution and total clearance were 30.5 L and 13.3 L/h, respectively. The ECMO circuit did not show a significant influence on the PK parameters of imipenem. For pathogens with a MIC of 4 mg/L, the PTA target of 75% fT>MIC in patients with normal renal function was achieved when the imipenem was administered by a 4‐h infusion of 1 g q6h.ConclusionThe ECMO circuit had little effect on enhancing the PK changes of imipenem that had already occurred in these patients. A high dosage of imipenem may be required for achieving the PK/pharmacodynamic targets against less susceptible pathogens, however, the dosage regimens in patients with renal impairment may not need to be as high as those required in patients with normal renal function.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03858387.
Decay mechanisms in CdS‐buffered Cu(In,Ga)Se2thin‐film solar cells after exposure to thermal stress: Understanding the role of Na
Authors: Yetkin Hasan A. , Kodalle Tim , Bertram Tobias , Villanueva‐Tovar Alejandra , Rusu Marin , Klenk Reiner , Szyszka Bernd , Schlatmann Rutger , Kaufmann Christian A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDue to their tunable bandgap energy, Cu(In,Ga)Se2(CIGSe) thin‐film solar cells are an attractive option for use as bottom devices in tandem configurations. In monolithic tandem devices, the thermal stability of the bottom device is paramount for reliable application. Ideally, it will permit the processing of a top device at the required optimum process temperature. Here, we investigate the degradation behavior of chemical bath deposited (CBD) CdS‐buffered CIGSe thin‐film solar cells with and without Na incorporation under thermal stress in ambient air and vacuum with the aim to gain a more detailed understanding of their degradation mechanisms. For the devices studied, we observe severe degradation after annealing at 300°C independent of the atmosphere. The electrical and compositional properties of the samples before and after a defined application of thermal stress are studied. In good agreement with literature reports, we find pronounced Cd diffusion into the CIGS absorber layer. In addition, for Na‐containing samples, the observed degradation can be mainly explained by the formation of Na‐induced acceptor states in the TCO front contact and a back contact barrier formation due to the out‐diffusion of Na. Supported by numerical device simulation using SCAPS‐1D, various possible degradation models are discussed and correlated with our findings.
Effect of gas pressure on the microstructure of parts foamed with the novel microcellular injection molding technology Ku‐Fizz™
Authors: Simon Sara Andrea , Hain Jörg , Osswald Tim 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe increasing demand for lightweight and economical automotive components boosts investigation of advanced materials and new lightweighting technologies. This work employs the novel microcellular injection molding technology Ku‐Fizz™. The process introduces gas with granulates at moderate low pressures into the feed zone of the injection molding machine. Ku‐Fizz is controlled by gas pressure; thus, a simple plate geometry was molded and the effect of various gas contents on the microstructure was analyzed. The material used was a chemically coupled glass fiber‐reinforced polypropylene compound. Optical microscopy was employed to measure the foam microstructure. Microcomputed tomography was used to quantify the fiber volume fraction and the orientation tensors. Results of the fully characterized microstructure showed cell density increasing and cell size decreasing with gas pressure and melt flow direction. Fiber length increased with gas content. Cell growth displaced fibers from the center of the part towards the mold surface, changing the fiber concentration and global fiber orientation.
Three‐dimensional printed realistic pediatric static and dynamic airway models for bronchoscopy and foreign body removal training
Authors: Maier Pia , Silvestro Elizabeth , Goldfarb Samuel B. , Piccione Joseph , Phinizy Pelton A. , Andronikou Savvas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFor mastering bronchoscope handling, positioning, and directing of the bronchoscope in response to the intraluminal view provided by the bronchoscope camera, sufficient training is necessary, especially in infants and toddlers who have smaller airways, faster respiratory rates, and higher airway collapsibility. With the use of three‐dimensional printing, we aimed to develop a set of anatomically accurate and low‐cost airway models for teaching and training of bronchoscopy technique and foreign body removal: a translucent airway box model, a static airway model, and a dynamic airway model consisting of a flexible tree model connected to a pump that allows simulation of airway collapsibility during breathing. Computed tomography (CT) patient data of three different ages (1, 5, and 18 years of age) was imported into Materialise Mimics, segmented, and printed using VisoClear and soft Tango+ material. The models were evaluated by three pediatric pulmonology attendings for anatomical accuracy and usefulness for teaching and training. The translucent airway box model was preferred for the initial presentation of bronchoscope handling and learning anatomy in three dimensions. The static and flexible tree models were used to train bronchoscope handling and foreign body removal. The dynamic model provided the most realistic representation of a pediatric airway throughout the respiratory cycle with increased patency during inspiration and relative collapse during exhalation. Objective verification of anatomical accuracy and physiology of breathing motion was obtained by comparing CT scans of the model with original images and by application of 4D dynamic CT airway imaging protocols, respectively.