bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture Attenuates Inflammatory Pain by Activating AMPK/autophagy and Inhibiting iNOS and IL-1β in Inflamed Tissues
Authors: Xiang Hongchun , Cai Guowei , Hu Liang , Lan Yuye , Weng Tao , Zou Yan , Yuan Xiaocui , Lin Lixue , Liu Yongmin , Hu Xuefei , Zhang Hong , Pan Huilin , Liu Wentao , Liu Cunzhi , Li Man 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundElectroacupuncture (EA) produces analgesic effects on inflammatory pain partially via activating adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in the spinal cord. However, it is unclear whether EA activates AMPK in peripheral tissues in inflammatory pain. This study was aimed at determining whether EA promotes autophagy by activating AMPK to inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators IL-1β and iNOS in inflamed skin tissues. MethodsIn CFA-induced inflammatory pain in mice, mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were tested 2 hours after EA treatment. The AMPK antagonist Compound C was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before EA treatment. The analgesic effects of AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) were determined and its effects on autophagy, IL-1β and iNOS expression were detected. Also, the effects of the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) on EA analgesia and iNOS/IL-1β expression in inflamed skin tissues were examined. The phosphorylation of AMPK (Thr172) and total AMPK proteins, LC3BII/I, autophagy substrate protein p62, IL-1β and iNOS were detected using Western blotting. Co-labeling of macrophages (CD68) with IL-1β and iNOS was detected using immunofluorescence. In addition, after NR8383 macrophages were treated with CFA, the effects of AICAR and Compound C on autophagy were determined using stubRFP-sensGFP-LC3 Lentivirus..ResultsEA reduced CFA-induced inflammatory pain, activated AMPK and autophagy, and inhibited iNOS and IL-1β expression in inflamed skin tissues. AICAR also attenuated CFA-induced hyperalgesia, promoted autophagy and inhibited iNOS and IL-1β expression in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the AMPK inhibitor Compound C reversed the effect of EA on autophagy. Pretreatment with 3-MA, an inhibitor of autophagy, inhibited the effect of EA on inflammatory pain and expression of iNOS and IL-1β in inflamed skin tissues. ConclusionsEA treatment alleviated inflammatory pain by activation of AMPK, enhancing autophagy, and inhibiting iNOS and IL-1β expression in the inflamed skin tissues.
New Balance Capability Index as a Screening Tool for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro , Tsubaki Takumi , Nakaya Kensuke , Kondo Genta , Takeuchi Yoshinori , Aita Yuichi , Murayama Yuki , Shikama Akito , Masuda Yukari , Suzuki Hiroaki , Kawakami Yasushi , Shimano Hitoshi , Arai Tetsuaki , Hada Yasushi , Yahagi Naoya 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is not just a prodrome to dementia, but a very important intervention point to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). It has long been known that AD patients have a higher frequency of falls with some gait instability. Recent evidence suggests that vestibular impairment is disproportionately prevalent among individuals with MCI and dementia due to AD. Here we have developed a useful method to evaluate balance capability as well as vestibular function using Nintendo Wii balance board as a stabilometer and foam rubber on it. The new balance capability indicator, termed visual dependency index of postural stability (VPS), was highly associated with cognitive impairment assessed by MoCA, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was more than 0.8, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. Thus, it was proved that VPS helps screen individuals with MCI at an early and preclinical stage with high sensitivity.
X-ray Irradiation Inhibits Inflammation and Glial Scar Formation through p38 MAPK and Akt Signaling Pathways and Promotes the Recovery of Nerve Function after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Authors: Wang Yi , Niu Yanping , Lin Fanguo , Su Peng , Chen Liesong , Liu Dong , Sun Yongming 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common clinical disease that can cause permanent disruption of nerve function. Inflammation and glial scar formation influence the recovery of injured spinal cord. X-ray irradiation can reduce inflammation, inhibit cell proliferation and increase cell apoptosis. However, the regulatory effects of X-ray irradiation on inflammation and glial scars and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of X-ray irradiation on the progression of SCI. Behavioural experiments show that X-ray irradiation can effectively improve the motor function of SCI rats. X-ray irradiation inhibits the inflammatory response by reducing the expression of inflammatory factors (including TNF-α and IL-1β) at the lesion site, thereby enhancing the survival of neuronal cells .X-ray irradiation effectively inhibited the formation of the glial scar (the expression of the related proteins GFAP and vimentin) in the lesion. In addition, the p38 MAPK and Akt signaling pathways were activated after SCI in rats, but these signaling pathways were significantly blocked after X-ray irradiation. Furthermore, the 10 Gy dose had the most significant effects among the 2 Gy, 10 Gy and 20 Gy doses. In summary, X-ray irradiation can inhibit inflammation and glial scar formation by blocking the p38 MAPK and Akt signaling pathways, thereby improving the recovery of nerve function in rats with SCI. Therefore, X-ray irradiation provides a new strategy for the treatment of SCI.
Effects of Milling and Baking Processes on Bread Quality: A Case in Kamise, Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Tihitinna Asmellash , Geleta Tollosa , Kibatu Girma 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Milling and baking are processes which determine bread quality. Proximate compositions of wheat grains and flour samples from one central milling factory and bread samples from different bakeries in Kamise, Ethiopia were determined using standard methods in the laboratory. The fat and ash contents decreased by milling wheat grains; whereas, the moisture, protein and fat contents of the wheat flours increased in bread samples after baking. Highest amounts of Mg (243.25± 2.5 mg/Kg) and Ca (350.40 ± 2.2 mg/Kg) were found in the bread; while lowest concentrations of Mg (81.25 ± 0.15 mg/Kg) and a higher Ca concentrations (110.75 ± 0.2mg/Kg) were observed in flour samples. Significantly highest amount iron was obtained in the grains than in the flour and bread samples; indicating loss of iron in milling and baking processes. Lead was found on bread samples than in the grain or flour samples, indicative of the presence of contamination during baking processes. The variations between samples due to milling and differences in baking processes which could be as a result of differences in water used, additives and fermentation parameters. The evaluation of milling and baking processes in affecting nutrient composition are important to control the nutritional quality of bread.
A systematic review about stablished methods and thresholds to determine velocity and accelerations in soccer
Authors: Díaz-Soto Francisco J. , Rico-González Markel , Vieira Luiz H. Palucci , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Nobari Hadi , Pino-Ortega José 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Velocity and accelerations have been highlighted as the most important variables in soccer. However, there is a consensus gap to define different levels of effort. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify those articles that purposed a threshold to establish (i) movement intensity at different velocities using tracking systems and (ii) accelerations using inertial measurement units, classifying the justification methods.
Methods

A systematic review of Cochrane Library, EBSCO, PubMed, Scielo, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
Results

From the 1983 studies initially identified, 40 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed.
Conclusios:

The 40 m maximal linear sprint test is the preferred method used in originating speed and acceleration thresholds in soccer despite recent research opted also to consider composite fitness measures such as anaerobic speed reserve. However, there is a substantial heterogeneity on locomotor testing procedures and workload zones established from these performance data while construct validity of several fitness indicators is not yet supported. Studies diverged on recommending, maybe consider or suggested avoid the use of individualized thresholds. Low sampling frequency (≤ 10 Hertz) in publications computing acceleration and deceleration demands should be also interpreted with caution. The present study collated evidence that may help conditioning professionals when processing and interpreting external load data in a soccer context.
Pregnant adolescents and nurses perspectives on accessibility and utilization of maternal and child health information in Ohangwena Region, Namibia
Authors: Shatilwe Joyce T. , Hlongwana Khumbulani , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani P. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
The reasons for the inability of most pregnant adolescent girls to access and utilize maternal and child health information (MCHI) are not well-documented. This is despite the policy guidelines promoting the provision of this necessary information to pregnant adolescents in order to prepare them for delivery. This provision is one of the strategies envisaged to improve their attendance of ANC visits and their maternal and child health.
Method
Data for this study were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews. These were conducted with 12 adolescent pregnant girls between the ages of 15 and 19 and eight nurses from four different health centres in the Ohangwena Region of Namibia. The study was conducted over the period of three months (December 2018 to March 2019). The data was grouped into clusters aided by NVivo computer software version 12. Data were organized and condensed in small units, prior to being coded, categorized, and finally grouped into main themes and sub-themes.
Results
Results revealed that long travel hours to reach the nearest clinics was amongst the leading challenges affecting accessibility and utilization of MCHI for pregnant adolescent girls. This was exacerbated by poor support with transport fare, poor road infrastructure and non-availability of transport, and these factors were key barriers to accessibility and utilization of clinic services. Other barriers pertained to the family dynamics, such as disclosing the pregnancy to the family members prior to commencing antenatal care (ANC) visits and harsh treatment from family members after the disclosure.
Conclusion
The pregnant adolescent girls were concerned about their inability to access and utilize MCHI. The challenges identified made them susceptible to maternal complications, hence their inability to access relevant MCHI to prepare them for pregnancy. Health educational interventions should prioritize both the adolescent girls and their families for proper support, especially since the reactions of families on the pregnancy of their adolescent girls often negatively affect accessibility and utilization of maternal and child health services. Moreover, further research on adolescents' needs during pregnancy should be expanded to include their parents, in order to better inform policymakers.
Associations Between First Parity Wean-to-Service Interval and Sow Lifetime Productivity Traits
Authors: Segura-Correa Jose C. , Ek-Mex Jesús Enrique , Muñoz-Osorio Germani Adrian , Santos-Ricalde Ronald H , Sarmiento-Franco Luis , Calderón-Díaz Julia Adriana 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to 1) investigate associations between first parity wean-to-service interval (WSI) and sows’ lifetime reproductive traits and 2) identify cut-off values for WSI associated with lifetime traits. Data collected in 3,900-sows of farrow-to-finish commercial farm in Yucatan, Mexico. Lifetime productivity records including parity number at culling (NPC), lifetime number piglets born alive (LNBA) from parity two until culling, lifetime non-productive days (LNPD) and length of productive life (LPL) for sows were used. Association between WSI and sow productive traits were evaluated using general linear models, including year and season as categorical fixed effects and WSI as a continuous linear and quadratic predictors. Cut-off values for WSI were estimated using regression tree analysis. WSI was associated (P < 0.05) with LNBA (linear = -0.62 ± 0.025; quadratic 0.02 ± 0.008) and NCP (linear = -0.04 ± 0.018). Similarly, an association (P < 0.05) was observed between WSI and LNPD (linear = 2.81 ± 0.687; quadratic -0.05 ± 0.023). Cut-off values for WSI varied according to each of the predicted variables: WSI > 5 days would translate into longer 13 more days of LPL, WSI < 7 days would increase LNBA by two extra pigs, WSI ≥ 9 days increases NCP by 0.2 parities, and WSI < 10 days would mean 24 fewer LNPD. Shorter WSI during the first parity was associated with improved lifetime productivity traits. The estimated cut-off values for WSI could be used by producers, to decide when to implement strategies to improve management.
Evaluation of the Effect of Lymphocytes, Platelets, Monocytes on the Development of Acute Renal Failure and Atrial Fibrillation After Open Heart Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zadeh Fatemeh Javaherforoosh , Maleknia Mohsen , Dezfuly Marzieh Babazadeh , Javan Mohammad Reza , kazemi Hashem , shams Seyyede fatemeh , rezaeeyan hadi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCardiac surgery is the most well-known treatment for cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery and valvular heart diseases. Following cardiac surgery, systemic inflammatory responses are induced due to myocardial arrest, surgical trauma and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), which lead to greater complications and poorer outcomes in patients. There is growing evidence, that evaluating cellular markers in cardiac surgery patients are promising messengers of inflammation and could predict post-operative inflammatory events. In this study, for the first time, hematological parameters and the ratio of inflammatory cells before, during, and after cardiac surgery are assessed to predict inflammatory complications, such as: acute renal injury (AKI) and atrial fibrillation (AF).Material and MethodsThis retrospective study was performed on patients, who underwent elective open-heart surgery; they referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz during November 2014 - March 2017. The profiles of 400 cardiac surgery patients, who underwent CABG were scanned to evaluate the relationship between hematological parameters, cellular-inflammatory indexes, and inflammatory events before, during, and after cardiac surgery. In this study, AKI was diagnosed based on KIDGO criteria; Electro Cardiogram (ECG) was also used to diagnose AF. The specificity and sensitivity of biomarkers were assessed through the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).ResultsAccording to the results, the post-operative NLR was significantly associated with AKI (P-Value: 0.03). Serum markers, including BUN and sCr levels were also significantly correlated with AKI and Non-AKI patients in all post-operative periods (P-Value: 0.0001). Hb core related antigen (HbCr) was also associated with AKI as a hematological parameter.ConclusionsThe findings of this study claimed, that post-operative NLR is significantly associated with the occurrence of AKI; it has also the acceptable sensitivity and specificity results. HbCr levels in the postoperative period also has relatively acceptable sensitivity and specificity concerning AKI.
Growing Rods With Sliding Pedicle Screw System for the Treatment of Early-onset Scoliosis: a Retrospective Analysis of 18 Cases With More Than 5-year Follow-up
Authors: Ouyang Zhi-Hua , Xue Jing-Bo , Tang Ming , Zou Ming-Xiang , Wang Cheng , Yan Yi-Guo , Wang Wen-Jun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The growing rod (GR) technique is a viable alternative for the current non-fusion treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). However, conventional GRs are lengthened to allow for spinal growth, which requires multiple surgeries under general anesthesia in association with high cost and potentially negative psychosocial outcomes. Methods: In this study, growing rods with a sliding pedicle screw system (GRSPSS) was developed for the treatment of EOS without need of repeated operative lengthening. A retrospective review of clinical data on EOS patients who were treated with GRSPSS system was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique. Results: 33 patients received GRSPSS instrumentation and 18 of them were finally included with more than 5-year follow-up data. There were 10 girls and 8 boys with a mean age of 9 years old. The mean preoperative curve (56.6 degrees) was corrected to 15.5 degrees at the 4-week follow-up. This magnitude of correction maintained at the 5-year follow-up. T1-S1 spinal height gained an average of 42 mm on measurement from postoperative to the final follow-up period. Complications included transient neurological deficit in one case and skin infection at one end of the rods in three cases during the early-postoperative period. Two patients required minimally invasive revision surgery because of shoulder imbalance. Rod breakage occurred in two cases.Conclusions: The GRSPSS can safely and effectively correct spinal deformity at a 5-year follow-up. This new instrumentation may be a promising approach for facilitating spinal growth without repeated lengthening operations.
Paired Guide RNA CRISPR-Cas9 Screening for Protein-Coding Genes and lncRNAs Involved in Transdifferentiation of Human B-Cells to Macrophages
Authors: Arnan Carme , Ullrich Sebastian , Pulido-Quetglas Carlos , Nurtdinov Ramil , Esteban Alexandre , Blanco-Fernandez Joan , Aparicio-Prat Estel , Johnson Rory , Pérez-Lluch Sílvia , Guigó Roderic 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 screening libraries have arisen as a powerful tool to identify protein coding (pc) and non-coding genes playing a role along different processes. In particular, the usage of a nuclease active Cas9 coupled to a single gRNA has proven to efficiently impair the expression of pc-genes by generating deleterious frameshifts. Here, we first demonstrate that the usage of a second gRNA targeting the same gene synergistically enhances the capacity of the CRISPR-Cas9 system to knock out pc-genes. We next design a library to simultaneously target pc-genes and lncRNAs known to change expression during the transdifferentiation from pre-B cells to macrophages. We show that this system is able to identify known players in this process, and also predicts 26 potential novel ones, of which we select four for deeper characterization. The CRISPR-Cas9 coupled to pgRNAs system is, therefore, a suitable tool to target simultaneously pc-genes and lncRNAs for genomic perturbation assays.
Singlet Fission Dynamics Modulated by Molecular Configuration in Covalently Linked Pyrene Dimers, Anti- and Syn-1,2-di(Pyrenyl)Benzene
Authors: Choi Jungkweon , Kim Siin , Ahn Mina , Kim Jungmin , Cho Dae Won , Wee Kyung-Ryang , Ihee Hyotcherl 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Various covalently linked dimers (CLDs) and their structural isomers have attracted much attention as a potential material to improve the power conversion efficiencies of photovoltaic devices and OLEDs through singlet fission (SF). However, the effect of the molecular configuration on improving the efficiency through the spatial arrangement has not been explored yet. Here, we designed and synthesized two covalently ortho-linked pyrene (Py) dimers, anti- and syn-1,2-di(pyrenyl)benzene (Anti-DPyB and Syn-DPyB), to elucidate the effect of the molecular configuration on SF dynamics. Both Anti-DPyB and Syn-DPyB, which have different Py-stacking configurations, form excimers and then relax to the correlated triplet pair (1(T1T1)) state, indicating the occurrence of SF. Unlike previous studies where the excimer formation inhibited an SF process, the 1(T1T1)’s of Anti-DPyB and Syn-DPyB are formed through the excimer state. The 1(T1T1) of Anti-DPyB dissociates to form free triplets, completing SF, whereas the 1(T1T1) of Syn-DPyB does not undergo dissociation. Our results showcase that the molecular configuration of a CLD plays an important role in SF dynamics, suggesting that the strategic molecular design and its experimental characterization may provide a new route to improving the power conversion efficiency in real devices.
Ecotoxicity and Fate of Silver Nanomaterial In An Outdoor Lysimeter Study After Twofold Application By Sewage Sludge
Authors: Hoppe Martin , Köser Jan , Hund-Rinke Kerstin , Schlich Karsten 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The increasing use of antibacterial silver nanomaterials (AgNMs) in consumer products leads to their release into sewers. High amounts of AgNMs become retained in sewage sludge, which causes their accumulation in agricultural soils when sewage sludge is applied as fertilizer. This increase in silver arouses concerns about toxicity to soil organisms and transfer within trophic levels. Long-term field studies simulating the sewage sludge pathway to soils are sparse, and the effects of a second sewage sludge application are unknown.In this perennial field lysimeter study, a twofold application of AgNM (NM-300K, 2 + 3 mg Ag/kg dry matter soil (DMS)) and a onefold application of AgNO3 (2 mg Ag/kg DMS) by sewage sludge to the uppermost 20 cm of the soil (Cambisol) were applied. The response of microorganisms to the applications was determined by measuring the inhibition of ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (AOB). Silver concentrations in soil, leachates, and crops were measured after acid digestion by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Almost no vertical Ag translocation to deeper soil layers and negligible Ag release to leachates suggest that soil is a large sink for AgNM and AgNO3. For AgNM, an increase in toxicity to AOB was shown after the second sewage sludge application. The application of AgNO3 resulted in long-term toxicity comparable to the toxicity of AgNM. Low root uptake from both AgNM- and AgNO3-spiked lysimeters to crops indicates their incomplete immobilization, which is why food chain uptake cannot completely be excluded. However, the root-shoot barrier for wheat (9.8 →0.1 mg/kg) and skin body barrier for sugar beets (1.0 →0.2 mg/kg) will further reduce the accumulation within trophic levels. Moreover, the applied AgNM concentrations were above the predicted environmental concentrations (PECs), which is why the root uptake might be negligible in agricultural practice.