bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Tight Junctions and the Permeability Barrier in Betaine-Treated Keratinocyte Cultures
Authors: Anglenius Heli , Toriseva Mervi , Rauhala Leena , Hakkarainen Jenni J. , Siljamäki Elina , Peltonen Sirkku , Peltonen Juha , Tammi Raija , Tiihonen Kirsti , Kähäri Veli-Matti 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTight junctions (TJs) between keratinocytes are important for regulating the inside-out and outside-in permeability barriers. Betaine is a natural intracellular osmolyte utilized for instance in cosmetics. We determined by liquid chromatography that betaine content in human skin samples was higher in the epidermis than in the dermis. This led us to further investigate the effect of betaine on TJs by utilizing different in vitro models: topical application of betaine on normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) differentiated for 5-days, freshly isolated NHEKs differentiated for 3 days and betaine applied during the differentiation process of organotypic rat epidermal keratinocytes (REKs) differentiated for 12-15 days. ResultsTopical betaine in amount range of 100 to 500 µM increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in 5-day-differentiated NHEKs, and downregulated occludin mRNA in concentrations 100-250 µM, but not claudin-4 (CLDN4) or zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). In REKs, betaine applied during differentiation process had no effect on mannitol permeation or the expression of occludin, ZO-1, transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2), or cluster of differentiation (CD147). However, in freshly isolated differentiating human epidermal keratinocytes, betaine treatment increased TJ protein ZO-1 and the differentiation marker involucrin at protein level. By indirect immunofluorescence, prominent staining and co-localization for TJ proteins ZO-1 and claudin-1 was detected in freshly isolated differentiating keratinocytes treated with betaine. ConclusionsTaken together, the results provide evidence that betaine modulates TJ proteins in differentiating epidermal keratinocytes and promotes formation of TJs. These results suggest a role for betaine in the regulation of the epidermal barrier and as a natural ingredient in topical cosmetics.
Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation In Patients With Paraesophageal Hernia Vs. Large Sliding Hiatal Hernia: Comparison of Clinical Outcome And Complexity Of The Surgery
Authors: Schwameis Katrin , Ayazi Shahin , Zheng Ping , Grubic Andrew , Zaidi Ali , Alleyne Adam , Jobe Blair 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Recent studies encourage the use of magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in patients with large sliding hiatal hernia (LHH). However, the utility of MSA in patients with paraesophageal hernia (PEH) is poorly studied. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome and complexity of surgery in patients with PEH to those with LHH. Methods: A total of 37 (65% female) patients underwent PEH repair with MSA in our institution between 2013 and 2019. A group of 37, age/sex matched patients with LHH (≥ 4 cm) who underwent MSA formed the control group. The clinical outcome and the complexity of the surgery were then compared between groups. Results: At a median follow-up of 25.3 (17–35) months, there was significant improvement in the GERD-HRQL total-scores for PEH (18 vs. 3, p < 0.001) and LHH (26 vs. 4, p < 0.0001) patients when compared to preoperative values. The PEH group was similar to LHH group in regard to pH-normalization (71% vs. 64%, p = 0.76) and freedom from PPI (94.4% vs. 91.9%, p = 1.00). Small asymptomatic hernia recurrence was seen in 19% and 18% of LHH and PEH patients, respectively (p = 0.546). One patient (3%) required surgical intervention for symptomatic recurrence in each group. The rate of dysphagia and need for dilation were similar between the groups. No significant differences in operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were detected between patients with PEH and those with LHH. However, there was a trend toward higher necessity for additional operative maneuvers (40.5% vs 13.5%, p = 00.17) and longer hospital stay in PEH. Conclusion: Despite the inherent differences between LHH and PEH, repair of hernia and MSA results in high rate of favorable outcome and low rate of recurrence in both groups. GERD symptom control, freedom from PPI and improvement in quality of life are comparable. However, the greater need for additional surgical maneuvers and longer hospital stay reflect the greater complexity of procedures for repair of PEH with MSA.
Caveolin 1 Reduces High Glucose-Induced Hypertrophy and Inflammatory Fibrosis of H9C2 Cardiomyocytes By Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Gong Wenyan , Yuan Jinghua , Luo Hui , Liu Yingying , Wang Mingwei , Xu Xiaoling , Cong Yusheng , Zhang Xingwei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Cardiac hypertrophy and inflammatory fibrosis are the basic pathological changes of the prevalent microvascular diabetes complication known as diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Previous studies of the Caveolin 1 protein and the lipid raft structures known as caveolae—small invaginations of the plasma membranes of certain cell types (including cardiomyocytes)—have linked this protein to fat metabolism disorders, inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, there are no reports linking Caveolin 1 to DCM. Here, we show that Caveolin 1 plays a vital role in the hypertrophy and inflammatory fibrosis of H9C2 cardiomyocytes induced by high glucose (HG) via inhibiting the NF-κB signaling.Methods: The H9C2 cardiomyocytes induced by HG were used as the experimental model in this study to explicit the effect of Caveolin 1 on DCM and the underlying mechanisms involved. Unpaired Student’s t test was used for comparison between two groups. For multiple comparisons, data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc test multiple comparisons.Results: (1) Exposure of H9C2 cardiomyocytes to HG activated NF-κB signaling and induced the expression of downstream NF-κB target genes including both hypertrophic factors and inflammatory fibrosis factors; (2) Intriguingly, exposure of cardiomyocytes to HG led to decreased Caveolin 1 levels, and this decrease occurred in an HG-exposure-time-dependent manner; (3) Overexpression of Caveolin 1 reduces phosphorylation of p65 and blocks the nuclear accumulation of this NF-κB component in HG-exposed cardiomyocytes, and inhibits transcriptional activation of NF-κB target genes; (4) Knocking down Caveolin 1 exacerbates the HG-induced promotion of the aforementioned NF-κB hypertrophic factors and inflammatory fibrosis factors, all of which have been linked to DCM pathogenesis. Conclusions: Our study supports that Caveolin 1 can protect against hypertrophy and inflammatory fibrosis induced by HG, specifically by suppressing NF-κB signaling activity. Accordingly, some medical implications of our study include that i) Caveolin 1 may protect against the development of DCM and ii) may represent a target for developing therapeutics to protect against this highly prevalent and dangerous microvascular complications of diabetes.
Manufacturing large shafts by a novel flexible skew rolling process
Authors: Lin Longfei , Wang Baoyu , Zhou Jing , Shen Jinxia 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
When manufacturing large shafts with multi-specification and small-batch production, both the conventional forging and rolling process bring a high tooling cost due to heavy forging press or large-size specialized roller. In this study, a novel flexible skew rolling (FSR) process is proposed by adding degrees of freedom to the rollers as compared to the typical skew rolling process. Since each of the FSR rollers has three degrees of freedom (circle rotating, radial rotating and radial feeding), the FSR process can be divided into four stages: radial rolling, rollers inclining, skew rolling and rollers levelling. Therefore, the FSR process can produce various shafts with same rollers via programming different movements. To verify the feasibility of FSR process, a physical investigation corresponding with a numerical simulation for a single-step shaft is undertaken with a Φ80×390 mm C45 steel billet. According to the results from physical experiments and numerical simulations, the FSR formed shaft has a maximum deviation of 0.99 mm, and its microstructure and properties have been improved obviously. Moreover, although there is a tendency of center crack in FSR products as predicted by numerical results, both the transverse and longitudinal section of the physical shaft are free from central cracking. The major forming defects existed on the rolled shaft are knurled pockmarks, surface threads and side cavity, which are the typical defects of the conventional skew rolling and cross-wedge rolling and can be removed by machining. To the authors’ knowledge, this novel process has a good combination of flexible production and less loading, which will be of great engineering significance to reduce the tooling cost in large shafts manufacturing.
Notoginsenoside R1 Alleviates Spinal Cord Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Neuronal Apoptosis, and Inflammation via Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Luo Hongbo , Bao Zhangli , Zhou Mingjian , Chen Yuxin , Huang Zhaoxi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

The secondary injury plays a vital role in the development of Spinal cord injury (SCI), which characterized by the occurrence of oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and inflammatory response. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) has been involved in the modulation of anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory response. However, its roles in SCI-induced injury are still unknown.
Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to SCI through a weight-drop method. the therapeutic effect of NGR1 and its underlying mechanism after SCI were explored by using behavioral, biochemical, and immunohistochemical techniques.
Results

The administration of NGR1 after SCI enhanced the neurological function, mitigated tissue damage, and motor neuron loss than those in SCI + vehicle group. Meanwhile, significantly increased expression of Nrf2 protein and HO-1 protein was found in the SCI + NGR1 group compared with those in the SCI + vehicle group. In addition, the inhibitory effects of oxidative stress, apoptotic neuron ratio, and neuronal inflammation in the SCI + NGR1 group can be partially reversed when the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway was inhibited by ML385.
Conclusions

The administration of NGR1 after SCI can attenuate oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and inflammation by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway after SCI, thereby improving neurological function.
Differences Between Surviving and Non-surviving Venous Thromboembolism COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Castillo-Perez Mauricio , Jerjes-Sanchez Carlos , Castro-Varela Alejandra , Paredes-Vazquez Jose Gildardo , Vazquez-Garza Eduardo , Ramos-Cazares Ray Erick , Salinas-Casanova Jose Alfredo , Molina-Rodriguez Abigail Montserrat , Martinez-Ibarra Arturo Adrian , Fabiani Mario Alejandro , Flores-Sayavedra Yoezer Z , Guajardo-Lozano Jaime Alberto , Garza Hector Lopez-de la , Campo Hector Betancourt-del , Martinez-Magallanes Daniela , Panneflek Jathniel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Systematic reviews of venous thromboembolism COVID-19 patients focus on the incidence, primary and secondary venous thromboembolism prevention, bleeding complications, and the association of D-dimer with mortality. We analyzed therapeutic approaches, outcomes, clinical presentation, risk stratification, and patient characteristics that survived and did not survive.Methods: We searched for systematic reviews, cohorts, case series, case reports, editor letters, and venous thromboembolism COVID-19 patients' abstracts following PRISMA and PROSPERO statements. The objective was to assess therapeutic trends and clinical outcomes of venous thromboembolism COVID-19 patients. Inclusion: COVID-19 patients with venous thromboembolism confirmed by an imaging method (venous doppler ultrasound, ventilation-perfusion lung scan, computed tomography pulmonary angiogram, pulmonary angiography). We assessed the original Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index in two groups, survivors and those who died. We defined major bleedings according to the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria.Results: We performed a systematic review from August 9 to August 30, 2020. We collected 1,535 papers from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Wiley, and Opengrey. We extracted data from 89 studies. Unfractionated and low-molecular-weight heparin drove parenteral anticoagulation. The Food and Drug Administration-approved alteplase regimen guided the advanced treatment in both groups. The mortality was high (21.6%), with a low incidence of bleeding complications in those who survived: Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index class II and III identified patients who lived. Patients who experienced venous thromboembolism events at home were more likely to live than in-hospital events. Patients who died had a higher D dimer expression and right ventricular dysfunction.Conclusions: We determined a high mortality incidence of pulmonary embolism (21.6%) related to hypertension, an increased inflammatory response, prothrombotic state, severe COVID-19, massive pulmonary embolism, intensive care unit admission, low venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, and bleeding complications. The original Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index could be helpful in the risk stratification. Overlapping severe COVID-19 pneumonia and pulmonary embolism is a challenge.
Challenging Problems of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) of Meteorological Time Series Data
Authors: Faybishenko Boris , Versteeg Roelof , Pastorello Gilberto , Dwivedi Dipankar , Varadharajan Charuleka , Agarwal Deborah 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Representativeness and quality of collected meteorological data impact accuracy and precision of climate, hydrological, and biogeochemical analyses and predictions. We developed a comprehensive Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) statistical framework, consisting of three major steps: Step 1—Preliminary data exploration, i.e., processing of raw datasets, with the challenging problems of time formatting and combining datasets of different lengths and different time intervals; Step 2—QA of the datasets, including detecting and flagging of duplicates, outliers, and extreme data; and Step 3—the development of time series of a desired frequency, imputation of missing values, visualization and a final statistical summary. The paper includes two use cases based on the time series data collected at the Billy Barr meteorological station (East River Watershed, Colorado), and the Barro Colorado Island (BCI, Panama) meteorological station. The developed statistical methods are suitable for both real-time and post-data-collection QA/QC analysis of meteorological datasets.
Challenges of Health Care Reforms (HCRS) in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs): A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: FardAzar Farbod Ebadi , Choopani Azam , Teymourlouy Seyed Ahmad Ahmadi , Arkian Seyed Hasan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Healthcare reforms (HCRs) are performed by many resource-limited countries to improve the quality of health care. However, reforms do not always lead to the expected benefits and implementation problems are not fully considered due to lack of a systematic analysis of HCRs in these countries. Thus, the present study aimed to review the challenges of health care reforms in low and middle-income countries systematically.Method: A systematic review of qualitative studies was used in the present study. Data were searched in five databases. The references related to the selected articles were searched for any relevant study irrespective of gray literature. The articles were screened based on PRISMA. The duplicates were removed, others were screened based on the title and abstract, and the eligible ones were selected for full-text reading and those matched with inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for review. Framework analyses were used for data analysis, and the quality of the studies was evaluated by the CASP checklist for qualitative studies.Results: 702 articles were found, among which 149 were duplicated, 553 were selected to primary screening, 390 were excluded, and 163 were selected for full text reading. Finally, 151 articles were excluded, and 12 matched with the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study.Conclusion:Health reforms in low and middle-income countries have faced different challenges in financing, human resources, drugs and medicine, infrastructures, and governance, which can be influenced the delivery of qualified services. Thus, in order to design and implement any health care reforms in these countries, it is recommended for policymakers to take appropriate decisions about agenda setting, regulations and guidelines, sustainability of financing resources, collaborations, accountabilities and responsibilities, as well as the way of providing human resources, infrastructures, needed drugs, and medicine. In addition, the way of accessing services in rural and remote areas should be clarified. Finally, the reforms should be made very intelligently to direct the funds for the right needs and priorities in the countries where the donors’ interests may be affected.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Lanot Nicolas , Vincenti Marie , Abassi Hamouda , Bredy Charlene , Agullo Audrey , Gamon Lucie , Mura Thibault , Lavastre Kathleen , Villeon Gregoire De La , Barrea Catherine , Meyer Pierre , Rivier François , Melli Albano , Fauconnier Jeremy , Cazorla Olivier , Lacampagne Alain , AMEDRO Pascal 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose-Prognosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is related to cardiac dysfunction. Two dimensional-speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) has recently emerged as a non-invasive functional biomarker for early detection of DMD-related cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to determine, in DMD children, the existence of a left ventricle (LV) dyssynchrony using 2D-STE analysis.Methods-This prospective controlled study enrolled 25 boys with DMD (mean age 11.0±3.5 years) with normal LV ejection fraction and 50 age-matched controls. Three measures were performed to assess LV mechanical dyssynchrony: the opposing-wall delays (longitudinal and radial analyses), the modified Yu index, and the time-to-peak delays of each segment. Feasibility and reproducibility of 2D-STE dyssynchrony were evaluated. Results-All three mechanical dyssynchrony criteria were significantly higher in the DMD group than in healthy subjects: (1) opposing-wall delays in basal inferoseptal to basal anterolateral segments (61.4±45.3 msec vs. 18.3±50.4 msec, P<0.001, respectively) and in mid inferoseptal to mid anterolateral segments (58.6±35.3 msec vs. 42.4±36.4 msec, P<0.05, respectively), (2) modified Yu index (33.3±10.1 msec vs. 28.5±8.1 msec, P<0.05, respectively), and (3) most of time-to-peak values, especially in basal and mid anterolateral segments. Feasibility was excellent and reliability was moderate to excellent, with ICC values ranging from 0.49 to 0.97.Conclusion-Detection of LV mechanical dyssynchrony using 2D-STE analysis is an easily and reproducible method in pediatrics. The existence of an early LV mechanical dyssynchrony visualized using 2D-STE analysis in children with DMD before the onset of cardiomyopathy represents a perspective for future pediatric drug trials in the DMD-related cardiomyopathy prevention. Clinical Trial Registration-Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02418338. Post-hoc study, registered on April 16, 2015.
Urinary Concentrations of Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients, Their Family Members and Others in Dry-Zone of Sri Lanka
Authors: Kumiko TAIRA , Tomonori KAWAKAMI , Weragoda Sujithra Kaushaliya , Herath H.M.Ayala S. , Yoshinori IKENAKA , Kazutoshi FUJIOKA , HAMACHANDRA Madhubhani , Pallewatta Nirmalie , Yoshiko AOYAMA , Mayumi ISHIZUKA , Jean-Marc BONMATIN , Makiko KOMORI 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The growing worldwide prevalence of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) has been reported since the 1990’s. Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides used since 1990’s, which may cause renal dysfunction, but the effect on the urinary concentration was unknown. We conducted a field-based case-control study in the North Central Dry-zone of Sri Lanka where CKDu was prevailing. We collected spot urine samples from15 CKD patients, 15 CKD family members, and 62 neighbors in May and December 2015, analyzed seven neonicotinoids and a metabolite by LC-ESI/MS/MS, in addition to two biomarkers of renal tubule activity, Cystatin-C and L-FABP. We also investigated their symptoms using a questionnaire. In CKD patients, urine Cystatin-C and L-FABP were significantly higher compared to non-CKD participants; and they complained of finger tremor, fever, and abnormal behavior more. Among neonicotinoids, N-desmethyl-acetamiprid was detected at the highest rate in 92.4 %, followed by thiamethoxam in 17.4%. Dinotefuran and thiacloprid that was not registered since 2015 in Sri Lanka were detected in 17.4%, 3.3%, respectively. In the participants whose urine Cystatin-C was in higher half, N-desmethyl-acetamiprid was significantly less than others. The urine neonicotinoid levels in CKD patients with compromised tubular function doesn’t seem to reflect their level of exposure.
Strategies to maximise study retention and limit attrition bias in a prospective cohort study of men reporting a history of injecting drug use released from prison: The Prison and Transition Health study
Authors: Stewart Ashleigh Cara , Cossar Reece , Walker Shelley , Wilkinson Anna Lee , Quinn Brendan , Dietze Paul , Winter Rebecca , Kirwan Amy , Curtis Michael , Ogloff James R. P. , Kinner Stuart , Aitken Campbell , Butler Tony , Woods Emma , Stoové Mark 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background There are significant challenges associated with studies of people released from custodial settings, including loss to follow-up in the community. Interpretation of findings with consideration of differences between those followed up and those not followed up is critical in the development of evidence-informed policies and practices. We describe attrition bias in the Prison and Transition Health (PATH) prospective cohort study, and strategies employed to minimise attrition.Methods PATH involves 400 men with a history of injecting drug use recruited from three prisons in Victoria, Australia. Four interviews were conducted: one pre-release (‘baseline’) and three interviews at approximately 3, 12, and 24 months post-release (‘follow-up’). We assessed differences in baseline characteristics between those retained and not retained in the study, using two-sample tests of proportions and t-tests.Results Most participants (85%) completed at least one follow-up interview and 162 (42%) completed all three follow-up interviews. Retained participants were younger than those lost to follow-up (mean diff − 3.1 years, 95% CI -5.3, -0.9). There were no other statistically significant differences observed in baseline characteristics.Conclusion The high proportion of participants retained in the PATH cohort study via comprehensive follow-up procedures, coupled with extensive record linkage to a range of administrative datasets, is a considerable strength of the study. Our findings highlight how strategic and comprehensive follow-up procedures, frequent contact with participants and secondary contacts, and established working relationships with the relevant government departments can improve study retention and potentially minimise attrition bias.