bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High dose vitamin D supplementation is associated with an improvement in serum markers of liver function
Authors: Tavakoli Hamidreza , Rostami Hossein , Avan Amir , Bagherniya Mohammad , Ferns Gordon A. , Khayyatzadeh Sayyed Saeid , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTLimited studies have examined the effects of vitamin D on liver enzymes in patients with liver disease but none has explored its effects in the healthy subjects. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of a high dose vitamin D supplementation on measures of liver function. A total of 988 adolescent girls were recruited; all were assessed for liver function tests (LFTs) including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (ϒGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, albumin, and total protein before and after supplementation with 50,000 IU cholecalciferol perls. Significant reductions were observed for AST, ALT, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, LDH, and ϒGT at the end of supplementation, only in the group with abnormal reference value. Serum levels of total protein and albumin were higher at the end of follow up in the group with abnormal value. No significant change was obtained for LFTs in the group with normal value. Our findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may improve markers of liver function in adolescents with abnormal LFTs. More randomized controlled trial with longer follow‐up time will be required. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):335–342, 2019
Major hepatectomy with or without pancreatoduodenectomy for advanced gallbladder cancer
Authors: Mizuno T , Ebata T , Yokoyama Y , Igami T , Yamaguchi J , Onoe S , Watanabe N , Ando M , Nagino M 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Background
The indications for major hepatectomy for gallbladder cancer either with or without pancreatoduodenectomy remain controversial. The clinical value of these extended procedures was evaluated in this study.

Methods
Patients who underwent major hepatectomy for gallbladder cancer between 1996 and 2016 were identified from a prospectively compiled database. Postoperative outcomes and overall survival were compared between patients undergoing major hepatectomy alone or combined with pancreatoduodenectomy (HPD).

Results
Seventy-nine patients underwent major hepatectomy alone and 38 patients had HPD. The patients who underwent HPD were more likely to have T4 disease (P &lt; 0·001), nodal metastasis (P = 0·015) and periaortic nodal metastasis (P = 0·006), but were less likely to receive adjuvant therapy (P = 0·006). HPD was associated with a high incidence of grade III or higher complications (P = 0·002) and death (P = 0·037). Overall survival was longer in patients who underwent major hepatectomy alone than in patients who underwent HPD (median survival time 32 versus 10 months; P &lt; 0·001). In multivariable analysis, surgery in the early period (1996–2006) (P = 0·002), pathological T4 disease (P = 0·005) and distant metastasis (P &lt; 0·001) were associated with shorter overall survival, and cystic duct tumour (P = 0·002) with longer overall survival.

Conclusion
Major hepatectomy alone for gallbladder cancer contributes to favourable overall survival with low morbidity and mortality, whereas HPD is associated with poor overall survival and high morbidity and mortality rates. HPD may eradicate locally spreading gallbladder cancer; however, the indication for the procedure is questioned from an oncological viewpoint.
Periostin plays role in force‐induced stem cell potential by periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Panchamanon Panita , Pavasant Prasit , Leethanakul Chidchanok 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMechanical stimuli have been shown to play an important role in directing stem cell fate and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. One of the functions of the mechanoresponsive tissue periodontal ligament (PDL) is to withstand the functional forces within the oral cavity. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) derived from periodontal tissue have been demonstrated to be able to respond directly to mechanical forces. However, the mechanisms of action of mechanical force on PDLSCs are not totally understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which compressive force affects PDLSCs, especially their stemness properties. PDLSCs were established from extracted human third molars; their stem cell characteristics were validated by detecting the expression of stem cell markers and confirming their ability to differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. PDLSCs were subjected to various magnitudes of static compressive force (0 [control], 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2 g/cm2). Application of 1.0 g/cm2 compressive force significantly upregulated a panel of stem cell marker genes, including NANOG and OCT4. Conversely, higher force magnitudes downregulated these genes. Mechanical loading also upregulated periostin, a matrix protein that plays important roles in tissue morphogenesis. Interestingly, knockdown of periostin using siRNA abolished force‐induced stem cell marker expression in PDLSCs. This study suggests a proper magnitude of compressive force could be one important factor involved in the modulation of the pluripotency of PDLSCs through the action of periostin. The precise mechanism by which periostin regulates stemness requires further detailed investigation.
A QoS‐aware energy‐efficient memetic flower pollination routing protocol for underwater acoustic sensor network
Authors: Sivakumar V. , Rekha D. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryHuge number of applications ranging from commercial, scientific, to military applications are recently emerging in Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UWASNs). The major research challenges associated with UWASN includes high energy consumption, large propagation delay, and low available bandwidth due to its acoustic medium. In this paper, Quality of Service (QoS)–aware Energy‐Efficient Memetic Flower Pollination Routing (MFPR) has been proposed to identify optimal energy‐efficient routing coverage set in underwater. The fitness function for MFP is formulated for Vector‐Based Forward (VBF) protocol that allocates the reliable routing path for source node within its routing pipe. The proposed algorithm works in two stages, where Memetic algorithm is responsible for identifying the optimal route cover set and FPA is responsible for switching between local and global pollination to forward packets in reliable path. In addition, the proposed work considers Grant Free Pattern Division Multiple Access (GFPDMA) packets for routing purpose, since it reduces the latency at the time of packet transmission. Hence, this forms QoS‐aware routing in UWASN. The proposed MFPR is evaluated in UWASN environment that runs applications with varied QoS requirements. The simulation result shows that the novel proposed method improves the performance of UWASN in terms of high network lifetime, less end‐to‐end delay, high energy consumption, high packet delivery ratio, and high throughput than existing Quality‐of‐Service–Aware Evolutionary Routing Protocol (QERP) and Balanced and Multi‐objective Optimized Opportunistic Routing (BMOOR) models.
Enhancing CO2 Electroreduction with Au/Pyridine/Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid Structures
Authors: Ma Zhongqiao , Lian Cheng , Niu Dongfang , Shi Lei , Hu Shuozhen , Zhang Xinsheng , Liu Honglai 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSelective electrochemical reduction of CO2 by using renewable electricity has received considerable attention because of the potential to convert a harmful greenhouse gas into useful chemicals. A high‐performance electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction is constructed based on metal nanoparticles/organic molecule hybrid materials. On the nanoscale, Au nanoparticles are uniformly anchored on carbon nanotubes to afford substantially increased current density, improved selectivity for CO, and enhanced stability. On the molecular level, the catalytic performance is further enhanced by introducing axial pyridine groups to the surface of the carbon nanotubes. The resulting hybrid catalyst exhibits around 93 % faradaic efficiency for CO production over a wide potential range (−0.58 to −0.98 V), a high mass activity of 251 A gAu−1 at −0.98 V in aqueous solution at near‐neutral pH, and strong stability with continuous electrolysis for 10 h at −0.58 V. DFT calculations indicate that the synergistic effects of Au and axial pyridine could dramatically stabilize the key intermediate (*COOH) formed in the rate‐limiting step of CO2 reduction, which effectively lowers the overpotential.
Ilexgenin A inhibits mitochondrial fission and promote Drp1 degradation by Nrf2‐induced PSMB5 in endothelial cells
Authors: Zhu Yingchao , Li Ming , Lu Yawen , Li Jun , Ke Ye , Yang Jie 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAtherosclerosis (AS) is one of important events involving in the pathological process of coronary artery disease. Many traditional Chinese medicines have been widely used for the treatment of AS. Previous studies have demonstrated that Ilexgenin A (IA) obtained from Ilex hainanensis Merr. could improve AS development. However, its underlying mechanism is still unknown. This study was conducted to explore the possible targets and mechanisms involving in the anti‐atheroclerosis effect of IA. The results showed IA significantly promoted NO production, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and inflammatory cytokine production induced by palmitate (PA) in endothelial cells, demonstrating IA could improve endothelial dysfunction. Meanwhile, IA dramatically inhibited dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) expression and mitochondrial fission induced by PA whereas proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin attenuated its effect on Drp1 expression, indicating IA decreased Drp1 expression with regulation of proteasome. Furthermore, IA also could increase the expression of proteasome subunit beta type5 (PSMB5) and activate nuclear factor‐like 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 knockdown eliminated the induction effect of IA on PSMB5 expression while abrogated its inhibition on ROS generation and mitochondrial fission stimulated by PA. These results demonstrated that IA could promote PSMB5 expression in an Nrf2‐dependent manner, resulting in the suppression of mitochondrial fission, and thus improve endothelial dysfunction. These findings laid a foundation to the future development of IA as an agent to the prevention and treatment of AS.
The speciation history of northern‐ and southern‐sourced Eranthis (Ranunculaceae) species on the Korean peninsula and surrounding areas
Authors: Oh Ami , Oh Byoung‐Un 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe temporal and spatial origins and evolution of the genus Eranthis have not been previously studied. We investigated the speciation and establishment histories of four Eranthis species: Eranthis byunsanensis, E. pungdoensis, E. stellata, and E. pinnatifida. The sampling localities were Korea, Japan, Jilin in China, and the area near Vladivostok in Primorskiy, Russia. We used 12 chloroplast microsatellite loci (n = 935 individuals) and two chloroplast noncoding regions (rpl16 intron, petL‐psbE intergenic spacer; n = 33 individuals). The genetic diversity, genetic structure, phylogenetic relationships of the four species were analyzed, and their ancestral areas were reconstructed. The high genetic diversity of the Jeju island population of E. byunsanensis and Russian populations of E. stellata indicated these species’ northward and southward dispersal, respectively. The genetic structure analyses suggest that the populations in these four species have limited geographical structure, except for the Chinese E. stellata population (SCP). The phylogenetic analyses suggest that E. byunsanensis and E. pinnatifida are sister species and that Chinese SCP may not belong to E. stellata. The ancestral area reconstruction revealed that the most recent common ancestor of the four species existed in the current Chinese habitat of E. stellata. This study shows that E. byunsanensis and E. pinnatifida originated from a southern Eranthis species and speciated into their current forms near Jeju island and near western regions of Japan, respectively, during the Miocene. E. stellata may have dispersed southward on and near the Korean peninsula, though its specific origin remains unclear. Interestingly, the Chinese E. stellata population SCP suggests that the Chinese population might be most ancient among all the four Eranthis species. E. pungdoensis may have allopatrically speciated from E. byunsanensis during the Holocene. The Korean peninsula and the surrounding areas can be considered interesting regions which provide the opportunity to observe both northern‐ and southern‐sourced Eranthis species.
Specific N‐demethylation of verapamil by cytochrome P450 from Streptomyces griseus ATCC 13273
Authors: Shen Chen , Liu Hanqing , Dai Wenling , Liu Xiufeng , Liu Jihua , Yu Boyang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNorverapamil, the N‐demethylated derivative of verapamil, is a novel promising leading compound for attenuating multidrug resistance with less side effects compared with verapamil. However, the efficient synthetic method for norverapamil is absent. In this study, an innovative biotechnological method based on enzymatic catalysis was presented for the high‐efficient production of norverapamil. CYP105D1, a cytochrome P450 from Streptomyces griseus ATCC 13273, was identified to carry out a one‐step specific N‐demethylation of verapamil along with putidaredoxin reductase (Pdr) and putidaredoxin (Pdx) as the redox partner. Docking calculations rationalized the specific N‐demethylation observed in experiment and identified important amino acid residues for verapamil binding. Furthermore, a CYP105D1‐based whole‐cell system in E. coli BL21(DE3) was established and optimized for highly efficient N‐demethylation of verapamil. The bioconversion rate of verapamil by the whole cell system came up to 60.16% within 24 hours under the optimized conditions. These results demonstrated the high potential of CYP105D1‐based biocatalytic system for norverapamil production.
Power line communications (PLC) technology: More than 20 years of intense research
Authors: Ndjiongue A.R. , Ferreira H.C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAfter more than two decades since intensive research began on power line communications (PLC) technology, this interesting field of telecommunication engineering is still progressing towards maturity. Despite some factors that delay its worldwide acceptance, its implementation is starting to take off. Research in PLC is motivated (i) by many factors such as the crowded radio frequency spectrum that requires to be sustained by alternative technologies and (ii) by the emanation of other new technologies that may help PLC to extend its practical implementation such as visible light communications or other wireless communication technologies like near‐field communications. PLC technology is used in applications requiring both low and high data rate but traditionally exploited in applications in which the node does not move. Nowadays, PLC has become widely accepted; hence, a review of the technology may be useful to keep the readers aware of new updates. In this paper, we provide an overview of the evolution of PLC technology over the last few decades.
Selection for longer lived sperm within ejaculate reduces reproductive ageing in offspring
Authors: Alavioon Ghazal , Cabrera Garcia Andrea , LeChatelier Magali , Maklakov Alexei A. , Immler Simone 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMales produce numerous sperm in a single ejaculate that greatly outnumber their potential egg targets. Recent studies found that phenotypic and genotypic variation among sperm in a single ejaculate of a male affects the fitness and performance of the resulting offspring. Specifically, within-ejaculate sperm selection for sperm longevity increased the performance of the resulting offspring in several key life-history traits in early life. Because increased early-life reproductive performance often correlates with rapid ageing, it is possible that within-ejaculate sperm selection increases early-life fitness at the cost of accelerated senescence. Alternatively, within-ejaculate sperm selection could improve offspring quality throughout the life cycle, including reduced age-specific deterioration. We tested the two alternative hypotheses in an experimental setup using zebrafish Danio rerio. We found that within-ejaculate sperm selection for sperm longevity reduced age-specific deterioration of fecundity and offspring survival but had no effect on fertilization success in males. Remarkably, we found an opposing effect of within-ejaculate sperm selection on female fecundity, where selection for sperm longevity resulted in increased early-life performance followed by a slow decline, while females sired by unselected sperm started low but increased their fecundity with age. Intriguingly, within-ejaculate sperm selection also reduced the age-specific decline in fertilization success in females, suggesting that selection for sperm longevity improves at least some aspects of female reproductive ageing. These results demonstrate that within-ejaculate variation in sperm phenotype contributes to individual variation in animal life histories in the two sexes and may have important implications for assisted fertilization programs in livestock and humans.
For better or worse? Investigating the validity of best–worst discrete choice experiments in health
Authors: Krucien Nicolas , Sicsic Jonathan , Ryan Mandy 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDiscrete choice experiments (DCEs) are frequently used in health economics to measure preferences for nonmarket goods. Best–worst discrete choice experiment (BWDCE) has been proposed as a variant of the traditional “pick the best” approach. BWDCE, where participants choose the best and worst options, is argued to generate more precise preference estimates because of the additional information collected. However, the validity of the approach relies on two necessary conditions: (a) best and worst decisions provide similar information about preferences and (b) asking individuals to answer more than one choice question per task does not reduce data quality. Whether these conditions hold in empirical applications remains under researched. This is the first study to compare participants' choices across three experimental conditions: (a) BEST choices only, (b) WORST choices only, and (c) BEST and WORST choices (BWDCE). We find responses to worst choices are noisier. Implied preferences from the best only and worst only choices are qualitatively different, leading to different WTP values. Responses to BWDCE tasks have lower consistency, and respondents are more likely to use simplifying decision heuristics. We urge caution in using BWDCE as an alternative to the traditional “pick the best” DCE.
Research evidence on strategies enabling integration of electronic health records in the health care systems of low‐ and middle‐income countries: A literature review
Authors: Kumar Manish , Mostafa Javed 
Published: February 2019

SummaryIntegration of electronic health records (EHRs) in the national health care systems of low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) is vital for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well‐being for all people of all ages. National EHR systems are increasing, but mostly in developed countries. Besides, there is limited research evidence on successful strategies for ensuring integration of national EHRs in the health care systems of LMICs. To fill this evidence gap, a comprehensive survey of literature was conducted using scientific electronic databases—PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Global Health—and consultations with international experts. The review highlights the lack of evidence on strategies for integrating EHR systems, although there was ample evidence on implementation challenges and relevance of EHRs to vertical disease programs such as HIV. The findings describe the narrow focus of EHR implementation, the prominence of vertical disease programs in EHR adoption, testing of theoretical and conceptual models for EHR implementation and success, and strategies for EHR implementation. The review findings are further amplified through examples of EHR implementation in Sierra Leone, Malawi, and India. Unless evidence‐based strategies are identified and applied, integration of national EHRs in the health care systems of LMICs is difficult.
The ability of thromboelastography parameters to predict severe pre‐eclampsia when measured during early pregnancy
Authors: Wang Man , Hu Zheng , Cheng Qun X. , Xu Jun , Liang Chao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the predictive value of thromboelastography parameters during early pregnancy as potential markers of severe pre‐eclampsia during late pregnancy.MethodsAn observational retrospective case–control study was conducted among pregnant women who attended a single hospital in Shanghai, China, between July 1, 2016, and February 31, 2018. Data were obtained from medical records and a structured questionnaire completed by the participants. Thromboelastography parameters included time r; time k; α angle; maximum amplitude; clot lysis at 60 minutes; and coagulation index. Other risk factors for severe pre‐eclampsia were also assessed.ResultsThe pre‐eclampsia and control groups comprised 46 and 138 women, respectively. Women with a coagulation index below zero at 13–20 weeks experienced an increased risk of severe pre‐eclampsia (odds ratio [OR] 31.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 11.28–89.24; P<0.001). Other risk factors for severe pre‐eclampsia were family history of hypertension (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.21–11.48; P=0.017) and pre‐pregnancy body mass index (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.14–7.36; P=0.023).ConclusionCoagulation index determined by thromboelastography was an early marker for severe pre‐eclampsia.
Classification of Alzheimer disease among susceptible brain regions
Authors: Ahmad Fayyaz , Zulifqar Hifza , Malik Tamoor 
Published: February 2019

AbstractStatistical and machine learning techniques are frequently employed in the study of neuroimaging data for finding Alzheimer disease (AD) in clinical studies and in additional inquiries about research settings. AD affects the whole brain and as a result the quality of life, where most affected regions are the hippocampus (HP), middle temporal gyrus (MTG), entorhinal cortex, and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). We used well‐known classification methods to diagnose the affected regions of the brain at different stages of age using biomarker modalities and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at the resting state, and later marked the affected brain region on MRI. We have used well‐known support vector machine (SVM), Fisher's linear discriminant analysis, artificial neural network, and logistic regression for the classification of AD. In the context of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, an SVM provided the best classification among AD stages. Moreover, analysis showed development of AD.