bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the Contribution Made to Down-the-Drain Emissions of D5 by Personal Care Product Categories in the European Union
Authors: Franco Antonio , van Egmond Roger 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Aquatic risk assessment of personal care chemicals requires quantifying the contribution of all product types containing these ingredients to down-the-drain emissions. We developed a probabilistic model framework embracing stochastic variability associated with individual consumers and their behaviors in the European Union, as well as other sources of uncertainty related to losses following applications (e.g., volatilization). The model was applied to decamethylcyclopentasoloxane (D5), an emollient used in wash-off (WO) and leave-on (LO) products. Quantifying contributions from each product category containing D5 to down-the-drain emissions is necessary to inform optimal risk management options. Simulation results for the baseline scenario in 2012 support the argument that LO products make up a minor contribution (7.1%) to down-the-drain emissions of D5, with only 0.20% of the D5 used in LO products being released to wastewater. The most influential model parameters are the release factor from WO products and the time between application and use for various LO product types, stressing the importance of embracing stochastic variability across individuals’ behavior when assessing contributions of various product types to environmental emissions. The downward trend in WO use from 2010 to 2016 is reflected in declining concentrations in wastewater influent during the same period. Uncertainty remains about future levels of D5, once phasing out WO products is complete. The probabilistic model in conjunction with high-tier data of consumer habits is a promising high-tier tool for the characterization of complex emission scenarios of personal care ingredients. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–12. © 2019 SETAC
Inhibition of melanin synthesis and melanosome transfer by chitosan biomaterials
Authors: Chen Hsi‐Wen , Chou Ya‐Shuan , Young Tai‐Horng , Cheng Nai‐Chen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDecreasing skin pigmentation is desirable for various medical or cosmetic conditions. Although numerous pharmaceutical agents are currently available, their depigmentation effects are still not satisfactory. In this study, we investigated the effects of chitosan, a natural marine product, on melanin synthesis and melanosome transfer. Treating B16F10 melanoma cells caused the inhibitory effect of chitosan on melanogenesis to be more prominent under α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) stimulation. Chitosan samples of different molecular weights inhibited melanogenesis to a comparable extent, whereas increasing the deacetylation of chitosan enhanced its depigmentation effects. Chitosan was found to effectively reduce basal or α‐MSH‐stimulated melanogenesis by suppressing the expression of melanogenic‐related proteins (microphthalmia transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 and protein‐2) as well as inhibiting tyrosinase activity. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of chitosan on melanogenesis in human melanocytes was confirmed. A transwell coculture system using permeable inserts was designed to allow the contact of human melanocytes and human HaCaT keratinocytes through the tiny holes on the membrane. When chitosan was added to this melanocyte–keratinocyte coculture system, we observed decreased melanosome release from melanocytes. Reduced melanosome uptake by keratinocytes was also observed, and was probably mediated by inhibiting protease‐activated receptor 2 expression. Many skin‐whitening agents can modulate the process of melanogenesis, but few have been shown to inhibit the melanosome transfer and uptake process. We demonstrated that chitosan exhibits a robust effect on depigmentation by inhibiting melanogenesis as well as melanosome transfer and uptake. Therefore, chitosan represents a potential therapeutic agent for hyperpigmentation disorders.
Ligustilide suppresses RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption via inhibition of RANK expression
Authors: Wang Dairong , Li Jia , Feng Wenyu , Yao Jun , Ou Luanhai , Liao Shijie , Liu Yun , Li Boxiang , Lin Chengsen , Zhao Jinmin , Zhao Guoping 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOsteoclast (OC) is the only cell involved in bone resorption. Dysfunction of OCs leads to a variety of bone diseases. Ligustilide (LIG) is the main component of the volatile oil isolated and purified fromAngelica sinensis. LIG exerts many pharmacological activities, but its effects on osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption are still unclear. Our study showed that LIG inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) ligand‐induced OC formation and activation in a dose‐dependent manner. Additionally, LIG downregulated the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of OC‐specific genes, such as V‐ATPase d2, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, a dendritic cell‐specific transmembrane protein, cathepsin K, and nuclear factor of activated T cells cl. Furthermore, LIG blocked the activation of NF‐κB/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/p38/immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based activation motif signaling pathways. Crucially, the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 proteins and the expression of receptor activator of NF‐κB mRNA were inhibited by LIG. However, LIG did not affect the formation and mineralization of osteoblasts. Collectively, this observation suggests that LIG may serve as a promising agent for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by abnormal bone resorption.
Downregulation of microRNA‐129‐5p increases the risk of intervertebral disc degeneration by promoting the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells via targeting BMP2
Authors: Yang Weijie , Sun Ping 
Published: August 2019

AbstractmiR‐129‐5p is implicated in many diseases, such as laryngeal cancer and breast cancer. In this study, we studied the mechanism underlying the role of BMP2 in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). We used a luciferase assay system to determine the relationship between BMP2 and miR‐129‐5 expression. In addition, Western blot and real‐time PCR were used to confirm the regulatory relationship between miR‐129‐5p and its targets, while flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effect of miR‐129‐5p on the apoptosis of neural progenitor cells (NPCs). BMP2 was confirmed as a direct target of miR‐129‐5p. Furthermore, the expression of miR‐129 was downregulated along with upregulated BMP2 expression in IDD patients. Meanwhile, BMP2 was validated as the target of miR‐129‐5p in cells transfected with miR‐129‐5p and BMP2 siRNA. Also, compared with NPCs transfected with blank/scramble controls or miR‐129‐5p inhibitors, the NPCs treated with miR‐129‐5p mimics or BMP2 siRNA exhibited evidently elevated viability and inhibited apoptosis. The data demonstrated that miR‐129‐5p was poorly expressed in IDD patients, and the dysregulation of miR‐129‐5p might contribute to the development of IDD by targeting BMP2 expression.
Fe‐catalyzed hydrohalogenative cyclization of cyclohexadienone‐containing enynes
Authors: Hong Ya‐Chun , Santhoshkumar Rajagopal , Cheng Chien‐Hong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA Fe‐catalyzed hydrohalogenative cyclization of cyclohexadienone‐containing 1,n‐enynes to give three different types of compounds is discussed. 1,6‐enynes with a stoichiometric amount of FeX3 provided cis‐hydrobenzofurans with moderate stereoselectivity, whereas the reaction with TMSX (X = Cl, Br) as the halide source in the presence of Fe catalyst improved the stereoselectivity of halide addition highly. The alkyl vs aryl shows difference that the reaction of 1,6‐enynes bearing an alkylethynyl group gave meta alkenated phenols (2 examples) whereas a similar reaction of 1,6‐enynes with an arylethynyl group delivered only cis‐hydrobenzofurans (12 examples). 1,7‐enynes afforded tricyclic products (4 examples). The different reactivity of 1,6‐ and 1,7‐enynes is probably influenced by the formation of a six‐membered chair‐like intermediate in 1,6‐enynes.
Lessons learned from testing cardiac channelopathy and cardiomyopathy genes in individuals who died suddenly: A two‐year prospective study in a large medical examiner’s office with an in‐house molecular genetics laboratory and genetic counseling services
Authors: Williams Nori , Manderski Elizabeth , Stewart Sarah , Bao Ruijun , Tang Yingying 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis is a comprehensive review and analysis of 254 cases tested consecutively in the in‐house College of American Pathologist‐accredited molecular genetics laboratory within the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner between October 2015 and February 2018, using a multigene cardiac panel composed of 95 genes associated with cardiac channelopathy and cardiomyopathy. Demographics, autopsy findings, medical history, and postmortem genetic testing results were collected for each case. The majority of decedents were adults (>25 years old, 52.7%), followed by infants (<12 months, 25.6%), young adults (19–25 years old, 11.4%), and children (1–18 years old, 10.2%). There were more males (64.2%) than females (35.8%). The racial/ethnic composition of decedents was 40.2% Black, 29.9% Hispanic, 22.4% White, 5.1% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 2.8% mixed/unspecified. Overall, 45.7% of decedents had a negative autopsy, and the remaining had one to four cardiac findings (cardiac hypertrophy, dilation, atherosclerosis, and fatty change). Twenty‐seven pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LP) and 99 variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were identified in 10.6% and 39% of decedents respectively. P/LP and VUS were found in 51 cardiac genes of the total 95 genes, where MYBPC3, TTN (predicted truncating variants), KCNH2, RYR2 and DSP genes had more than two P/LP variants identified. Among the 73 decedents who were suspected of having cardiac arrhythmia or cardiomyopathy, 20.3% had P/LP variants and 47.9% had VUS; among 23 decedents who had hypertensive cardiovascular diseases and 20 decedents with a history of substance use, 13% and 30% had P/LP variants, respectively. There were 26 referrals from medical examiners for genetic counseling and the outcomes are discussed. The study demonstrates characteristics of the diverse population typically seen by medical examiners in an urban center and our results support a broader implementation of molecular testing in sudden death.
Oral oyster polypeptides protect ovary against d‐galactose‐induced premature ovarian failure in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Li Yunkun , Qiu Wei , Zhang Zhi , Han Xingfa , Bu Guixian , Meng Fengyan , Kong Fanli , Cao Xiaohan , Huang Anqi , Feng Zhijiang , Li Yun , Zeng Xianyin , Du Xiaogang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDOyster polypeptides have various biofunctions, such as anti‐cancer and anti‐oxidative stress, but whether it has the protective effects to primary ovarian failure (POF) remains poorly understand. To address this issue, daily gavage of oyster polypeptides was performed to investigate their protective effect, basing on d‐galactose‐induced POF model in C57BL/6 female mice.RESULTSOyster polypeptides restored the irregular estrous cycles and the abnormal serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone (P) levels as well as the decreased mRNA expression level of Amh that were induced by d‐galactose. The follicle development of POF mice was improved by increasing the primordial follicle ratio and decreasing the atretic follicle number after oral administration of oyster polypeptides. Moreover, in the oyster polypeptides treated mice, the total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) activity was significantly increased, while the malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased. The mRNA expression levels of stress‐related genes (SOD2, SIRT1 and FOXO3a) were remarkably up‐regulated after d‐galactose induction, but the up‐regulation was weakened or disappeared by the gavage of oyster polypeptides. In addition, oyster polypeptides treatment also reduced the apoptosis of the ovarian granulosa cells and down‐regulated the mRNA expression levels of apoptosis‐related genes (p53 and Bad but not Bcl‐2).CONCLUSIONThis study reveals that oyster polypeptides may protect ovary against d‐galactose‐induced POF by their anti‐oxidative stress activity to rescue d‐galactose‐induced ovarian oxidative damage and therefore to prevent ovarian cells apoptosis, thereby tipping the abnormality trigged by POF to get close to the normal levels. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Python implementation of the restrained electrostatic potential charge model
Authors: Alenaizan Asem , Burns Lori A. , Sherrill C. David 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe restrained electrostatic potential (RESP) charge model is widely used in molecular dynamics simulations, especially for the AMBER and GAFF force fields. We have implemented the RESP scheme using the accessible and widely used Python language and the NumPy numerical library. This article provides a programming‐oriented introduction to the RESP scheme and highlights some of the features of NumPy that are useful in scientific computing.
Barber’s Forging Scientific Practices and Theories
Authors: Hammel Tanja 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThis chapter highlights the Cape Colony’s role as a producer of science, rather than merely a contributor. Important ornithological practices had originally been developed in the Cape. The chapter moves on to depict the hitherto unacknowledged ornithological tradition at the Cape. Barber herself pioneered a new method of illustrating birds, which no longer made it necessary to kill them—a method that was itself influenced by Xhosa practices. She thus spearheaded a wider women-led movement pushing for a non-violent, conservationist approach to ornithology. It also shows how Barber did not only confirm Northern theories, but forged her very own. The last section discusses the naming of butterflies after Xhosa chiefs as a case of ‘visible concealing’—a concept to describe how making visible can at the same time be a method of concealment.
Long-term safety and efficacy of subcutaneous pasireotide in patients with Cushing’s disease: interim results from a long-term real-world evidence study
Authors: Manetti Luca , Deutschbein Timo , Schopohl Jochen , Yuen Kevin C. J. , Roughton Michael , Kriemler-Krahn Ulrike , Tauchmanova Libuse , Maamari Ricardo , Giordano Carla 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Purpose
Clinical trials have demonstrated the favorable efficacy/safety profile of pasireotide in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD). We report interim long-term results of an ongoing real-world evidence study of subcutaneous pasireotide in patients with CD.

Methods
Adults with CD receiving pasireotide, initiated before (prior-use) or at study entry (new-use), were monitored for ≤ 3 years during a multicenter observational study (http://clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02310269). Primary objective was to assess long-term safety of pasireotide alone or with other CD therapies.

Results
At the time of this interim analysis, 127 patients had received pasireotide (new-use, n = 31; prior-use, n = 96). Eight patients had completed the 3-year observation period, 53 were ongoing, and 66 had discontinued. Among 31 new-use and 92 prior-use patients with ≥ 1 safety assessment, respectively: 24 (77%) and 37 (40%) had drug-related adverse events (AEs); 7 (23%) and 10 (11%) had serious drug-related AEs. Most common drug-related AEs were nausea (14%), hyperglycemia (11%) and diarrhea (11%); these were more frequently reported in new users and mostly of mild-to-moderate severity. 14 (45%) new-use and 15 (16%) prior-use patients experienced hyperglycemia-related AEs. Mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) was within normal range at baseline and months 1, 12 and 24, respectively, in: 1/16 (6%), 9/18 (50%), 1/3 (33%) and 0/0 new users; 28/43 (65%), 15/27 (56%), 27/33 (82%) and 12/19 (63%) prior users.

Conclusions
Pasireotide is well tolerated and provides sustained reductions in mUFC during real-world treatment of CD. The lower rate of hyperglycemia-related AEs in prior users suggests that hyperglycemia tends not to deteriorate if effectively managed soon after onset.
Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT02310269.
Modification of a first-generation solid oxide fuel cell cathode with Co3O4 nanocubes having selectively exposed crystal planes
Authors: Xu Xi , Wang Chao , Fronzi Marco , Liu Xuehua , Bi Lei , Zhao X. S. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractCo3O4 nanocubes with exposed (001) planes were prepared and employed for use as first-generation Sr-doped LaMnO3 (LSM) cathodes in solid oxide fuel cells to improve the cell performance. Theoretical simulations suggest that the Co3O4 (001) plane has the smallest oxygen adsorption and oxygen dissociation energies compared with other planes, thus favouring cathode reactions in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Experimental studies consistently demonstrate that a cell using an LSM cathode made with Co3O4 nanocubes with selective (001) surfaces exhibits a peak power density of 500 mW cm−2 at 600 °C, while the power output for a cell using unselective (commercial) Co3O4 nanoparticles is only 179 mW cm−2 at the same temperature. The electrochemical study indicates that the use of Co3O4 nanoparticles with exposed (001) surfaces obviously accelerates the cathode reactions and thus decreases the polarisation resistance, which is the key to improving fuel cell performance. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using the crystal planes of metal oxides to improve the fuel cell performance and provides a new way to design SOFC cathodes.
Longitudinal Trends of AMS and IIEF-5 Scores in Randomly-Selected Community Men 40 to 80 Years Old: Preliminary Results
Authors: Zheng Jun-Biao , Liang Qun-Feng , Li Jian-Hui , Zhang Shu-Cheng , Yu Xiao-Hua , Zhao Jing , Liang Guo-Qing , Shi Hui-Juan , Zhou Wei-Jin , Zhu Qian-Xi 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Most of conclusions on the relationship between age and reproductive health in aging men relied on cross-sectional data.

Aim
To better characterize the natural degradation trajectory of reproductive health of aging men based on longitudinal data.

Methods
A community cohort study was performed in randomly selected men 40 to 80 years old, initiated in 2012 and followed up in 2014 and 2016. Participants were investigated by face-to-face structured interview, including demographic information and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) scales.

Main Outcome Measures
The differences among the 3 assessments of IIEF-5 and AMS were analyzed, and progression trajectories were traced.

Results
The high degree of variability on AMS and IIEF-5 was evident across individual subjects, as was the variability within individuals. The average IIEF-5 score of 248 subjects decreased from 16.9 to 14.1 during the 4 years, and the total AMS score increased from 22.6–27.0 (P &lt; .001). Longitudinal data, both of individuals and of groups, showed the more rapid increase or decrease on AMS or IIEF-5 scores over 4 years in the 61–70 age group than in other age groups.

Clinical Implication
The evidence of the greatest changes on AMS and IIEF-5 scores in the 61–70 age group prompts the importance of early intervention to postpone the degradation of reproductive health.

Strength & Limitations
Compared with cross-sectional data, longitudinal data can provide a more natural progression trajectory of reproductive health of aging male individuals. The low follow-up rate might affect the parameter estimation to some extent.

Conclusion
Cohort data over 4 years’ follow-up showed more abrupt changes on AMS and IIEF-5 scores in the 61–70 age group than in other age groups.
How Cannabis Alters Sexual Experience: A Survey of Men and Women
Authors: Wiebe Ellen , Just Alanna 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionCannabis is reported to enhance sexual function; yet, previous studies have shown that physiological and subjective indices of sexual arousal and motivation were associated with decreased availability of circulating endocannabinoid concentrations.AimTo explain this contradiction, we evaluated which aspects of sexual experience were enhanced or diminished by cannabis use.MethodsWe used an online questionnaire with a convenience sample of people who had experience with cannabis. We asked questions regarding various aspects of sexual experience and whether they are affected by cannabis. We also asked about sexual dysfunction.Main Outcome MeasureAspects of participant sexual experience enhanced by cannabis.ResultsWe analyzed results from 216 questionnaires completed by people with experience using cannabis with sex. Of these, 112 (52.3%) said they used cannabis to alter their sexual experience. Eighty-two participants (38.7%) said sex was better, 34 (16.0%) said it was better in some ways and worse in others, 52 (24.5%) said it was sometimes better, and only 10 (4.7%) said it was worse. Of 202 participants, 119 (58.9%) said cannabis increased their desire for sex, 149 of the 202 participants (73.8%) reported increased sexual satisfaction, 144 of 199 participants (74.3%) reported an increased sensitivity to touch, and 132 of 201 participants (65.7%) reported an increased intensity of orgasms. Out of 199 participants, 139 (69.8%) said they could relax more during sex, and 100 of 198 participants (50.5%) said they were better able to focus. Of the 28 participants who reported difficulty reaching orgasm, 14 said it was easier to reach orgasm while using cannabis, but only 10 said that sex was better.Clinical ImplicationsThe information in this study helps clarify which aspects of sexual function can be improved or interfered with by cannabis use.Strengths & LimitationsWe asked about specific sexual effects of cannabis and were therefore able to understand the paradox of how cannabis can both improve and detract from sexual experience. Limitations of this study include bias that may have been introduced because the sample included only people who responded to the advertisements; it may not represent the general population of people who use cannabis. Moreover, over one-third of our sample said they use cannabis daily and so represent heavier than average users.ConclusionMany participants in our study found that cannabis helped them relax, heightened their sensitivity to touch, and increased intensity of feelings, thus enhancing their sexual experience, while others found that cannabis interfered by making them sleepy and less focused or had no effect on their sexual experience.
The Process of Patient Engagement in Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs
Authors: Jahandideh Sepideh , Kendall Elizabeth , Low-Choy Samantha , Donald Kenneth , Jayasinghe Rohan , Barzegari Ebrahim 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe primary aim of this study was to test the causal structure of the model of therapeutic engagement (MTE) for the first time, to examine whether the model assists in understanding the process of patient engagement in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. This study used a prospective design, following up patients from the Gold Coast University Hospital Cardiology ward who attended Robina Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic. A structural equation model of the interactions among the proposed variables within the three stages of the MTE (intention to engage in CR programs, CR initiation, and sustained engagement) revealed significant relationships among these variables in a dataset of 101 patients who attended a CR program. However, no relationship was discerned between outcome expectancies and patient intention to engage in CR. Patients’ willingness to consider the treatment also mediated the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and patient intention to engage in CR. These findings help clarify the process proposed by Lequerica and Kortte (2010) in the context of patient engagement in CR programs. The findings also reveal information on how patients engage in CR programs. Importantly, this provides new information for healthcare providers, enabling them to more effectively engage patients according to their stage of engagement.