bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GLP‐1 receptor agonist added to insulin versus basal‐plus or basal‐bolus insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Castellana Marco , Cignarelli Angelo , Brescia Francesco , Laviola Luigi , Giorgino Francesco 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend that antihyperglycaemic treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes not achieving the HbA1c target on basal insulin should be intensified with a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) or basal‐plus/basal‐bolus (BP/BB) insulin regimen. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare the effects of GLP‐1RA/insulin combinations versus BP/BB.MethodsThe review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017079547). PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched until July 2018. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting HbA1c, body weight, daily insulin dose, hypoglycaemic events, and discontinuation due to lack of efficacy were included. A subgroup analysis on different combinations of GLP‐1RA and insulin was performed.ResultsOut of 1885 retrieved papers, 13 RCTs were included in the review. Compared with BP/BB, GLP‐1RA/insulin combinations were associated with a similar HbA1c reduction (Δ = −0.06%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.14 to 0.02; P = 0.13; I2 = 52%), greater weight loss (Δ = −3.72 kg; 95% CI, −4.49 to −2.95; P < 0.001; I2 = 89%), and lower incidence of hypoglycaemic events (relative risk [RR] = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.38‐0.55; P < 0.001; I2 = 99%). The daily insulin dosage among GLP‐1RA/insulin users was 30.3 IU/day (95% CI, −41.2 to −19.3; P < 0.001; I2 = 94%), lower than with BP/BB. No difference was found for discontinuation due to lack of efficacy.ConclusionsThe present review supports treatment intensification with GLP‐1RA added to insulin versus BP/BB in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. This could provide similar antihyperglycaemic efficacy while leading to weight loss and sparing of hypoglycaemia and insulin dose. As a consequence, a considerable number of patients with type 2 diabetes could be potentially shifted from BP/BB to GLP‐1RA/insulin combinations.
3D geological modelling – Through the example of Karawanken Tunnel project, northern section
Authors: Cudrigh‐Maislinger Susanna 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBefore design and construction, particularly underground, it is essential to know the geological conditions well. Nowadays as in many other fields 3D modelling is a very powerful and helpful tool in geology and geotechnics. The advantages of 3D modelling in geology are convincing: In the past, 2D geological maps and sections were of common use and it could sometimes be difficult to conceive a 3D picture of the underground conditions from the 2D images. With modern software, geological 3D models can be generated easily. Once a 3D model is established, the underground situation is more comprehensible and inconsistencies in geological interpretation are immediately apparent. 2D sections can also be produced with little effort at any position. The model can also be used as a geological database for the project. All available geological and geotechnical information like maps, sections, borehole data and lab test results can be attached to the model. The generation of a geological 3D model will be explained through the example of the Karawanken Tunnel, northern section.
Tunnel T26 on the Ankara–Istanbul high speed rail route – Tunnelling under difficult conditions
Authors: Incecik Mete , Poşluk Evren 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe Turkish Railway Administration has started to renovate and modernise the Turkish railway network in Anatolia after a long break. As the first task, a high speed railway line has been planned between the capital city Ankara and the commercial metropolis Istanbul. The section between Bozoyuk and Bilecik passes through a steep mountain range, where the old railway line and the existing highway are located right next to each other. The rail line for the new high speed route is planned to run over the steep valley of Bozoyuk and then connect to Tunnel T26. This region has a quite old geological composition with metamorphic silt and clay shales, which are folded over each other due to tectonic movement. The shales are crushed down to small pebble‐cobble sized particles, significantly reducing the cohesion. The excavation work for Tunnel T26 was conducted under arduous conditions due to inadequate geological investigation.
Design strategies for sprayed concrete linings
Authors: Brandtner Markus , Hofmann Matthias , Paternesi Alessandra , Saurer Erich , Schweiger Helmut F. , Walter Herbert 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWith the introduction of Eurocodes, non‐linear methods are now explicitly permitted for the determination of internal forces. Although the application of Eurocode 7 has not been intended for tunnel construction, it is applied in practice. Tunnel linings are treated as retaining structures in the sense of Eurocode 7. The choice of the Design Approach to be applied is specified in the National Annex (NA) of each country. The application of a standard to a field which was not intended for the purpose naturally leaves room for diverse interpretation. A working group was established by the Austrian Society for Geomechanics (ÖGG) to develop a consistent design strategy for tunnelling. Recommendations based on comparative calculations have been developed for the design of sprayed concrete linings. This article summarises the findings of the investigations carried out.
Model adaption to reflect reality from design to construction through the example of a quarry
Authors: Poisel Rainer , Preh Alexander , Kolenprat Bernd , Barth Anton , Höllrigl Jakob 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAfter a landslide in 2007, a quarry face is to be restored. Consequently, models had to be formed of the geological conditions, of the material behaviour and of the failure mechanism, as well as a calculation model to simulate this mechanism. The geological structure and observations during and after the landslide suggested that the failure was a result of the toppling of slab‐shaped rock blocks. The landslide facilitated a back analysis of strength parameters from this large‐scale in‐situ test, thus making laboratory tests, derived from classification systems and estimations of these parameters, unnecessary. A limit equilibrium method and a numerical model available for the simulation of toppling correspondingly showed that flattening of the face up to the mining boundary results in a sufficient factor of safety. However, the transition from weathered material to rock could not yet be considered. Only the first step of the face restoration, and excavation of the weathered cover, managed to shed light on its thickness, which facilitated precision of the calculation model. Only the excavation of the rock mass displaced by the landslide will show whether the quarry face geometry necessary for a sufficient factor of safety is feasible with respect to the actual loosening of the rock mass and to the actual depth of the landslide.
Untersammelsdorf Tunnel – Challenges and special measures during tunnelling in lacustrine clay
Authors: Höser Sebastian , Bahr Alexander , Wagner Hanns , Mehlführer Markus , Herzeg Thomas 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe 665 m long, twin‐track Untersammelsdorf Tunnel is being built in the course of the construction of the Koralmbahn line between Graz and Klagenfurt. The tunnel is located in extremely challenging subsoil conditions consisting of silty to fine sandy lacustrine deposits. The developed tunnelling concept provided wide‐ranging special underground engineering measures and represents a unique construction method to date. Accordingly, numerous challenges arose in the design phase, which were verified by carrying out extensive trials and investigations in the preparatory period or for which fallback levels had to be provided for the support system. Now tunnelling work is almost complete, the experience can be reported.
Defective vacuum well in a deep excavation, prevention of a serious incident
Authors: Meier Joachim , Böhm Sebastian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn the course of the new construction of the Wehrhahn Line in Düsseldorf, works included the top‐down building of the station at Schadowstraße with back‐anchored diaphragm walls embedded up to 12 m into the Tertiary fine sand. The formation of the excavation was planned to lie above this in the Quaternary sand gravel. During the construction period, it was noticed that the Tertiary groundwater aquitard in the east part of the excavation is up to 2.5 m higher than forecast. This made necessary the installation of partially inclined suction wells in the Tertiary, in the protection of which the Tertiary groundwater was to be replaced by a surface filter. Altogether 41 suction wells were sunk.Shortly before reaching the excavation bottom level, an increased sand freight and an unplanned higher inside water level were recorded in places. Immediately introduced investigations showed that a defective foot cap had led to the intake of fine sand. In consequence, an erosion channel had formed at the underside of the lance, running through under the diaphragm wall. After a first stabilisation, a remedial concept was worked out collaboratively with all parties. Accordingly the filter section was closed by nitrogen freezing and the action point of the heave was moved downward. An adapted excavation concept was also decided from heave calculations. The extent of the frozen body was checked with an extensive monitoring programme. Through meticulous preparation and the frictionless collaboration of all parties, a major incident could be prevented.
Synthesis of a Ca3SiO5–Ca2SiO4–Ca3Al2O6 cement system with rapid setting capacity by spray‐pyrolysis coupled with sol–gel method
Authors: Choi Hae Won , Um Seung‐Hoon , Rhee Sang‐Hoon 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA modified mineral‐trioxide‐aggregate (mMTA) with rapid setting capacity was newly synthesized by spray‐pyrolysis following a sol–gel reaction. Its faster setting capacity and initially higher compressive strength compared with Portland cement (PC) were evaluated. The precursor solution of the mMTA was prepared through condensation following hydrolysis among Ca(NO3)2·4H2O, Si(OC2H5)4, and Al(NO3)3·9H2O under nitric acid. The mMTA powder was then synthesized by spray‐pyrolysis at 1500°C. The particle shape was spherical with an average particle size of 0.8 ± 0.3 μm, while PC particles were irregular and 3.9 ± 3.0 μm in size. The mMTA consisted of mostly Ca3SiO5, Ca3Al2O6, and partial Ca2SiO4 phases, while the PC comprised mainly Ca3SiO5, Ca2SiO4, and partial Ca3Al2O6 phases. The final setting times of mMTA and PC measured under 95% relative humidity were about 11 min and 3 h, respectively. The early stage of setting in mMTA was dominated by the rapid formation of hexagonal‐plate‐like Ca3Al2O6·6H2O crystals, while that in PC was dominated by needle‐like calcium‐silicate‐hydrate gels and columnar‐shaped Ca(OH)2 crystals. The late stage of setting in mMTA was dominated by calcium‐silicate‐hydrate gels and Ca(OH)2 crystals, while that in PC was dominated by Ca3Al2O6·6H2O crystals. The compressive strengths of mMTA and PC after 30 min of setting were 4.5 and 0.2 MPa, respectively. The results suggest that mMTA has potential to be used as a filling material for accidental pulp‐exposure or pulpal floor perforation cases that require rapid setting capacity and initial good strength. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1440–1451, 2019.
Agmatine protects against sodium valproate–induced hepatic injury in mice via modulation of nuclear factor‐κB/inducible nitric oxide synthetase pathway
Authors: Ahmed Nishat , Aljuhani Naif , Al‐Hujaili Hind S. , Al‐Hujaili Manar A. , Elkablawy Mohamed A. , Noah Magdy M. , Abo‐Haded Hany , El‐Agamy Dina S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractValproate is a widely used drug against epilepsy and several other neurological disorders although it has deleterious hepatotoxic side effects. The current study was designed to test if agmatine as nitric oxide modulator has protective effects against valproate‐induced hepatic injury. Male Swiss albino mice were treated with sodium valproate (SVP) with or without agmatine for 7 days. Serum and liver samples were collected for analysis. Results have revealed that agmatine exerted hepatoprotective effects against SVP‐associated hepatic injury. Agmatine ameliorated SVP‐induced elevated serum biochemical markers of hepatic damage such as serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, γ‐glutamyl transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Histopathological examination of the liver showed improvement of hepatic lesions in case of agmatine treatment. Furthermore, agmatine attenuated oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidants in liver tissue. Agmatine inhibited the activation of nuclear factor‐κB and ameliorated the immunoexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthetase. This was accompanied by decrease in the level of inflammatory markers as nitrite/nitrate, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐6. These data provide new evidence of the hepatoprotective activity of agmatine against SVP‐induced hepatotoxic effects.
Higenamine protects neuronal cells from oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation‐induced injury
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Jingjing , Wu Chuntao , Guo Sheng , Su Jing , Zhao Wendong , Xing Hongxia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHigenamine, a plant‐based alkaloid, exhibits various properties, such as antiapoptotic and antioxidative effects. Previous studies proved that higenamine possesses potential therapeutic effects for ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. However, the role of higenamine in cerebral I/R injury has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of higenamine on cerebral I/R injury and the potential mechanism. Our data showed that higenamine ameliorated oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)‐induced neuronal cells injury. Induction of reactive oxygen species and malonaldehyde production, and the inhibition of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity caused by OGD/R were attenuated by higenamine. In addition, higenamine inhibited the increases in caspase‐3 activity and Bax expression, and inhibited the decrease in Bcl‐2 expression. Furthermore, higenamine elevated the expression levels of p‐Akt, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). The inhibitor of PI3K/Akt (LY294002) abolished the protective effects of higenamine on OGD/R‐induced neuronal cells. These findings indicated that higenamine protects neuronal cells against OGD/R‐induced injury by regulating the Akt and Nrf2/HO‐1‐signaling pathways. Collectively, higenamine might be considered as new strategy for the prevention and treatment of cerebral I/R injury.
The Dmp8‐Dmp18 bicistron messenger RNA enables unusual translation during cellular stress
Authors: Bucio‐Mendez Alyeri , Cruz‐Becerra Grisel , Valadez‐Graham Viviana , Dinkova Tzvetanka D. , Zurita Mario 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAlternatives to the cap mechanism in translation are often used by viruses and cells to allow them to synthesize proteins in events of stress and viral infection. In Drosophila there are hundreds of polycistronic messenger RNA (mRNA), and various mechanisms are known to achieve this. However, proteins in a same mRNA often work in the same cellular mechanism, this is not the case for Drosophila's Swc6/p18Hamlet homolog Dmp18, part of the SWR1 chromatin remodeling complex, who is encoded in a bicistronic mRNA next to Dmp8 (Dmp8‐Dmp18 transcript), a structural component of transcription factor TFIIH. The organization of these two genes as a bicistron is conserved in all arthropods, however the length of the intercistronic sequence varies from more than 90 to 2 bases, suggesting an unusual translation mechanism for the second open reading frame. We found that even though translation of Dmp18 occurs independently from that of Dmp8, it is necessary for Dmp18 to be in that conformation to allow its correct translation during cellular stress caused by damage via heat‐shock and UV radiation.
The effects of fatty acids consumption on OPG/RANKL/RANK system in cardiovascular diseases: Current status and future perspectives for the impact of diet‐gene interaction
Authors: Tamtaji Omid Reza , Borzabadi Shokoofeh , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid , Ferns Gordon , Asemi Zatollah 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) is an overall term that comprises a number of related pathologies, these include peripheral arterial disease, cerebrovascular disease, coronary heart disease (CHD), venous thromboembolism, and rheumatic and congenital heart diseases. Fatty acids in the diet have been reported to affect CVD. The OPG/RANKL/RANK system appears to have a role in CVD outcomes. However, there have been few studies on the impact of diet‐gene interaction for effects of fatty acids consumption on the OPG/RANKL/RANK system in CVD. This review focuses on the effects of fatty acids on OPG/RANKL/RANK in CVD.
Tumour‐derived leukaemia inhibitory factor is a major driver of cancer cachexia and morbidity in C26 tumour‐bearing mice
Authors: Kandarian Susan C. , Nosacka Rachel L. , Delitto Andrea E. , Judge Andrew R. , Judge Sarah M. , Ganey John D. , Moreira Jesse D. , Jackman Robert W. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundCancer cachexia is a metabolic wasting syndrome that is strongly associated with a poor prognosis. The initiating factors causing fat and muscle loss are largely unknown. Previously, we found that leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) secreted by C26 colon carcinoma cells was responsible for atrophy in treated myotubes. In the present study, we tested whether C26 tumour‐derived LIF is required for cancer cachexia in mice by knockout of Lif in C26 cells.MethodsA C26 Lif null tumour cell line was made using CRISPR‐Cas9. Measurements of cachexia were compared in mice inoculated with C26 vs. C26Lif−/− tumour cells, and atrophy was compared in myotubes treated with medium from C26 vs. C26Lif−/− tumour cells. Levels of 25 cytokines/chemokines were compared in serum of mice bearing C26 vs. C26Lif−/− tumours and in the medium from these tumour cell lines.ResultsAt study endpoint, C26 mice showed outward signs of sickness while mice with C26Lif−/− tumours appeared healthy. Mice with C26Lif−/− tumours showed a 55–75% amelioration of body weight loss, muscle loss, fat loss, and splenomegaly compared with mice with C26 tumours (P < 0.05). The heart was not affected by LIF levels because the loss of cardiac mass was the same in C26 and C26Lif−/− tumour‐bearing mice. LIF levels in mouse serum was entirely dependent on secretion from the tumour cells. Serum levels of interleukin‐6 and G‐CSF were increased by 79‐fold and 68‐fold, respectively, in C26 mice but only by five‐fold and two‐fold, respectively, in C26Lif−/− mice, suggesting that interleukin‐6 and G‐CSF increases are dependent on tumour‐derived LIF.ConclusionsThis study shows the first use of CRISPR‐Cas9 knockout of a candidate cachexia factor in tumour cells. The results provide direct evidence for LIF as a major cachexia initiating factor for the C26 tumour in vivo. Tumour‐derived LIF was also a regulator of multiple cytokines in C26 tumour cells and in C26 tumour‐bearing mice. The identification of tumour‐derived factors such as LIF that initiate the cachectic process is immediately applicable to the development of therapeutics to treat cachexia. This is a proof of principle for studies that when carried out in human cells, will make possible an understanding of the factors causing cachexia in a patient‐specific manner.
Cerebral autoregulation in hemorrhagic stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography studies
Authors: Minhas Jatinder S. , Panerai Ronney B. , Ghaly George , Divall Pip , Robinson Thompson G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPurposeInternational guidelines advocate intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering within 6 hours of acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to a target systolic BP of 130‐140 mm Hg, though more intensive lowering may be associated with adverse outcome. Observational studies suggest impaired cerebral autoregulation (CA) following ICH. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD), alongside continuous BP monitoring, provides a noninvasive bedside investigation that offers detailed perspectives on physiological perturbations post‐acute ICH. This systematic review and meta‐analysis focuses on all TCD studies of CA in ICH.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched for studies of hemorrhagic stroke and blood flow measurement.ResultsEight studies met inclusion criteria (293 ICH patients); CA was impaired up to 12‐days post‐acute ICH. Impaired CA was evidenced by reduced transfer function analysis phase and higher mean flow correlation values: these were associated with worsened clinical parameters including ICH‐volume and Glasgow Coma Scale. Meta‐analysis of CBV demonstrated that, compared to controls, mean CBV was significantly lower in the ipsilateral (49.7 vs 64.8 cm s−1, Z = 4.26, P < .0001) and contralateral hemispheres following ICH (51.5 vs 64.8 cm s−1, Z = 3.44, P = .0006).ConclusionLower mean CBV in combination with impaired CA may have implications for more intensive BP lowering and warrants further studies examining such strategies on cerebral blood flow and its regulatory mechanisms.
Antibacterial activities of plasma from the common (Chelydra serpentina) and alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)
Authors: Baker Sarah J. , Kessler Ethan J. , Merchant Mark E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractInnate immunity provides a fast‐acting and nonspecific defense against microbial infection, and appears to have particular importance in the immune response of ectothermic vertebrates. Chelonians are a globally distributed and diverse group, yet little is known about their basic immune function. The chelonian family Chelydridae is made up of two genera (Chelydra and Macrochelys), represented in our study by the widespread common snapping turtle (
Chelydra serpentina; CST) and the southeast USA endemic alligator snapping turtle (
Macrochelys temminckii; AST). Our goal was to quantify the innate immune response of the family Chelydridae, using the antibacterial activity of plasma as a measure of immune function. Our results show that the plasma of both species has strong antibacterial properties, but CST plasma kills a higher percentage of bacteria than AST plasma. In addition, while both species showed the highest antibacterial activity at 25 to 30°C, CST plasma retained its antibacterial properties at lower and higher temperatures than AST plasma. Our results indicate that, like many ectotherms, Chelydridae have a relatively strong innate immune response. The stronger, more robust immune response of CSTs compared with ASTs is likely correlated to the differences in geographic ranges but may also have implications for each species’ tolerance to anthropogenic habitat degradation and global climate change.