bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in the association of APOE ε4 genotype with longitudinal hippocampal atrophy in cognitively normal older people
Authors: Shen S. , Zhou W. , Chen X. , Zhang J. ,   for Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2019

Background and purposeThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε4) genotype and sex together on longitudinal change in adjusted hippocampal volume [hippocampal volume:intracranial volume ratio (HpVR)] across the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum.MethodsAt baseline, we included 372 individuals with normal cognition (NC), 738 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 271 patients with mild AD from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. We examined the effects of the APOE ε4 by sex interaction on longitudinal change in HpVR within the overall sample and within each diagnostic group.ResultsFemale gender was found to be associated with longitudinal reduction of HpVR in the NC and MCI groups, but not in the AD group. Similarly, APOE ε4 was associated with longitudinal reduction of HpVR in the NC and MCI groups, but not in the AD group. Further, female APOE ε4 carriers showed a greater longitudinal reduction of HpVR than their male counterparts in the NC group, but not in the MCI or AD group. However, due to the relatively short duration of follow‐up visits in patients with AD, further studies are needed to replicate these findings.ConclusionFemale APOE ε4 carriers show a greater longitudinal reduction of HpVR than their male counterparts in cognitively normal older adults.
“Bone marrow aspirate automated counts on hematology analyzers: formulating a scoring system based on hematology parameters, to discriminate reactive versus myelodysplastic syndrome‐related bone marrows”
Authors: Tsagarakis Nikolaos J. , Paterakis Georgios , Papadhimitriou Stefanos I. , Kritikou‐Griva Elpiniki , Goumakou Eleni , Oudatzis Georgios , Theodorakos Ioannis , Vasileiou Paraskevi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionDiagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is usually challenging. In this context, we have attempted to employ data derived from automated analysis of bone marrow (BM) samples as an ancillary tool for the discrimination between reactive marrow and MDS.MethodsA total of 101 BM anticoagulated samples referred for flow cytometry (FCM) analysis on the clinical suspicion of MDS had been previously counted in a Mindray BC‐6800 hematology analyzer (testing set). Among them, 22/101 randomly selected BM samples (comparison set) had been also simultaneously counted by an Advia 2120 and a CELL‐DYN Sapphire hematology analyzer. Selected parameters obtained by Mindray BC‐6800 were retrospectively evaluated with ROC and regression analysis in an attempt to formulate a discriminative scoring system (SS) for MDS. This system was further evaluated in the comparison set.ResultsThe diagnosis of MDS was established in 37/101 patients assessed (“MDS” group). Three patients were diagnosed with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN), while 61 revealed a “reactive” bone marrow (“RBM” group). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in Hb, RDW‐CV%, NRBC%, and RET% values between the “MDS” and the “RBM” group. Specific cutoff values were then indicated and employed for the formulation of a SS of high sensitivity (86.84%) and specificity (86.89%). The encouraging performance characteristics of the proposed SS were also confirmed in the BM comparison set.ConclusionAutomated BM counts on hematology analyzers contributed to the formulation of a SS for the screening discrimination between reactive and MDS BM fluids, which seems to be applicable and informative, regardless of the analyzer used.
Er3+ cross‐section spectra of Er3+/Pr3+:Gd3Ga5O12 single‐crystal: Pr3+‐codoping effect
Authors: Xu Qing , Wang Yan , Chen Feng , Wong Wing‐Han , Zhang Zi‐Bo , Zhang De‐Long 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFluorescence and absorption spectra at 530 nm (2H11/2→4I15/2), 560 nm (4S3/2→4I15/2), 660 nm (4F9/2→4I15/2), 980 nm (4I11/2→4I15/2), 1530 nm (4I13/2→4I15/2), and 2710 nm (4I11/2→4I13/2) of Er3+ in Gd3Ga5O12 single‐crystal codoped with Pr3+ have been measured. Judd‐Ofelt analysis yields the intensity parameters Ω2 = (0.68 ± 0.03) × 10−20 cm2, Ω4 = (0.60 ± 0.07) × 10−20 cm2, and Ω6 = (0.90 ± 0.17) × 10−20 cm2. A comparison with previously reported values of Er3+‐only doping case shows that Pr3+‐codoping causes slight change of both Ω2 and Ω4, while onefold increase of Ω6. From calculated radiative rates and measured fluorescence spectra, Er3+ emission cross‐section spectra were calibrated at first. Then, the absorption cross‐section spectra were calculated using McCumber relation. In parallel, the absorption cross‐section spectra were also obtained from the measured absorption spectrum, and compared with those obtained from the McCumber relation. The comparison shows that both methods give consistent result of absorption cross‐section spectrum. Further comparison with Er3+‐only doping case shows that Pr3+‐codoping causes considerable change of Er3+ cross‐section value. In spectrally mixing regions of Er3+ and Pr3+, Pr3+ emission affects little the determination of Er3+ emission cross‐section as Pr3+ fluorescence is much weaker than Er3+ fluorescence due to low Pr3+ concentration.
Setting behavior and bioactivity assessment of calcium carbonate cements
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sánchez Jesús , Myszka Barbara , Boccaccini Aldo Roberto , Dysthe Dag Kristian 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCalcium carbonate cements have emerged in the last few years as an attractive candidate for biomedical applications. They can be easily prepared by mixing water with two metastable calcium carbonate phases––amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and vaterite––which (re)crystallize into calcite during setting reaction. The transformation kinetics (and therefore the final surface cement composition) strongly depends on the initial mixture design and is controlled by the dissolution of ACC, whereas calcite nucleation typically controls their recrystallization in fluid batch experiments. Novel compositions are presented in this paper by incorporating organic molecules as a proxy to test their capability to carry on other biomolecules like proteins or antibiotics. The hardened samples are microporous and show excellent bioactivity rates, although their mechanical properties still remain poor. However, this would not be a handicap for in‐vivo applications such as bone filling, especially in low mechanical stress locations.
Evaluating the chemical stability of metal oxides in SO3 and applications of SiO2‐based membranes to O2/SO3 separation
Authors: Yu Xin , Meng Lie , Nagasawa Hiroki , Kanezashi Masakoto , Machida Masato , Tsuru Toshinori 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe decomposition of sulfur trioxide to produce sulfur dioxide and oxygen using a catalytic membrane reactor is technology that promises to improve the economic viability of the thermochemical water‐splitting Iodine‐Sulfur (IS) process for large‐scale CO2‐free hydrogen production. The chemical stability of membrane materials under SO3, however, is a significant challenge for this strategy. In this study, microporous membranes with a layered structure that consisted of a membrane support prepared from α‐Al2O3, an intermediate layer prepared from silica‐zirconia, and a top layer prepared from bis (triethoxysilyl)ethane‐derived organosilica sols, were examined for stability under SO3 and for use in SO3/O2 separation. An α‐Al2O3 support that features SiO2–ZrO2 intermediate layers with large pore sizes and a high Si/Zr molar ratio showed excellent resistance to SO3, which was confirmed by N2 adsorption, Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). These membranes also demonstrated a negligible change in gas permeance before and after SO3 exposure. Subsequently, in binary‐component gas separation at 550°C, microporous organosilica‐derived membranes achieved an O2/SO3 selectivity of 10 (much higher than the Knudsen selectivity of 1.6) while maintaining a high O2 permeance of 2.5 × 10−8 mol m–2 s–1 Pa–1.
Metformin shows anti‐inflammatory effects in murine macrophages through Dicer/microribonucleic acid‐34a‐5p and microribonucleic acid‐125b‐5p
Authors: Luo Xi , Hu Rong , Zheng Ying , Liu Shiping , Zhou Zhiguang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionMetformin, a widely prescribed antidiabetic agent, has been shown to exhibit anti‐inflammatory effects in obese and type 2 diabetes patients, but the mechanism is not well elucidated. Microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are a group of small non‐coding ribonucleic acids that participate in many biological and pathological processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Dicer, a key miRNA biogenesis enzyme, and miRNAs in macrophages are implicated in the anti‐inflammatory effects of metformin.Materials and MethodsEnzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were carried out to verify the anti‐inflammatory effects of metformin. miRNA microarray was applied to detect the expression profile of miRNA. Western‐blotting, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to examine the role Dicer and miRNAs play in the anti‐inflammatory effects of metformin.ResultsIn parallel with the suppression of interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α production in resting and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages, metformin could induce an increase in Dicer and most miRNAs. When Dicer was knocked down, the anti‐inflammatory effects of metformin were significantly attenuated. Additionally, the upregulation of miRNA (miR)‐34a‐5p and miR‐125b‐5p by metformin were also blunted in Dicer knockdown macrophages. Furthermore, inhibition of miR‐34a‐5p and miR‐125b‐5p could impair the suppressive action of metformin on pro‐inflammatory factors production, whereas overexpression of the two miRNAs mimicked the anti‐inflammatory effects of metformin.ConclusionsMetformin might show anti‐inflammatory effects in macrophages through the induction of Dicer and the subsequent upregulation of miR‐34a‐5p and miR‐125b‐5p.
Efficacy and safety of dulaglutide monotherapy compared with glimepiride in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: Post‐hoc analyses of a randomized, double‐blind, phase III study
Authors: Shi Li Xin , Liu Xiao Min , Shi Yong Quan , Li Quan Min , Ma Jian Hua , Li Yan Bing , Du Li Ying , Wang Feng , Chen Lu Lu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAims/IntroductionTo investigate the efficacy/safety of dulaglutide once‐weekly monotherapy versus glimepiride in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsThis was a post‐hoc analysis of a Chinese randomized, double‐blind, non‐inferiority, phase III study. Patients (n = 572) with inadequate glycemic control received dulaglutide 1.5 mg (n = 189) or 0.75 mg (n = 194) once‐weekly or glimepiride (1–3 mg/day; n = 189) for 26 weeks. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the non‐inferiority of dulaglutide 1.5 mg versus glimepiride by the change from baseline to week 26 in glycated hemoglobin (non‐inferiority margin 0.4%).ResultsDulaglutide 1.5 mg and 0.75 mg were non‐inferior (P < 0.001) and superior (P ≤ 0.002) versus glimepiride for the change in glycated hemoglobin from baseline to week 26. The least‐squares mean differences (95% confidence interval) versus glimepiride were dulaglutide 1.5 mg, −0.53% (−0.74, −0.32) and dulaglutide 0.75 mg, −0.32% (−0.53, −0.12). Significantly more patients attained glycated hemoglobin <7.0% at week 26 in the dulaglutide 1.5 mg (71.7%) versus the glimepiride (57.5%; P = 0.005) group. The decrease from baseline to week 26 in fasting blood glucose was significantly more pronounced in both the dulaglutide groups versus the glimepiride group (P < 0.01). The overall incidence and rate of hypoglycemia were lower in both of the dulaglutide groups versus the glimepiride group. At week 26, bodyweight had increased from baseline in the glimepiride group and decreased from baseline in both dulaglutide groups. The most frequent gastrointestinal drug‐related adverse events with dulaglutide were diarrhea, abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting.ConclusionsThese findings support once‐weekly dulaglutide monotherapy as a treatment for Chinese patients with early stage type 2 diabetes.
Chinese facial physiognomy and modern day aesthetic practice
Authors: Samizadeh Souphiyeh 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundPhysiognomy is still practiced in China and is a factor influencing the cosmetic procedures offered by aesthetic practitioners, and treatments requested by patients.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of belief in physiognomy in China and its effect on cosmetic treatments requested and offered by aesthetic practitioners.Methods and materialsThis study consisted of a survey given to the general public (online) and Chinese aesthetic practitioners (face to face).ResultsA total of 1816 responses (1070 general public, 746 aesthetic practitioners) were collected. About 63% of the general population and 86.3% of the aesthetic practitioners stated they believed in facial physiognomy. A majority of the general population surveyed believed that facial appearance can determine various aspects of their life. However, the majority believed changing their facial features would not affect factors believed to be determined by physiognomy. A total of 73.9% of the aesthetic practitioners thought their belief in physiognomy affected the treatments they suggest and most believed belief in physiognomy influences treatments requested.ConclusionThe belief in facial physiognomy has a direct impact and needs to be taken into consideration during patient consultation.
Modified stall‐side crossmatch for transfusions in horses
Authors: Casenave Pauline , Leclere Mathilde , Beauchamp Guy , Blais Marie‐Claude 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundAfter‐hours or out‐of‐clinic crossmatches are often limited by the lack of access to specialized material and technical expertise.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe goal was to adapt a stall‐side crossmatch test for pretransfusion evaluation in horses.AnimalsTwelve healthy mares (plasma and blood donors, teaching mares).MethodsIn a prospective study, blood from 12 mares was used to compare the results of 132 crossmatches performed with a rapid gel assay to crossmatches performed with a microgel column assay, and with predicted compatibilities based on blood types and detection of antibodies at a reference laboratory (microplate assay). The rapid gel assay protocol for dogs was adapted to decrease the formation of rouleaux that initially precluded equine erythrocytes migration through the gel.ResultsThere was a good agreement between the rapid gel assay and the microgel assay as well as with the predicted compatibilities (κ > .6 for both). Agreement was higher between the microgel assay and the predicted compatibilities (κ = .8). The rapid gel assay failed to detect 6 predicted Aa incompatibilities (agglutinins‐related), 3 of which were also not detected with the microgel assay.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBased on these results, the modified rapid gel assay could be useful in settings when access to the microgel assay is not available. Discrepancies between both gel techniques and predicted compatibilities were most often low‐grade agglutination, which warrants further investigation to assess their clinical importance.
Pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of tiamulin in broiler chicken as influenced by different routes of administration
Authors: Vinothini Prabhakaran , Ramesh Srinivasan , Sooraj Nair Venugopalan , Preetha Srinivasan Palaninathan , Sriram Padmanabhan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe bioavailability and pharmacokinetic disposition of tiamulin in broiler chicken were investigated after administration through the crop, drinking water, and feed at 40 mg/kg body weight. Residues of tiamulin in tissues of broiler chicken were also assessed. Plasma and tissue concentrations of tiamulin were analyzed by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Plasma concentration–time data were described by the non‐compartmental model for all three routes, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in pharmacokinetic parameters and mean plasma concentrations of tiamulin between three routes tested (crop, water, and feed), indicating equal efficacy. Tiamulin residues in edible tissues (muscles, skin, and fat) were lower than the advocated maximum residue limit (MRL of 0.1 µg/g and that of liver was 1 µg/g) on the 3rd day. No traces were found on the 5th day after drug administration. This indicated that the withdrawal period (less than 5 days) is very short, which makes it safer. This study shows that tiamulin can be used with equal efficacy through all routes of administration in broiler chicken (crop, water, and feed).
Surfactin and fengycin contribute to the protection of a Bacillus subtilis strain against grape downy mildew by both direct effect and defence stimulation
Authors: Li Yan , Héloir Marie‐Claire , Zhang Xun , Geissler Mareen , Trouvelot Sophie , Jacquens Lucile , Henkel Marius , Su Xin , Fang Xuewen , Wang Qi , Adrian Marielle 
Published: May 2019

SummaryBacillus subtilis GLB191 (hereafter GLB191) is an efficient biological control agent against the biotrophic oomycete Plasmopara viticola, the causal agent of grapevine downy mildew. In this study, we show that GLB191 supernatant is also highly active against downy mildew and that the activity results from both direct effect against the pathogen and stimulation of the plant defences (induction of defence gene expression and callose production). High‐performance thin‐layer chromatography analysis revealed the presence of the cyclic lipopeptides fengycin and surfactin in the supernatant. Mutants affected in the production of fengycin and/or surfactin were thus obtained and allowed us to show that both surfactin and fengycin contribute to the double activity of GLB191 supernatant against downy mildew. Altogether, this study suggests that GLB191 supernatant could be used as a new biocontrol product against grapevine downy mildew.
Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis of maniraptoran eggshells with important implications for microstructural and taphonomic interpretations
Authors: Choi Seung , Han Seokyoung , Lee Yuong‐Nam 
Published: May 2019

AbstractElectron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is a useful tool for gathering crystallographic information from carbonate biominerals because it maps out the orientation of crystal grains very precisely. EBSD has become popular in invertebrate palaeontology but its application in vertebrate palaeontology remains limited. However, the study of fossil eggshells is a field where EBSD has wide potential applicability and provides a quantitative approach to fossil eggshell research as well as new qualitative data. Here we analyse fossil and extant maniraptoran dinosaur eggshells using EBSD analysis emphasizing four different aspects. The mapping imaging clarifies previously ambiguous characters such as squamatic ultrastructure and allows a more objective evaluation of avian and non‐avian maniraptoran eggshell. In particular, our results imply that the presence of an external zone in the manirpatoran eggshell is not diagnostic of avian eggshell. EBSD analysis can be also used for differentiating true pore canals from cracks in the eggshell radial section, thereby determining the biological genuineness or otherwise of a pore‐like structure. Finally, the misorientation angle distribution of the material shows a clear dichotomy that may reflect reproductive brooding strategy, although further studies on contact incubation of palaeognaths and neognaths are needed to confirm this.
Role of coping with negative emotions in cognitive behavioral therapy for persistent somatoform pain disorder: Is it more important than pain catastrophizing?
Authors: Yoshino Atsuo , Okamoto Yasumasa , Jinnin Ran , Takagaki Koki , Mori Asako , Yamawaki Shigeto 
Published: May 2019

AimCognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is known to be effective for patients with persistent somatoform pain disorder (PSPD). Improvement of negative emotions in interpersonal stressful situations has been reported to reduce PSPD‐related clinical pain. However, these associations in CBT remain unclear. Therefore, we examined the relation between changes in negative emotions and clinical pain symptoms after CBT by using a multiple regression analysis that included pain catastrophizing.MethodsWe analyzed negative emotional intensity scores in stressful situations of 38 patients with PSPD who had completed CBT treatment and all the daily worksheets. Negative emotional intensity scores were recorded in daily worksheets during 12 weekly CBT sessions. Scores for the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) as clinical pain intensity, Beck Depression Inventory – Second Edition (BDI‐II), and State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were also obtained at pre‐ and post‐treatment. A multiple regression analysis was conducted using changes in VAS scores after CBT as the dependent variable, and changes in negative emotional intensity, PCS, BDI‐II, and STAI scores after CBT, age, and sex as independent variables.ResultsNegative emotional intensity scores decreased after CBT. In a multiple regression analysis, the emotional changes resulting from CBT depicted a modest positive relation with changes in VAS scores (β = 0.37; P < 0.05); however, there was no relation between changes in PCS scores after CBT and changes in VAS scores after CBT (β = 0.03).ConclusionThe results show that negative emotions play an important role in the treatment effects of CBT for PSPD.
An in vitro investigation into the effects of 10 Hz cyclic loading on tenocyte metabolism
Authors: Udeze Chineye P. , Jones Eleanor R. , Riley Graham P. , Morrissey Dylan , Screen Hazel R. C. 
Published: May 2019

Tendinopathy is a prevalent, highly debilitating condition, with poorly defined etiology. A wide range of clinical treatments has been proposed, with systematic reviews largely supporting shock wave therapy or eccentric exercise. Characterizing these treatments have demonstrated both generate perturbations within tendon at a frequency of approximately 8‐12 Hz. Consequently, it is hypothesized that loading in this frequency range initiates increased anabolic tenocyte behavior, promoting tendon repair. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 10 Hz perturbations on tenocyte metabolism, comparing gene expression in response to a 10 Hz and 1 Hz loading profile. Tenocytes from healthy and tendinopathic human tendons were seeded into 3D collagen gels and subjected to 15 minutes cyclic strain at 10 Hz or 1 Hz. Tenocytes from healthy tendon showed increased expression of all analyzed genes in response to loading, with significantly increased expression of inflammatory and degradative genes with 10 Hz, relative to 1 Hz loading. By contrast, whilst the response of tenocytes from tendinopathy tendon also increased with 10 Hz loading, the overall response profile was more varied and less intense, possibly indicative of an altered healing response. Through inhibition of the pathway, IL1 was shown to be involved in the degradative and catabolic response of cells to high‐frequency loading, abrogating the loading response. This study has demonstrated for the first time that loading at a frequency of 10 Hz may enhance the metabolic response of tenocytes by initiating an immediate degradatory and inflammatory cell response through the IL1 pathway, perhaps as an initial stage of tendon healing.