bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Dihydroartemisinin on Plasmodium NADH-Dependent Glutamate Synthase: The Implication in Malaria Management
Authors: Xu Wenhui , Wang Huajing , Tang Tian , Ma Ji , Cui Zhao , Li Lanfang , Guo Shuying , Zhou Yang , Jiang Tingliang , Li Canghai 
Published: September 2019

Artemisinin and its analogues (ARTs) are currently the most effective anti-malarial drugs, but the precise mechanism of action is still highly controversial. Effects of ARTs on Plasmodium genes expression are studied in our Lab. The overexpression of an interesting amidotransferase, NADH-dependent glutamate synthase (NADH-GltS) was found in treated by dihydroartemisinin (DHA). The increased expression occurred not only from global transcriptomics analysis on the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) 3D7 and gene expression screening on all of iron-sulphur cluster proteins from [Formula: see text]. 3D7 in vitro but also from Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) ANKA in mice. Influence of DHA on NADH-GltS was specifically at trophozoite stage of P. falciparum and in a dose-dependent manner below the effective doses. L-glutamine (Gln) and L-glutamate (Glu) are the substrate and product of NADH-GltS respectively. Azaserine (Aza) is specific inhibitor for NADH-GltS. Experimental data showed that Glu levels were significantly decreasing with DHA dose increasing but NADH-GltS enzyme activities were still remained at higher levels in parasites, and appropriate amount of exogenous Glu could significantly reduce anti-malarial action of DHA but excessive amount lost the above effect. Aza alone could inhibit proliferation of P. falciparum and had an additive effect in combination with DHA. Those results could suggest that: Glutamate depletion is one of the anti-malarial actions of DHA; overexpression of NADH-GltS would be a feedback pattern of parasite itself due to glutamate depletion, but not a direct action of DHA; the “feedback pattern” is one of protective strategies of Plasmodium to interfere with the anti-malarial actions of DHA; and specific inhibitor for NADH-GltS as a new type of anti-malarial agents or new partner in ACT might provide a potential.
The syringe potentiometer: a low-cost device for pneumotachograph calibration
Authors: Cross Troy J. , Kelley Eli F. , Hardy Tim A. , Isautier Jennifer M. J. , Johnson Bruce D. 
Published: September 2019

The purpose of this report was to 1) detail the construction of a low-cost device that provides a “reference” flow waveform for pneumotachograph (PNT) calibration, i.e., the “syringe potentiometer” (SP), and to compare the 2) accuracy and 3) practical performance of “calibration curves” obtained with the SP device to other more established methods of PNT calibration, i.e., the weighted averaging (WA) and polynomial least-squares (PolyLS) methods. Volume and flow waveforms obtained via the SP device were validated against a motion capture system and were deemed accurate surrogates of actual syringe volume and flows. The SP device was used to construct a calibration curve of a PNT by dividing the flow waveform of the SP by the analog output of the PNT amplifier. A total of 187 inspiratory and 187 expiratory strokes were collected. When the entire data set of expiratory strokes was used, the SP, WA, and PolyLS methods together demonstrated acceptable volume and flow errors as per American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society recommendations (less than ±3.5% and less than ±5.0% errors, respectively). The “practical” performance of each method was assessed with a nested subsampling procedure, whereby volume and flow errors were evaluated as the number of strokes was increased (in blocks of 5 strokes). To this end, the SP method demonstrated practical performance superior to that of the WA and PolyLS approaches, whereby acceptable volume and flow errors were achieved after only 5 calibration strokes; the WA and PolyLS methods required 15 and 20 strokes, respectively, to achieve the same level of volume and flow accuracy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This report describes the construction and validation of a low-cost device for the purposes of pneumotachograph (PNT) calibration: the “syringe potentiometer” (SP). Calibration of a PNT with the SP device yielded acceptable volume and flow errors (<3.5% and 5%, respectively) across a wide range of flows (<0.5 to 15 L/s). The SP device offered superior “practical performance” over other established PNT calibration methods, whereby acceptable volume and flow errors were achieved after only five calibration strokes.
The effects of moderate and high-intensity exercise on circulating markers of endothelial integrity and activation in young, healthy men
Authors: Sapp Ryan M. , Evans William S. , Eagan Lauren E. , Chesney Catalina A. , Zietowski Evelyn M. , Prior Steven J. , Ranadive Sushant M. , Hagberg James M. 
Published: September 2019

Endothelial function typically exhibits a hormetic response to exercise. It is unknown whether endothelial damage occurs in response to acute exercise and could be a contributing mechanism. We sought to determine the effects of acute exercise on endothelial-derived circulating factors proposed to reflect endothelial integrity and activation. Young, healthy men ( n = 10) underwent 30-min moderate continuous (MOD) and high-intensity interval (HII) cycling exercise bouts. Venous blood samples were taken immediately before and after exercise for quantification of circulating endothelial cells (CECs), circulating angiogenic cells (CACs), apoptotic and activated endothelial microvesicles (EMVs), thrombomodulin (TM), von Willebrand factor (vWF), syndecan-1, and circulating microRNAs (ci-miRs) 126–3p and 126–5p. Endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery before, 10 min after, and 60 min after exercise. Numbers of CECs and EMVs were unchanged by either exercise bout ( P > 0.05). Numbers of all measured CAC subtypes decreased in response to MOD (21%–34%, P < 0.05), whereas only CD31+/34+/45dim/−CACs decreased following HII (21%, P < 0.05). TM and syndecan-1 increased with both exercise intensities (both ~20%, P < 0.05). HII, but not MOD, increased vWF (88%, P < 0.001), ci-miR-126–3p (92%, P = 0.009) and ci-miR-126–5p (110%, P = 0.01). The changes in several circulating factors correlated with changes in FMD following either one or both intensities. Changes in circulating factors do not support the concept of exercise-induced endothelial cell denudation, apoptosis, or activation, though slight disruption of endothelial glycocalyx and membrane integrity may occur. A related loss of mechanotransduction along with mechanisms underlying endothelial activation and ci-miR-126 secretion may relate to changes in endothelial function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using circulating endothelial-derived factors, we show that endothelial denudation, apoptosis, and activation do not appear to increase, whereas disrupted endothelial glycocalyx and membrane integrity may occur during both high-intensity interval and moderate intensity cycling. Increases in factors nonspecific to endothelial damage, including von Willebrand factor and microRNA-126, occurred only after high-intensity interval exercise. These results shed light on the hypothesis that disrupted endothelial integrity contributes to the endothelial function response to exercise.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated with Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer: A Prospective and Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Roberts Andrea L. , Huang Tianyi , Koenen Karestan C. , Kim Yongjoo , Kubzansky Laura D. , Tworoger Shelley S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractOvarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer. Chronic stress accelerates tumor growth in animal models of ovarian cancer. We therefore postulated that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. We used data from the Nurses' Health Study II, a longitudinal cohort study with 26 years of follow-up, conducted from 1989 to 2015 with 54,710 subjects. Lifetime PTSD symptoms were measured in 2008. Self-reported ovarian cancer was validated with medical records. Risk of ovarian cancer was estimated with Cox proportional hazards models and further adjusted for known ovarian cancer risk factors (e.g., hormonal factors) and health risk factors (e.g., smoking). Fully prospective secondary analyses examined incident ovarian cancer occurring after PTSD assessment in 2008. In addition, we examined associations by menopausal status. During follow-up, 110 ovarian cancers were identified. Women with high PTSD symptoms had 2-fold greater risk of ovarian cancer versus women with no trauma exposure [age-adjusted HR = 2.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12–3.95]. Adjustment for health and ovarian cancer risk factors moderately attenuated this association (HR = 1.86; 95% CI, 0.98–3.51). Associations were similar or moderately stronger in fully prospective analyses (age-adjusted HR = 2.38; 95% CI, 0.98–5.76, N cases = 50) and in premenopausal women (HR = 3.42; 95% CI, 1.08–10.85). In conclusion, we show that PTSD symptoms are associated with increased risk of ovarian cancer. Better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms could lead to interventions that reduce ovarian cancer risk in women with PTSD and other stress-related mental disorders.Significance:PTSD is associated with ovarian cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms will aid in formulating ways to reduce ovarian cancer risk associated with chronic stress.
MC1RVariation in a New Mexico Population
Authors: White Kirsten A.M. , Dailey Yvonne T. , Guest Dolores D. , Zielaskowski Kate , Robers Erika , Sussman Andrew , Hunley Keith , Hughes Christopher R. , Schwartz Matthew R. , Kaphingst Kimberly A. , Buller David B. , Hay Jennifer L. , Berwick Marianne 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackground:The Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) contributes to pigmentation, an important risk factor for developing melanoma. Evaluating SNPs in MC1R and association with race/ethnicity, skin type, and perceived cancer risk in a New Mexico (NM) population will elucidate the role of MC1R in a multicultural population.Methods:We genotyped MC1R in 191 NMs attending a primary care clinic in Albuquerque. We obtained individuals' self-identified race/ethnicity, skin type, and perceived cancer risk. We defined genetic risk as carriage of any one or more of the nine most common SNPs in MC1R.Results:We found that one MC1R SNP, R163Q (rs885479), was identified in 47.6% of self-identified Hispanics and 12.9% of non-Hispanic whites (NHW), making Hispanics at higher “genetic risk” (as defined by carrying one of the MC1R common variants). When we deleted R163Q from analyses, Hispanics were no longer at higher genetic risk (33.3%) compared with NHW (48.3%), consistent with melanoma rates, tanning ability, and lower perceived risk. Hispanics had a perceived risk significantly lower than NHW and a nonsignificant better tanning ability than NHW.Conclusions:The R163Q variant in MC1R may not be a risk factor for melanoma among NM Hispanics. This suggestion points to the need to carefully interpret genetic risk factors among specific populations.Impact:Genetic risk cannot be extrapolated from Northern European populations directly to non-European populations.
A Comprehensive Study of the Effect on Colorectal Cancer Survival of Common Germline Genetic Variation Previously Linked with Cancer Prognosis
Authors: He Yazhou , Timofeeva Maria , Li Xue , Din Farhat V.N. , Blackmur James P. , Vaughan-Shaw Peter , Svinti Victoria , Farrington Susan M. , Campbell Harry , Dunlop Malcolm G. , Theodoratou Evropi 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background:
Germline genetic variants may influence pathways of tumor progression common to multiple cancer types. Here, we investigated the association between survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis and 128 common genetic variants previously associated with prognosis in genome-wide association studies in different cancer types.

Methods:
We studied survival outcomes in a large well-documented, prospective, population-based cohort (5,675 patients with colorectal cancer) with up to 20 years' follow-up.

Results:
None of the 128 variants were significantly associated with overall or colorectal cancer–specific survival (P &lt; 5 × 10−4, Bonferroni-corrected threshold). We observed suggestive evidence (P &lt; 0.05) for eight variants (rs17026425, rs17057166, rs6854845, rs1728400, rs17693104, rs202280, rs6797464, and rs823920) in all colorectal cancer and two variants (rs17026425 and rs6854845) in rectal cancer that were concordant with previous reports.

Conclusions:
Given good statistical power (&gt;0.80 for 75% of variants), this study indicates that most previously reported variants associated with cancer survival have limited influence on colorectal cancer prognosis.

Impact:
Although small effects cannot be excluded, clinically meaningful germline influences on patients with colorectal cancer as a group are unlikely.
<p><strong>A new species of <em>Ceanothus</em> (Rhamnaceae) from Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico</strong></p>
Authors: VILLARREAL-QUINTANILLA JOSÉ A. , ESTRADA-CASTILLÓN EDUARDO , ENCINA-DOMÍNGUEZ JUAN A. 
Published: September 2019

Ceanothus fernandezii is described as a new species in the subgenus Ceanothus from the Sierra Madre Occidental in the Mexican state of Durango. It differs from known species of Ceanothus for having rigid secondary branches with elliptic to ovate leaves with three veins at the base and a pubescent lower surface, white flowers and smooth fruit. Description, photographs, a key and a distribution map are presented for the new species.
An Analysis of the Processes Affecting Rapid Near-Surface Water Vapor Increases during the Afternoon to Evening Transition in Oklahoma
Authors: Blumberg W. G. , Turner D. D. , Cavallo S. M. , Gao Jidong , Basara J. , Shapiro A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis study used 20 years of Oklahoma Mesonet data to investigate the changes of near-surface water vapor mixing ratio qυ during the afternoon to evening transition (AET). Similar to past studies, increases in qυ are found to occur near sunset. However, the location, magnitude, and timing of the qυ maximum occurring during the AET are shown to be dependent on the seasonal growth and harvest of vegetation across Oklahoma in the spring and summer months. Particularly, the late spring harvest of winter wheat grown in Oklahoma appears to modify the relative contribution of local and nonlocal processes on qυ. By analyzing time series of qυ during the AET, it is found that the likelihood of a presunset qυ maximum is strongly dependent upon vegetation, soil moisture, wind speed, and cloud cover. Analysis also reveals that the increase in qυ during the AET can increase the parcel conditional instability despite the surface cooling produced by loss of insolation. Next to known changes in low-level wind shear, these changes in instability and moisture demonstrate new ways the AET can modify the presence of the key ingredients relevant to explaining the climatological increase in severe convective storm hazards around sunset.
Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with a virtual reality exercise on balance in a patient with multiple sclerosis: a case report
Authors: Costa Glaucio Carneiro , Kunitake André Issao , Fonseca Junior Paulo Roberto , Ledur Ângela Cristina , Elord Júlio Cíntia , Pereira Gabriela Santos , Corrêa João Carlos Ferrari , Correa Fernanda Ishida 
Published: September 2019

To investigate the effects of training with videogame (VG) combined with transcranial direct current (tDCS) stimulation on balance, fatigue, and quality of life in an individual with multiple sclerosis. A 51-year-old male patient reported a history of progressive loss of muscle strength in the left lower limb from 37 years of age. Equilibrium, fatigue, and quality of life were evaluated before and after two treatment protocols, with the 14-day interval between them: Protocol 1: VG + sham tDCS (five consecutive sessions) and Protocol 2: VG + tDCS active (five consecutive sessions). Each session lasted 20 min, with 2 mA intensity. After Protocol 1, the patient presented improvement in balance, fatigue, and quality of life, but these improvements were not maintained in the follow-up evaluation. After Protocol 2, an improvement in balance was not clinically important and the results of the low post-intervention and follow-up were found in relation to fatigue and quality of life. The most promising clinical changes were found when the VG was combined with the sham tDCS compared to the combination of VG and active tDCS.
Power Analysis, p Values, and Bayesian Techniques: How Bayesian Techniques Can Be Used in HRD Literature
Authors: Baker Rose , Hirudayaraj Malar 
Published: September 2019

The Problem Researchers have described challenges and problems in reporting research that uses only p values and power to make decisions to reject the null hypothesis. Confusion about how to interpret null hypothesis statistical tests has resulted from mixed information presented in statistics articles and textbooks. The Solution Combining evidence from data with initial beliefs, Bayesian inference techniques help to provide uncontroversial support of a null hypothesis or alternative hypothesis. An overview of the limitations associated with only using p values and power to make decisions to reject or retain the null hypothesis are presented. Analyses across multiple studies with common parameters can be pooled using Bayesian techniques as a means for conducting meta-analysis. Examples using Bayesian techniques are given. The Stakeholders When designing a research study, researchers often use external elements and likelihood to make powerful inferences using Bayesian techniques. Those performing research in populations requiring sampling.
Awareness and Current Therapeutics of Asthma
Authors: Zainab Rida , Akram Muhammad , Daniyal Muhammad , Riaz Muhammad 
Published: September 2019

Introduction:Asthma is a serious allergic disorder of the respiratory system. It affects about 300 million people worldwide. This has a great burden on medical treatment. Several medicines are available, but they have many serious side effects. Therefore, there is a need to search for a new therapeutic agent with no or minimal side effects while most economical for patients. In folk medicine, antiasthmatics herbal medicine has been used and showed potential therapeutic antiasthmatic efficacy due to the presence of potential bioactive compounds.Methods:Different databases were searched (ie, Embase, PubMed, CBM, AMED, and CINAHL). We have reviewed the published data of the last 20 years. We used MeSH terms “asthma” herbal treatment of asthma, allopathic treatment of asthma, and treatment strategies for asthma. The traditional medicine was compared with modern medicine and the same pharmacotherapies alone or with placebo. The methodology was evaluated by using the GRADE summary of Finding tables and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.Results:There have been some clear-cut indications toward the recognition of further molecular and cellular mechanisms of asthma. Most of them recommend a further target for treatment. The novel procedures, biologics, and pharmaceuticals are evaluated. Both allopathic and herbal treatments of asthma are effective. Due to none or lesser side effects, herbal medicines are safer than conventional medicine.Conclusion:The preliminary documentation of the plants discussed in the review show the presence of several secondary metabolites that are responsible for the management of asthma and its relevant complications. Further research studies are needed to identify the bioactive compounds from these plants that have potential efficacy to cure asthma, and clinically based studies are needed to search for a complete cure for this disease.
Using probabilistic patient flow modelling helps generate individualised intensive care unit operational predictions and improved understanding of current organisational behaviours
Authors: Hadjipavlou George , Titchell Jill , Heath Christina , Siviter Richard , Madder Hilary 
Published: September 2019

Purpose We sought a bespoke, stochastic model for our specific, and complex ICU to understand its organisational behaviour and how best to focus our resources in order to optimise our intensive care unit’s function. Methods Using 12 months of ICU data from 2017, we simulated different referral rates to find the threshold between occupancy and failed admissions and unsafe days. We also modelled the outcomes of four change options. Results Ninety-two percent bed occupancy is our threshold between practical unit function and optimal resource use. All change options reduced occupancy, and less predictably unsafe days and failed admissions. They were ranked by magnitude and direction of change. Conclusions This approach goes one step further from past models by examining efficiency limits first, and then allowing change options to be quantitatively compared. The model can be adapted by any intensive care unit in order to predict optimal strategies for improving ICU efficiency.
A Case of Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia with t(3;13) and Central Nervous System Leukemia after Allogenic Cord Blood Transplantation
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Hong Yaqun , Huang Jiafu , Li Nainong 
Published: September 2019

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a neoplastic cancer characterized by clonal expansion of leukemic cells in lymph organs and bone marrow. Lots of kinds of different chromosomal translocations can be found in those leukemic cells. However, the role of abnormal chromosomes and genes in leukemogenesis is not yet fully understood. Identifying new chromosomal translocations can facilitate a better understanding of pathogenesis of this disease. Case presentation: We report a rare case of acute lymphocytic leukaemia with t(3;13)(q29, q21). The patient was diagnosed pre-B-ALL with no abnormal chromosomal or gene fusion and achieved complete remission (CR) after induction chemotherapy; 10 months later, she relapsed in the consolidation, with cytogenetics tests showing 46, XX, t(3;13)(q29, q21). Given no CR after two chemotherapy regimens, the patient received salvage cord blood transplantation. Regular intrathecal methotrexate was applied to prevent central nervous system leukemia. Good graft versus leukemia was induced by daily injection of a low dose of IL-2 2 months post-transplantation. Minimal residual disease negativity was maintained until central nervous system (CNS) leukemia was found 8 months after transplantation. A whole exome sequencing was performed. Nine driver mutation genes and seven tumor genes were found. Conclusions: We highly suspect that the relapse in the CNS after transplantation is associated with a rare chromosomal translocation.