bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of HSV‐2 infection by pure compounds from Thymus capitatus extract in vitro
Authors: Toujani Marwa Mekni , Rittà Massimo , Civra Andrea , Genovese Salvatore , Epifano Francesco , Ghram Abdeljelil , Lembo David , Donalisio Manuela 
Published: April 2018

Thymus capitatus represents 1 of the 5 Tunisian species of the genus Thymus, which has long‐standing use for flavouring and preserving several food products. Its constituents have been reported to endow antimicrobial properties, but little is known about their antiviral activities. The aim of this study was to examine the antiviral activity of pure compounds from the most bioactive inhibitory T. capitatus extract in vitro against herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV‐2) infection and to identify their mechanism of action. Either the extracts or the essential oil exert inhibitory activity against HSV‐2 infection, with the ethanolic extract showing the lowest EC50 value (2.3 μg/ml). Three pure compounds were then isolated from the ethanolic extract and investigated for their antiviral activity. β‐sitosterol showed the most favourable selectivity index and both cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol exerted moderate antiviral effect. Investigation of the mechanism of action revealed that all three compounds directly inactivated the infectivity of the virus particles. These findings suggest the use of T. capitatus ethanolic extract as source of anti‐HSV‐2 pure compounds and warrant further studies to evaluate their therapeutic potential.
Plumbagin exerts antiobesity effects through inhibition of pancreatic lipase and adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Pai S.A. , Martis E.A.F. , Joshi S.G. , Munshi R.P. , Juvekar A.R. 
Published: April 2018

Plumbagin is a naphthoquinone found in the roots of Plumbago zeylanica. Here, we report an investigation to evaluate its antiobesity activity. The preliminary binding affinity of plumbagin to human pancreatic lipase (PL) was determined using molecular docking simulation. The in vitro PL inhibitory potential and the kinetics of inhibition were studied to validate and confirm the results obtained from molecular docking. The IC50 for PL was found to be 82.08 ± 9.47 μM, and the kinetics of inhibition was found to be of the mixed type. Further, the in vivo evaluation revealed that rats treated with plumbagin 1 mg/kg showed significant decrease in serum triglycerides (TG) and area under the curve of serum TG when compared with vehicle‐treated rats. It was also seen that plumbagin possessed significant antiadipogenic effect as demonstrated by reduced oil red O staining and decreased TG contents. Thus, we conclude that plumbagin is a promising molecule to combat obesity and further optimization of plumbagin to yield plumbagin analogues will result in its improved activity profile.
Electrocardiographic effects of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) in healthy volunteers: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Trexler Stephanie E. , Nguyen Elaine , Gromek Samantha M. , Balunas Marcy J. , Baker William L. 
Published: April 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the electrocardiographic effects of hawthorn in healthy adult volunteers. It was double‐blind cross‐over trial randomized 20 healthy adult volunteers to receive either a single oral 160‐mg dose of hawthorn or matching placebo. Triplicate 12‐lead electrocardiograms were taken before treatment and at 1‐, 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐hr post‐dose. Following at least a 7‐day washout period, participants were crossed over to the opposing treatment arm and had the measurements repeated. The primary endpoint was the change in corrected (Fridericia) QT intervals (QTcI) at 4 and 6 hr. Maximum post‐dose QTcI and changes in PR and QRS intervals were measured. No significant differences in 4‐ or 6‐hr QTcI were seen between hawthorn and placebo. Maximum post‐dose QTcI in the hawthorn and placebo groups were similar (346 ± 35 vs 346 ± 40 ms; p = .979). No significant adverse events were seen. In conclusion, a single dose of oral hawthorn had no effect on electrocardiographic parameters in healthy volunteers.
Barriers, challenges, conflicts, and facilitators in environmental decision‐making: A case of An'Yang Stream restoration
Authors: Hong C. , Chun H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this article, we discuss the An'Yang Stream restoration case in South Korea from the time frame of 1999–2015. This restoration has been judged as a successful stream management endeavour led by public–private partnership governance. However, this study found that integration of all interests was not properly achieved. The An'Yang Stream restoration process was designed by stakeholders who valued scientific information rather than non‐scientific factors such as culture, social learning (education), social integrity, and waterfront beautification based on a participatory process. The An'Yang Stream restoration project is important because it is one of the main streams in the metropolitan Seoul and serves as the focal point for the nation culturally, politically, and economically. The researchers conducted semistructured interviews with the 33 key stakeholders who actively participated in the stream restoration project. The axial coding based on Grounded Theory provided a clear way of adopting various codes and coding processes, which reflect the interview transcripts of the specific social phenomenon and power dynamics. This research describes the pros and cons of the An'Yang Stream restoration governance process and participatory decision‐making by applying a qualitative axial coding analysis. Also, this research addresses the contribution of media and professional conflict resolution for potentially participatory governance building.
Acoustically derived habitat associations of sympatric invasive bigheaded carps in a large river ecosystem
Authors: MacNamara R. , Coulter D. P. , Glover D. C. , Lubejko A. E. , Garvey J. E. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBigheaded carp (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) occur throughout much of the Mississippi Basin, USA. Efforts to control the spread of these invasive species require information on their spatial ecology, though sampling is hindered by their broad extent, habitat tolerances, and species‐specific behaviour. Mobile hydroacoustics was used to quantify habitat and depth use of bigheaded carp over four years in the heavily invaded Lower Illinois River, a major Mississippi tributary and potential dispersal pathway to the Great Lakes. Horizontally oriented transducers (combined with capture gear for species designation) enabled sampling of the main habitat features in this large flood plain river. Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) were dominant over bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) at all but one site, although habitat use was similar for both species. Densities were highest in lotic backwaters, followed by lentic backwaters and nearshore main channel, with lowest densities in the mid main channel. Bigheaded carp size and species composition were independent of habitat type. Depth associations were similar for both species, with average occurrence at 2.5–3.5 m in the main channel and 1–2 m in backwaters. However, depth relative to the river bed was largely similar across habitat types. Bigheaded carp density and depth use in the main channel were linked non‐linearly to river discharge and water temperature, respectively; densities were reduced during high discharge, whereas depth use became shallower at higher temperatures. Density–hydrology trends were less apparent in backwaters. These findings highlight critical aspects of bigheaded carp spatial ecology that will facilitate effective management in invaded and at‐risk ecosystems.
Thermoelectricity in Heterogeneous Nanofluidic Channels
Authors: Li Long , Wang Qinggong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIonic fluids are essential to energy conversion, water desalination, drug delivery, and lab‐on‐a‐chip devices. Ionic transport in nanoscale confinements and complex physical fields still remain elusive. Here, a nanofluidic system is developed using nanochannels of heterogeneous surface properties to investigate transport properties of ions under different temperatures. Steady ionic currents are observed under symmetric temperature gradients, which is equivalent to generating electricity using waste heat (e.g., electronic chips and solar panels). The currents increase linearly with temperature gradient and nonlinearly with channel size. Contributions to ion motion from temperatures and channel properties are evaluated for this phenomenon. The findings provide insights into the study of confined ionic fluids in multiphysical fields, and suggest applications in thermal energy conversion, temperature sensors, and chip‐level thermal management.
Thermal Instability Induced Oriented 2D Pores for Enhanced Sodium Storage
Authors: Kong Lingjun , Xie Chen‐Chao , Gu Haichen , Wang Chao‐Peng , Zhou Xianlong , Liu Jian , Zhou Zhen , Li Zhao‐Yang , Zhu Jian , Bu Xian‐He 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHierarchical porous structures are highly desired for various applications. However, it is still challenging to obtain such materials with tunable architectures. Here, this paper reports hierarchical nanomaterials with oriented 2D pores by taking advantages of thermally instable bonds in vanadium‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). High‐temperature calcination of these MOFs accompanied by the loss of coordinated water molecules and other components enables the formation of orderly slit‐like 2D pores in vanadium oxide/porous carbon nanorods (VOx/PCs). This unique combination leads to an increase of the reactive surface area. In addition, optimized VOx/PCs demonstrate high‐rate capability and ultralong cycling life for sodium storage. The assembled full cells also show high capacity and cycling stability. This report provides an effective strategy for producing MOFs‐derived composites with hierarchical porous architectures for energy storage.
Fine particle matter disrupts the blood–testis barrier by activating TGF‐β3/p38 MAPK pathway and decreasing testosterone secretion in rat
Authors: Liu Jianhui , Ren Lihua , Wei Jialiu , Zhang Jin , Zhu Yupeng , Li Xiangyang , Jing Li , Duan Junchao , Zhou Xianqing , Sun Zhiwei 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFine particle matter (PM) is correlated with male reproductive dysfunction in animals and humans, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To investigate the toxic mechanism of PM, 32 male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to saline or PM2.5 with the doses of 1.8, 5.4, and 16.2 mg/kg.b.w. via intratracheal instillation, respectively, one time every 3 days, in total times for 30 days. Sperm concentration, hormone level, the expressions of BTB‐associated protein and the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, tumor necrosis factor α and transforming growth factor β3 levels were detected. The results showed a decrease in sperm number, testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels and altered ultrastructure of BTB in testis of rat after exposure to PM2.5. The protein levels of N‐Cadherin, Occludin, Claudin‐11, and Connexin‐43 were significantly decreased in the testes. TGF‐β3 content in testes showed increase, with the p‐p38/p38 MAPK ratio also increasing after PM2.5 exposure. These results demonstrate that PM2.5 restrained the expressions of BTB‐associated proteins through activating TGF‐β3/p38 MAPK pathway and decreasing testosterone secretion, and therefore lead to the damage of BTB resulting in the decrease of sperm quality, which might be the potential reasons for its negative effects on spermatogenesis and male reproduction.
Results of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Schwameis Katrin , Nikolic Milena , Morales Castellano Deivis G. , Steindl Ariane , Macheck Sarah , Kristo Ivan , Zörner Barbara , Schoppmann Sebastian F. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundMagnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a modern treatment option for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, laparoscopic fundoplication remains the gold standard. The aim of the study was to evaluate outcomes of MSA patients at a reflux center.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all patients that underwent MSA between March 2012 and November 2017. Out of 110 patients, 68 with a follow‐up >3 months were included. Postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) intake, GERD‐Health‐related Quality of Life (GERD‐HRQL) and alimentary satisfaction (AS) were assessed. Postoperative esophageal functioning tests were performed in 50% of patients.ResultsSixty‐eight patients underwent MSA; hiatal repair was performed in 31 cases. The median OR time was 27 min, and no intraoperative complications occurred. The median follow‐up was 13 months (IQR 4.2–45). Endoscopic dilatation was performed in 2 patients (3%) and device removal in another 2 cases. The postoperative GERD‐HRQL score was significantly reduced (3 vs. 24; p < 0.001) and the median AS was 8/10. Preoperative experienced heartburn, regurgitations and dysphagia were eliminated in 92, 96 and 100%. Postoperative new‐onset difficulties swallowing with solids only were reported to occur occasionally by 16% and rarely by 21% of patients. Satisfaction with heartburn relief was 95%, and the overall outcome was rated excellent/good in 89%. PPI dependency was eliminated in 87%. The median total percentage pH < 4 and number of reflux episodes were significantly reduced. Postoperative pH results were negative or slightly above the norm in 79% and 12%, respectively.ConclusionSphincter augmentation results in significantly reduced reflux symptoms, increased GERD‐specific Quality of Life and excellent alimentary satisfaction with low perioperative morbidity. This procedure should be considered an excellent alternative to fundoplication in the treatment of GERD.
A Nationwide Assessment of Pediatric Surgical Capacity in Mongolia
Authors: Goodman Laura F. , Chuluun Erdenetsetseg , Sanjaa Burmaa , Urjin Sanchin , Erdene Sarnai , Khad Narantuya , Jamiyanjav Adiyasuren , Stephenson Jacob , Farmer Diana L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundMongolia is a country characterized by its vast distances and extreme climate. An underdeveloped medical transport infrastructure makes patient transfer from outlying regions dangerous. Providing pediatric surgical care locally is crucial to improve the lives of children in the countryside. This is the first structured assessment of nationwide pediatric surgical capacity.MethodsOperation rates were calculated using data from the Mongolian Center for Health Development and population data from the Mongolian Statistical Information Service. The Pediatric Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedures, Equipment, and Supplies (PediPIPES) survey tool was used to collect data at all survey sites. Descriptive data analyses were completed using Excel. Studies of association were completed using Stata. All reported percentages are of the hospitals outside of the capital (n = 21).ResultsAll provincial hospitals have general surgeons; seven (33.3%) of them have pediatric surgeon(s). One facility has no anesthesiologist. All facilities perform basic procedures and provide anesthesia. Four (19%) can treat common congenital anomalies. All facilities have basic operating room equipment. Nine hospitals do not have pulse oximetry available. Twelve hospitals do not have pediatric surgical instruments always available. Pediatric supplies are lacking.ConclusionsProvincial hospitals in Mongolia can perform basic procedures. However, essential pediatric supplies are lacking. Consequently, certain life‐saving procedures are not available to children outside of the capital. Only a few improvements would be amendable to low‐cost process improvement adjustment, and the majority of needs require resource additions. Procedure, equipment, and supply availability should be further explored to develop a comprehensive nationwide pediatric surgical program.
Medical and financial burden of acute intermittent porphyria
Authors: Neeleman Rochus A. , Wagenmakers Margreet A. E. M. , Koole‐Lesuis Rita H. , Mijnhout G. Sophie , Wilson J. H. Paul , Friesema Edith C. H. , Langendonk Janneke G. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionA small proportion of patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) suffer from recurrent porphyric attacks, with a severely diminished quality of life. In this retrospective case‐control study, the burden of disease is quantified and compared among three AIP patient subgroups: cases with recurrent attacks, cases with one or occasional attacks and asymptomatic carriers.MethodsData from patient records and questionnaires were collected in patients between 1960 and 2016 at the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. We collected symptoms related to porphyria, porphyria related complications, attack frequency, hospitalisation frequency, hospitalisation days related to acute porphyric attacks, frequency of heme infusions and medical healthcare costs based on hospitalisations and heme therapy.ResultsIn total 11 recurrent AIP cases, 24 symptomatic AIP cases and 53 AIP carriers as controls were included. All recurrent patients reported porphyria related symptoms, such as pain, neurological and/or psychiatric disorders, and nearly all developed complications, such as hypertension and chronic kidney disease. In the recurrent cases group, the median lifelong number of hospitalisation days related to porphyric attacks was 82 days per patient (range 10–374), and they spent a median of 346 days (range 34–945) at a day‐care facility for prophylactic heme therapy; total follow‐up time was 243 person‐years (PYRS). In the symptomatic non‐recurrent group the median lifelong number of hospitalisation days related to porphyric attacks was 7 days per patient (range 1–78), total follow‐up time was 528 PYRS. The calculated total medical healthcare cost for recurrent cases group was €5.8 million versus €0.3 million for the symptomatic cases group.
Finite element simulation and experimental test of the wear behavior for self-lubricating spherical plain bearings
Authors: Xue Yahong , Chen Jigang , Guo Sumin , Meng Qingliang , Luo Junting 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this study, based on the classical Archard adhesion wear theory, a three-dimensional finite element model was established, with the aim of simulating the failure process of self-lubricating spherical plain bearings in the swinging wear condition. The results show that the self-lubricating spherical plain bearings go through two different stages during the wear process, namely, initial wear stage and stable wear stage. Because the large contact points wear out during the initial wear stage, the maximum contact pressure decreases as the test period increases. The relatively larger wear depth region shows elliptical distribution, and the maximum distribution appears in the central contact area. The wear depth reaches 0.974 mm after swinging 25,000 times. PTFE fibers, which possess a good friction performance but poor abrasion resistance, abundantly exist on the friction surfaces of the fabric liner. Consequently, the friction torque during the initial wear stage is slightly smaller than the friction torque during the stable wear stage; however, the wear rate during the initial wear stage is high. The reliability and effectiveness of the finite element model are verified by experiment. The developed finite element model can be used for the analysis of the wear mechanisms of bearings and the prediction of the service life of bearings.
SELENIUM BIOFORTIFICATION OF RICE THROUGH FOLIAR APPLICATION WITH SELENITE AND SELENATE
Authors: LIDON FERNANDO CEBOLA , OLIVEIRA KARLIANA , GALHANO CARLOS , GUERRA MAURO , RIBEIRO MARIA MANUELA , PELICA JOÃO , PATACO INÊS , RAMALHO JOSÉ COCHICHO , LEITÃO ANTÓNIO EDUARDO , ALMEIDA ANA SOFIA , CAMPOS PAULA SCOTTI , RIBEIRO-BARROS ANA I. , PAIS ISABEL P. , SILVA MARIA MANUELA , CARVALHO MARIA LUISA , SANTOS JOSÉ PAULO , PESSOA MARIA FERNANDA , REBOREDO FERNANDO HENRIQUE 
Published: April 2018

SUMMARYSelenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans, yet its dietary intake is low, mostly due to the low bioavailability in soils and therefore in edible plant tissues. To overcome Se deficiency, the breeding approach (i.e., genetic biofortification), namely in rice, is largely dependent on available Se pools. To ensure the success of genetic biofortification with Se, agronomic biofortification can be accomplished through foliar Se application. Considering this background, the main hypothesis of this work was centered in the foliar application of Se to attain agronomic biofortification of rice crops. This study also aimed to assess the full potential for increasing grain Se concentrations during rice filling, as well as the types of nutrients deposition. An experimental design applying two foliar fertilizers (sodium selenite and sodium selenate) was developed. As test systems, four rice genotypes (Ariete, Albatros, OP1105 and OP1109) were used and the kinetics of micro- and macro-nutrients accumulation and deposition were assessed. Biofortification was performed in field trials for two years with foliar fertilization ranging between 0 and 300 g Se ha−1. At the end of the plant cycle, selenite applications triggered 427- to 884-fold increases in grain Se concentrations among rice genotypes (Albatros &gt; OP1105 &gt; OP1109 &gt; Ariete). The application of selenate also prompted 128- to 347-fold increases in grain Se concentrations in rice crops (Albatros &gt; OP1105 &gt; Ariete &gt; OP1109). Regardless of the foliar fertilizer applied, Se deposition among genotypes occurred throughout the grain without relevant inhibitory effects on yields. In each genotype, micro and macronutrients varied among crop tissues.
Comparative in vitro efficacy of kefir produced from camel, goat, ewe and cow milk on Haemonchus contortus
Authors: Alimi D. , Rekik M. , Akkari H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractOne of the great challenges of veterinary parasitology is the search for alternative methods for controlling gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants. Milk kefir is a traditional source of probiotic, with great therapeutic potential. The objective of this study was to investigate the anthelmintic effects of kefir on the abomasal nematode Haemonchus contortus from sheep. The study used camel, goat, ewe and cow milk as a starting material, to produce camel, goat, cow and ewe milk kefir. All kefirs showed a significant concentration-dependent effect on H. contortus egg hatching at all tested concentrations. The highest inhibition (100%) of eggs was observed with camel milk kefir at a concentration 0.125 mg/ml. In relation to the effect of kefirs on the survival of adult parasites, all kefirs induced concentration-dependent mortality in adults, with variable results. The complete mortality (100%) of adults of H. contortus occurred at concentrations in the range 0.25–2 mg/ml. The highest inhibition of motility (100%) of worms was observed after 8 h post exposure with camel milk kefir at 0.25 mg/ml. These findings indicate that kefir can be considered a potential tool to control haemonchosis in sheep. Further investigations are needed to assess the active molecules in kefir responsible for its anthelmintic properties and to investigate similar in vivo effects.