bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective payment systems and discretionary coding—Evidence from English mental health providers
Authors: Moscelli Giuseppe , Jacobs Rowena , Gutacker Nils , Aragón Maria Jose , Chalkley Martin , Mason Anne , Böhnke Jan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractReimbursement of English mental health hospitals is moving away from block contracts and towards activity and outcome‐based payments. Under the new model, patients are categorised into 20 groups with similar levels of need, called clusters, to which prices may be assigned prospectively. Clinicians, who make clustering decisions, have substantial discretion and can, in principle, directly influence the level of reimbursement the hospital receives. This may create incentives for upcoding. Clinicians are supported in their allocation decision by a clinical clustering algorithm, the Mental Health Clustering Tool, which provides an external reference against which clustering behaviour can be benchmarked. The aims of this study are to investigate the degree of mismatch between predicted and actual clustering and to test whether there are systematic differences amongst providers in their clustering behaviour. We use administrative data for all mental health patients in England who were clustered for the first time during the financial year 2014/15 and estimate multinomial multilevel models of over, under, or matching clustering. Results suggest that hospitals vary systematically in their probability of mismatch but this variation is not consistently associated with observed hospital characteristics.
Surgical anatomy of the parapharyngeal space: Multiperspective, quantification‐based study
Authors: Ferrari Marco , Schreiber Alberto , Mattavelli Davide , Lombardi Davide , Rampinelli Vittorio , Doglietto Francesco , Rodella Luigi Fabrizio , Nicolai Piero 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundSeveral surgical approaches to the parapharyngeal space (PPS) have been proposed. An objective description of advantages and limitations of the surgical routes is lacking.MethodsTen cadaver heads were dissected using the transnasal (medial, lateral), sublabial, transoral (transpharyngeal, transvestibular, transmandibular), transcervical (transcervical, transparotid, transmandibular, transmastoid), and type C and D infratemporal approaches. Neurovascular and musculoskeletal structures encountered were analyzed. A navigation‐based quantification of working volume and exposure of PPS compartments was accomplished.ResultsTransnasal approaches exposed the upper PPS, though with limited working volume. Transoral approaches exposed the middle PPS, minimizing neurovascular structures crossed. Only transcervical and skull base approaches exposed the entire PPS, crossing several neurovascular structures.ConclusionA tentative systematization of the surgical approach(es) to PPS in relation to different targets is provided: unicompartmental resection can be performed with a single, conservative access, whereas multicompartmental dissections frequently require a wider or multiportal approach.
Quantifying the impacts of climate change on water resources in northern Tuscany, Italy, using high‐resolution regional projections
Authors: D'Oria Marco , Ferraresi Massimo , Tanda Maria Giovanna 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates the potential impacts of climate change on water resources in northern Tuscany, Italy. A continuous hydrological model for each of the seven river basins within the study area was calibrated using historical data. The models were then driven by downscaled and bias‐corrected climate projections of an ensemble of 13 regional climate models (RCMs), under two different scenarios of representative concentration pathway (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). The impacts were examined at medium term (2031–2040) and long term (2051–2060) in comparison with a reference period (2003–2012); the changes in rainfall, streamflow, and groundwater recharge were investigated. A high degree of uncertainty characterized the results with a significant intermodel variability, the period being equal. For the sake of brevity, only the results for the Serchio River basin were presented in detail. According to the RCM ensemble mean and the RCP4.5, a moderate decrease in rainfall, with reference to 2003–2012, is expected at medium term (−0.6%) and long term (−2.8%). Due to the warming of the study area, the reduction in the streamflow volume is two times the precipitation decrease (−1.1% and −6.8% at medium and long term, respectively). The groundwater recharge is mainly affected by the changes in climate with expected percolation volume variations of −3.3% at 2031–2040 and −8.1% at 2051–2060. The impacts on the Serchio River basin water resources are less significant under the RCP8.5 scenario. The presence of artificial structures, such as dam‐reservoir systems, can contribute to mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources through the implementation of appropriate regulation strategies.
Drivers of interannual and intra‐annual variability of dissolved organic carbon concentration in the River Thames between 1884 and 2013
Authors: Noacco Valentina , Duffy Christopher J. , Wagener Thorsten , Worrall Fred , Fasiolo Matteo , Howden Nicholas J.K. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe world's longest record of river water quality (River Thames—130 years) provides a unique opportunity to understand fluvial dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations dynamics. Understanding riverine DOC variability through long‐term studies is crucial to capture patterns and drivers influencing sources of DOC at scales relevant for decision making. The Thames basin (United Kingdom) has undergone massive land‐use change, as well as increased urbanisation and population during the period considered. We aimed to investigate the drivers of intra‐annual to interannual DOC variability, assess the variability due to natural and anthropogenic factors, and understand the causes for the increased DOC variability over the period. Two approaches were used to achieve these aims. The first method was singular spectrum analysis, which was used to reconstruct the major oscillatory modes of DOC, hydroclimatic variables, and atmospheric circulation patterns and to visualise the interaction between these variables. The second approach used was generalised additive modelling, which was used to investigate other non‐natural drivers of DOC variability. Our study shows that DOC variability increased by 80% over the data period, with the greatest increase occurring from the beginning of World War II onwards. The primary driver of the increase in DOC variability was the increase in the average value of fluvial DOC over the period of record, which was itself linked to the increase in basin population and diffuse DOC sources to the river due to land‐use and land‐management changes. Seasonal DOC variability was linked to streamflow and temperature. Our study allows to identify drivers of fluvial intra‐annual and interannual DOC variability and therefore empowers actions to reduce high DOC concentrations.
A Review of Pigments Derived from Marine Natural Products
Authors: Ye Kai‐Xiong , Fan Ting‐Ting , Keen Lawrence Jordan , Han Bing‐Nan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSince the early 20th century, a number of active natural pigments have been identified from marine sources, especially algae and marine microorganisms. This review presents 81 marine pigments, covering over 90 % known natural marine pigments. The objective of this article is to provide an overview on the types of pigments, their structural characterization, origins and biological functions that make them unique. We divide the major categories of pigments by chemical structure, either as carotenoids, indole derivatives (quinones and violacein), alkaloids (prodiginines and tambjamines), polyenes, macrolides, peptides, or terpenoids. Many of these pigments have a variety of biological activities, including antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory. In addition, we discuss the development of biotechnology, and the contribution and utilization of marine natural pigments and the potential applications in the field of pharmaceutical research.
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species induce cell apoptosis via a mitochondria‐dependent pathway in hyperoxia lung injury
Authors: Zou Dongmei , Li Jing , Fan Qianqian , Zheng Xuemei , Deng Jian , Wang Shaohua 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHyperoxia‐induced lung injury limits the application of mechanical ventilation on rescuing the lives of premature infants and seriously ill and respiratory failure patients, and its mechanisms are not completely understood. In this article, we focused on the relationship between hyperoxia‐induced lung injury and reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), mitochondria damage, as well as apoptosis in the pulmonary epithelial II cell line RLE‐6TN. After exposure to hyperoxia, the cell viability was significantly decreased, accompanied by the increase in ROS, nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory cytokines, and cell death. Furthermore, hyperoxia triggered the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (▵Ψm), thereby promoting cytochrome c to release from mitochondria to cytoplasm. Further studies conclusively showed that the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio was enlarged to activate the mitochondria‐dependent apoptotic pathway after hyperoxia treatment. Intriguingly, the effects of hyperoxia on the level of ROS, NO and inflammation, mitochondrial damage, as well as cell death were reversed by free radical scavengers N‐acetylcysteine and hemoglobin. In addition, a hyperoxia model of neonatal Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats presented the obvious characteristics of lung injury, such as a decrease in alveolar numbers, alveolar mass edema, and disorganized pulmonary structure. The effects of hyperoxia on ROS, RNS, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis‐related proteins in lung injury tissues of neonatal SD rats were similar to that in RLE‐6TN cells. In conclusion, mitochondria are a primary target of hyperoxia‐induced free radical, whereas ROS and RNS are the key mediators of hyperoxia‐induced cell apoptosis via the mitochondria‐dependent pathway in RLE‐6TN cells.
Curcumin ameliorates monosodium urate‐induced gouty arthritis through Nod‐like receptor 3 inflammasome mediation via inhibiting nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling
Authors: Li Xiong , Xu Da‐Qi , Sun De‐Yi , Zhang Tao , He Xi , Xiao Dong‐Min 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundMonosodium urate (MSU) crystals‐induced inflammation is a key initiator in gouty arthritis. Curcumin is an active ingredient possessing anti‐inflammatory efficacy. But the underlying mechanism is not fully understood and its effect on gouty arthritis remains elusive.MethodsWe evaluated the effects of curcumin on cell viability in primary rat abdominal macrophages with 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). Then supernatants of MSU crystals–stimulated cells were collected and subjected to enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for checking the modulation of curcumin on interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Meanwhile, cells were analyzed by using Western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) to investigate the effects of curcumin on Nod‐like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome/nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling. We also investigated the in vivo efficacy of curcumin with MSU‐induced gouty arthritis rat models.ResultsCurcumin could reduce MSU crystals‐induced IL‐1β and TNF‐α in vitro. Western blot analysis and QPCR results revealed that curcumin regulated the production of these cytokines by suppressing the expression of inflammasome key components, including NLRP3, caspase‐1. Further studies showed that the suppressive efficacy of curcumin on inflammasome was mediated by inhibiting MSU‐induced NF‐κB signaling activation. Intraperitoneal administration of curcumin could ameliorate symptoms of MSU‐induced gouty arthritis, including the joint circumference, infiltration of neutrophils in knee joints, and production of IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and elastase. Western blot analysis revealed that the levels of NLRP3, procaspase‐1, caspase‐1, pro‐IL‐1β, and IL‐1β were downregulated by curcumin in vivo.ConclusionsThese results indicated that curcumin could effectively ameliorate MSU crystal‐induced gouty arthritis through NLRP3 inflammasome mediation via inhibiting NF‐κB signaling both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a promising active ingredient for the prevention and treatment of gouty arthritis.
LncRNA Linc00511 promotes osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration through sponging miR‐765
Authors: Yan Lihua , Wu Xiangkun , Liu Yongxi , Xian Wenfeng 
Published: December 2018

AbstractLong noncoding RNA (lncRNA) Linc00511 is a novel lncRNA, and it was reported to play important roles in the progression and carcinogenesis of several tumors. However, the expression and biological roles of Linc00511 in osteosarcoma were still unknown. In this research, we showed that the expression of Linc00511 was upregulated in osteosarcoma samples and cell lines. Ectopic expression of Linc00511 promoted osteosarcoma cell growth, colony formation, and migration. Moreover, overexpression of Linc00511 enhanced the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition progression in osteosarcoma cell. In addition, we showed that elevated expression of Linc00511 suppressed microRNA‐765 (miR‐765) expression and promoted apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) expression in osteosarcoma cell. The expression of miR‐765 was downregulated in osteosarcoma cells and samples and was negatively related to Linc00511 expression in osteosarcoma tissues. Ectopic expression of miR‐765 inhibited osteosarcoma cell growth and migration. Furthermore, we showed that Linc00511 overexpression promoted MG‐63 cells proliferation, colony formation, and migration via downregulation of miR‐765. These results suggested that Linc00511 played as an oncogene in the development of osteosarcoma.
Nrf2 dependent antiaging effect of milk‐derived bioactive peptide in old fibroblasts
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Reddi Srinu , Devi Savita , Mada Sanusi Bello , Kapila Rajeev , Kapila Suman 
Published: December 2018

AbstractProlonged passaging of primary fibroblast cells totally shapes the natural biological phenomena and leads to the appearance of features related to senescence. As a result, it is a good natural tool to delineate the molecular mechanism of cellular aging. The present investigation revealed the antiaging effect of milk‐derived novel bioactive peptide (VLPVPQK). The peptide played an important role in downregulating apoptosis‐related markers in late passages of cultured fibroblast cells. The peptide treatment to aged fibroblasts caused enhancement in cell migration, DNA integrity, and decrease in the lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide production as well as pro‐inflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α and IL‐6. Moreover, the peptide decreased the expression of apoptotic caspases, Bax, and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) proteins. The peptide pretreatment also enhanced the extracellular collagen protein and antiapoptotic, Bcl‐xL. In addition, the peptide treatment reversed the senescence‐related activity in fibroblasts by stimulating Nrf2 mediated antioxidative defense system and inhibiting the action of NFkB/p38MAPK signaling, similar to the commercially available inhibitor (SB203580) of p38MAPK. Thus, the peptide exhibits the antiaging effect in dermal fibroblast cells.
Crosstalk between Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt signaling pathway with DNA damage response and oxidative stress in cancer
Authors: Karimian Ansar , Mir Sayed Mostafa , Parsian Hadi , Refieyan Sona , Mirza‐Aghazadeh‐Attari Mohammad , Yousefi Bahman , Majidinia Maryam 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinases (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway is one of the well‐characterized and most important signaling pathways activated in response to DNA damage. This review discusses the most recent discoveries on the involvement of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in cancer development, as well as stimulation of some important signaling networks involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis upon DNA damage, with an exploration of how PI3K/Akt signaling pathway contributes to the regulation of modulators and effectors underlying DNA damage response, the intricate, protein‐based signal transduction network, which decides between cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis, the elimination of irreparably damaged cells to maintain homeostasis. The review continues by looking at the interplay between cell cycle checkpoints, checking the repair of damage inflicted to the DNA before entering DNA replication to facilitate DNA synthesis, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. We then investigate the challenges the cells overcome to ameliorate damages induced by oxidative activities, for example, the recruitment of many pathways and factors to maintain integrity and hemostasis. Finally, the review provides a discussion of how cells use the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to regulate the balance between these networks.
Effect of hydric stress on locomotion and morphology of tadpoles from temporary ponds
Authors: Venturelli Diego Pimentel , Klein Wilfried 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMany frog species reproduce in temporary ponds maintained exclusively by rainfall, thereby being exposed to drought and possibly mortality of eggs and tadpoles. Some tadpoles, however, can survive for up to 5 days out of water but few data are available regarding the effects of dehydration on their development. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether hydric stress affects the locomotor capacity and the morphology in tadpoles of two leptodactylid frog species showing different reproductive modes (Leptodactylus fuscus and Physalaemus nattereri), examining specifically: (a) difference in survival rate and body mass between tadpoles at different hydration levels, (b) the hydric stress effect on locomotor performance, (c) difference in external morphology, and (d) visceral volume among tadpoles suffering hydric stress. Tadpoles for both species were divided into two groups, one staying in 100 ml of water and the other maintained on absorbent paper with 4 ml of water for 12, 24, and 72 hr (n = 20 each). Significant differences in weight loss were found between the groups of both species, the treatment losing more weight in all stress levels. Almost half of P. nattereri tadpoles died within 36 hr of hydric stress. We found no difference in locomotor performance between groups of L. fuscus tadpoles, but significant differences in locomotor performance, tail morphometry, and visceral volume between groups of P. nattereri tadpoles. Our results suggest that hydric stress has a significant effect on locomotion and morphology of P. nattereri tadpoles but not in L. fuscus.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin: An early biomarker for predicting acute kidney injury and severity in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Siddappa Pradeep K , Kochhar Rakesh , Sarotra Pooja , Medhi Bikas , Jha Vivekanand , Gupta Vikas 
Published: December 2018

Background and AimAcute kidney injury (AKI) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has a high mortality rate. Traditionally used serum creatinine is an insensitive biomarker for the early detection of AKI. We aimed to study the role of plasma and urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) in predicting AKI and a severe course in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).MethodsConsecutive patients of AP who presented within 72 h of symptom onset and age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were included. Urinary and serum NGAL levels [enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)] were evaluated within 24 h of and 72 h after admission and once in controls. Urine and serum NGAL levels were correlated with development of AKI, severity, and outcomes of AP.ResultsFifty patients with AP and 30 controls were enrolled. The mean serum and urine NGAL levels in patients on day 1 were significantly higher than the serum and urine NGAL levels in controls (P < 0.001). After excluding patients with AKI on day 1 (n = 10), both serum and urinary NGAL levels on days 1 and 3 were significantly higher in patients who subsequently developed AKI (n = 11) compared to those who did not (n = 29) (P = 0.02, 0.01 and P < 0.001, 0.03). A urinary NGAL level of 221.03 ng/mL on day 1 predicted AKI with a sensitivity and specificity of 82 and 80%, respectively (AUC = 0.9). Mean serum and urinary NGAL levels on day 1 were significantly elevated in patients with SAP compared to those without SAP (P = 0.04 and <0.001).ConclusionNGAL levels in urine and serum can predict severity of AP and development of AKI.
Modification of nanocrystalline TiO2 coatings with molecularly imprinted TiO2 for uric acid recognition
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Xiao Zhiguo , Qin Tongtong , Yang Zhengpeng 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCombining the surface modification and molecular imprinting technique, a novel piezoelectric sensing platform with excellent molecular recognition capability was established for the detection of uric acid (UA) based on the immobilization of TiO2 nanoparticles onto quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrode and modification of molecularly imprinted TiO2 (MIT) layer on TiO2 nanoparticles. The performance of the fabricated biosensor was evaluated, and the results indicated that the biosensor exhibited high sensitivity in UA detection, with a linear range from 0.04 to 45 μM and a limit of detection of 0.01 μM. Moreover, the biosensor presented high selectivity towards UA in comparison with other interferents. The analytical application of the UA biosensor confirmed the feasibility of UA detection in urine sample.
Modeling electromagnetic wave coupling and mode conversion effects in multitwisted bundle of twisted‐wire pairs (MTB‐TWP) above ground plane
Authors: Gassab Oussama , Zhou Liang , Yin Wen‐Yan , Xie Hao 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA multiconductor transmission line (MTL) model is developed for predicting electromagnetic wave coupling effects with multitwisted bundle of twisted‐wire pairs (MTB‐TWP) running above a ground plane. Such MTB‐TWP is described as a sequential repeated structure, where all its parameters are formulated in terms of sequences. In particular, the parametric equations of all the wires are derived and described by a set of generalized equations, where the unit tangent vector for each wire is also determined analytically. In addition, the averaged per‐unit‐length (p.u.l.) parameters are described by recurrence formulas. Further, the equivalent voltages for describing the field‐to‐wire coupling of MTB‐TWP are obtained and determined analytically. The modal domain decomposition is performed with special loading terminals to split out the common mode (CM) and differential mode (DM) signals, where the CM‐to‐DM conversions are further investigated in order to indicate the balanced property in such MTB‐TWP system. On the other hand, the effect of dielectric coatings of all the wires is also characterized, where the averaged modal p.u.l. capacitance matrix is obtained numerically. A comparison is performed with the other wiring structures to visualize the benefits of our MTB‐TWP model. An extended MTL model is also validated in comparison with the commercial software FEKO.