bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pesticides in fine airborne particles: from a green analysis method to atmospheric characterization and risk assessment
Authors: Nascimento Madson M. , da Rocha Gisele O. , de Andrade Jailson B. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe intensive use of pesticides such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and acaricides has been lead to ubiquitous contamination, being present not only in soils, water bodies and/or crops, but also in the atmosphere. Considering the massive amount of pesticides employed globally, together to their persistence, this may be an important concern regarding air quality and human health worldwide. In the present study we developed a green sensitive sample preparation method for determination of nine organophosphates, two pyrethroids, one carbamate, and one strobirulin in PM2.5 collected in a tropical coastal area in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time. Extraction of PM2.5 sample masses, as low as 206 µg, were performed in a miniaturized device using 500 μL of a mixture containing 18% acetonitrile in dichloromethane followed by sonication for 23 minutes and injection into GC-MS. A total of 12 pesticides were identified and quantified successfully, among them, eight banned pesticides. A risk assessment exposure and cancer risk for possible carcinogenic pesticides (bifenthrin, malathion, parathion and permethrin) were performed for exposure of adults, children and infants. Hazard Quotient and cumulative exposure for organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides were less than 1, showing that cumulative risk is within acceptable range.
Exploration and Exploitation in Natural Viewing Behavior
Authors: Ramos Gameiro Ricardo , Kaspar Kai , König Sabine U. , Nordholt Sontje , König Peter 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMany eye-tracking studies investigate visual behavior with a focus on image features and the semantic content of a scene. A wealth of results on these aspects is available, and our understanding of the decision process where to look has reached a mature stage. However, the temporal aspect, whether to stay and further scrutinize a region (exploitation) or to move on and explore image regions that were yet not in the focus of attention (exploration) is less well understood. Here, we investigate the trade-off between these two processes across stimuli with varying properties and sizes. In a free viewing task, we examined gaze parameters in humans, involving the central tendency, entropy, saccadic amplitudes, number of fixations and duration of fixations. The results revealed that the central tendency and entropy scaled with stimulus size. The mean saccadic amplitudes showed a linear increase that originated from an interaction between the distribution of saccades and the spatial bias. Further, larger images led to spatially more extensive sampling as indicated by a higher number of fixations at the expense of reduced fixation durations. These results demonstrate a profound shift from exploitation to exploration as an adaptation of main gaze parameters with increasing image size.
Quantifying the area-at-risk of myocardial infarction in-vivo using arterial spin labeling cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Dongworth Rachel K. , Campbell-Washburn Adrienne E. , Cabrera-Fuentes Hector A. , Bulluck Heerajnarain , Roberts Thomas , Price Anthony N. , Hernández-Reséndiz Sauri , Ordidge Roger J. , Thomas David L. , Yellon Derek M. , Lythgoe Mark F. , Hausenloy Derek J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractT2-weighted cardiovascular magnetic resonance (T2-CMR) of myocardial edema can quantify the area-at-risk (AAR) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and has been used to assess myocardial salvage by new cardioprotective therapies. However, some of these therapies may reduce edema, leading to an underestimation of the AAR by T2-CMR. Here, we investigated arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion CMR as a novel approach to quantify the AAR following AMI. Adult B6sv129-mice were subjected to in vivo left coronary artery ligation for 30 minutes followed by 72 hours reperfusion. T2-mapping was used to quantify the edema-based AAR (% of left ventricle) following ischemic preconditioning (IPC) or cyclosporin-A (CsA) treatment. In control animals, the AAR by T2-mapping corresponded to that delineated by histology. As expected, both IPC and CsA reduced MI size. However, IPC, but not CsA, also reduced myocardial edema leading to an underestimation of the AAR by T2-mapping. In contrast, regions of reduced myocardial perfusion delineated by cardiac ASL were able to delineate the AAR when compared to both T2-mapping and histology in control animals, and were not affected by either IPC or CsA. Therefore, ASL perfusion CMR may be an alternative method for quantifying the AAR following AMI, which unlike T2-mapping, is not affected by IPC.
Use of genetically modified bacteria for drug delivery in humans: Revisiting the safety aspect
Authors: Wegmann Udo , Carvalho Ana Lucia , Stocks Martin , Carding Simon R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe use of live, genetically modified bacteria as delivery vehicles for biologics is of considerable interest scientifically and has attracted significant commercial investment. We have pioneered the use of the commensal gut bacterium Bacteroides ovatus for the oral delivery of therapeutics to the gastrointestinal tract. Here we report on our investigations of the biological safety of engineered B. ovatus bacteria that includes the use of thymineless death as a containment strategy and the potential for the spread of transgenes in vivo in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract. We demonstrate the ability of GM-strains of Bacteroides to survive thymine starvation and overcome it through the exchange of genetic material. We also provide evidence for horizontal gene transfer in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract resulting in transgene-carrying wild type bacteria. These findings sound a strong note of caution on the employment of live genetically modified bacteria for the delivery of biologics.
ApoCIII enrichment in HDL impairs HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity
Authors: Luo Mengdie , Liu Aiying , Wang Shuai , Wang Tianle , Hu Die , Wu Sha , Peng Daoquan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractApolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) has been reported to be tightly associated with triglyceride metabolism and the susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD). Besides, apoCIII has also been found to affect the anti-apoptotic effects of HDL. However, the effect of apoCIII on HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux, the crucial function of HDL, has not been reported. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted to compare the apoCIII distribution in lipoproteins between CAD patients and nonCAD controls and to explore the relationship between HDL-associated apoCIII (apoCIIIHDL) and HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux. One hundred forty CAD patients and nighty nine nonCAD controls were included. Plasma apoCIII, apoCIIIHDL and cholesterol efflux capacity was measured. The apoCIIIHDL ratio (apoCIIIHDL over plasma apoCIII) was significantly higher in CAD patients than that in control group (0.52 ± 0.24 vs. 0.43 ± 0.22, P = 0.004). Both apoCIIIHDL and apoCIIIHDL ratio were inversely correlated with cholesterol efflux capacity (r = −0.241, P = 0.0002; r = −0.318, P < 0.0001, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the apoCIIIHDL ratio was an independent contributor to HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity (standardized β = −0.325, P < 0.001). This study indicates that the presence of apoCIII in HDL may affect HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux capacity, implying the alternative role of apoCIII in the atherogenesis.
HpSlyD inducing CDX2 and VIL1 expression mediated through TCTP protein may contribute to intestinal metaplasia in the stomach
Authors: Li Qiuping , Zhu Yanmei , Liu Jun , Yu Xiuwen , Chen Moye , Dong Nannan , Gong Yuehua , Yuan Yuan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractHelicobacter pylori infection is the most important risk factor for gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM). Our previous study demonstrated that infection with H. pylori HpslyD-positive strains associated with IM. To further investigate the signalling pathway involved in HpSlyD-induced IM, CDX2 and VIL1 expressions were determined before and after HpSlyD application. TCTP was knocked down by siRNA or overexpressed by plasmid transfection. An HpSlyD binding protein was used to block HpSlyD’s enzymatic activity. The expression of CDX2 and TCTP in gastric diseases was measured by immunohistochemistry. Our results showed HpSlyD induced CDX2 and VIL1 expressions. TCTP protein expression was markedly increased after application of HpSlyD and in an HpSlyD-expressing stable cell line. Downregulation of TCTP protein led to decreased HpSlyD-induced CDX2 and VIL1. Overexpression of TCTP protein improved the expression of CDX2 and VIL1. Co-application of HpSlyD and FK506 led to significant reductions in CDX2, VIL1, and TCTP expression. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that CDX2 and TCTP expression was higher in HpslyD-positive specimens compared with HpslyD-negative ones. Expression of CDX2 was positively correlated with TCTP in HpslyD-positive cells. Our study is the first to show that HpSlyD induction of CDX2 and VIL1 expression mediated through TCTP may contribute to IM in the stomach.
Development and evaluation of an immunochromatographic assay to detect serum anti-leptospiral lipopolysaccharide IgM in acute leptospirosis
Authors: Doungchawee Galayanee , Sutdan Direk , Niwatayakul Kannika , Inwisai Tasanee , Sitthipunya Athisri , Boonsathorn Naphatsawan , Sakulterdkiat Titipatima , Sirawaraporn Worachart , Thongboonkerd Visith 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLeptospirosis is a common life-threatening disease worldwide. However, its diagnosis is frequently ineffective because the gold standard bacterial culture and microscopic agglutination test (MAT) are usually positive 1–2 weeks after the disease onset. We thus developed an immunochromatographic assay (LEPkit) to detect serum anti-leptospiral lipopolysaccharide (LPS) IgM for rapid diagnosis of acute leptospirosis. Using referenced sera of 77 leptospirosis and 91 non-leptospirosis cases, LEPkit yielded 97.4% sensitivity, 94.5% specificity, 93.8 positive predictive value (PPV), 97.7% negative predictive value (NPV), and 95.8% accuracy. The stability of this kit stored for up to 18 months and its reproducibility were confirmed. Testing in 74 new cases using samples at admission-phase and subsequent paired samples (total n = 135), overall sensitivity was 98.5%, whereas that of culture and single MAT (≥1:400) was 15.6% and 35.6%, respectively. When only the samples at admission-phase were used (n = 74), the sensitivity remained at 98.7%, whereas that of culture and single MAT (≥1:400) was 28.4% and 13.5%, respectively. In summary, our LEPkit was far more effective than any conventional methods for the diagnosis of acute leptospirosis, especially within the first few days after the disease onset. The ease of use, stability and reproducibility further enhance its feasibility for clinical use on-site.
A microfluidic chamber-based approach to map the shear moduli of vascular cells and other soft materials
Authors: Suki Béla , Hu Yingying , Murata Naohiko , Imsirovic Jasmin , Mondoñedo Jarred R. , de Oliveira Claudio L. N. , Schaible Niccole , Allen Philip G. , Krishnan Ramaswamy , Bartolák-Suki Erzsébet 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThere is growing interest in quantifying vascular cell and tissue stiffness. Most measurement approaches, however, are incapable of assessing stiffness in the presence of physiological flows. We developed a microfluidic approach which allows measurement of shear modulus (G) during flow. The design included a chamber with glass windows allowing imaging with upright or inverted microscopes. Flow was controlled gravitationally to push culture media through the chamber. Fluorescent beads were conjugated to the sample surface and imaged before and during flow. Bead displacements were calculated from images and G was computed as the ratio of imposed shear stress to measured shear strain. Fluid-structure simulations showed that shear stress on the surface did not depend on sample stiffness. Our approach was verified by measuring the moduli of polyacrylamide gels of known stiffness. In human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, G was 20.4 ± 12 Pa and decreased by 20% and 22% with increasing shear stress and inhibition of non-muscle myosin II motors, respectively. The G showed a larger intra- than inter-cellular variability and it was mostly determined by the cytosol. Our shear modulus microscopy can thus map the spatial distribution of G of soft materials including gels, cells and tissues while allowing the visualization of microscopic structures such as the cytoskeleleton.
FAM3B mediates high glucose-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration via inhibition of miR-322-5p
Authors: Zhang Wenxiang , Chen Siyu , Zhang Zhao , Wang Chen , Liu Chang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play an essential role during the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While many factors potentially contribute to the abnormal activation of VSMCs, hyperglycemia is generally believed to be a major causative factor. On the other hand, FAM3B (named PANDER for its secretory form) is a uniquely structured protein strongly expressed within and secreted from the endocrine pancreas. FAM3B is co-secreted with insulin from the β-cell upon glucose stimulation and regulates glucose homeostasis. In the present study, we sought to determine the roles of FAM3B in the regulation of VSMC physiology, especially under the hyperglycemic condition. We found that FAM3B expression was induced by hyperglycemia both in vivo and in vitro. FAM3B knockdown inhibited, whereas FAM3B overexpression accelerated VSMC proliferation and migration. At the molecular level, FAM3B inhibited miR-322-5p expression, and enforced expression of miR-322-5p antagonized FAM3B-induced VSMC proliferation and migration, suggesting that FAM3B facilitated VSMC pathological activation via miR-322-5p. Taken together, FAM3B mediates high glucose-induced VSMC proliferation and migration via inhibition of miR-322-5p. Thus, FAM3B may therefore serve as a novel therapeutic target for diabetes-related CVDs.
Active bialkali photocathodes on free-standing graphene substrates
Authors: Yamaguchi Hisato , Liu Fangze , DeFazio Jeffrey , Narvaez Villarrubia Claudia W. , Finkenstadt Daniel , Shabaev Andrew , Jensen Kevin L. , Pavlenko Vitaly , Mehl Michael , Lambrakos Sam , Gupta Gautam , Mohite Aditya D. , Moody Nathan A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe hexagonal structure of graphene gives rise to the property of gas impermeability, motivating its investigation for a new application: protection of semiconductor photocathodes in electron accelerators. These materials are extremely susceptible to degradation in efficiency through multiple mechanisms related to contamination from the local imperfect vacuum environment of the host photoinjector. Few-layer graphene has been predicted to permit a modified photoemission response of protected photocathode surfaces, and recent experiments of single-layer graphene on copper have begun to confirm these predictions for single crystal metallic photocathodes. Unlike metallic photoemitters, the integration of an ultra-thin graphene barrier film with conventional semiconductor photocathode growth processes is not straightforward. A first step toward addressing this challenge is the growth and characterization of technologically relevant, high quantum efficiency bialkali photocathodes on ultra-thin free-standing graphene substrates. Photocathode growth on free-standing graphene provides the opportunity to integrate these two materials and study their interaction. Specifically, spectral response features and photoemission stability of cathodes grown on graphene substrates are compared to those deposited on established substrates. In addition, we observed an increase of work function for the graphene encapsulated bialkali photocathode surfaces, which is predicted by our calculations. The results provide a unique demonstration of bialkali photocathodes on free-standing substrates, and indicate promise towards our goal of fabricating high-performance graphene encapsulated photocathodes with enhanced lifetime for accelerator applications.
Magnetic field in IRC+10216 and other C-rich evolved stars
Authors: Duthu A. , Herpin F. , Wiesemeyer H. , Baudry A. , Lèbre A. , Paubert G. 
Published: May 2017

Context. During the transition from the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) to planetary nebulae (PN), the circumstellar geometry and morphology change dramatically. Another characteristic of this transition is the high mass-loss rate, that can be partially explained by radiation pressure and a combination of various factors, such as the stellar pulsation, the dust grain condensation, and opacity in the upper atmosphere. The magnetic field can also be one of the main ingredients that shapes the stellar upper atmosphere and envelope.
Aims. Our main goal is to investigate for the first time the spatial distribution of the magnetic field in the envelope of IRC+10216. More generally we intend to determine the magnetic field strength in the circumstellar envelope (CSE) of C-rich evolved stars, compare this field with previous studies for O-rich stars, and constrain the variation of the magnetic field with r the distance to the star’s centre.
Methods. We use spectropolarimetric observations of the Stokes V parameter, collected with Xpol on the IRAM-30 m radiotelescope, observing the Zeeman effect in seven hyperfine components of the CN J = 1–0 line. We use the Crutcher et al. (1996, ApJ, 456, 217) method to estimate the magnetic field. For the first time, the instrumental contamination is investigated, through dedicated studies of the power patterns in Stokes V and I in detail.
Results. For C-rich evolved stars, we derive a magnetic field strength (B) between 1.6 and 14.2 mG while B is estimated to be 6 mG for the proto-PN (PPN) AFGL618, and an upper value of 8 mG is found for the PN NGC 7027. These results are consistent with a decrease of B as 1/r in the environment of AGB objects, that is, with the presence of a toroidal field. But this is not the case for PPN and PN stars. Our map of IRC+10216 suggests that the magnetic field is not homogeneously strong throughout or aligned with the envelope and that the morphology of the CN emission might have changed with time.
Antimicrobial Stewardship for Newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: English B. , Schein Rebecca 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOveruse of antibiotics causing antibiotic resistance, an increase in Clostridium difficile infections, and increased adverse drug reactions is a growing problem. To combat this growing threat, the Centers for Disease Control started a program to improve the appropriate use of antimicrobials that focuses on antimicrobial stewardship. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) medically fragile infants are commonly exposed to antibiotics resulting in a growing interest in applying antimicrobial stewardship principles in this patient population. The lack of treatment guidelines and the relatively narrow spectrum of individual antibiotics used to make the NICU a unique environment requiring a specialized approach to antimicrobial stewardship. This article examines the current antibiotic treatment data for common NICU illnesses including early and late-onset sepsis, pneumonia, and necrotizing enterocolitis, then reviews current recommendations for antimicrobial stewardship.
Can Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Modulate Psychophysiological Response in Sedentary Men during Vigorous Aerobic Exercise?
Authors: Okano Alexandre , Machado Daniel , Oliveira Neto Leônidas , Farias-Junior Luiz , Agrícola Pedro , Arruda Ademir , Fonteles André , Li Li , Fontes Eduardo , Elsangedy Hassan , Moreira Alexandre 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study evaluated whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could change physiological and psychological responses during vigorous exercise with a constant load. 13 sedentary males (23.0±4.2 years; 25.6±4.2 kg/m²) took part in this randomized, crossed-over, sham-controlled, and double-blinded study. Participants underwent 2 sessions with anodal or sham tDCS (2 mA, 20 min) applied before exercise over the left temporal cortex targeting the left insular cortex. The exercise was performed at vigorous intensity (%HRmax 81.68±6.37) for 30 min. Heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and affective responses (pleasure/displeasure) were recorded at every 5 min. Additionally, heart rate variability (HRV) was measured before, immediately after and 60 min after the end of exercise. A 2-way repeated measure ANOVA showed that tDCS improved HRV neither at rest nor after exercise (p>0.15). Similarly, HR, RPE, and affective responses were not enhanced by tDCS during vigorous exercise (p>0.23). The findings of this study suggest that tCDS does not modulate either HRV at rest nor HR, RPE and affective responses during exercise. Transcranial direct current stimulation’s efficiency might depend on the participants’ levels of physical fitness and parameters of stimulation (e. g., duration, intensity, and arrangement of electrodes).
Veränderung der Inanspruchnahme von Krankenkassenleistungen vor und nach einer Vater-Kind-Maßnahme
Authors: Barre Felix , Epping Jelena 
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Seit 2002 gibt es in Deutschland stationäre Vorsorge- und Rehabilitationsmaßnahmen für Väter und ihre Kinder (V-K-M) (§§ 24 und 41 SGB V). Zu Gesundheitsstörungen der Väter in V-K-M liegen bisher keine Daten vor. Das Ziel dieser Untersuchung ist es, herauszufinden, ob die Teilnehmer einer V-K-M gesundheitlich belasteter sind als Väter ohne Teilnahme an einer V-K-M und ob die Teilnahme an einer V-K-M zu einer verbesserten Gesundheit beiträgt. Dafür wird die Veränderung der Inanspruchnahme ambulanter GKV-Leistungen untersucht und mit der Inanspruchnahme von Vätern ohne Teilnahme an einer V-K-M verglichen. Grundlage des Forschungsprojekts sind Routinedaten der AOK-Niedersachsen (AOKN).
Methoden Als Outcome-Variablen für die ambulante Inanspruchnahme werden ambulante Diagnosen und Arzneimittel herangezogen, die ein Jahr vor und ein Jahr nach der Maßnahme abgerechnet wurden. Die Untersuchungsgruppe (N=179) umfasst alle Väter, die 2005–2009 an einer V-K-M teilgenommen haben und durchgehend versichert waren. Für diese Väter wurde eine parallelisierte Vergleichsstichprobe gebildet, die nicht an einer V-K-M teilgenommen haben (N=717).
Ergebnisse Die Untersuchung hat ergeben, dass die Teilnehmer der V-K-M vor und nach der Maßnahme mehr Diagnosen und Arzneimittel erhielten als Väter ohne V-K-M. Väter unter 40 Jahren wiesen nach der V-K-M überwiegend eine geringere Zahl Diagnosen und Arzneimittel als vor der Maßnahme auf, bei älteren Teilnehmern zeigte sich überwiegend eine höhere Inanspruchnahme. Die Teilnehmer der V-K-M haben v. a. mehr F-Diagnosen als Väter ohne V-K-M. Im Vergleich der Zeiträume nach der Maßnahme zum Jahr davor ist außerdem der Anstieg der I-Diagnosen und die Zunahme von Herz-Kreislauf-Medikamenten auffallend.
Schlussfolgerung Die höhere Inanspruchnahme von GKV-Leistungen bei Teilnehmern der V-K-M im Vergleich zu Nicht-Teilnehmern deutet darauf hin, dass mit den V-K-M eine gesundheitlich belastete Versichertengruppe erreicht wird. Die vergleichsweise hohe Zahl der F-Diagnosen verdeutlicht, dass die Teilnehmer in diesem Indikationsbereich besonders belastet sind. Ein positiver Maßnahmeeffekt zeigt sich bei jüngeren Vätern in einer Reduzierung der Inanspruchnahme, während bei älteren Teilnehmern überwiegend ein Behandlungsbedarf weiterbesteht oder im Kontext der Maßnahme aufgedeckt wird.