bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Adiponectin Gene Polymorphisms With Type 2 Diabetes in an African American Population Enriched for Nephropathy
Authors: Bostrom Meredith A. , Freedman Barry I. , Langefeld Carl D. , Liu Lingyi , Hicks Pamela J. , Bowden Donald W. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Polymorphisms in the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) have been associated with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetes, in mostly European-derived populations.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A comprehensive association analysis of 24 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene was performed for type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in African Americans.
RESULTS—The minor allele (A) in a single SNP in intron 1 (rs182052) was associated with diabetic nephropathy (P = 0.0015, odds ratio [OR] 1.37, CI 1.13–1.67, dominant model) in an African American sample of 851 case subjects with diabetic nephropathy and 871 nondiabetic control subjects in analyses incorporating adjustment for varying levels of racial admixture. This association remained significant after adjustment of the data for BMI, age, and sex (P = 0.0013–0.0004). We further tested this SNP for association with longstanding type 2 diabetes without nephropathy (n = 317), and evidence of association was also significant (P = 0.0054, OR 1.46, CI 1.12–1.91, dominant model) when compared with the same set of 871 nondiabetic control subjects. Combining the type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy samples into a single group of case subjects (n = 1,168) resulted in the most significant evidence of association (P = 0.0003, OR 1.40, CI 1.17–1.67, dominant model). Association tests between age at onset of type 2 diabetes and the rs182052 genotypes also revealed significant association between the presence of the minor allele (A/A or A/G) and earlier onset of type 2 diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS—The SNP rs182052 in intron 1 of the adiponectin gene is associated with type 2 diabetes in African Americans.
Small intestinal incarceration through an omental rent in a horse
Authors: Kelmer G. , Holder T. E. C. , Donnell R. L. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryIntestinal incarceration in an omental rent is a rare abdominal disorder in horses. A case of a horse with small intestinal incarceration in an omental rent is described here. The report includes description of the clinical presentation, surgical andpost mortemfindings and discusses the features unique to this case. The clinical presentation is similar to other small intestinal strangulation lesions; however, the location of the lesion is unusual and the anatomical relation to the gastrosplenic ligament interesting.
Internal (intra‐abdominal) herniation in the horse
Authors: Withers J. M. , Mair T. S. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryInternal abdominal hernias are an uncommon occurrence in the horse. Protrusion of an abdominal organ or viscus may occur through a normal or pathological aperture within the peritoneal cavity, and incarceration of bowel through such an opening may lead to a strangulating obstruction of the intestine, characterised by luminal blockage and concurrent vascular compromise. As such, entrapment of bowel in internal hernias can represent an important indication for colic surgery in the horse.
Diagnosis of bacterial infections. Part 2: Bacterial cultivation, susceptibility testing and interpretation
Authors: Hodgson J. L. , Hughes K. J. , Hodgson D. R. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBacterial culture and susceptibility testing are requested frequently in equine medicine. However, there is little value in these tests unless a standardised approach for submission of specimens, pathogen identification and susceptibility testing is utilised. Additionally, appropriate interpretation must be applied when assessing the significance of the isolate and susceptibility testing results if appropriate therapies are to be prescribed. In this paper we briefly outline standard techniques used commonly in veterinary diagnostic laboratories for bacterial isolation, identification and susceptibility testing. Emphasis has been placed on the principles appropriate to ensure the correct interpretation of culture and susceptibility testing results.
Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy and Risk of Kidney Function Decline and Mortality in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Sumida Keiichi , Shrestha Prabin , Mallisetty Yamini , Thomas Fridtjof , Gyamlani Geeta , Streja Elani , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Kovesdy Csaba P. 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including chronic kidney disease and mortality, due in part to chronic inflammation. Little is known about the effects of anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy on kidney disease progression and mortality among patients with new-onset IBD.ObjectiveTo examine the association of incident use of TNF inhibitors with subsequent decline in kidney function and risk of all-cause mortality.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study used data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs health care system. Participants were US veterans with new-onset IBD enrolled from October 1, 2004, through September 30, 2019. Data were analyzed from December 2022 to February 2024.ExposuresIncident use of TNF inhibitors.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe main outcomes were at least 30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and all-cause mortality.ResultsAmong 10 689 patients (mean [SD] age, 67.4 [12.3] years; 9999 [93.5%] male) with incident IBD, 3353 (31.4%) had diabetes, the mean (SD) baseline eGFR was 77.2 (19.2) mL/min/1.73 m2, and 1515 (14.2%) were newly initiated on anti-TNF therapy. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 4.1 (1.9-7.0) years, 3367 patients experienced at least 30% decline in eGFR, and over a median (IQR) follow-up of 5.0 (2.5-8.0) years, 2502 patients died. After multivariable adjustments, incident use (vs nonuse) of TNF inhibitors was significantly associated with higher risk of decline in eGFR (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.34 [95% CI, 1.18-1.52]) but was not associated with risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.86-1.21]). Similar results were observed in sensitivity analyses.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of US veterans with incident IBD, incident use (vs nonuse) of TNF inhibitors was independently associated with higher risk of progressive eGFR decline but was not associated with risk of all-cause mortality. Further studies are needed to elucidate potentially distinct pathophysiologic contributions of TNF inhibitor use to kidney and nonkidney outcomes in patients with IBD.
What is the evidence that counter‐wildlife crime interventions are effective for conserving African, Asian and Latin American wildlife directly threatened by exploitation? A systematic map
Authors: Rytwinski T. , Muir M. J. , Miller J. R. B. , Smith A. , Kelly L. A. , Bennett J. R. , Öckerman S. L. A. , Taylor J. J. , Lemieux A. M. , Pickles R. S. A. , Gore M. L. , Pires S. F. , Pokempner A. , Slaughter H. , Carlson D. P. , Adhiasto D. N. , Arroyo Quiroz I. , Cooke S. J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Counter‐wildlife crime (CWC) interventions—those that directly protect target wildlife from illegal harvest/persecution, detect and sanction rule‐breakers, and interdict and control illegal wildlife commodities—are widely applied to address biodiversity loss. This systematic map provides an overview of the literature on the effectiveness of CWC interventions for conserving African, Asian and Latin American wildlife directly threatened by exploitation, including human–wildlife conflicts that trigger poaching.

Following our systematic map protocol (Rytwinski, Öckerman, et al., 2021), we compiled peer‐reviewed and grey literature and screened articles using pre‐defined inclusion criteria. Included studies were coded for key variables of interest, from which we produced a searchable database, interactive map and structured heatmaps.

A total of 530 studies from 477 articles were included in the systematic map. Most studies were from Africa and Asia (81% of studies) and focused on African and Asian elephants (16%), felids (14%) and turtles and tortoises (11%). Most evaluations of CWC interventions targeted wildlife products (rather than species) and the transfer of those products along the wildlife crime continuum (40% of cases). Population/species outcomes were most commonly measured via indicators of threat reduction (65% of cases) and intermediate outcomes (25%).

We identified knowledge clusters where studies investigated the links between (1) patrols and other preventative actions to increase detection and population abundance and (2) information analysis and sharing and wildlife crime/trade levels. However, the effectiveness of most interventions was not rigorously evaluated. Most investigations used post‐implementation monitoring only (e.g. lacking a comparator), and no experimental designs were found. We identified several key knowledge gaps including a paucity of studies by geography (Latin America), taxonomy (plants, birds and reptiles), interventions (non‐patrol‐based CWC interventions) and outcomes (biological and the combination of biological and human well‐being outcomes).

Our map reveals an opportunity to improve the rigour and documentation of CWC intervention evaluations, which would enable the evidence‐based selection of effective approaches to improve wildlife conservation and national security.
Sortilin‐Mediated Inhibition of TREK1/2 Channels in Primary Sensory Neurons Promotes Prediabetic Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Sun Wei , Yang Fan , Wang Yan , Yang Yan , Du Rui , Wang Xiao‐Liang , Luo Zhi‐Xin , Wu Jun‐Jie , Chen Jun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNeuropathic pain can occur during the prediabetic stage, even in the absence of hyperglycemia. The presence of prediabetic neuropathic pain (PDNP) poses challenges to the management of individuals with prediabetes. However, the mechanisms underlying this pain remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism and identify potential therapeutic targets of PDNP. A prediabetic animal model induced by a high‐energy diet exhibits both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, hyperexcitability and decreased potassium currents are observed in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of these rats. TREK1 and TREK2 channels, which belong to the two‐pore‐domain K+ channel (K2P) family and play an important role in controlling cellular excitability, are downregulated in DRG neurons. Moreover, this alteration is modulated by Sortilin, a molecular partner that modulates the expression of TREK1. The overexpression of Sortilin negatively affects the expression of TREK1 and TREK2, leading to increased neuronal excitability in the DRG and enhanced peripheral pain sensitivity in rats. Moreover, the downregulation of Sortilin or activation of TREK1 and TREK2 channels by genetic or pharmacological approaches can alleviate PDNP. Therefore, targeting the Sortilin‐mediated TREK1/2 pathway may provide a therapeutic approach for ameliorating PDNP.
Earthworm‐Inspired Soft Skin Crawling Robot
Authors: Tirado Jonathan , Do Cao Danh , Moisson de Vaux Joséphine , Jørgensen Jonas , Rafsanjani Ahmad 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEarthworms are fascinating animals capable of crawling and burrowing through various terrains using peristaltic motion and the directional friction response of their epidermis. Anisotropic anchoring governed by tiny appendages on their skin called setae is known to enhance the earthworm's locomotion. A multi‐material fabrication technique is employed to produce soft skins with bristles inspired by the earthworm epidermis and their setae. The effect of bristles arranged in triangular and square grids at two spatial densities on the locomotion capability of a simple soft crawling robot comprised of an extending soft actuator covered by the soft skin is investigated experimentally. The results suggest that the presence of bristles results in a rostral to caudal friction ratio of µR/µC > 1 with some variations across bristle arrangements and applied elongations. Doubling the number of bristles increases the robot's speed by a factor of 1.78 for the triangular grid while it is less pronounced for the rectangular grid with a small factor of 1.06. Additionally, it is observed that increasing the actuation stroke for the skin with the high‐density triangular grid, from 15% to 30%, elevates the speed from 0.5 to 0.9 mm s−1, but further increases in stroke to 45% may compromise the durability of the actuators with less gains in speed (1 mm s−1). Finally, it is demonstrated that a crawling robot equipped with soft skin can traverse both a linear and a curved channel.
Probability‐Distribution‐Configurable True Random Number Generators Based on Spin‐Orbit Torque Magnetic Tunnel Junctions
Authors: Zhang Ran , Li Xiaohan , Zhao Mingkun , Wan Caihua , Luo Xuming , Liu Shiqiang , Zhang Yu , Wang Yizhan , Yu Guoqiang , Han Xiufeng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe incorporation of randomness into stochastic computing can provide ample opportunities for applications such as simulated annealing, non‐polynomial hard problem solving, and Bayesian neuron networks. In these cases, a considerable number of random numbers with an accurate and configurable probability distribution function (PDF) are indispensable. Preferably, these random numbers are provided at the hardware level to improve speed, efficiency, and parallelism. In this paper, how spin‐orbit torque magnetic tunnel junctions (SOT‐MTJs) with high barriers are suitable candidates for the desired true random number generators is demonstrated. Not only do these SOT‐MTJs perform excellently in speed and endurance, but their randomness can also be conveniently and precisely controlled by a writing voltage, which makes them a well‐performed Bernoulli bit. By utilizing these SOT‐MTJ‐based Bernoulli bits, any PDF, including Gaussian, uniform, exponential, Chi‐square, and even arbitrarily defined distributions can be realized. These PDF‐configurable true random number generators can then promise to advance the development of stochastic computing and broaden the applications of the SOT‐MTJs.
Anxiety in Alzheimer's disease rats is independent of memory and impacted by genotype, age, sex, and exercise
Authors: Lopez Danielle C. , White Zachary J. , Hall Stephanie E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONAlzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive impairments; however, heightened anxiety often accompanies and, in some cases, exacerbates cognitive its. The present study aims to understand the influence of multiple variables on anxiety‐like behavior in TgF344‐AD rats and determine whether anxiety impacts memory performance.METHODSAn elevated plus maze was used to assess anxiety‐like behavior in the established colony (n = 107). Influences of age, sex, genotype, and exercise on anxiety were evaluated via multiple linear regression. Correlation analysis evaluated the relationship between anxiety and memory performance.RESULTSAge (P < 0.05) and AD genotype (P < 0.001) were associated with increasing anxiety, while exercise (P < 0.05) was associated with decreasing anxiety. Female AD animals displayed more anxiety‐like behavior versus wild‐type female (P < 0.001) and AD male (P < 0.05) littermates.DISCUSSIONConcluding that while factors such as age, sex, AD genotype, and training status can impact anxiety levels in the TgF344‐AD model, anxiety level did not impact memory performance.Highlights
Increased anxiety‐like behavior in TgF344‐AD rats does not correlate with declines in memory performance.
Predictors of higher anxiety‐like behaviors in the TgF344‐AD rat include age, Alzheimer's disease (AD) genotype, and sex with female AD animals experiencing greater anxiety compared to female wild‐type or male AD.
Exercise training leads to decreased anxiety‐like behaviors in the TgF344‐AD rat.
Piezoresistive pressure sensor based on conductive MWCNTs@PANI fiber network for motion sensing and human–machine interface
Authors: Zhou Jingwei , Zhang Limei , Ji Zhengyang , Xu Ruixiang , Jiang Yi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWearable smart sensors have broad prospects in medical health and physical exercise. In this study, the core–shell conductive fiber membrane was prepared by adding multiwalled carbon nanotubes during polymerization of aniline on spun fibers. In comparison to the conventionally utilized polymerized aniline, the integration of carbon nanotube particulates enhances the conductivity and surface area, provides more aniline polymerization sites, and simultaneously increases the stability of the composite film. The pressure sensor has a sensitivity of 61.12, 40.32, and 23.17 kPa−1 in the range of 0–7.1 kPa, 7.1–11.1 kPa, and 11.1–19.54 kPa. In addition, it has a fast response time (loading time of 120 ms and unloading time of only 22 ms) and exhibits excellent cyclic stability through numerous loading–unloading cycles. These properties enable the sensor to be applied to real‐time monitoring of human sports health, such as knee and elbow bending, mouse clicking, beaker holding, and so on. This research method provides a new strategy and technology for conducting polymers as materials for flexible electronic equipment.
An inexpensive moist chamber culture technique for finding microbiota on live tree bark
Authors: Bordelon Ashley P. , Keller Harold W. , Scarborough Angela R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPremiseTraditional moist chamber cultures (MCs) prepared in aseptic laboratory environments using sterile Petri dishes are commonly used to quantify the microbiota of rough‐bark tree species and woody vines. MCs are typically expensive and may be difficult to make, so a less expensive option made from easily available supplies was developed. These cost‐friendly MCs were compared with standard laboratory methods to demonstrate their efficacy.Methods and ResultsModified MCs were made using inexpensive, store‐bought supplies; compared to a standard laboratory setting, the modified MCs are shown to be less expensive with a faster setup time and larger size that facilitates a variety of tree and woody vine species. MC use resulted in the discovery of new species of fungi and myxomycetes with associated locality records. We provide detailed instructions for creating modified MCs, as well as a list of myxomycete species and their associated bark characteristics, pH values, and water‐holding capacity.ConclusionsThis new, low‐cost MC technique makes the study of microbiota more inclusive and accessible for those in research laboratories, classrooms, and homes, including both amateurs and professionals. MCs are easy to prepare, versatile, and applicable for many areas of botany and the biological sciences, potentially allowing exploration into unexplored areas in urban ecosystems.
Computational Exploration of Naturally Occurring Flavonoids as TGF‐β Inhibitors in Breast Cancer: Insights from Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations and In‐vitro Cytotoxicity Study
Authors: Shah Umang , Patel Niyati , Patel Mehul , Rohit Shishir , Solanki Nilay , Patel Ashish , Patel Swayamprakash , Patel Vishwa , Patel Rajvi , Jawarkar Rahul D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBreast cancer is a global health concern, demanding innovative treatments. Targeting the Transforming Growth Factor‐beta (TGF‐β) signaling pathway, pivotal in breast cancer, is a promising approach. TGF‐β inhibits proliferation via G1 phase cell cycle arrest, acting as a suppressor initially, but in later stages, it promotes progression by enhancing motility, invasiveness, and metastasis formation. This study explores naturally occurring flavonoids′ interactions with TGF‐β. Using molecular docking against the protein‘s crystal structure (PDB Id: 1PY5), Gossypin showed the highest docking score and underwent molecular dynamics simulation, revealing complex flexibility and explaining how flavonoids impede TGF‐β signaling in breast cancer. ADMET predictions adhered to Lipinski's rule of Five. Insights into flavonoid‐TGF‐β binding offer a novel angle for breast cancer treatment. Flavonoids having a good docking score like gossypin, morin, luteolin and taxifolin shown potent cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cell line, MCF‐7. Understanding these interactions could inspire flavonoid‐based therapies targeting TGF‐β to halt breast cancer growth. These findings pave the way for personalized, targeted breast cancer therapies, offering hope against this formidable disease.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Nanoflower‐Like Zn2SnS4 as Nanozymes for Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of H2O2 Released by Living Cells
Authors: Wen Xia , Ni Jiancong , Zeng Shunmu , Song Zhiping , Qiu Weiwei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe sensitive and reliable nanozyme‐based sensor enables the detection of low concentrations of H2O2 in biological microenvironments, it has potential applications as an in‐situ monitoring platform for cellular H2O2 release. The uniformly dispersed bimetallic sulfide (Zn2SnS4) nanoflowers were synthesized via a one‐pot hydrothermal method and the two kinds of metal ions can serve as morphology and structure directing agents for each other in the synthetic process. The nanoparticles were utilized as nanozyme materials to fabricate a novel electrochemical sensor, and it exhibits a distinct electrochemical response towards H2O2 with excellent stability and detection capability (with a minimum detection limit of 1.79 nM (S/N=3)), the excellent characteristics facilitate the precise detection of low concentrations of H2O2 in biological microenvironments. Use the macrophages differentiated from leukemia THP‐1 cells as a representative sensing model, the sensor was successfully utilized for real‐time monitoring of the release of H2O2 induced by living cells, which has significant potential applications in clinical diagnosis and cancer treatment.
A System for the Combined Carbon Capture and Utilization to Produce Renewable Methanol from Biogas
Authors: Moioli Emanuele , Schildhauer Tilman 
Published: April 2024

AbstractCoupling of biogas upgrading and power‐to‐X is challenging due to the intermittent cheap energy availability. A system was designed that overcomes the technical challenges in this coupling. This is possible by alternating biogas upgrading and methanol synthesis in a reactor operating both as sorption‐enhanced synthesis reactor and as upgrading unit by pressure swing adsorption. It was observed that this concept is feasible in both fixed‐ and fluidized‐bed reactors, and the potential for economic performance improvement was quantified in approximately 20 % increase of the internal rate of return.
Na2S in‐situ infiltrated in actived carbon as high‐efficiency presodiation additives for sodium ion hybrid capacitors
Authors: Pei Mengfan , Liu Dongming , Jin Xin , Li Borui , Jiang Wanyuan , Song Zihui , Jian Xigao , Hu Fangyuan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSodium ion hybrid capacitors (SIHC) are emerging as promising next‐generation energy storage devices with high energy/power density. Presodiation is an essential part of SIHC production due to the lack of sodium sources in the cathode and anode. However, in the current presodiation methods, electrochemical presodiation by galvanostatic current charging and discharging requires a temporary half‐cell or a complex reassembling process, which severely hinders the commercialization of SIHC. Herein, in situ synthesized Na2S infiltrated in activated carbon was used as a sodium salt additive for supplying Na+ in SIHC. Due to a low ratio of Na2S additive attributed to high theoretical specific capacity, the fabricated Na2S/activated carbon composite//HC SIHC can show a higher energy density of 129.71 Wh kg−1 than previously reported SIHC on presodiation of cathode additives. Moreover, the designed SIHC shows an excellent cycling performance of 10,000 cycles, which is attributed to the Na2S additive with the advantages of low decomposition potential and no gas generation. This work provides a novel approach for the fabrication of highly efficient Na2S additive composite cathodes for SIHC.