bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The preventive effects of different doses of atorvastatin on contrast‐induced acute kidney injury after CT perfusion
Authors: Yan Shi‐Xin , Gao Man , Yang Tian‐Hao , Tian Chao , Jin Song 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundContrast‐induced acute kidney injury (CI‐AKI) is a severe complication among patients receiving intravascular contrast media. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of pretreatment of atorvastatin at intensive doses on CI‐AKI after computed tomography (CT) perfusion.MethodsThe levels of serum creatinine (SCR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Cystatin C (CysC), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in patients were compared between the observation group receiving 40 mg/kg atorvastatin and the control group receiving 20 mg/kg atorvastatin before and 72 h after CT examination. In addition, the incidence of CI‐AKI was recorded.ResultsCompared with the control group, the incidence of renal injury in the observation group was significantly reduced, from 8% to 2% (χ2 = 6.62, p = 0.010). In addition, there was no notable difference in the levels of Scr, BUN, CysC, hs‐CRP, and IL‐6 before CT examination between two groups (p > 0.05). The levels of SCR, BUN, CysC, hs‐CRP, and IL‐6 were increased, while the levels of eGFR were decreased in the control group at 72 h after CT examination (p < 0.05). At 72 h after CT enhancement, the levels of BUN, CysC, and hs‐CRP were prominently increased in the observation group (p < 0.05), while SCR, eGFR, and IL‐6 did not change (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of SCR, BUN, CysC, eGFR, hs‐CRP, and IL‐6 in the observation group were significantly decreased at 72 h after CT examination (p < 0.05).ConclusionIntensive dose of atorvastatin pretreatment can prevent CI‐AKI undergoing CT perfusion through lowering inflammation as well as renal function indexes SCR, CysC, BUN, and eGFR.
Maternal vitamin D deficiency affects the morphology and function of glycolytic muscle in adult offspring rats
Authors: Reis Natany G. , Assis Ana P. , Lautherbach Natália , Gonçalves Dawit A. , Silveira Wilian A. , Morgan Henrique J.N. , Valentim Rafael R. , Almeida Lucas F. , Heck Lilian C. , Zanon Neusa M. , Koike Tatiana E. , Santos Audrei R. , Miyabara Elen H. , Kettelhut Isis C. , Navegantes Luiz C. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundFetal stage is a critical developmental window for the skeletal muscle, but little information is available about the impact of maternal vitamin D (Vit. D) deficiency (VDD) on offspring lean mass development in the adult life of male and female animals.MethodsFemale rats (Wistar Hannover) were fed either a control (1000 IU Vit. D3/kg) or a VDD diet (0 IU Vit. D3/kg) for 6 weeks and during gestation and lactation. At weaning, male and female offspring were randomly separated and received a standard diet up to 180 days old.ResultsVitamin D deficiency induced muscle atrophy in the male (M‐VDD) offspring at the end of weaning, an effect that was reverted along the time. Following 180 days, fast‐twitch skeletal muscles [extensor digitorum longus (EDL)] from the M‐VDD showed a decrease (20%; P < 0.05) in the number of total fibres but an increase in the cross‐sectional area of IIB (17%; P < 0.05), IIA (19%; P < 0.05) and IIAX (21%; P < 0.05) fibres. The fibre hypertrophy was associated with the higher protein levels of MyoD (73%; P < 0.05) and myogenin (55% %; P < 0.05) and in the number of satellite cells (128.8 ± 14 vs. 91 ± 7.6 nuclei Pax7 + in the M‐CTRL; P < 0.05). M‐VDD increased time to fatigue during ex vivo contractions of EDL muscles and showed an increase in the phosphorylation levels of IGF‐1/insulin receptor and their downstream targets related to anabolic processes and myogenic activation, including Ser 473Akt and Ser 21/9GSK‐3β. In such muscles, maternal VDD induced a compensatory increase in the content of calcitriol (two‐fold; P < 0.05) and CYP27B1 (58%; P < 0.05), a metabolizing enzyme that converts calcidiol to calcitriol. Interestingly, most morphological and biochemical changes found in EDL were not observed in slow‐twitch skeletal muscles (soleus) from the M‐VDD group as well as in both EDL and soleus muscles from the female offspring.ConclusionsThese data show that maternal VDD selectively affects the development of type‐II muscle fibres in male offspring rats but not in female offspring rats and suggest that the enhancement of their size and fatigue resistance in fast‐twitch skeletal muscle (EDL) is probably due to a compensatory increase in the muscle content of Vit. D in the adult age.
Prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome and its associated risk factors among university students of Bangladesh
Authors: Das Anita , Razon Arafat H , Ahmad Tanvir , Paul Dipak K 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common gastrointestinal disorder worldwide, but research regarding this disease is rare in Bangladesh. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of IBS and its associated risk factors among university students in Bangladesh.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study. A total of 300 randomly selected participants were included in this study. By using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric methods, we collected all the required data for our study. The diagnosis of IBS was based on Rome III criteria.ResultsThe overall prevalence of IBS was 39.3%, but the majority (77.3%) had no basic awareness of IBS. In our study, anxiety and depression (χ2 = 6.817; odds ratio [OR] = 1.910; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.172, 3.113; P = 0.011) had a significant relationship with IBS and IBS had a significant (P < 0.001) relationship with food intolerance (χ2 = 8.737; OR = 2.130; 95% CI = 1.284, 3.531), chest pain (χ2 = 7.482; OR = 2.035; 95% CI = 1.218, 3.401), and insomnia (χ2 = 19.320; OR = 2.907; 95% CI = 1.794, 4.709). In our dietary data, the intake patterns of vegetables (P = 0.000), fast food (P = 0.000), and tea–coffee (P = 0.003) showed a strong significant association with IBS. On the other hand, monthly household income (P = 0.154) and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.138) showed no significant association with IBS. Among our study subjects, IBS‐constipation (54.2%) was more common than IBS‐diarrhea (27.1%) and IBS‐mixed (18.6%). Moreover, among the 118 IBS respondents, 67.8% had a headache with increased flatulence (95.8%) as the most common IBS‐related complication.ConclusionIBS is common in university students of Bangladesh and is associated with anxiety, depression, and particular dietary patterns.
Treadmill exercise promotes retinal astrocyte plasticity and protects against retinal degeneration in a mouse model of light‐induced retinal degeneration
Authors: Bales Katie L. , Chacko Alicia S. , Nickerson John M. , Boatright Jeffrey H. , Pardue Machelle T. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractExercise is an effective neuroprotective intervention that preserves retinal function and structure in several animal models of retinal degeneration. However, the retinal cell types governing exercise‐induced neuroprotection remain elusive. Previously, we found exercise‐induced retinal neuroprotection was associated with increased levels of retinal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and required intact signal transduction with its high‐affinity receptor, tropomyosin kinase B (TrkB). Brain studies have shown astrocytes express BDNF and TrkB and that decreased BDNF–TrkB signaling in astrocytes contributes to neurodegeneration. Additionally, exercise has been shown to alter astrocyte morphology. Using a light‐induced retinal degeneration (LIRD) model, we investigated how exercise influences retinal astrocytes in adult male BALB/c mice. Treadmill exercise in dim control and LIRD groups had increased astrocyte density, GFAP labeling, branching, dendritic endpoints, and arborization. Meanwhile, inactive LIRD animals had significant reductions in all measured parameters. Additionally, exercised groups had increased astrocytic BDNF expression that was visualized using proximity ligase assay. Isolated retinal astrocytes from exercised LIRD groups had significantly increased expression of a specific isoform of TrkB associated with cell survival, TrkB.FL. Conversely, inactive LIRD isolated retinal astrocytes had significantly increased expression of TrkB.T1, which has been implicated in neuronal cell death. Our data indicate exercise not only alters retinal astrocyte morphology but also promotes specific BDNF–TrkB signaling associated with cell survival and protection during retinal degeneration. These findings provide novel insights into the effects of treadmill exercise on retinal astrocyte morphology and cellular expression, highlighting retinal astrocytes as a potential cell type involved in BDNF–TrkB signaling.
Study on the moving cross‐hatched textures under starved lubrication based on parallel calculation
Authors: Liu Zhan , Meng Xianghui , Zhang Limin , Wang Xing , Cheng Weisheng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe oil storage effect of textures is beneficial for lubrication performance under starved lubrication. When the larger of the two surfaces in friction pairs is textured, the moving textures should be considered because the boundary conditions are transiently changed at each moment. This is especially for the cross‐hatched textures, which are manufactured on the cylinder liner while not on the piston ring. However, it means that the calculation cost will be very expensive for engineering friction pairs because the required calculation scale is very large and the required time step is very small. So the dynamic characteristics of moving textures on engineering surfaces are normally neglected in the existing researches. In this study, a starved lubrication model of the piston ring‐cylinder liner (PRCL) system is established considering the oil storage effect, local hydrodynamic effect and dynamic characteristics of the moving cross‐hatched textures. To speed up the calculation, an efficient parallel algorithm is developed. The results show that there is a significant difference in minimum oil film thickness (MOFT), wear load and oil film boundaries between stationary textures and moving textures, so the moving textures should not be simplified. This is helpful to find a better design of textures for engineering friction pairs.
Biodegradable PBAT/PLA/CaCO3 Blowing Films with Enhanced Mechanical and Barrier Properties: Investigation of Size and Content of CaCO3 Particles
Authors: Ma Fahang , Wang Bo , Leng Xuefei , Wang Ying , Sun Zhijing , Wang Pei , Sang Lin , Wei Zhiyong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBiodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid)/calcium carbonate (PBAT/PLA/CaCO3) blend films with variable compositions are prepared using one‐step melt‐blending and a following film‐blowing. The effects of CaCO3 content and particle size on the physicochemical properties of the films are investigated. The rheology results demonstrate that the storage modulus and complex viscosity are increased with the increasing CaCO3 content. The tensile performance and tear resistance including both the machine direction (MD) and transverse direction (TD) are also improved by adding CaCO3. Especially, P7/P3/C300030 achieves the highest tensile and tearing strength in MD of 31 ± 2.5 MPa and 99 ± 4.0 N mm−1, respectively. Compared with unfilled PBAT/PLA films, the water vapor transmission greatly declines from 621 to 287 g m−2 24 h and the oxygen transmission values are also reduced from 1400 to 1010 cm3 m−2 d Pa after the incorporation of CaCO3 particles. A slight decrease in thermal stability is detected in PBAT/PLA/CaCO3, but overall, the decomposition temperature is much higher than the processing and service temperature. Therefore, the biodegradable PBAT/PLA films with low‐cost CaCO3 fillers demonstrate excellent mechanical and oxygen and moisture barrier performance, which show great potentials in food‐packaging and mulch film in the agriculture field.
Light Scattering of Electrospinning Jet with Internal Structures by Flow‐Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Chen Guan‐Jie , Lai Hsin‐Yi , Lu Pin‐Hsien , Chang Yu‐Chia , Wang Chi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHerein, the direct morphological evidence of the extension‐induced phase‐separated structures in the electrospinning jet observed by high‐speed video imaging and by light scattering technique is reported. Model solutions of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/water are electrospun. Two types of internal structures, that is, long strings and short ellipsoids, are found. A light scattering model is derived for the Vv scattering configuration to account for the scattered intensities contributed from the liquid jet itself and those from the internal structures. For the severely stretching jet of PVA/water, the Vv intensity profile is dominant by the internal structures to mask the scattering contribution from the jet itself. Moreover, the Hv intensity profile reflects the anisotropy of the oriented chains parallel to the jet axis. For the 7 wt% solution, the derived extension rate in the vicinity of the Taylor cone apex is about 3420 s−1, which is higher than the Rouse relaxation rate measured by rheometer. It is concluded that extension‐induced phase separation of the single‐phase PVA solution is likely to occur in Taylor‐cone apex to trigger the self‐assembly process for producing strings (and/or bulges) in the flowing jet, which eventually transform to become the nanofibers, after solvent removal, to be collected on the grounded collector.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition: The history, regulatory mechanism, and cancer therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Huang Zhao , Zhang Zhe , Zhou Chengwei , Liu Lin , Huang Canhua 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program wherein epithelial cells lose their junctions and polarity while acquiring mesenchymal properties and invasive ability. Originally defined as an embryogenesis event, EMT has been recognized as a crucial process in tumor progression. During EMT, cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix attachments are disrupted, and the cytoskeleton is remodeled to enhance mobility of cells. This transition of phenotype is largely driven by a group of key transcription factors, typically Snail, Twist, and ZEB, through epigenetic repression of epithelial markers, transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and reorganization of cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, EMT is orchestrated by multiple pathways, especially those involved in embryogenesis such as TGFβ, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo, suggesting EMT as an intrinsic link between embryonic development and cancer progression. In addition, redox signaling has also emerged as critical EMT modulator. EMT confers cancer cells with increased metastatic potential and drug resistant capacity, which accounts for tumor recurrence in most clinic cases. Thus, targeting EMT can be a therapeutic option providing a chance of cure for cancer patients. Here, we introduce a brief history of EMT and summarize recent advances in understanding EMT mechanisms, as well as highlighting the therapeutic opportunities by targeting EMT in cancer treatment.
An empirical evaluation of alternative approaches to adjusting for attrition when analyzing longitudinal survey data on young adults' substance use trajectories
Authors: Si Yajuan , West Brady T. , Veliz Philip , Patrick Megan E. , Schulenberg John E. , Kloska Deborah D. , Terry‐McElrath Yvonne M. , McCabe Sean E. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectivesLongitudinal survey data allow for the estimation of developmental trajectories of substance use from adolescence to young adulthood, but these estimates may be subject to attrition bias. Moreover, there is a lack of consensus regarding the most effective statistical methodology to adjust for sample selection and attrition bias when estimating these trajectories. Our objective is to develop specific recommendations regarding adjustment approaches for attrition in longitudinal surveys in practice.MethodsAnalyzing data from the national U.S. Monitoring the Future panel study following four cohorts of individuals from modal ages 18 to 29/30, we systematically compare alternative approaches to analyzing longitudinal data with a wide range of substance use outcomes, and examine the sensitivity of inferences regarding substance use prevalence and trajectories as a function of college attendance to the approach used.ResultsOur results show that analyzing all available observations in each wave, while simultaneously accounting for the correlations among repeated observations, sample selection, and attrition, is the most effective approach. The adjustment effects are pronounced in wave‐specific descriptive estimates but generally modest in covariate‐adjusted trajectory modeling.ConclusionsThe adjustments can refine the precision, and, to some extent, the implications of our findings regarding young adult substance use trajectories.
The effects of adding splint use to corticosteroid injection for the treatment of trigger finger: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tajik Hamidreza , Shirzad Niloofar , Rahimibarghani Sarvenaz , Rezapour Bahare , Nejadhosseinian Mohammad , Faezi Seyedeh T. , Fateh Hamid R. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundTrigger finger is the most common flexor tendinopathy affecting the general population. We evaluated the effects of adding a static metacarpophalangeal joint splint to corticosteroid injection for the management of trigger finger in the short term.MethodsWe carried out a randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms in Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at a university hospital. We randomly allocated 60 participants (34 women) with trigger fingers other than the thumb to two groups (both n = 30). The mean (SD) age was 41.5 (7.6) years. All participants received a single injection of 40 mg methylprednisolone plus 0.5 ml of lidocaine at the A1 pulley. Patients in the splint group wore a full time static splint for blocking the metacarpophalangeal joint for 3 months. The primary outcome was the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the secondary outcomes were Boston questionnaire scores for symptom severity and functional status, grip strength, and the stages of stenosing tenosynovitis. We measured the outcomes at baseline, and in 1 and 3 months post‐intervention.ResultsBoth interventions were effective; however, the splint group showed more reductions in pain (p = 0.013) and symptom severity (p = 0.047) and a larger decrease in the stages of tenosynovitis (p = 0.004) after 3 months. There was no significant difference in decreasing functional scores between the groups (p = 0.162). The splint group had a better (but not statistically significant) restoring grip strength (p = 0.056).ConclusionWearing of a static metacarpophalangeal joint splint for 3 months following a single injection of corticosteroid increases and stabilises the benefits of the treatment for trigger finger.
Effects of high‐fat diet on nutrient metabolism and cognitive functions in young APPKINL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice
Authors: Wang Wei , Tanokashira Daisuke , Shibayama Yudai , Tsuji Ryuhei , Maruyama Megumi , Kuroiwa Chiemi , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Taguchi Akiko 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an increased risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the relationship between the 2 conditions is controversial. High‐fat diet (HFD) causes cognitive impairment with/without Aβ accumulation in middle‐aged or aged transgenic (Tg) and knock‐in (KI) AD mouse models, except for metabolic disorders, which commonly occur in all mice types. Alternatively, whether HFD in early life has an impact on nutrient metabolism and neurological phenotypes in young AD mouse models is not known. In the present study, we examined the effects of HFD on young APPKINL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice, one of the novel KI‐AD mouse models.MethodsThe mice were categorized by diet into 2 experimental groups, normal diet (ND) and HFD. Four‐week‐old wild‐type (WT) and APPKINL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice were fed ND or HFD for 9 weeks. Both types of mice on ND and HFD were examined during young adulthood.ResultsHFD caused T2DM‐related metabolic disturbances in both young WT and APPKINL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice, whereas impaired thermoregulation and shortage of alternative energy sources specifically occurred in young APPKINL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice. However, HFD had no impact on the cognitive function, Aβ levels, and phosphorylation of hippocampal insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) at all the 3 Ser sites in both types of mice.ConclusionHFD is effective in causing metabolic disturbances in young WT and APPKINL‐G‐F/NL‐G‐F mice but is ineffective in inducing neurological disorders in both types of mice, suggesting that the aging effects, along with long‐term HFD, facilitate neurological alterations.
Standing in Cost‐Benefit Analysis: Where, Who, What (Counts)?
Authors: Boardman Anthony E. , Greenberg David H. , Vining Aidan R. , Weimer David L. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWhose costs and benefits should count in cost‐benefit analysis (CBA)? This is an important practical question requiring answers for analysts because most government agencies offer only permissive or vague guidance. Drawing primarily on foundational CBA principles, we present a conceptual framework for specifying standing to answer three important boundary questions: Where? Who? What? First, a standing framework requires a definition of jurisdictional boundaries (the “where” question), whether national, subnational, or supranational. Second, a framework should be clear about which persons within the jurisdiction have standing (the “who” question). For example, should undocumented residents have standing? Third, the framework requires clarity on the standing of certain individual preferences (the “what” question), such as for harmfully addictive private or public goods that express “moral sentiments,” or when choices do not maximize the value of consumption. We seek to provide guidance for CBA practice within this framework.
The moderation effect of secure attachment on the relationship between positive events and wellbeing
Authors: Spence Ruth , Kagan Lisa , Nunn Stephen , Bailey‐Rodriguez Deborah , Fisher Helen L. , Hosang Georgina M. , Bifulco Antonia 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPositive events can reduce depression as well as enhance wellbeing. The role of secure attachment style in moderating the relationship between positive events and wellbeing is examined to further understand wellbeing models. Participants (n = 490) included two midlife groups and a student group from the UK. They completed the online Computerized Life Event Assessment Record (CLEAR), a measure of life events, the Vulnerable Attachment Style Questionnaire (VASQ), and the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). Age was associated with higher rates of wellbeing and secure attachment style. A significant relationship was found between number of positive events and wellbeing, number of people close, and secure attachment score. Hierarchical multiple regression indicated a significant interaction between secure attachment style, number of positive life events, and wellbeing. Simple slopes analysis demonstrated the association between positive life events and wellbeing was significant for secure attachment (B = 1.27, p = .003) but not insecure attachment (B = 0.04, non‐significant). This suggests securely attached individuals are better able to take advantage of positive life events than insecurely attached individuals and experience a greater increase in wellbeing.