bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucosidase inhibitor, Nimbidiol ameliorates renal fibrosis and dysfunction in type-1 diabetes
Authors: Juin Subir Kumar , Pushpakumar Sathnur , Tyagi Suresh C. , Sen Utpal 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDiabetic nephropathy is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to renal fibrosis, progressive deterioration of renal function, and eventually to end stage renal disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to regulate synthesis and degradation of the ECM. Earlier, we demonstrated that imbalanced MMPs promote adverse ECM remodeling leading to renal fibrosis in type-1 diabetes. Moreover, elevated macrophage infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokines and epithelial‒mesenchymal transition (EMT) are known to contribute to the renal fibrosis. Various bioactive compounds derived from the medicinal plant, Azadirachta indica (neem) are shown to regulate inflammation and ECM proteins in different diseases. Nimbidiol is a neem-derived diterpenoid that is considered as a potential anti-diabetic compound due to its glucosidase inhibitory properties. We investigated whether Nimbidiol mitigates adverse ECM accumulation and renal fibrosis to improve kidney function in type-1 diabetes and the underlying mechanism. Wild-type (C57BL/6J) and type-1 diabetic (C57BL/6‐Ins2Akita/J) mice were treated either with saline or with Nimbidiol (0.40 mg kg−1 d−1) for eight weeks. Diabetic kidney showed increased accumulation of M1 macrophages, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and EMT. In addition, upregulated MMP-9 and MMP-13, excessive collagen deposition in the glomerular and tubulointerstitial regions, and degradation of vascular elastin resulted to renal fibrosis in the Akita mice. These pathological changes in the diabetic mice were associated with functional impairments that include elevated resistive index and reduced blood flow in the renal cortex, and decreased glomerular filtration rate. Furthermore, TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, p-P38, p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK were upregulated in diabetic kidney compared to WT mice. Treatment with Nimbidiol reversed the changes to alleviate inflammation, ECM accumulation and fibrosis and thus, improved renal function in Akita mice. Together, our results suggest that Nimbidiol attenuates inflammation and ECM accumulation and thereby, protects kidney from fibrosis and dysfunction possibly by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad and MAPK signaling pathways in type-1 diabetes.
Validation of the Japanese version of the Interoception Sensory Questionnaire for individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Itoi Chihiro , Ujiie Yuta , Matsushima Kanae , Takahashi Kohske , Ide Masakazu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe Interoception Sensory Questionnaire (ISQ) is a self-report instrument used to assess the characteristics of interoceptive processing in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies have shown that scores of the ISQ are more appropriate than other subjective measures for evaluating difficulties in interoceptive processing in individuals with ASD. Yet, no prior research has demonstrated the validation of the ISQ in Japanese samples. This study attempted to validate the Japanese version of the ISQ (ISQ-J) by examining its psychometric properties. We confirmed the score distribution, internal consistency, and factor structure in Japanese samples. We also examined the relationships with other interoceptive questionnaires. In addition, we compared the scores of the ISQ-J between adolescents and adults with ASD participants and control participants. Results of confirmatory factor analyses showed that the reliability of the ISQ-J in adults with ASD reached an acceptable level of a one-factor structure with excellent internal consistency (α = 0.963). The result of the ISQ-J showed a significant positive correlation with the measure of awareness of interoceptive sensitivity for localized bodily states; on the other hand, a significant negative correlation was found with those integrated bodily states. In addition, the ISQ-J scores were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. The current findings depend on self-report data (including a diagnosis of ASD) to measure validity constructs. Additionally, since the ISQ-J was surveyed in adults with ASD, it is unclear whether similar the results would be obtained if the ISQ-J were conducted with children. These results indicate the validity and reliability of the ISQ-J and provide a tool for assessing confusion of interoceptive information in Japanese adults with ASD.
The dynamics of dyadic interactions between people of different ethnicities depend on their identification with all humanity
Authors: Hamer Katarzyna , López Pérez David , Drogosz Marek , Goworek Henryk 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIndividuals who have the disposition to identify with all humanity declare feeling close to people all over the world, caring about them, and perceiving them as an ingroup. However, never before were such declarations verified by measures of intergroup attitudes less direct than questionnaires, such as approach/avoidance tendencies or dynamical systems methods. Since individuals with higher dispositional identification with all humanity (IWAH) perceive people all over the world as ingroup members, we expected differences in the dynamic of inter-ethnic interactions (spatial distance, coordination, coupling, and leading), depending on a participant’s level of IWAH. 227 participants fulfilled the IWAH scale, and those with the highest and lowest scores took part in a laboratory study, performing a task in inter-ethnic dyads. For the first time, an approach that combines a state-of-the-art tracking algorithm with a dynamical systems method was applied in such a context. Our results showed that those higher in IWAH kept a smaller distance from a partner, took a more leading role, and showed better coordination than those lower in IWAH. We found a similar trend for coupling. The results demonstrated the importance of IWAH for inter-ethnic relations and how it may shape non-verbal behaviors. Limitations are discussed.
Using household economic survey data to assess food expenditure patterns and trends in a high-income country with notable health inequities
Authors: Nghiem Nhung , Teng Andrea , Cleghorn Christine , McKerchar Christina , Wilson Nick 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to identify dietary trends in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) and whether inequities in dietary patterns are changing. We extracted data from the Household Economic Survey (HES), which was designed to provide information on impacts of policy-making in NZ, and performed descriptive analyses on food expenditures. Overall, total household food expenditure per capita increased by 0.38% annually over this period. Low-income households spent around three quarters of what high-income households spent on food per capita. High-income households experienced a greater increase in expenditure on nuts and seeds and a greater reduction in expenditure on processed meat. There was increased expenditure over time on fruit and vegetables nuts and seeds, and healthy foods in Māori (Indigenous) households with little variations in non-Māori households. But there was little change in processed meat expenditure for Māori households and expenditure on less healthy foods also increased over time. Routinely collected HES data were useful and cost-effective for understanding trends in food expenditure patterns to inform public health interventions, in the absence of nutrition survey data. Potentially positive expenditure trends for Māori were identified, however, food expenditure inequities in processed meat and less healthy foods by ethnicity and income continue to be substantial.
Numerical simulation of stratospheric QBO impact on the planetary waves up to the thermosphere
Authors: Koval A. V. , Gavrilov N. M. , Kandieva K. K. , Ermakova T. S. , Didenko K. A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWith the help of numerical simulation, a detailed analysis of the dynamical effect of the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) of the equatorial zonal wind on the planetary waves (PWs) up to thermospheric heights is carried out for the first time. The 3-dimensional nonlinear mechanistic model of middle and upper atmosphere (MUAM) is used, which is capable of simulating the general atmospheric circulation from the surface up to 300–400 km altitude. The amplitudes of stationary and westward travelling PWs with periods from 4 to 10 days are calculated based on ensembles of model simulations for conditions corresponding to the easterly and westerly QBO phases. Fluxes of wave activity and refractive indices of the atmosphere are calculated to analyze the detailed behavior of the PWs. The important result to emerge is that the stratospheric QBO causes statistically significant changes in the amplitudes of individual wave components up to 25% in the mesosphere-lower thermosphere and 10% changes above 200 km. This change in wave structures should be especially noticeable in the atmosphere during periods of low solar activity, when the direct contribution of solar activity fluctuations is minimized. Propagating from the troposphere to the upper atmosphere, PWs contribute to the propagation of the QBO signal not only from the equatorial region to extratropical latitudes, but also from the stratosphere to the thermosphere. The need for a detailed analysis of large-scale wave disturbances in the upper atmosphere and their relationship with the underlying layers is due, in particular, to their significant impact on satellite navigation and communication systems, which is caused by amplitude and phase fluctuations of the radio signal.
Seasonal variation in daily activity patterns of snow leopards and their prey
Authors: Johansson Örjan , Mishra Charudutt , Chapron Guillaume , Samelius Gustaf , Lkhagvajav Purevjav , McCarthy Tom , Low Matthew 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe daily and seasonal activity patterns of snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are poorly understood, limiting our ecological understanding and hampering our ability to mitigate threats such as climate change and retaliatory killing in response to livestock predation. We fitted GPS-collars with activity loggers to snow leopards, Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica: their main prey), and domestic goats (Capra hircus: common livestock prey) in Mongolia between 2009 and 2020. Snow leopards were facultatively nocturnal with season-specific crepuscular activity peaks: seasonal activity shifted towards night-sunrise during summer, and day-sunset in winter. Snow leopard activity was in contrast to their prey, which were consistently diurnal. We interpret these results in relation to: (1) darkness as concealment for snow leopards when stalking in an open landscape (nocturnal activity), (2) low-intermediate light preferred for predatory ambush in steep rocky terrain (dawn and dusk activity), and (3) seasonal activity adjustments to facilitate thermoregulation in an extreme environment. These patterns suggest that to minimise human-wildlife conflict, livestock should be corralled at night and dawn in summer, and dusk in winter. It is likely that climate change will intensify seasonal effects on the snow leopard's daily temporal niche for thermoregulation in the future.
An investigation of metabolome in blood in patients with chronic peripheral, posttraumatic/postsurgical neuropathic pain
Authors: Ghafouri Bijar , Thordeman Katarina , Hadjikani Romina , Bay Nord Anders , Gerdle Björn , Bäckryd Emmanuel 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNeuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain condition resulting from a lesion or disease in the somatosensory nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolome in plasma from patients with chronic peripheral, posttraumatic/postsurgical NP compared to healthy controls. Further, we aimed to investigate the correlation between pain intensity and the metabolome in plasma. The metabolic profile in plasma samples from 16 patients with chronic NP and 12 healthy controls was analyzed using a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy method. Information about pain intensity, pain duration, body mass index (BMI), age, sex, and blood pressure were obtained through a questionnaire and clinical examination. Multivariate data analysis was used to identify metabolites significant for group separation and their correlation with pain intensity and duration, BMI, and age. We found 50 out of 326 features in plasma significantly contributing to group discrimination between NP and controls. Several of the metabolites that significantly differed were involved in inflammatory processes, while others were important for central nervous system functioning and neural signaling. There was no correlation between pain intensity and levels of metabolite in NP. These findings indicate that there seems to be peripheral/systemic differences in the metabolic profile between patients with chronic NP and healthy individuals.
Sexual dimorphism in acute myocardial infarction-induced acute kidney injury: cardiorenal deteriorating effects of ovariectomy in premenopausal female mice
Authors: Habeichi Nada J. , Ghali Rana , Mroueh Ali , Kaplan Abdullah , Tannous Cynthia , Jurjus Abdo , Amin Ghadir , Mericskay Mathias , Booz George W. , El-Yazbi Ahmed , Zouein Fouad A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in both males and females, increasing mortality rate substantially. Premenopausal females appear to be more protected, suggesting a potential protective role of female sex hormones. Here, we tested the hypothesis that ovariectomy (OVX) eliminates the beneficial effect of female sex on renal protection following acute myocardial infarction (MI). Seven days post-MI, both sexes exhibited worsened kidney function and a substantial decrease in total kidney NAD levels. Unlike MI female mice, MI males showed exacerbated morphological alterations with increased proinflammatory, proapoptotic, and profibrotic biomarkers. The expression of NAD+ biosynthetic enzymes NAMPT and NMRK-1 was increased in MI females only, while males showed a substantial increase in NAD+ consuming enzyme PARP-1. OVX did not eliminate the female-sex protection of glomerular morphology but was associated with swelling of proximal convoluted tubules with MI as in males. With OVX, MI females had enhanced proinflammatory cytokine release, and a further decrease in creatinine clearance and urine output was observed. Our findings suggest that MI induced AKI in both sexes with pre-menopausal female mice being more protected. Ovariectomy worsens aspects of AKI in females after MI, which may portend increased risk for development of chronic kidney disease.
Psychometrische Prüfung des deutschsprachigen
„Neurologischen Fragebogens zur Müdigkeit bei Multipler Sklerose
(NFI-MS-G)“ bei Rehabilitanden mit Multipler Sklerose
Authors: Seebacher Barbara , Horton Mike C. , Reindl Markus , Brenneis Christian , Ehling Rainer , Deisenhammer Florian , Mills Roger J. 
Published: December 2022

Zusammenfassung
Ziel Ziel dieser Studie war es, ein Instrument zur
Selbsteinschätzung von Fatigue für Multiple Sklerose (MS)
Patientinnen und Patienten zu erstellen, welches das Konstrukt der Fatigue
umfassend abbildet und anhand der Annahmen des Rasch-Modells, entwickelt wurde.
Der Neurological Fatigue Index – Multiple Sclerosis (NFI-MS) basiert
sowohl auf einem medizinischen als auch von MS Betroffenen beschriebenen
Bezugsrahmen von Fatigue Symptomen und wurde stringent validiert. Daher wurde in
dieser Studie die deutsche Fassung des NFI-MS, der Neurologische Fragebogen zur
Müdigkeit bei Multipler Sklerose (NFI-MS-G), bestehend aus einer
physischen und kognitiven Subskala, validiert.
Methodik In dieser bizentrischen Studie komplettierten 309 MS Betroffene
im Rahmen ihrer ambulanten Rehabilitation oder≥2 Monate vor bzw. nach
ihrer stationären Rehabilitation zu zwei Testzeitpunkten innerhalb von
14–21 Tagen den NFI-MS-G sowie weitere Fragebögen. Die
Validierung erfolgte anhand von Korrelationen mit etablierten Fragebögen
und der Rasch Analyse. Zusätzlich wurden psychometrische
Gütekriterien der Known-Groups Validität, internen Konsistenz,
Test-Retest Reliabilität, Messgenauigkeit und Lesbarkeit evaluiert.
Abschließend wurden die englische NFI-MS und deutsche NFI-MS-G
miteinander verglichen, um zu überprüfen, ob die Sprachversionen
einander entsprechen.
Ergebnisse Die NFI-MS-G zeigte eine gute interne
Konstruktvalidität, konvergente und Known-Groups Validität und
interne Konsistenz (Cronbach Alpha 0,84–0,93). Die physische Subskala
zeigte geringgradige Abhängigkeiten zwischen Items 1 und 7, 2 und 3 und
4 bis 6, die mittels einer Kombination betroffener Items zu Testlets behandelt
werden konnten. Die physische und kognitive Subskala zeigten sich
eindimensional, nicht jedoch die Summenskala. Anstelle der Summenskala wurde ein
2-Domänen Subtest erstellt, der ein Fatigue-Konstrukt höherer
Ordnung misst. Des Weiteren wurde eine gute Test-Retest Reliabilität
(Konkordanzkorrelations-Koeffizient nach Lin 0,86–0,90), geringe Boden-
und Deckeneffekte, leichte Lesbarkeit und Invarianz für Gruppen
unterschiedlichen Geschlechts, Alters, Krankheitsdauer, Testzeitpunkt und
Zentrum festgestellt.
Schlussfolgerung Die deutsche Fassung des NFI-MS bildet das Konstrukt der
Fatigue umfassend ab und besitzt eine adäquate psychometrische
Güte. Die deutsche Fassung unterscheidet sich von der englischen
Originalversion hinsichtlich mangelnder Eindimensionalität der
Summenskala und geringgradiger lokaler Abhängigkeiten der physischen
Subskala, die mittels einer Testlet-Analyse ausgeglichen werden konnten.
Early phase trial of intracystic injection of large surface area microparticle paclitaxel for treatment of mucinous pancreatic cysts
Authors: Othman Mohamed , Patel Kalpesh , Krishna Somashekar G. , Mendoza-Ladd Antonio , Verco Shelagh , Abidi Wasif , Verco James , Wendt Alison , diZerega Gere 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background and study aims Mucinous pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) have the potential for malignant transformation, for which the only accepted curative modality is surgery. A novel intracystic therapy with large surface area microparticle paclitaxel (LSAM-PTX) may treat PCLs without local or systemic toxicities. Safety and preliminary efficacy of LSAM-PTX for the treatment of PCLs administered by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle injection (EUS-FNI) was evaluated.
Patients and methods Ten subjects with confirmed PCLs (size > 1.5 cm) received intracystic LSAM-PTX via EUS-FNI at volumes equal to those aspirated from the cyst in sequential cohorts at 6, 10, and 15 mg/mL in a standard “3 + 3” dose-escalation protocol. The highest dose with acceptable safety and tolerability was taken into the confirmatory phase where nine additional subjects received two injections of LSAM-PTX 12 weeks apart. Subjects were followed for 6 months after initial LSAM-PTX treatment for endpoints including: adverse events (AEs), tolerability, pharmacokinetic analysis of systemic paclitaxel drug levels, and change in cyst volume.
Results Nineteen subjects completed the study. No dose-limiting toxicities, treatment-related serious AEs, or clinically significant laboratory changes were reported. Systemic paclitaxel concentrations did not exceed 3.5 ng/mL at any timepoint measured and fell below 1 ng/mL by Week 2, supporting the lack of systemic toxicity. By Week 24 a cyst volume reduction (10–78 %) was seen in 70.6 % of subjects.
Conclusions Intracystic injection of LSAM-PTX into mucinous PCLs resulted in no significant AEs, a lack of systemic absorption, and resulted in reduction of cyst volume over a 6 month period.
Oxidativer Stress, Oxidantien und Antioxidantien in der Medizin
Authors: Siems Werner , Brenke Rainer 
Published: December 2022

SummaryFreie Radikale sind Atome oder Moleküle mit mindestens einem ungepaarten Valenzelektron.Radikale, etwa Sauerstoff-Radikale oder auch reaktive Sauerstoffspezies (ROS) genannt, spielen bei einer Vielzahl biologischer Prozesse eine wichtige Rolle. Liegen sie im Übermaß im Körper vor, kommt es zu oxidativem Stress. Hierbei werden die Zellen und Gewebe im Körper durch freie Radikale zerstört. Dies kann verschiedene Erkrankungen mit begünstigen, wie zum Beispiel Krebserkrankungen oder Typ-2-Diabetes mellitus.Freie Radikale entstehen durch Belastungen aus der Umwelt, zum Beispiel Chemie- oder Strahlenexposition, aber auch durch zu viel Stress, Nikotin- und Alkoholkonsum. Antioxidantien neutralisieren freie Radikale und können so Zellschäden vorbeugen. Sie finden sich zum Beispiel in verschiedenen Obst- und Gemüsesorten. Durch Bewegung und Kaltreize lässt sich zudem die Produktion körpereigener Antioxidantien ankurbeln.
Sauerstoff – immer notwendig, gezielt sparen kann helfen
Authors: Stange Rainer 
Published: December 2022

SummaryErst seit relativ kurzer Zeit werden biopositive wie -negative Folgen von Hypoxie gleichermaßen konsequent untersucht. Parallel hat sich mit der IHHT bereits eine Therapierichtung etabliert, die technisch zeitgemäß handhabbar ist und bislang keine größeren Sicherheitsprobleme erkennen ließ. Ein therapeutischer Nutzen jenseits der Leistungssteigerung für Gesunde scheint sich vor allem in Fragen der Neuroprotektion und Alternsverzögerung zu manifestieren.
A 5.8 GHz high-gain flexible receiving antenna for wireless power transmission
Authors: Peng Wenxiong , Li Xinyuan , Zhang Huaiqing , Liu Zhewei , Song Wei 
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a 5.8 GHz, high-gain flexible receiving antenna (FRA) is proposed, which can be used for wireless power transmission (WPT) systems. The FRA is designed by an iterative process and is etched on Kapton, with a coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed. In order to improve the gain of the FRA, an air-gap and a flexible reflector are loaded, and the gain is improved from 2.79 to 9.51 dBi at 5.8 GHz. To validate the stability of FRA, the fabricated prototype uses three configurations of 80, 70, and 50 mm. The impedance matching keeps well, and the gain of the FRA can sustain above 8.96 dBi. In addition, a miniaturized WPT system was built. The measured results show that the proposed FRA has a maximum harvesting efficiency (HE) of 71.3%, and it can maintain the maximum HE above 63% in bending conditions. The lightweight, high-gain, and high HE in various cases prove the huge potential of the FRA in WPT applications.
Reintroducing a Kitten to a Resident Senior Cat
Authors: Chamberlain Sally 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This case study describes how to reintroduce a kitten to a resident senior cat after the initial introduction did not go well. The resident cat did not accept the kitten and was spending more time outside. When she came into contact with the kitten, she would hiss and growl. A slow reintroduction was carried out which was unique to this particular set of circumstances by allowing the kitten to interact in a controlled way with the older cat whilst on a harness and lead outside. A similar method can also be used indoors with a barrier in-between the cats, tailored to suit each case, which is described under Option 2 in the ‘Courses of Action and Treatment’ section.