bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The hematopoietic function of medicinal wine Maoji Jiu revealed in blood deficiency model rats
Authors: Xu Yongli , Zeng Fanqiang , Jiang Jianping , Huo Juan , Zhao Chengjian , Yan Zhigang , Li Li 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Maoji Jiu (MJ), a medicinal wine, has been used commonly by Chinese to enrich and nourish the blood. In this study, the aim is to examine the hematopoietic function of MJ and investigate its anti-blood deficiency mechanism. Methods: 36 rats were randomly divided into six groups with six rats in each group. The blood deficiency model was induced by injecting with N-acetylphenylhydrazine (APH) and injected intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide (CTX), and treatment drugs were given by oral gavage twice each day for continuous 10 days from the start of experiments. Results: The administration of MJ improved the levels of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) in the blood deficiency model rats. Hematopoietic effect involves in regulating the antioxidant activity in the liver and the levels of Bcl-2, Bax, erythropoietin (EPO), transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β1) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) mRNA in spleen tissues to enhance extramedullary hematopoiesis. Conclusion: This study suggests that MJ has a beneficial effect on blood deficiency model rats.
Analysis of Physical and Chemical Properties of Alternative Substrate Material for Sustainable Green Roofs
Authors: Kader Shuraik A 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Green roof of a building is partially or completely enfolded with vegetation and its associated components. It promotes the sustainability and comfort of buildings. This study determines the most suitable growing substrate by investigating organic wastes of Sawdust, Wood bark, Bio char, Coir, Compost and Base medium (fertilizer + potting mix) through comparing density, moisture content, drought resistance, thermal resistance, vegetation growth, pH, electric conductivity (EC) and nutrients. Unlike previous studies on green roof substrates, we have investigated chemical parameters and showed its importance on substrate selection. Unique mathematical concepts were used to find thermal conductivity and EC of specimens in our research. Preliminary study results shows that the most substrate composition includes 60% selected substrate and 40% base medium. Base medium (90:10) has highest bearing capacity to withstand external loads including vegetation and other imposed loads. Sawdust (60:40) exhibited consisted the least saturated unit weight, dry unit weight and the highest moisture content. In terms of drought resistance and vegetation growth, Bio char (60:40) was exceptional. Wood bark (60:40) exhibited the most convincing thermal resistance. The best characteristics in terms of pH, EC and nutrient content were exhibited by Sawdust (60:40), Coir (60:40) and Compost (60:40) correspondingly. Based on final ratings by considering all the experimental results, Coir (60:40) have emerged as the optimum growing medium in terms of physical and chemical properties. This experimental study results would provide a strong framework for construction industries to enhance sustainable green roof constructions with best practice in substrate selection.
Transplantation of Viable Allogeneic Mitochondria Improves Gas Exchange and Alveolar-Capillary Permeability in Rats with Endotoxin-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: PANG YU-LI , FANG SHI-YUAN , CHENG TZU-TING , HUANG CHIEN-CHI , LIN MING-WEI , LAM CHEN-FUH , CHEN KUEN-BAO 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Acute lung injuries (ALI) cause disruption of the alveolar-capillary barrier and remains as the leading cause of death in critically ill patients. This study tested the hypothesis that the administration of freshly isolated viable allogeneic mitochondria can prevent injury of the alveolar-capillary barrier at the endothelial level, as mitochondrial dysfunction of the pulmonary endothelium is a critical aspect of ALI progression.Methods: ALI was induced by intratracheal lipopolysaccharide instillation (LPS, 1mg/kg) in anesthetized rats. Mitochondria (100 μg) were isolated from the freshly harvested soleus muscles of naïve rats and stained with a green fluorescence MitoTracker™ dyne. A mitochondria or placebo solution was randomly administered into the jugular veins of the rats at 2 h and 4 h after ALI induction. An arterial blood gas analysis was done 20 h later. The animals were then sacrificed, and lung tissues were harvested for analysis.Results: An IVIS Spectrum imaging system was used to obtain ex vivo heart-lung block images and demonstrated the enhancement of MitoTracker™ fluorescence in the lungs. Mitochondria transplantation significantly improved arterial oxygen contents (PaO2 and SaO2), while reduced CO2 tension in rats with ALI. Animals with mitochondrial transplants had significantly increased ATP concentration in lung tissues. Allogeneic mitochondria transplantation preserved alveolar-capillary barrier function, as shown by a reduction in protein levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and decrease of extravasated Evans blue dyne and hemoglobin content in lung tissues. Relaxation responses to acetylcholine and eNOS expression were potentiated in injured pulmonary arteries, and inflammatory cells infiltration into lung tissue was also reduced following mitochondrial transplantation.Conclusions: Transplantation of viable mitochondria protects the integrity of endothelial lining of the alveolar-capillary barrier, thereby improving gas exchange during the acute stages of endotoxin-induced ALI. However, the longer-term effects of mitochondrial transplantation on pulmonary function recovery after ALI requires further investigation.
Advocating for community-based behavioural approaches within the combination HIV prevention framework: A critical literature review
Authors: Giuseppe Kisley Di , West Renee , Furlong Tony , Ussher Greg , Santos Mark , Skipper Karen 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Efforts within the combination HIV prevention in the UK have not been sufficiently broad enough to address important aspects of behavioural issues to the end of the HIV epidemic, while also neglecting the role of community-level interventions in developing a more sustainable approach. The restricted impact presented in biomedical interventions calls for the redesign of a more comprehensive preventative protocol, where psychosocial and behavioural strategies that target high-risk local communities are more strongly emphasised. A comprehensive review of empirical studies was undertaken to investigate the reliability of community-based HIV prevention practices, which have targeted behavioural change in demographics and contexts similar to those presented in London. Further recommendations were developed and directed at London’s HIV and sexual health leading actors. The findings of this review have reinforced the argument for the need of community-based, culturally relevant programmes alongside and interweaving with biomedical approaches, and not solely biomedical-focused HIV prevention.
Lightweight 3D Printed Concrete Beams Show an Environmental Promise: A Cradle-to-Grave Comparative Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Gislason Styrmir , Bruhn Simon , Breseghello Luca , Sen Burak , Liu Gang , Naboni Roberto 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Despite the increasing interest in 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) in construction, limited research has quantitatively investigated the environmental impact that 3DCP brings. The existing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies in the field can be criticized for a lack of clearly defined functional units of comparison, especially considering load-bearing structures. This paper investigates the potential environmental benefits of 3DCP over conventional concrete construction in a case study of structural beams based on a cradle-to-grave comparative LCA. Unlike in the existing LCA studies on 3DCP, this paper employs a carbonation model to account for the potential carbon offsetting from the use-stage of 3DP concrete, which showed to be significant for the results. The assessment includes three-beam designs, each analyzed for both prefabrication and on-site construction scenarios. While 3DCP generally has a higher environmental impact due to the larger quantity of cement employed in the process, the reduction of materials through shape and infill optimization results as valid design principles to reduce emissions. Results show that, while standard designed 3DCP beams perform worse than their equivalent cast beams, lightweight designs for printed beams are promising in terms of reducing the environmental impacts from construction. The paper draws recommendations for future research on material development, e.g. integration of larger aggregates and low-clinker cement, and carbonation-efficient 3DCP design of load-bearing structures, e.g. considering the environmental benefits of carbonation in the design optimization process.
Aphid species specializing on milkweed harbor taxonomically similar bacterial communities that differ in richness and relative abundance of core symbionts
Authors: Enders Laramy , Hansen Thorsten , Brichler Kirsten , Couture John , French Elizabeth 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Host plant range is arguably one of the most important factors shaping microbial communities associated with insect herbivores. However, it is unclear whether host plant specialization limits microbial community diversity or to what extent herbivores sharing a common host plant evolve similar microbiomes. To investigate whether variation in host plant range influences the assembly of core herbivore symbiont populations we compared bacterial diversity across three milkweed aphid species (Aphis nerii, Aphis asclepiadis, Myzocallis asclepiadis) feeding on a common host plant (Asclepias syriaca) using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. Overall, there was significant overlap in taxa detected, but aphid species harbored bacterial communities that varied in terms of richness and relative abundance of key symbionts. However, bacterial community diversity did not vary with degree of aphid host plant specialization. Interestingly, the narrow specialist A. asclepiadis harbored significantly higher relative abundances of the facultative symbiont Arsenophonus compared to the other two aphid species. Although many low abundance microbes were shared across all milkweed aphids, key differences exist in symbiotic partnerships that could influence additional ecological variation, including variation in ant tending observed across milkweed aphid species via microbial induced changes to honeydew or defensive chemical profiles. Overall, this study suggests feeding on a common host plant can select for taxonomically similar microbiomes across herbivore species and highlights an intriguing potential role for variation in key aphid symbionts in host-plant interactions.
Effect of Low-Frequency Non-Invasive Therapeutic Ultrasound on Attenuation of Cardiac Fibrosis Early After Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Daud Elias , Ertracht Offir , Moady Gassan , Awad Jamal , Rotenberg Aviad , Reuveni Tal , Atar Shaul 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) results in collagen deposition leading to left ventricular dysfunction. Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) has proven anti-fibrotic effects on various tissues. We hypothesized that non-invasive TUS will attenuate fibrosis by downregulation of the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)/ small mother against decapentaplegic 3 (smad3) pathway in a rat model of MI. Methods: Rats underwent MI induction procedure after performing baseline cardiac echocardiography. Subsequently, we treated the rats with either daily spironolactone (a known anti-fibrotic agent), TUS (at 1 MHz frequency and 0.5 W/cm2 intensity, 3 times a week) or their combination (spironolactone + TUS). Control rats were not treated. We re-evaluated cardiac function at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment initiation (before sacrifice), then performed histological and biochemical evaluation of fibrosis. Results: Any treatment combination attenuated fibrosis, as seen in histology and by chemical analysis, and reduced TGF-β1 expression. Specifically, collagen volume fractions were 16.0±9.6%, 5.0±3.2%, 7.2±1.0% and 1.6±0.9%, and TGF-β1 expression were 3.34±0.36%, 0.77±0.37%, 0.59±0.25% and 0.39±0.16%, in the control (untreated group), spironolactone. TUS and spironolactone + TUS groups, respectively (P<0.05 vs. control for all). Yet, only spironolactone treatments affected also smad3 expression, and cardiac physiology, i.e., final ejection fraction were 36.0±2.5%, 50.1±2.3%, 45.2±2.5% and 54.0±2.7% in the control (untreated group), spironolactone. TUS and spironolactone + TUS groups, respectively (P<0.05 vs. control for spironolactone and spironolactone + TUS only). Conclusion: Post MI, TUS reduces myocardial collagen, fibrosis and TGF-β1 content. Only with the addition of spironolactone cardiac function was preserved. Further research is needed in order to refine and upgrade TUS to affect cardiac physiology early post MI.
Participatory Development of CURA, A Clinical Ethics Support Instrument For Palliative Care
Authors: Schaik Malene Van , Pasman Roeline , Widdershoven Guy , Metselaar Suzanne 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Existing clinical ethics support (CES) instruments are considered useful. However, users report obstacles in using them in daily practice. Including end users and other stakeholders in developing CES instruments might help to overcome these limitations. This study describes the development process of a new ethics support instrument called CURA, a low-threshold four-step instrument focused on nurses and nurse assistants working in palliative care. Method: We used a participatory development design. We worked together with stakeholders in a Community of Practice throughout the study. Potential end users (nurses and nurse assistants in palliative care) used CURA in several pilots and provided us with feedback which we used to improve CURA. Results: We distinguished three phases in the development process. Phase one, Identifying Needs, focused on identifying stakeholder and end user needs and preferences, learning from existing CES instruments, their development and evaluation, and identify gaps. Phase two, Development, focused on designing, developing, refining and tailoring the intervention on the basis of iterative co-creation. Phase three, Dissemination, focused on implementation and dissemination. The intervention, CURA, is a four-step low-threshold intervention that fosters ethical reflection.Conclusions: Participatory development is a valuable approach for developing clinical ethics support instruments. Collaborating with end users and other stakeholders in our development study has helped to meet the needs and preferences of end users, to come up with strategies to refine the instrument in order to enhance its feasibility, and to overcome reported limitations of existing clinical ethics interventions.
Factors Predicting Serum Clozapine Levels In Middle Eastern Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Errasoul Ahmed Hassab , Alarabi Mohammed A. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Despite its superiority over other drugs for psychosis, clozapine remains underused and is associated with many clinical challenges, including difficulties in predicting serum levels. We found no large or recent study that investigated the determinants of serum clozapine levels in Middle Eastern patients. We thus investigated the association between clozapine dose and serum levels and the clinical predictors of clozapine serum levels in Middle Eastern patients.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 94 patients of Middle Eastern ethnicity attending the Clozapine Clinic in King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Results: The average clozapine dose and serum level were 400 mg/daily and 705 ng/mL, respectively. Clozapine dose and serum levels were positively correlated (rs [94]=0.32, p=0.002). We generated a predictive model of serum clozapine levels which revealed that the daily dose, smoking status, use of fluvoxamine or lamotrigine, and body mass index (BMI) predicted 43.6% of the variance in serum levels (p<0.001). Using this model, we calculated that the maximum doses of clozapine to avoid levels above the optimal range (>650 ng/mL) were 300, 250, or 225 mg/day for non-smokers with a body mass index of 25, 30, or 35 kg/m2, respectively, and 475, 425, or 400 mg/day for smokers with a body mass index of 25, 30, or 35 kg/m2, respectively.Conclusions: This is a naturalistic study of the clozapine dose-level relationship and the clinical predictors of serum clozapine levels in Middle Eastern patients. These findings do not reduce the value of individualised therapeutic drug monitoring but may assist clinicians when prescribing clozapine to Middle Eastern patients. Further psychopharmacological studies are needed on this demographic population.
The Absence of IL-9 Reduces Allergic Airway Inflammation by Reducing ILC2, Th2 and Mast Cells in Murine Model of Asthma
Authors: Li Yan , Lan Feng , Yang Yiran , Xu Yingjie , Chen Yalin , Qin Xiaofeng , Lv Zhe , Wang Wei , Ying Sun , Zhang Luo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Asthma is an allergic inflammatory disease of the airways, in which numerous cell types and cytokines have been shown to contribute to pathogenesis of the disease. Although increased expression of IL-9 has been shown to influence the activity of structural as well as eosinophils and mast cells in asthma, the influence of IL-9 on function of ILC2 and Th2 cells remains unclear. This study therefore aimed to elucidate the role of IL-9 on ILC2 and Th2 cells using a murine model of asthma. A murine model of asthma was established using wild type (WT) and IL-9-deficient (Il9−/−) transgenic mice sensitized to house dust mite (HDM). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were collected, and analysed for inflammatory cells (eosinophils, mast cells, Th2 cells and ILC2 cells), histopathological changes, and several cytokines. HDM challenge significantly increased accumulation of ILC2 cells, Th2 cells and mast cells, as well as goblet cell hyperplasia, and the expression of cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, but not IFN-γ, in WT mice compared to saline-challenged control group. In contrast, all pathological changes, including infiltration of ILC2 cells, Th2 cells and mast cells, were significantly attenuated in HDM-challenged Il9−/− mice. Furthermore, the number of Ki67+ILC2 cells, Ki67+Th2 cells and Ki67+mast cells were significantly reduced in the absence of IL-9 signalling. These data suggest that IL-9 promotes the proliferation and type 2 cytokine production of type 2 cells in the murine models of asthma, and therefore might be a potential therapeutic target for asthma treatment.
The Effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid on Hepatic Metabolism and Intracellular Lipid Droplet Dynamics in An in Vitro Model of Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Morgan Katie , Suppiah Samantha Lee , Masterton Gail , Samuel Kay , Johnston Shonna , Hayes Peter C , Lockman Khalida A , Koutsos Vasileios , Plevris John N 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background Intra-hepatocyte triglyceride accumulation is the hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Little is known of the role of lipid droplets in the pathogenesis of this increasingly common condition. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, has been suggested as a potential treatment for NAFLD. Within this study we explore different energy substrates with and without EPA and evaluate biochemical markers alongside lipid droplet characteristics. Methods EPA was added to C3A cells incubated in standard media, oleate (which mimics simple steatosis) or lactate, pyruvate, octanoate and ammonia (LPON), mimicking pathophysiology of NAFLD. At 72 hours, glucose, ketone bodies and various markers of liver function were assessed and triglyceride content was determined using confocal images of cells stained with BODIPY 493/503 and DAPI. Z stacks of confocal images were analysed using Volocity 3D image analysis and Visual Basic software to estimate the physical characteristics of lipid droplets. Liver function was assessed by measuring AST, albumin and LDH. Results Albumin levels increased in control and oleate and LDH showed EPA did not affect viability in concentrations up to 250µm. There was no effect to AST with addition of EPA. Glucose and ketone bodies were reduced in LPON treated cells in a dose dependent manner. EPA reduced triglyceride concentrations and lipid droplets per nucleus in untreated cells compared with control, however, there was no significant difference to total triglyceride concentration of cells treated with oleate + EPA or LPON + EPA. Lipid droplet volume increased in both fat loaded models with the addition of EPA, but untreated control remained the same. Surface area of lipid droplets was higher in oleate model compared to LPON. Conclusion The LPON + EPA model shows reduction of glucose and ketone bodies in a dose dependent manner indicating EPA may be useful as an adjunct to treatment of type 2 diabetes. Accumulation of lipid droplets at different rates and physical characteristics compared to oleate may reflect differences in FFA metabolism or their incorporation into the cell and lipid droplet membrane.
Nutrients’ Supplementation Impacts On Alcoholic Fermentation of Mixed Wort Containing Corn and Sugarcane
Authors: Silva Nathalia Dias , Alvim Mariana Resende , Rosario Carlos Gonzalo Alvarez , Espinosa Denise Crocce Romano , Baltazar Marcela dos Passos Galluzzi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Corn and sugarcane represent the world's most used feedstocks for ethanol production. Despite this, a single fermentation line integrating these both raw materials still require further investigations. Studies suggest that wort's nutrient deficiency or excess influences the yeast metabolism to convert sugar into ethanol. In that regard, this work aims to explore the nutrients’ supplementation impacts on alcoholic fermentation of mixed wort containing 80% v/v corn hydrolyzate and 20% v/v sugarcane syrup. Results: Corn hydrolyzate and sugarcane syrup presented a carbon/nitrogen ratio above the recommended levels for ethanol production, 229.2 C:N ratio and 322.7 C:N ratio, respectively. As a result, nitrogen was the nutrient with the highest positive impact on yeast specific growth rate (49%), technological yield (35%) and productivity (32%). However, its stoichiometric yield was 5% lower than the wort without supplementation. Finally, organic acids ranged from 0.2-1.4 g.L-1, glycerol was between 4-8 g.L-1 and mannitol was under 0.05 g.L-1. All were under the estimated ranges for alcoholic fermentation. Conclusions: All nutrients supplemented to the mixed wort increased the yeast specific growth rate, except calcium and iron. Moreover, Manganese, Cobalt and potassium impacted positively the stoichiometric yield and Nitrogen was the nutrient with highest technological yield. Finally, further studies should investigate an optimal nitrogen concentration in order to decrease the glycerol and drive the yeast metabolism, preferentially, for ethanol production rather than biomass production.