bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The alterations of circular RNA expression in plasma exosomes from patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Tan Guifeng , Wang Limin , Liu Yunyun , Zhang Han , Feng Wenhui , Liu Zhonglin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSchizophrenia (SZ) is characterized by a high morbidity and disability rate and has gradually increased in rate and caused much burden. However, the pathogenesis of SZ is elusive and may include changes in the biological molecules in exosomes. In this study, we first compared the alterations of plasma exosomal circular RNAs (exo‐circRNAs) from SZ patients and matched health controls by high‐throughput sequencing. We further explored whether plasma exo‐circRNAs can be estimable targets for researching the pathogenesis, potential diagnostic biomarkers, and therapeutic strategy of SZ. A total of 44 plasma exo‐circRNAs were differentially expressed between SZ patients and matched Health Controls, including 38 upregulated circRNAs and six downregulated circRNAs (fold change ≥2; p < .05). Eight differentially expressed circRNAs were verified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and four out of eight circRNAs were positively confirmed and contained binding sites to many microRNAs. Bioinformatics analysis, including Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, showed that these differentially expressed circRNAs played potential roles in pathogenesis, especially regarding the metabolic process, stress response, and histone ubiquitination. In conclusion, this study supplies a new window for understanding the pathogenesis of SZ at molecular levels, and serves as a tool for better exploring potential diagnostic biomarkers and the therapeutic strategy for SZ.
Nur77 deficiency exacerbates cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction by promoting endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Chen Jiahui , Jia Jianguo , Ma Leilei , Li Bingyu , Qin Qing , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCardiac fibrosis is a reparative process after myocardial infarction (MI), which leads to cardiac remodeling and finally heart failure. Endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is induced after MI and contributes to cardiac fibrosis after MI. Orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 is a key regulator of inflammation, angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Here, we investigated the role of orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 in EndMT and cardiac fibrosis after MI. Cardiac fibrosis was induced through MI by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. We demonstrated that Nur77 knockout aggravated cardiac dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis 30 days after MI. Moreover, Nur77 deficiency resulted in enhanced EndMT as shown by increased expression of FSP‐1, SM22α, Snail, and decreased expression of PECAM‐1 and eNOS compared with wild‐type mice after MI. Then, we found overexpression Nur77 in human coronary artery endothelial cells significantly inhibited interleukin 1β and transforming growth factor β2‐induced EndMT, as shown by a reduced transition to a fibroblast‐like phenotype and preserved angiogenesis potential. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Nur77 downregulated EndMT by inhibiting the nuclear factor‐κB‐dependent pathway. In conclusion, Nur77 is involved in cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting EndMT and may be a promising target for therapy of cardiac fibrosis after MI.
Effects of ultraviolet photooxidation of cypermethrin on the activities of phosphatases and digestive enzymes, and intestinal histopathology in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
Authors: Adeyemi Joseph A. , Olise Christian C. , Bamidele Olufemi Samuel , Akinola Busuyi K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe possibility of ultraviolet (UV) photooxidation of cypermethrin generating more toxic intermediates or isomers demands that studies that look at the effects of cypermethrin and UV irradiation under a coexposure scenario be carried out. In this study, juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were exposed to 50 µg/L cypermethrin, 100 µg/L cypermethrin, UV, 50 µg/L cypermethrin + UV or 100 µg/L cypermethrin + UV, in a static renewal for 3 weeks. The control fish were maintained in uncontaminated water, and not exposed to UV radiation. After the exposure duration, the fish were killed, and the activities of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, protease, and lipase were determined in the liver or intestinal homogenates. Also, the histopathology of some sections of the intestine was performed. The results showed that the activities of the enzymes decreased significantly following exposure to cypermethrin while there was no change in the activities of the enzymes due to UV irradiation alone. The histopathological analyses indicated that exposure to cypermethrin caused alterations in the histoarchitecture of the fish such as severe erosion of the mucosa layer, faded lamina propria, and disintegration of the muscle layer. The exposure of fish to both cypermethrin and UV irradiation caused significant decrease in the activities of the enzymes. This could be an indication that UV irradiation has the tendency to potentiate cypermethrin‐induced toxicity in fish.
Preferences for long‐acting Pre‐Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among South African youth: results of a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Minnis Alexandra M , Atujuna Millicent , Browne Erica N , Ndwayana Sheily , Hartmann Miriam , Sindelo Siyaxolisa , Ngcwayi Nangamso , Boeri Marco , Mansfield Carol , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Montgomery Elizabeth T 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionExisting biomedical HIV prevention options, though highly effective, present substantial adherence challenges. End‐user input on early‐stage design of new HIV prevention approaches is critical to yielding products that achieve high uptake and adherence. The iPrevent Study examined youths’ preferences for key attributes of long‐acting Pre‐Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), with a focus on characteristics pertinent to product delivery alongside key modifiable product attributes.MethodsA discrete choice experiment was conducted with female and male youth aged 18 to 24 in two high‐density communities in Cape Town, South Africa during the period July 2017 to January 2019. Sexually active, PrEP‐naïve youth were recruited using population‐based sampling; targeted sampling was used to enrol men who have sex with men (MSM). In a series of nine questions, participants were asked to choose between two hypothetical products composed of five attributes (form, dosing frequency, access, pain, insertion site). We used a random‐parameters logit model to estimate preference weights and trade‐offs among product alternatives. We examined differences across three subgroups: females, men who have sex with only women (MSW) and MSM.ResultsA total of 807 participants (401 female) were enrolled with a median age of 21 years. Males included 190 MSM. Most youth had tested for HIV (95%) and reported being HIV‐negative (91%). Across all groups, duration of effectiveness was the most important attribute, with strong preference for less frequent dosing. Injections were favoured over implants, though these preferences were strongest for females and MSM. Females preferred a product offered at a health clinic and disliked pharmacy access; all groups preferred the arm as the insertion site. Youth were willing to trade their preferred product form for longer duration.ConclusionsYouth indicated strong preferences for longer duration products. Each attribute nonetheless influenced preferences, offering insight into trade‐offs that inform long‐acting PrEP development.
Dysregulation of the immune response affects the outcome of critical COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Wei Lin‐lin , Wang Wen‐jing , Chen De‐xi , Xu Bin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCritical cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are associated with a high risk of mortality. It remains unclear why patients with the same critical condition have different outcomes. We aimed to explore relevant factors that may affect the prognosis of critical COVID‐19 patients. Six critical COVID‐19 inpatients were included in our study. The six patients were divided into two groups based on whether they had a good or poor prognosis. We collected peripheral blood samples at admission and the time point of exacerbation to compare differences in the phenotypes and functions of major populations of immune cells between the groups. On admission, compared to patients with poor prognoses, those with good prognoses had significantly higher counts of monocytes (P < .05), macrophages (P < .05), higher frequency of CD3+CD4+CD45RO+CXCR3+ subsets (P < .05), higher frequency of CD14+CD11C+HLA‐DR+ subset of dendritic cells (P < .05), and a lower count of neutrophils (P < .05). At the time point of exacerbation, the proportions of naïve CD4+ T cells (P < .05), Tregs, and Th2 cells in the poor prognosis group were relatively higher than those in the good prognosis group, and CD4+ memory T cells were relatively lower (P < .05). According to our results, the poor prognosis group showed a worse immune response than the good prognosis group at the time of admission and at exacerbation. Dysregulation of the immune response affects the outcome of critical COVID‐19 patients.
Impact of comorbidities on patients with COVID‐19: A large retrospective study in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Ye Chanyuan , Zhang Shanyan , Zhang Xiaoli , Cai Huan , Gu Jueqing , Lian Jiangshan , Lu Yingfeng , Jia Hongyu , Hu Jianhua , Jin Ciliang , Yu Guodong , Zhang Yimin , Sheng Jifang , Yang Yida 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has become a serious public health problem worldwide. Here, we stratified COVID‐19 patients based on their comorbidities to assess their risk of serious adverse outcomes. We collected 856 hospitalized cases diagnosed with COVID‐19 from 17 January to 7 February 2020, in Zhejiang Province, and analyzed their comorbidities and composite endpoint (including admission to intensive care unit owing to disease progression, shock, invasive ventilation, and death) to determine the relationship between comorbidities and adverse outcomes. The median age of patients was 46 (36‐56) years; 439 (51.3%) were men, 242 (28.3%) had comorbidities, and 152 (17.8%) had two or more comorbidities. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (142 [16.6%]), followed by diabetes (64 [7.5%]). Of the 856 patients, there are 154 (18.0%) severe cases. Thirty‐two (3.7%) reached composite endpoints, of which 22 (9.1%) were from the comorbidity group and 10 (1.6%) from the non‐comorbidity group (P <  .001). After adjusting for age and gender status, the risk of reaching the composite endpoint was higher in the group with comorbidity than in that without comorbidity (hazard ratio [HR] 3.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40‐6.60). HR values for patients with one, two, and three or more comorbidities were 1.61 (95% CI: 0.44‐5.91), 3.44 (95% CI: 1.31‐9.08), and 6.90 (95% CI: 2.69‐17.69), respectively. COVID‐19 patients with comorbidities had worse clinical outcomes as compared with those without any comorbidity. The higher the number of comorbidities, the greater was the risk of serious adverse outcomes.
Comparison and application of different immunoassay methods for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: He Jingyun , Hu Peng , Gao Yu , Zheng Shengwei , Xu Chao , Liu Rongzhi , Fang Li , Li Ran , Han Congyin , An Juanjuan , Dong Jinchun , Deng Gang , Sun Lei , Lv Yunfeng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe detection data of IgM and IgG antibodies in 169 patients with coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) were analyzed to evaluate differences in clinical performance between the colloidal gold method and chemiluminescence method. In this study, chemiluminescence detection of IgM antibody showed a positive conversion earlier (about 1‐2 days earlier), positive conversion rates higher in different stages of disease, and a trend of declining positive rate later than colloidal gold method. For IgG antibody, the chemiluminescence method showed a positive conversion earlier and the positive rate climbing more quickly than the colloidal gold method. No obvious negative‐converting tendency of IgG detection was observed within 35 days after the onset of disease. Although colloidal gold method is generally less sensitive than chemiluminescence method, it shows advantages of shorter turn‐around time, more simple procedure, and no special equipment required. The two methodologies can be chosen according to different laboratory conditions.A reasonable understanding of the performance of reagents with different methodologies can help in clinical disease diagnosis effectively and assist in the diagnosis of the progression of COVID‐19, for which the dynamic changes of antibody will provide reliable evidence.
Highly tunable multi‐band THz absorber with circuit model representation using multi‐bias scheme
Authors: Aghaee Toktam , Orouji Ali A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUtilizing a double bias scheme for graphene patterns as a single layer, a THz meta‐surface structure is proposed. The structure includes two dual bias layers and a graphene continuous sheet on top. So five possible biases are available which lead to a highly tunable absorption response. All consisting parts are modeled via passive circuit elements to obtain whole device input impedance. Then impedance matching theory is used to investigate potential frequencies for perfect absorption. Also, ample simulations are performed to show the validity and accuracy of theoretical descriptions. According to the simulation results in the conventional finite element method as a reference approach is in acceptable agreement with the developed circuit model approach. The proposed structure shows nearly perfect absorption in 5, 6, 7, and 8 THz with absorption rate over 90%. Such a tunable reaction is in incredible requests in optical systems and has various applications in structuring sensors, modulators, and photonic functions.
Syncope, Brugada syndrome, and COVID‐19 lung disease
Authors: Pasquetto Giampaolo , Conti Giovanni Battista , Susana Angela , Leone Lucia Anna , Bertaglia Emanuele 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA 52‐year‐old male with no history of familiar sudden death arrived at our Emergency Department after syncope with loss of consciousness occurred during high fever. The thoracic high‐resolution computed tomography demonstrated bilateral multiple ground‐glass opacities. The nose‐pharyngeal swab resulted positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. The 12‐lead ECG presented a “coved‐type” aspect in leads V1 and V2 at the fourth intercostal space and a first degree atrio‐ventricular block. As soon as the temperature went down, the 12‐lead ECG resumed a normal aspect, maintaining a long PR interval.
The pyrolysis of propane
Authors: Cassady Séan J. , Choudhary Rishav , Boddapati Vivek , Pinkowski Nicolas H. , Davidson David F. , Hanson Ronald K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe pyrolysis of propane plays an important role in determining the combustion properties of natural gas mixtures and offers insight into the cracking patterns of larger fuels. This work investigates propane pyrolysis behind reflected shock waves with a multiwavelength laser‐absorption speciation technique. Nine laser wavelengths, sensitive to key pyrolysis species, were used to measure absorbance time histories during the decomposition of 2% propane in argon between 1022 and 1467 K, 3.7‐4.3 atm. Absorbance models were developed at each diagnostic wavelength to interrogate common initial conditions, and time histories of all major species are reported at 1250, 1290, 1330, 1370, and 1410 K. Nearly complete carbon recovery observed at lower temperatures enabled the inference of hydrogen formation from atomic conservation, while decaying carbon recovery at high temperatures suggests the formation of allene and 1‐butene. The results show systematically faster pyrolysis than predicted by kinetic modeling and motivate further study into the kinetics of propane pyrolysis.
Identification of a novel gross deletion of TCOF1 in a Chinese prenatal case with Treacher Collins syndrome
Authors: Liu Jing , Lin Pengsiyuan , Pang Jialun , Jia Zhengjun , Peng Ying , Xi Hui , Wu Lingqian , Li Zhuo , Wang Hua 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundTreacher Collins syndrome (TCS) is the most common mandibulofacial dysostosis with an autosomal dominant or rarely recessive manner of inheritance. It is still challenging to make a definite diagnosis for affected fetuses with TCS only depending on the ultrasound screening. Genetic tests can contribute to the accurate diagnosis for those prenatal cases.MethodsTargeted exome sequencing was performed in a fetus of a Chinese family, who presenting an abnormal facial appearance by prenatal 2D and 3D ultrasound screening, including micrognathia, nasal bridge pit, and abnormal auricle. The result was validated with multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR).ResultsA novel 2–6 exons deletion of TCOF1 gene was identified and confirmed by the MLPA and qPCR in the fetus, which was inherited from the affected father with similar facial anomalies.ConclusionThe heterozygous deletion of 2–6 exons in TCOF1 results in the TCS of this Chinese family. Our findings not only enlarge the spectrum of mutations in TCOF1 gene, but also highlight the values of combination of ultrasound and genetics tests in diagnosis of craniofacial malformation‐related diseases during perinatal period.
Deep learning applications in automatic needle segmentation in ultrasound‐guided prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Wang Fuyue , Xing Lei , Bagshaw Hilary , Buyyounouski Mark , Han Bin 
Published: June 2020

PurposeHigh‐Dose‐Rate (HDR) brachytherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat the prostate cancer, which is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. This treatment delivers highly conformal dose through the transperineal needle implants and is guided by a real time ultrasound (US) imaging system. Currently, the brachytherapy needles in the US images are manually segmented by physicists during the treatment, which is time consuming and error prone. In this study, we propose a set of deep learning–based algorithms to accurately segment the brachytherapy needles and locate the needle tips from the US images.MethodsTwo deep neural networks are developed to address this problem. First, a modified deep U‐Net is used to segment the pixels belonging to the brachytherapy needles from the US images. Second, an additional VGG‐16–based deep convolutional network is combined with the segmentation network to predict the locations of the needle tips. The networks are trained and evaluated on a clinical US images dataset with labeled needle trajectories collected in our hospital (Institutional Review Board approval (IRB 41755)).ResultsThe evaluation results show that our method can accurately extract the trajectories of the needles with a resolution of 0.668 mm and 0.319 mm in x and y direction, respectively. 95.4% of the x direction and 99.2% of the y direction have error ≤ 2 mm. Moreover, the position resolutions of the tips are 0.721, 0.369, and 1.877 mm in x, y, and z directions, respectively, while 94.2%, 98.3%, and 67.5% of the data have error ≤ 2 mm.ConclusionsThis paper proposed a neural network‐based algorithm to segment the brachytherapy needles from the US images and locate the needle tip. It can be used in the HDR brachytherapy to help improve the efficiency and quality of the treatments.
Polish versions of the Qualiveen and the SF‐Qualiveen: Translation and validation of urinary disorder‐specific instruments in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Przydacz Mikolaj , Kornelak Pawel , Golabek Tomasz , Dudek Przemyslaw , Chlosta Piotr 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsNo specific questionnaire to date has been available in Polish for evaluating health‐related quality of life for urinary dysfunctions associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate Polish versions of the Qualiveen and SF‐Qualiveen for use in patients with MS.MethodsCross‐cultural adaptation of the original English Qualiveen and SF‐Qualiveen into Polish was performed according to international recommended and standard procedures. Adult patients with MS of the Department of Urology at the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland, completed the Qualiveen, SF‐Qualiveen, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) twice: at baseline and 2 weeks later.ResultsOne hundred eighty‐nine Polish‐speaking patients with MS completed the questionnaires. An intercorrelation study revealed that internal consistency was good for the total Qualiveen and SF‐Qualiveen (Cronbach's α >0.8). Test‐retest reliability (reproducibility) demonstrated strong stability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.8). Content validities were optimal. Significant relationships between the Qualiveen and the ICIQ‐SF, as well as the SF‐Qualiveen and the ICIQ‐SF, confirmed good construct/criterion validity.ConclusionThe Polish Qualiveen and SF‐Qualiveen are reliable, valid, and consistent measures of urinary disorder‐specific quality of life in patients with MS. After years of no appropriate Polish instrument being available for healthcare professionals to evaluate patients with MS, we provide these versions and recommend their use in research and clinical practice in Poland.
Superficial peroneal neuromodulation of nonobstructive urinary retention in cats
Authors: Zhao Jun , Chen Jialiang , Guo Wenbin , Shapiro Katherine , Mohapatra Anand , Zhong Yihua , Armann Kody , Shen Bing , Wang Jicheng , Beckel Jonathan , de Groat William C. , Tai Changfeng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsTo determine if superficial peroneal nerve stimulation (SPNS) can improve nonobstructive urinary retention (NOUR).MethodsIn α‐chloralose anesthetized cats, NOUR was induced by repetitive application (4‐16 times) of 30‐minute tibial nerve stimulation (TNS: 5 Hz frequency, 0.2 ms pulse width) at 4 to 6 times threshold intensity (T) for inducing toe twitches. SPNS (1 Hz, 0.2 ms) at 2 to 4 times threshold intensity (T) for inducing posterior thigh muscle contractions was applied either continuously (SPNSc) during a cystometrogram (CMG) or during voiding (SPNSv) by a surgically implanted cuff electrode or by skin surface electrodes to determine if the stimulation reduced NOUR induced by prolonged TNS.ResultsDuring control CMGs, efficient (86.4% ± 5.5%) voiding occurred with a postvoid residual (PVR) volume equal to 14.9% ± 6.2% of control bladder capacity. NOUR elicited by prolonged TNS significantly (P < .05) increased bladder capacity to 168.6% ± 15.5% of control, reduced voiding efficiency to 30.4% ± 4.8%, and increased PVR to 109% ± 9.2% of control. Using the implanted cuff electrode, SPNSc and SPNSv significantly (P < .05) increased voiding efficiency to 66.7% ± 7.4% and 65.0% ± 5.9%, respectively, and reduced PVR to 52.2% ± 11.4% and 64.3% ± 11.6%, respectively. SPNSc but not SPNSv significantly (P < .05) reduced bladder capacity to 133.4% ± 15% of control. Transcutaneous SPNSv but not SPNSc also significantly (P < .05) reversed the TNS‐induced NOUR responses.ConclusionsThis study shows that SPNS is effective in reversing NOUR induced by prolonged TNS. Transcutaneous SPNS provides the opportunity to develop a noninvasive neuromodulation therapy for NOUR to treat more patients than current sacral neuromodulation therapy.