bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pediatric lung transplantation in the largest lung transplantation center of China: embarking on a long road
Authors: Yue Bingqing , Wu Bo , Zhang Ji , Xu Hongyang , Wei Dong , Hu Chunxiao , Chen Jingyu 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLung transplantation (LT) has been an effective treatment for carefully selected children with end-stage lung diseases. The aim of this retrospective study is to introduce our experience at the largest LT center in Wuxi, China and to compare the outcomes of pediatric LT between children with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and other end-stage lung diseases. Ten pediatric patients undergoing LT from 2007 to 2019 were included. Sequential bilateral lung transplantation (BLT) with bilateral anterior thoracotomies was performed in all patients, seven of whom also underwent reduced size LT. Eight children survived until the end of our follow-up period on July 31st, 2019, with the longest survival of 11 years. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was intraoperatively used in all IPAH children and one non-IPAH child. Left heart function of IPAH children, though initially compromised, recovered after surgery. Statistically significant differences in operation time and post-operative mechanical ventilation between IPAH group and non-IPAH group were observed without discernible impact on post-LT survival. Pediatric LT appears to be a safe treatment for IPAH children to improve longevity and quality of life and ECMO may help reduce the risk of surgery and the postoperative complications.
Temperature based maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic modules
Authors: Ramos-Hernanz Josean , Uriarte Irantzu , Lopez-Guede Jose Manuel , Fernandez-Gamiz Unai , Mesanza Amaia , Zulueta Ekaitz 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this article authors propose a temperature based Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm (MPPT). Authors show that there is an optimal current vs maximum power curve that depends on photovoltaic (PV) module temperature. Therefore, the maximum power point (MPP) can be achieved in very few commutation steps if the control forces the PV module to work in temperature dependent optimal curve. Authors shows how this PV module temperature based MPPT is stable and converges to MPP for each temperature. In order to proof its stability, authors propose a Lyapunov energy function. This Lyapunov energy function has positive values for all values except into MPP given the PV module temperature. This Lyapunov energy function has negative increment along each time step. Hence, the stability of temperature based MPPT can be demonstrated. The proposed MPPT algorithm proposes a current set point. This current set point is obtained with instantaneous PV module power and temperature dependent maximum power vs optimal current curve. Stability is analysed for different temperature levels. Optimal current vs maximum power curve has been modelled by a line. The lines’ coefficients depend on PV module temperature. Proposed Lyapunov energy function is not symmetric about equilibrium or MPP because MPPT algorithm and PV module dynamic have no symmetric behaviour about this equilibrium point.
Neuroplastic effects of end-effector robotic gait training for hemiparetic stroke: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kim Hayeon , Park Gyulee , Shin Joon-Ho , You Joshua H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDetecting neuroplastic changes during locomotor neurorehabilitation is crucial for independent primal motor behaviours. However, long-term locomotor training-related neuroplasticity remains unexplored. We compared the effects of end-effector robot-assisted gait training (E-RAGT) and bodyweight-supported treadmill training (BWST) on cortical activation in individuals with hemiparetic stroke. Twenty-three men and five women aged 53.2 ± 11.2 years were recruited and randomly assigned to participate in E-RAGT (n = 14) or BWST (n = 14) for 30 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. Cortical activity, lower limb motor function, and gait speed were evaluated before and after training. Activation of the primary sensorimotor cortex, supplementary motor area, and premotor cortex in the affected hemisphere significantly increased only in the E-RAGT group, although there were no significant between-group differences. Clinical outcomes, including the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), timed up and go test, and 10-m walk test scores, improved after training in both groups, with significantly better FMA scores in the E-RAGT group than in the BWST group. These findings suggest that E-RAGT effectively improves neuroplastic outcomes in hemiparetic stroke, although its superiority over conventional training remains unclear. This may have clinical implications and provides insight for clinicians interested in locomotor neurorehabilitation after hemiparetic stroke.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04054739 (12/08/2019).
Contribution of Streptococcus mutans to Helicobacter pylori colonisation in oral cavity and gastric tissue
Authors: Nomura Ryota , Kadota Tamami , Ogaya Yuko , Matayoshi Saaya , Iwashita Naoki , Okawa Rena , Nakano Kazuhiko 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHelicobacter pylori is presumed to infect gastric tissue via the oral cavity in childhood, whereas risk factors for H. pylori infection in the oral cavity are unknown. In this study, we analysed the effects of Streptococcus mutans, a major cariogenic bacterial species, on H. pylori colonisation in the oral cavity, as well as gastric tissue. Rats in the weaning period were infected with S. mutans in the oral cavity, then fed a caries-inducing diet to facilitate S. mutans colonisation. One month after S. mutans infection, rats were infected with H. pylori in the oral cavity; rats were then euthanised at 1 month after H. pylori infection. H. pylori was detected in the oral cavities of rats infected with both S. mutans and H. pylori, but not in rats infected with H. pylori alone. In addition, H. pylori colonisation in the gastric tissue and typical gastrointestinal damage were observed in rats infected with both S. mutans and H. pylori. When H. pylori was co-cultured with in vitro biofilm formed by S. mutans, a large number of H. pylori bacteria invaded the biofilm formed by S. mutans. Our results suggest that S. mutans is involved in the establishment of H. pylori infection.
Ecological niche modeling of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus medicinal plants in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Yang Min , Li Ziyan , Liu Lanbo , Bo Agula , Zhang Chunhong , Li Minhui 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRadix Astragali is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, and its quality is closely related to ecological factors, such as climate and soil, in the production area. To provide high-quality Radix Astragali to Chinese and foreign markets, we used maximum entropy model and statistical analysis method, combined with data on ecological factors, Astragalusmembranaceus var. mongholicus geographical distribution, and index component content to predict the ecological suitability distribution of A.membranaceus var. mongholicus and establish the relationship between astragaloside IV and calycosin-7-glucoside in this species and ecological factors. Subsequently, we could determine the suitability regionalization of high-quality A.membranaceus var. mongholicus in Inner Mongolia, China. The results showed that the standard deviation of seasonal changes in temperature (40.6%), precipitation in October (15.7%), vegetation type (14.3%), soil type (9.2%), and mean sunshine duration in the growing season (9.1%) were the top five most influential factors out of the 17 main ecological factors affecting the distribution of A.membranaceus var. mongholicus. The standard deviation of seasonal changes in temperature, precipitation in October, precipitation in April, soil pH, and mean sunshine duration in the growing season were found to be the key ecological factors affecting the accumulation of astragaloside IV and calycosin-7-glucoside in A.membranaceus var. mongholicus. The regions with the highest-quality A.membranaceus var. mongholicus were distributed in Baotou (Guyang County), Hohhot (Wuchuan County), and central Wulanchabu (Chahar Right Middle Banner, Chahar Right Back Banner, and Shangdu County) and its surroundings in Inner Mongolia. Baotou, Hohhot, and their surrounding areas were the main traditional production areas of A.membranaceus var. mongholicus, and central Wulanchabu was a potentially suitable distribution area of this species. The main production areas were consistent with the actual production base of A.membranaceus var. mongholicus. This study therefore provides a scientific basis to guide the cultivation of A.membranaceus var. mongholicus.
RhoA/C inhibits proliferation by inducing the synthesis of GPRC5A
Authors: Richter Lukas , Oberländer Viktoria , Schmidt Gudula 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRho GTPases are important regulators of many cellular functions like cell migration, adhesion and polarity. The molecular switches are often dysregulated in cancer. We detected Rho-dependent upregulation of the orphan seven-transmembrane receptor G-protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member A (GPRC5A). GPRC5A is highly expressed in breast cancer whereas in lung cancer, it is often downregulated. Here, we analyzed the function of GPRC5A in breast epithelial and breast cancer cells. Activation or expression of RhoA/C led to GPRC5A-dependent inhibition of proliferation and reduction of the colony forming capacity of benign breast epithelial cells. This effect is based on an inhibition of EGFR signalling. Knockout of retinoic acid induced 3 (RAI3, the gene for GPRC5A) in breast cancer cells increased cell division, whereas Rho activation had no effect on proliferation. Knockout of RAI3 in benign breast epithelial cells led to decrease of EGFR expression and diminished proliferation.
Mapping N- and C-terminals of Leishmania donovani tyrosine aminotransferase by gene truncation strategy: a functional study using in vitro and in silico approaches
Authors: Sasidharan Santanu , Saudagar Prakash 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) catalyzes the transamination of amino acids in Leishmania sp.. TAT from Leishmania donovani has been found to be extremely stable at extreme temperatures and pH conditions. This study was conceived to map the functions of the non-conserved N-terminal and conserved C-terminal domain of TAT. N-terminal (NTAT) and C-terminal (CTAT) domain of TAT was truncated and cloned into the pET28a(+) vector. The truncated proteins were expressed, purified, and biochemically characterized. The Km of NTAT and CTAT for the tyrosine-pyruvate pair was determined to be 3.468 ± 0.796 mM and 4.581 ± 0.627 mM, repectively. Temperature and pH stability studies found NTAT to be stable like TAT but CTAT was extremely susceptible to temperature and pH changes. Upon docking and simulation for 100 ns, NTAT had lower SASA values. From UV spectroscopic study, PLP bound better to CTAT than NTAT because of the reduced SASA of NTAT. The sensitivity of CTAT was reasoned when the urea denaturation studies showed two-state denaturation which differed from NTAT’s and TAT’s biphasic folding mechanism. From this study, the authors hypothesize that the N-terminal is responsible for PLP stabilization and C-terminal protects the active site from extreme conditions.
APLP2 gene polymorphisms are associated with high TC and LDL-C levels in Chinese population in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Abuzhalihan Jialin , Adi Dilare , Wang Yong-Tao , Li Yang , Yang Yi-Ning , Ma Xiang , Li Xiao-Mei , Xie Xiang , Liu Fen , Chen Bang-Dang , Gai Min-Tao , Fu Zhen-Yan , Ma Yi-Tong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is one of the main risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). In the present study, we aimed to explore whether the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in amyloid precursor-like protein (APLP) 2 (APLP2) gene were associated with high lipid levels in Chinese population in Xinjiang, China. We recruited 1738 subjects (1187 men, 551 women) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, and genotyped three SNPs (rs2054247, rs3740881 and rs747180) of APLP2 gene in all subjects by using the improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) method. Our study revealed that the rs2054247 SNP was associated with serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in additive model (all P&lt;0.05). The rs747180 SNP was associated with serum TC and LDL-C levels in additive model (all P&lt;0.05). Our study revealed that both rs2054247 and rs747180 SNPs of the APLP2 gene were associated with high TC and LDL-C levels in Chinese subjects in Xinjiang.
Reliability of the Minimum Masking Level as Outcome Variable in Tinnitus Clinical Research
Authors: Mancini Patricia C. , Tyler Richard S. , Jun Hyung Jin , Wang Tang-Chuan , Ji Helena , Stocking Christina , Secor Carrie , Rojas-Roncancio Eveling , Witt Shelley 
Published: July 2020

Purpose
The minimum masking level (MML) is the minimum intensity of a stimulus required to just totally mask the tinnitus. Treatments aimed at reducing the tinnitus itself should attempt to measure the magnitude of the tinnitus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the MML.

Method
Sample consisted of 59 tinnitus patients who reported stable tinnitus. We obtained MML measures on two visits, separated by about 2–3 weeks. We used two noise types: speech-shaped noise and high-frequency emphasis noise. We also investigated the relationship between the MML and tinnitus loudness estimates and the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ).

Results

There were differences across the different noise types. The within-session standard deviation averaged across subjects varied between 1.3 and 1.8 dB. Across the two sessions, the Pearson correlation coefficients, range was
r
= .84. There was a weak relationship between the dB SL MML and loudness, and between the MML and the THQ. A moderate correlation (
r
= .44) was found between the THQ and loudness estimates.

Conclusions
We conclude that the dB SL MML can be a reliable estimate of tinnitus magnitude, with expected standard deviations in trained subjects of about 1.5 dB. It appears that the dB SL MML and loudness estimates are not closely related.
Is HR 6819 a triple system containing a black hole?
Authors: Bodensteiner J. , Shenar T. , Mahy L. , Fabry M. , Marchant P. , Abdul-Masih M. , Banyard G. , Bowman D. M. , Dsilva K. , Frost A. J. , Hawcroft C. , Reggiani M. , Sana H. 
Published: July 2020

Context. HR 6819 was recently proposed to be a triple system consisting of an inner B-type giant plus black hole (BH) binary with an orbital period of 40 d and an outer Be tertiary. This interpretation is mainly based on two inferences: that the emission attributed to the outer Be star is stationary and that the inner star, which is used as mass calibrator for the BH, is a B-type giant.
Aims. We re-investigate the properties of HR 6819 to search for a possibly simpler alternative explanation for HR 6819, which does not invoke the presence of a triple system with a BH in the inner binary.
Methods. Based on an orbital analysis, the disentangling of the spectra of the two visible components and the atmosphere analysis of the disentangled spectra, we investigate the configuration of the system and the nature of its components.
Results. Disentangling implies that the Be component is not a static tertiary, but rather a component of the binary in the 40 d orbit. The inferred radial velocity amplitudes of K1 = 60.4 ± 1.0 km s−1 for the B-type primary and K2 = 4.0 ± 0.8 km s−1 for the Be-type secondary imply an extreme mass ratio of M2/M1 = 15 ± 3. We find that the B-type primary, which we estimate to contribute about 45% to the optical flux, has an effective temperature of Teff = 16 ± 1 kK and a surface gravity of log g = 2.8 ± 0.2 [cgs], while the Be secondary, which contributes about 55% to the optical flux, has Teff = 20 ± 2 kK and log g = 4.0 ± 0.3 [cgs]. We infer spectroscopic masses of 0.4−0.1+0.3and 6−3+5 for the primary and secondary which agree well with the dynamical masses for an inclination of i = 32°. This indicates that the primary might be a stripped star rather than a B-type giant. Evolutionary modelling suggests that a possible progenitor system would be a tight (Pi ≈ 2 d) B+B binary system that experienced conservative mass transfer. While the observed nitrogen enrichment of the primary conforms with the predictions of the evolutionary models, we find no indications for the predicted He enrichment.
Conclusions. We suggest that HR 6819 is a binary system consisting of a stripped B-type primary and a rapidly-rotating Be star that formed from a previous mass-transfer event. In the framework of this interpretation, HR 6819 does not contain a BH. Interferometry can distinguish between these two scenarios by providing an independent measurement of the separation between the visible components.
Plate coverage predicts failure for volarly unstable distal radius fractures with volar lunate facet fragments
Authors: Izawa Yuta , Tsuchida Yoshihiko , Futamura Kentaro , Ochi Hironori , Baba Tomonori 
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Loss of reduction after operative fixation of volarly unstable distal radius fractures with a volar lunate facet fragment (VLF) is considered problematic because it results in carpal subluxation or dislocation and subsequent impaired function. We hypothesized that the indicator of loss of reduction of the VLF after fixation is plate coverage of the bony fragment. We investigated the relationship between the plate coverage of the VLF and loss of reduction after fixation, and calculated the plate coverage that was associated with failure of fixation of the VLF.
Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective review. We included patients with surgically treated volarly unstable distal radius fractures with VLF with a volar locking plate who had a minimum follow-up of 6 months. A total of 33 patients (35 wrists) met criteria for inclusion into the study. The patients were divided into a displacement group and a non-displacement group. We calculated and compared longitudinal dimension and plate coverage of the VLF between the two groups to reveal the risk factors for loss of reduction.
Results: At final follow-up, 25 fractures maintained radiographic alignment and 10 (28.6%) lost reduction. Univariate analysis between the two groups showed that plate coverage against the transverse and longitudinal dimension of the VLF was correlated with loss of reduction after operative fixation. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only plate coverage against the longitudinal dimension of the VLF remained a significant predictor of failure. With 64.7% as the cut-off point for plate coverage against the longitudinal dimension of the VLF, the sensitivity and specificity of the prediction were 96% and 80%, respectively.
Conclusion: The predictor of loss of reduction after fixation of volarly unstable distal radius fractures with a VLF was plate coverage against the longitudinal dimension of the VLF.
Diagnostik und Behandlung von sacralen Insuffizienzfrakturen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Zementaugmentationsverfahren – eine Übersicht
Authors: Andresen Julian Ramin , Radmer Sebastian , Prokop Axel , Wollny Mathias , Nissen Urs , Schober Hans-Christof , Andresen Reimer 
Published: July 2020

ZusammenfassungInsuffizienzfrakturen des Os sacrum werden in letzter Zeit immer häufiger detektiert, wobei aufgrund der steigenden Lebenserwartung die Inzidenz weiter zunehmen wird. Ein Teil der Patienten ist, bedingt durch die starken Frakturschmerzen, invalidisiert und lässt sich durch eine konservative Behandlung nicht suffizient therapieren. Mittels Zementeinbringung in die entsprechende Frakturzone lässt sich eine deutliche Schmerzreduktion und klinische Verbesserung herbeiführen. Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist eine Darstellung der unterschiedlichen Zementaugmentationsverfahren Ballon-, Radiofrequenz-, Vertebro- und Zementsakroplastie hinsichtlich der richtigen Indikation, der technischen Durchführbarkeit, den möglichen Komplikationen und des klinischen Outcomes. Die Grenzen der Sakroplastie und die Indikation zur Durchführung unterschiedlicher Osteosyntheseverfahren werden aufgezeigt.Eine Literaturrecherche in PubMed und GoogleScholar wurde zu den Stichworten durchgeführt: Beckeninsuffizienzfraktur, Fragilitätsfrakturen des Beckenrings, sacrale Insuffizienzfraktur, Os sacrum, Osteoporose, interventionelle Schmerztherapie, Sakroplastie, Zementaugmentation und Beckenosteosynthesen. Erfahrungen aus der seit Jahren bestehenden eigenen interdisziplinären und multizentrischen Arbeitsgruppe wurden mitberücksichtigt.Neue Klassifikationen in der Einteilung von Beckeninsuffizienzfrakturen sind bei der Festlegung des therapeutischen Vorgehens unter Beachtung der individuellen Klinik zu berücksichtigen. Eine konservative Therapie steht zunächst im Vordergrund, jedoch werden hier nicht alle Patienten schmerzfrei und lassen sich nicht adäquat mobilisieren, konsekutiv folgen Komorbiditäten und eine erhöhte Mortalität. Bei nichtdislozierten Frakturen lässt sich mittels Sakroplastie eine schnelle und nachhaltige Schmerzreduktion herbeiführen. Hinsichtlich der Zementaugmentation lassen sich osteoplastische Verfahren wie die Ballon-, Radiofrequenz- und Zementsakroplastie von dem nichtosteoplastischen Verfahren der Vertebrosakroplastie unterscheiden. Bei der Vertebrosakroplastie muss man mit einer höheren Zementleckagerate rechnen. Die komplexe sacrale Anatomie, die osteopene Knochenstruktur, die Ausrichtung der Frakturzonen, das unterschiedlich technische Vorgehen, die Eigenschaften der Zemente und die Erfahrung des Operateurs haben einen Einfluss auf das Auftreten möglicher Komplikationen.Wenn konservative Maßnahmen zu keiner klinischen Verbesserung führen, profitieren Patienten mit schmerzhaften, nichtdislozierten sacralen Insuffizienzfrakturen von einer Zementaugmentation effektiv und nachhaltig. Durch den Einsatz von individuell anzupassenden Sakroplastieverfahren sind relevante Komplikationen insgesamt sehr selten. Patienten mit instabilen Frakturen profitieren von einer rechtzeitig durchgeführten Osteosynthese.