bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Domain-Specific Antibodies Reveal Differences in the Membrane Topologies of Apolipoprotein L1 in Serum and Podocytes
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Wang Xinhua , Wen Xiaohui , Moran Paul , Paluch Maciej , Hass Philip E. , Heidersbach Amy , Haley Benjamin , Kirchhofer Daniel , Brezski Randall J. , Peterson Andrew S. , Scales Suzie J. 
Published: August 2020

Significance Statement
Two variants of circulating APOL1, G1 and G2, protect against subspecies of Trypanosoma brucei infection, but concurrently confer a greater risk of CKD. Little is known about the topology of APOL1 in HDL particles or on the podocyte cells affected in kidney disease. Antibodies generated along the length of APOL1 revealed differences of the exposed domains between serum and podocyte surface APOL1 topologies. These are the first direct insights into APOL1 conformations in physiological settings and have implications for development of APOL1-targeted drugs for APOL1 nephropathies.

Background
Circulating APOL1 lyses trypanosomes, protecting against human sleeping sickness. Two common African gene variants of APOL1, G1 and G2, protect against infection by species of trypanosomes that resist wild-type APOL1. At the same time, the protection predisposes humans to CKD, an elegant example of balanced polymorphism. However, the exact mechanism of APOL1-mediated podocyte damage is not clear, including APOL1's subcellular localization, topology, and whether the damage is related to trypanolysis.

Methods
APOL1 topology in serum (HDL particles) and in kidney podocytes was mapped with flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, and trypanolysis assays that tracked 170 APOL1 domain-specific monoclonal antibodies. APOL1 knockout podocytes confirmed antibody specificity.

Results
APOL1 localizes to the surface of podocytes, with most of the pore-forming domain (PFD) and C terminus of the Serum Resistance Associated-interacting domain (SRA-ID), but not the membrane-addressing domain (MAD), being exposed. In contrast, differential trypanolytic blocking activity reveals that the MAD is exposed in serum APOL1, with less of the PFD accessible. Low pH did not detectably alter the gross topology of APOL1, as determined by antibody accessibility, in serum or on podocytes.

Conclusions
Our antibodies highlighted different conformations of native APOL1 topology in serum (HDL particles) and at the podocyte surface. Our findings support the surface ion channel model for APOL1 risk variant–mediated podocyte injury, as well as providing domain accessibility information for designing APOL1-targeted therapeutics.
CQ-free optimality conditions and strong dual formulations for a special conic optimization problem
Authors: Kostyukova Olga , Tchemisova Tatiana V. 
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we consider a special class of conic optimization problems, consisting of set-semidefinite(or K-semidefinite) programming problems, where the set K is a polyhedral convex cone.
For these problems, we introduce the concept of immobile indices and study the properties of the set of normalized immobile indices and the feasible set. This study provides the main result of the paper, which is to formulate and prove the new first-order optimality conditions in the form of a criterion. The optimality conditions are explicit and do not use any constraint qualifications. For the case of a linear cost function, we reformulate the K-semidefinite problem in a regularized form and construct its dual. We show that the pair of the primal and dual regularized problems satisfies the strong duality relation which means that the duality gap is vanishing.
Specific Features of Calculating the Radiant Component of the Heat Flow of Horizontal Bunch from Finned Tubes with Exhaust Shaft
Authors: Sukhotski A. B. , Marshalova G. S. , Danil’chik Е. S. 
Published: August 2020

The article discusses the heat exchange of radiation of bunches of round finned tubes with the environment and the exhaust shaft. The system of equations describing the entire set of primary processes that make up the radiation heat exchange of finned bundles is very complex mathematically; therefore, the calculations of radiant heat transfer are usually based on a number of simplifying assumptions with a involuntarily distortion of the real physical picture. The main methods for calculating radiation used in engineering practice, viz. calculation by the average angular coefficient and the zonal method are briefly considered. A refined zonal method for calculating the radiant component of the heat flow of a horizontal bunch of finned tubes with an exhaust shaft is proposed. An experimental study of single-row bunches of finned tubes with different annular steps S1 (64 and 70 mm) was carried out for small Reynolds numbers Re = 130–720 in a wide range of the determining temperature at the beam inlet (16–83 °C). The aluminum finning of the bunch tube had the following parameters: screw finning diameter d = 0.0568 m; diameter of the tube at the base d0 = 0.0264 m; height, step and average fin thickness, respectively, h = 0.0152 m, s = 0.00243 m and Δ = 0.00055 m. Air movement in the bunch was carried out by gravitational traction created by a rectangular exhaust shaft. The experimental bunch was installed above the shaft, and the air was preheated before entering the shaft, which allowed expanding the temperature range of the air at the entrance to the bunch. It was found that incorrect accounting for a bunch reemission with an exhaust shaft when calculating single-row finned bunches causes a decrease in convective heat transfer by 7–25 %.
Effect of acupuncture on women with poor ovarian response: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fang yigong , Xu huanfang , Zheng chensi , He liyun , Su tongsheng , Wang huidan , Li yu , Zhao cui , Zhang cuilian , Bai yang , Tong guoqing , Chen li , Zhao fang , Yang huisheng , Hao mingzhao , Yin yaqian , Yang li , Liu baoyan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Poor ovarian response (POR), a manifestation of low ovarian reserve and ovarian aging, leads to a significant reduction in the pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Acupuncture has increasingly been used to improve the ovarian reserve. The purpose of this study will be to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on increasing the number of retrieved oocytes after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with POR.Methods: This will be a multicenter randomized controlled trial. A total of 140 women with POR will be randomly assigned to receive acupuncture or nontreatment for 12 weeks before controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. The primary outcome will be the number of retrieved oocytes. The secondary outcomes will be antral follicle counts, serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, basal serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and estradiol levels, scores from the self-rating anxiety scale, fertilization rates, cleavage rates, available embryo rates and high-quality embryo rates. The safety of acupuncture will also be assessed.Discussion: The results of this trial will help to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of POR. This may provide a new treatment option for patients with POR and their physicians.Trial registration: AMCTR-IPR-18000198. Registered on 10 August 2018, http://www.acmctr.org/showproj.aspx?proj=289
Multidrug resistant and extensively drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii hospital infection associated with high mortality: A retrospective study in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Shi Jingyi , Sun Ting , Cui Yun , Wang Chunxia , Wang Fei , Zhou Yiping , Miao Huijie , Shan Yijun , Zhang Yucai 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Multidrug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii presents challenges for clinical treatment and causes high mortality in children. We aimed to assess the risk factors and overall mortality for MDR/XDR Acinetobacter baumannii infected pediatric patients. Methods This retrospective study included 102 pediatric patients who developed MDR/XDR Acinetobacter baumannii infection in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Shanghai Children’s Hospital in China from December 2014 to May 2018. Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates were recovered from different specimens including blood, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, ascites, hydrothorax, and urine. Antibiotic susceptibility test was determined according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute interpretive criteria. Clinical and biological data were obtained from the patients’ medical records.Results 102 patients with Acinetobacter baumannii infection were enrolled. The median age was 36 (9.6, 98.8) months, and there were 63 male in the case group. The overall mortality rate was 29.4%, while the Acinetobacter baumannii-associated mortality rate was 16.7% (17/102, 12 bloodstream infections, 4 meningitis and 1 intra-abdominal infection). Bloodstream infections occurred in 28 patients (27.5%), and 10 patients (9.8%) among them had central line-associated bloodstream infections (6 central venous catheters, 2 PICCs, 1 venous infusion port and 1 arterial catheter). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures were positive in 4(3.9%) patients. 14(13.7%) patients got positive cultures in ascites and hydrothorax. Lower respiratory isolates (56/102) accounted for 54.9% of all patients. Non-survival patients appeared to have a lower NK cell activity (6.2%±3.61% vs. 9.15%±6.21%, P =0.029), higher CD4+ T cell ratio (39.67%±12.18% vs. 32.66%±11.44%, P = 0.039),and a higher serum level of interlukin-8 (IL-8, 15.25 (1.62, 47.22)pg/ml vs. 0.1 (0.1, 22.99)pg/ml, P=0.01) when Acinetobacter baumannii infection developed. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that high serum level of Cr (RR, 0.934, 95%CI, 0.890-0.981；P=0.007) and high BUN/ALB level (RR, 107.893, 95%CI, 1.425-870.574; p= 0.005) were associated with high risk of mortality in MDR/XDR Acinetobacter baumannii infected patients. Conclusion MDR/XDR Acinetobacter baumannii infection is a serious concern in pediatric patients with high mortality. Bloodstream and central nervous infection accounted for high risk of death. Acute kidney injury is associated with high risk of mortality.
Self-organizing topology for energy-efficient ad-hoc communication networks of mobile devices
Authors: Banerjee Indushree , Warnier Martijn , Brazier Frances M. T 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
When physical communication network infrastructures fail, infrastructure-less communication networks such as mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET), can provide an alternative. This, however, requires MANETs to be adaptable to dynamic contexts characterized by the changing density and mobility of devices and availability of energy sources. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a decentralized context-adaptive topology control protocol. The protocol consists of three algorithms and uses preferential attachment based on the energy availability of devices to form a loop-free scale-free adaptive topology for an ad-hoc communication network.

The proposed protocol has a number of advantages. First, it is adaptive to the environment, hence applicable in scenarios where the number of participating mobile devices and their availability of energy resources is always changing. Second, it is energy-efficient through changes in the topology. This means it can be flexibly be combined with different routing protocols. Third, the protocol requires no changes on the hardware level. This means it can be implemented on all current phones, without any recalls or investments in hardware changes.

The evaluation of the protocol in a simulated environment confirms the feasibility of creating and maintaining a self-adaptive ad-hoc communication network, consisting of multitudes of mobile devices for reliable communication in a dynamic context.
Role of serum high-motility group box-1 (HMGB1) concentration as a prognostic factor in canine acute pancreatitis
Authors: Lee Jeong-Hwa , An Ju-Hyun , Chae Hyung-Kyu , Park Su-Min , Li Qiang , Song Woo-Jin , YOUN Hwa-Young 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background

High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is an intranuclear molecule that is released extracellularly in cytotoxic conditions. In acute pancreatitis, extracellular HMGB1 acts as stimulating factor in the mechanism associated with pancreatic injury. The serum level of HMGB1 may be associated with the severity and prognosis of pancreatitis.

Methods

To evaluate the prognostic property of serum HMGB1 levels at the time of diagnosis of pancreatitis, case control study using serum samples collected over 10 months from canine patients in Seoul National University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (SNU VMTH). The HMGB1 levels in serum were measured by ELSIA and they were analyzed with patient’s death, hospitalization cost and hospitalization period.

Results

Serum levels of HMGB1 in patients with acute pancreatitis (n=19) were higher than those in normal individuals (n=10). Mean (± standard deviation) values were 76.00 (±46.99) and 31.65 (±18.41) ng/mL, respectively (p=0.004). The levels of HMGB1 were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors with acute pancreatitis (p = 0.019). Clinical severity of acute pancreatitis was categorized into three stages—mild, moderate, and severe—based on the disease activity index (DAI). Higher HMGB1 levels in serum were related to mortality in patients with moderate DAI (p = 0.049). Furthermore, higher levels of serum HMGB1 among hospitalized patients were positively associated with higher costs and longer duration of hospital stays.

Conclusions

The evaluation of serum HMGB1 levels at the time of diagnosis was identified as a potential prognostic factor to assess the outcome of acute pancreatitis in canines.
Tissue mechanics and expression of TROP2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma with varying differentiation
Authors: Zhang Baoping , Gao Shuting , Li Yiting , Li Ruiping , Cao Rui , Cheng Jingyang , Guo Yumeng , Wang Errui , Huang Ying , Zhang Kailiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) is overexpressed in many squamous cell carcinomas and promotes tumor development and invasion. The association between TROP2 expression and occurrence and development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains to be understood.Methods We investigated the role of TROP2 in OSCC patients using a combination of biophysical approaches. A total of 108 OSCC patient specimens with varying degrees of differentiation were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis, and atomic force microscopy to analyze TROP2 expression, morphology, and mechanical properties of OSCC tissues.Results TROP2 was overexpressed in 34% of poorly differentiated OSCC samples. High levels of TROP2 were associated with 10.2% survival rate lower than 45.4% and patient age (odds ratio [OR]=0.437, P=0.039, 95% confidence interval [CI, 0.198–0.966]), tumor size (OR=13.148, P=0.000, 95% CI [5.060–34.168]), and TNM stage (OR=0.141, P=0.000, 95% CI [0.082–0.244]). Average surface roughness of low, medium, and highly differentiated OSCC tissues were 448.9±54.8, 792.7±83.6, and 993.0±104.3 nm, respectively. The Pearson coefficient revealed a negative association between tumor stiffness and TROP2 expression (r=-0.84, P<0.01).Conclusion Overexpression of TROP2 negatively associated with patient survival, degree of tumor differentiation, and tissue mechanics. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that TROP2 may be an indicator of OSCC differentiation leading to the altered mechanical properties of OSCC tissues.
Clinical characteristics and laboratory indicator analysis of 67 COVID-19 pneumonia patients in Suzhou, China
Authors: Wang Yi , Yao Lin , Zhang Jian-Ping , Tang Pei-Jun , Ye Zhi-Jian , Shen Xing-Hua , Xu Jun-Chi , Wu Mei-Ying , Yu Xin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Sudden exacerbations and respiratory failure are major causes of death in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pneumonia, but indicators for the prediction and treatment of severe patients are still lacking. Methods A retrospective analysis of 67 collected cases was conducted and included approximately 67 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who were admitted to the Suzhou Fifth People’s Hospital from January 1, 2020 to February 8, 2020. The epidemiological, clinical and imaging characteristics as well as laboratory data of the 67 patients were analyzed.Results The study found that fibrinogen(FIB) was increased in 45 (65.2%) patients, and when FIB reached a critical value of 4.805 g/L, the sensitivity and specificity、DA, helping to distinguish general and severe cases, were 100% and 14%、92.9%, respectively, which were significantly better than those for lymphocyte count and myoglobin. Chest CT images indicated that the cumulative number of lung lobes with lesions in severe patients was significantly higher than that in general patients (P<0.05), and the cumulative number of lung lobes with lesions was negatively correlated with lymphocyte count and positively correlated with myoglobin and FIB. Our study also found that there was no obvious effect of hormone therapy in patients with severe COVID-19.Conclusions Based on the retrospective analysis, FIB was found to be increased in severe patients and was better than lymphocyte count and myoglobin in distinguishing general and severe patients. The study also suggested that hormone treatment has no significant effect on COVID-19.
In vivo length change of ligaments of normal knees during dynamic high flexion
Authors: Kono Kenichi , Konda Shoji , Yamazaki Takaharu , Tanaka Sakae , Sugamoto Kazuomi , Tomita Tetsuya 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Few studies compared the length change of ligaments of normal knees during dynamic activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to investigate in vivo length change of ligaments of the normal knees during high flexion. Methods Eight normal knees were investigated. Each volunteer performed squatting, kneeling, and cross-leg motions. Each sequential motion was performed under fluoroscopic surveillance in the sagittal plane. The femoral, tibial, and fibular attachment areas of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), deep medial collateral ligament (dMCL), superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) were determined according to osseous landmarks. After 2D/3D registration, the direct distance from the femoral attachment to the tibial or fibular attachment was measured as the ligament length. Results From 20° to 90° with flexion, the ACL was significantly shorter during cross-leg motion than during squatting. For the PCL, dMCL, sMCL, and LCL, there were no significant differences among the 3 motions. Conclusion The ACL was shorter during cross-leg motion than during squatting in mid-flexion. This suggests that the ACL is looser during cross-leg motion than during squatting. On the other hand, the length change of the PCL, MCL, and LCL did not change even though the high flexion motions were different.
Dietary habits and metabolic response improve in obese children whose mothers received an intervention to promote healthy eating: Randomized clinical trial
Authors: López-Contreras Iris Nallely , Vilchis-Gil Jenny , Klünder-Klünder Miguel , Villalpando-Carrión Salvador , Flores-Huerta Samuel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Lifestyles habits such as eating unhealthy foodscommence at home and are associated with the development of obesity and comorbidities such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and chronic degenerative diseases, which are the main causes of death in adults.The present study compared changes in dietary habits, behaviors and metabolic profiles of obese children whose mothers attended at the hospital to group sessions, with those who received the usual nutritional consultation. Methods: Randomized clinical trial, 177 mother/obese child pairs participated, 90 in the intervention group and 87 in the control group. The intervention group attended six group education sessions to promote healthy eating, being this an alternative of change of habits in children with obesity. The control group received the usual nutritional consultation; both groups were followed up for three months. Frequency of food consumption, behaviors during feeding in the house and metabolic profile was evaluated. Mixed effect linear regression models were used to evaluate the effect of the intervention on the variables of interest, especially in HOMA-IR. Results: The intervention group reduced the filling of their dishes (p = 0.009), forcing the children to finish meals (p = 0.003) and food substitution (p < 0.001), moreover increased the consumption of roasted foods (p = 0.046), fruits (p = 0.002) and vegetables (p < 0.001). The children in the control group slightly increased HOMA-IR levels (0.51; 95% CI -0.48 to 1.50), while the children in the intervention group significantly decreased (-1.22; 95% CI -2.28 to -1.16). The difference in HOMA-IR between the control and intervention group at the end of the follow-up was -1.67; 95% CI: -3.11 to -0.24. Conclusions: The educational intervention improved some eating habits at home, as well as HOMA-IR levels; why we consider that it can be an extra resource in the management of childhood obesity. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04374292 (Date assigned: May 5, 2020). Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04374292
Differential transcriptomics in sarcoidosis lung and lymph node granulomas with comparisons to pathogen-specific granulomas
Authors: Casanova Nancy G. , Gonzalez-Garay Manuel L , Sun Belinda , Bime Christian , Knox Kenneth S. , Crouser Elliot , Sun Xiaoguang , Sammani Nora , Gregory Taylor , Natt Bhupinder , Chaudhary Sachin , Lussier Yves , Garcia Joe G. N. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Rationale: Despite the availability of multi-“omics” strategies, insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of sarcoidosis have been elusive. This is partly due to the lack of reliable preclinical models and a paucity of validated biomarkers. As granulomas are a key feature of sarcoidosis, we speculate that direct genomic interrogation of sarcoid tissues, may lead to identification of dysregulated gene pathways or biomarker signatures. Objective: To facilitate the development sarcoidosis genomic biomarkers by gene expression profiling of sarcoidosis granulomas in lung and lymph node tissues (most commonly affected organs) and comparison to infectious granulomas (coccidiodomycosis and tuberculosis). Methods: Transcriptomic profiles of immune-related gene from micro-dissected lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes sarcoidosis granulomas was compared to infectious granulomas. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) were profiled, compared among the three granulomatous diseases and analyzed for functional enrichment pathways. Results: Despite histologic similarities, DEGs and pathway enrichment markedly differed in sarcoidosis granulomas from lymph nodes and lung. Lymph nodes showed a clear immunological response, whereas a structural regenerative response was observed in lung. Sarcoidosis granuloma gene expression data corroborated previously reported genomic biomarkers, excluded others and identified new genomic markers present in lung and lymph nodes, ADAMTS1, CXCL2, FABP4 . Comparisons between sarcoidosis and pathogen granulomas identified pathway divergences and commonalities at gene expression level. Conclusion : These findings suggest the importance of tissue and disease-specificity evaluation when exploring sarcoidosis genomic markers. This relevant translational information in two commonly affected tissue in sarcoidosis and other two histopathological similar infections provides meaningful specific genomic-derived biomarkers for sarcoidosis diagnosis and prognosis.