bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Hemodynamics and Intracranial Compliance Impairment in Critically Ill Covid-19 Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Brasil Sérgio , Taccone Fabio , Wayhs Sâmia , Tomazini Bruno , Annoni Filippo , Fonseca Sérgio , Bassi Estevão , Lucena Bruno , Nogueira Ricardo , de-Lima-Oliveira Marcelo , Bor-Seng-Shu Edson , Paiva Wellingson , Turgeon Alexis , Teixeira Manoel , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Introduction: One of the possible mechanisms by which the new coronavirus (SARS-Cov2) could induce brain damage is the impairment of cerebrovascular hemodynamics (CVH) and intracranial compliance (ICC) due to the elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP). The main objective of this study was to assess the presence of CVH and ICC alterations in patients with COVID-19 and evaluate their association with short-term clinical outcome.Methods: 50 consecutive critically ill COVID-19 patients were studied with transcranial Doppler (TCD) and a non-invasive monitoring of ICC. Subjects were included upon ICU admission; CVH was evaluated using mean flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries (mCBFV), pulsatility index (PI) and estimated cerebral perfusion pressure (eCPP) while ICC was assessed by using the P2/P1 ratio of estimated ICP curve (B4C device). The primary composite outcome was unsuccessful weaning from respiratory support or death on day 7.Results: At the first assessment (n= 50) only P2/P1 (1.20 [1.00-1.28] vs. 1.00 [0.88-1.16]; p=0.03) and eICP (14 [11-25] vs. 11 [7-15] mmHg; p=0.01) were significantly higher among patients with unfavorable outcome (UO) than others. Patients with UO had a significantly higher CVH/ICC score (9 [8-12] vs. 6 [5-7]; p<0.001) than those with favorable outcome; the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) for CVH/ICC score to predict UO was 0.86 (95% CIs 0.75-0.97); a score > 8.5 had 63 (46-77)% sensitivity and 87 (62-97)% specificity to predict UO. For those patients undergoing a second assessment (n=29) after a median of 11 (5-31) days, all measured variables were similar between the two time-points. No differences in the measured variables between ICU non-survivors (n=30) and survivors were observed.Conclusions: ICCI and CVH disturbances are often present in COVID-19 severe illness and could accurately predict early poor outcome.
The Nomogram Application to Predict the Overall and Disease-specific Survival in Synovial Sarcoma: A Population Study
Authors: Xiao Bo , Chen Zhuoyuan , Liu Liyan , Li Aoyu , Wang Pingxiao , Xiang Cheng , Li Hui , Xiao Tao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Synovial sarcoma is an uncommon soft sarcoma that lacks prognostic prediction models. The nomograms were employed to predict patients’ survival of synovial sarcoma. Methods: Materials collected from 1941 synovial sarcoma cases in the SEER database were analyzed. We employed univariate and multivariate cox analyses to identify the independent prognostic variables. Based on these outcomes, the nomograms were built for predicting 1-, 3-, and 5- year overall survival rate and disease-specific survival rate and then validated in external dataset. C-indices, calibration plots and ROC curves were applied to assess nomogram accuracy. Results: Patients were randomly classified into the training (n=1361) and testing (n=580) cohorts. Age, race, sex, primary anatomic site, chemotherapy, subtypes, surgery, SEER historic stage and tumor size were identified as independent prognostic variables (P<0.05) and then the nomogram of overall survival was constructed. Similarly, the nomogram of disease-specific survival was constructed. C-indices of training cohort for predicting overall and disease-specific survival were 0.779 and 0.779, respectively. Corresponding values of testing cohort were 0.769 and 0.765, respectively. The AUC values of prognostic model in the training cohort at 1-, 3-, 5- years of overall survival were 0.845, 0.785, and 0.788, respectively. Corresponding of disease-specific survival were 0.835, 0.783, and 0.787, respectively. The calibration plots illustrated excellent consistency between the survival rate of predicted and actual survival. Conclusion: we constructed the reliable nomograms for synovial sarcoma patients to predict overall and disease-specific survival, which can offer precise and personalized survival prediction.
SARS-CoV-2-induced impaired immune response by Prostaglandin E2 is accelerated by age, male sex and air pollution
Authors: Ricke-Hoch Melanie , Stelling Elisabeth , Lasswitz Lisa , Gunesch Antonia-Patricia , Kasten Martina , Zapatero-Belinchón Francisco J. , Brogden Graham , Gerold Gisa , Battmer Karin , Pietschmann Thomas , Montiel Virginie , Balligand Jean-Luc , Facciotti Federica , Hirsch Emilio , Elbahesh Husni , Rimmelzwaan Guus , Hoefer Anne , Kühnel Mark , Jonigk Danny , Eigendorf Julian , Tegtbur Uwe , Mink Lena , Scherr Michaela , Illig Thomas , Schambach Axel , Pfeffer Tobias , Andrée Birgit , Hilfiker Andres , Haverich Axel , Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has led to a pandemic with millions of people affected. The present study finds prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) blood levels elevated in COVID-19 patients with positive correlation with disease severity. SARS-CoV-2 induces PGE2 generation and secretion in infected lung epithelial cells by upregulating cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 and reducing the PG-degrading enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin-dehydrogenase. Also living human-lung-precision-slices infected with SARS-CoV-2 display upregulated COX-2. PGE2 in serum of COVID-19 patients lowers the expression of Paired-Box-Protein-Pax-5 (PAX5), a master regulator of B-cell survival, proliferation and differentiation, in both human and mouse pre-B-cells, while the PGE2 inhibitor taxifolin directly reduces SARS-CoV-2-induced PGE2 production and attenuates viral replication. Risk-factors for severe disease courses, i.e. older age, male sex and air pollution are associated with higher PGE2 production and lower PAX5 expression in pre-B-cells. Since PGE2 acts broadly immunosuppressive its elevation might reduce the early anti-viral defense and its inhibition may therefore reduce severe disease courses.
Reverse chemistry of iron under high pressure and the distribution of elements in the deep Earth
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Feng Xiaolei , Li Jianfu , Khodagholian Dalar , Lin Jiani , Jackson Matthew , Spera Frank , Redfern Simon , Miao Maosheng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We demonstrate a remarkable change of chemical trend of iron under high pressure that is of great importance for understanding the distribution of elements in the Earth’s mantle and core. Using a massive-scale first principles study, we show that while reacting with p-block elements under increasing pressure from ambient to that of Erath’s core, iron tends to reverse its chemical nature, changing from an electron donor (reductant) to an electron acceptor, and oxidizes p-block elements. Such reverse chemistry significantly impacts the stoichiometries, bond types and strengths, structures and properties of iron compounds under deep planetary conditions, making many p-block elements that are conventionally labeled lithophile or chalcophile to highly siderophile. The chemical binding strengths with iron show an inverse correlation with the depletion of p-block elements in silicate Earth. Furthermore, silicon shows a distinct anomaly in its bonding to iron, which suggests silicon may readily be incorporated into Earth’s core.
Large Metallicity Variations in the Galactic Interstellar Medium
Authors: De Cia Annalisa , Jenkins Edward , Ledoux Cedric , Fox Andrew , Ramburth-Hurt Tanita , Konstantopoulou Christina , Petitjean Patrick 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Metals in the neutral Interstellar Medium (ISM) of galaxies are crucial for the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, cosmic dust, molecules, and planets. However, understanding the metal abundances in the neutral ISM is complicated by the presence of cosmic dust. Large quantities of metals are missing from the observable gas-phase because they are incorporated into dust grains. This phenomenon is called dust depletion. Until recently, the metallicity of the neutral ISM in the vicinity of the Sun was assumed to be Solar. In this paper we directly measure the metallicity of the neutral ISM, by quantifying dust depletion without making as- sumptions on the gas metallicity, using Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and Very Large Telescope (VLT) spectra of 25 hot bright stars. We find that the dust-corrected metal- licity in the neutral ISM in our Galaxy is not always Solar, but shows large variations spreading over a factor of 10 and including many regions of low metallicity, down to ∼ 17% Solar and possibly below. Pristine gas infalling towards the Galactic disk in the form of intermediate and high-velocity clouds could cause the observed chemical inhomogeneities on scales of tens of pc. This has a profound impact for the chemical evolution of galaxies.
Nuclear Factor-kappaB Regulates the Transcription of NADPH Oxidase 1 in Human Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wu Weijing , Li Li , Su Xiaoshan , ZHU ZHIXING , Lin Xiaoping , Zhang Jiamin , Zhuang Zesen , Cai Hongyi , Huang Wenjie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) mediates the expression of various inflammation-related genes, including the NADPH oxidase family. This study aimed to identify the potential regulatory role of NF-𝜅B on NADPH oxidases in TNF-α-induced oxidative stress in human alveolar epithelial cells. Methods Type II alveolar epithelial cell-derived A549 cells were treated with TNF-α for 24 hours to establish ALI cell models. RT-PCR, western blot, DCFH-DA ROS assay, Alibaba 2.1 online analysis, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and luciferase reporter analysis were employed to identify the potential regulatory role of NF-𝜅B on NADPH oxidases in TNF-α-induced oxidative stress in human alveolar epithelial cells. Results The expression of NF-κB/p65 was notably upregulated in TNF-α-stimulated A549 cells. NF-κB knockdown by siRNA significantly inhibited the TNF-α-induced ROS generation. Moreover, NF-𝜅B/p65 siRNA could inhibite the activation of NOX1, NOX2 and NOX4 mRNA and protein expression in TNF-α-stimulated A549 cells. The next study demonstrated that NF-𝜅B activated the transcription of NOX1 by binding to the -261 to -252 bp (NOX1/κB2, TAAAAATCCC) region of NOX1 promoter in TNF-α-stimulated A549 cells. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that NF-κB can aggravate TNF-α-induced ALI by regulating the activation of ROS generation and the expression of NOX1, NOX2 and NOX4. Moreover, NF-𝜅B could promote the NOX1 transcriptional activity via binding its promoter in TNF-α-stimulated A549 cells.
Simulated and Experimental Study of Sediments Sampling Parameters Based on the VOF Method
Authors: He Shudong , Peng YouDuo , Jin Yongping , Yan Jian , Wan Buyan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Sediments in the seabed hold vital clues to the study of marine geology, microbial communities and history of ocean life, and the remote operated vehicle (ROV) mounted tubular sampling is an important way to obtain sediments. However, sampling in the seabed is a particularly difficult and complicated task due to the difficulty accessing deep water layers. The sampling is affected by the sampler’s structural parameters, operation parameters and the interaction between the sampling tube and sediments, which usually results in low volume and coring rate of sediments obtained. This paper simulated the soft viscous seabed sediments as non-Newtonian Herschel-Bulkley viscoplastic fluids and established a numerical model for the tubular sampling based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The influence rules of the sampling tube diameter, drainage area rate, penetration velocity, and sediments dynamic viscosity on coring rate and volume were studied. The results showed that coring volume was negatively correlated with all the parameters except the sampling tube diameter. Furthermore, coring rate decreased with increases in penetration velocity, drainage area rate, and sediments dynamic viscosity. The coring rate first increased and then decreased with increasing of the sampling tube diameter, and the peak value was also influenced by penetration velocity. Then, based on the numerical simulation results, an experimental sampling platform was set up and real-world sampling experiments were conducted. The simulation results tallied with the experimental results, with a maximum absolute error of only 4.6%, which verified that the numerical simulation model accurately reflected real-world sampling. The findings in this paper can provide a theoretical basis for facilitating the optimal design of the geometric structure of the seabed sediments samplers and the parameters in the sampling process.
A Raman Algorithm to Estimate Human Age From Protein Structural Variations in Autopsy Skin Samples: the Proteins’ Biological Clock
Authors: Miyamori Daisuke , Uemura Takeshi , Zhu Wenliang , Fujikawa Kei , Teramukai Satoshi , Pezzotti Giuseppe , Ikegaya Hiroshi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The recent increase of the number of unidentified cadavers has become a serious problem in the world. As a simple and objective method for age estimation, we attempted to utilize Raman spectrometry for forensic identification. Raman spectroscopy is an optical-based vibrational spectroscopic technique that provides detailed information about molecular composition and structure. Building upon our previous proof-of-concept study, Raman spectra of abdominal skin sample were measured in 132 autopsy cases and protein-folding intensity ratio (RPF) was calculated. There was a strong negative correlation between age and RPF with a Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.878. The results of cross validation suggested that Model 2 (the square of RPF) is the best model with lowest mean squared error (127.9) and highest coefficient of determination (0.743) among the four models. Our results indicate that the there is a high correlation between the age and RPF. The Raman biological clock of protein folding can be used as a simple and objective forensic age estimation method of unidentified cadavers.
Risk Factors for Orbital Implant Extrusion After Evisceration
Authors: Kim Ju Mi , Sung Jae Yun , Lim Hyung Bin , Choi Eunjung , Lee Sung Bok 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyzed risk factors for extrusion of orbital implants after evisceration by comparing patients with and without implant extrusion.Design: Retrospective study.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent evisceration with primary implant placement by a single surgeon from January 2005 to December 2019 at Chungnam National University Hospital. Age, sex, underlying systemic diseases, axial length of the fellow eye, the cause of evisceration, endophthalmitis type, implant type and size, and preoperative computed tomography findings were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for implant extrusion.Results: Of the 140 eyes of 140 patients, extrusion occurred in 5 eyes (3.6%). Endophthalmitis (odds ratio (OR), 15.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.70 to 2038.56; p = 0.010), endogenous endophthalmitis (OR, 18.73; 95% CI, 3.22 to 125.21, p = 0.002), orbital cellulitis (OR, 320.54; 95% CI, 29.67 to 44801.64; p < 0.001), implant size (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.79; p = 0.004), and hydroxyapatite for the implant (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.66; p = 0.016) were risk factors for implant extrusion in univariate logistic regression analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified orbital cellulitis as the only risk factor for extrusion (OR, 52.98; 95% CI, 2.18 to 15367.34; p = 0.009).Conclusions: Evisceration with primary orbital implantation is a feasible option in endophthalmitis, but the risk of extrusion should be taken into consideration. When performing evisceration in a patient with orbital cellulitis, secondary implantation should be carried out only after any infection is controlled.
Skin-Integrated Electromechanical Systems for Characterization of Deep Tissue Biomechanics
Authors: Rogers John , Song Enming , Xie Zhaoqian , Bai Wubin , Luan Haiwen , Ji Bowen , Ning Xin , Xia Yu , Baek Janice Mihyun , Lee Yujin , Avila Raudel , Chen Huang-Yu , Kim Jae-Hwan , Madhvapathi Surabhi , Yao Kuanming , Won Sang , Zhang Xinyuan , Myers Daniel , Mei Yongfeng , Guo Xu , Xu Shuai , Yu Xinge , Huang Yonggang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Compact electronic systems that perform rapid, precise mechanical characterization of living biological tissues have important potential uses in monitoring and diagnosing various types of human-health disorders. Active devices that perform high-precision, real-time evaluations of deep tissue structures (millimeter-scale) in a precise, digital and non-invasive fashion could complement capabilities of recently-reported approaches for sensing tissue biomechanics at superficial depths (typically micrometer-scale). This paper introduces a miniature electromagnetic platform that combines a vibratory actuator with a soft strain-sensing sheet for determining the Young’s modulus of soft biological tissues, with specific focus on skin. Experimental and computational studies establish the operational principles and performance attributes through evaluations of synthetic and biological materials, including human skin at various body locations across healthy subject volunteers. The results demonstrate dynamic monitoring of elastic modulus at characteristic depths between ~1 and ~8 mm, depending on the sensor designs. Arrays of such devices support capabilities in both depth profiling and spatial mapping. Clinical studies on patients with skin disorders highlight potential for accurate targeting of lesions associated with psoriasis, as examples of practical medical utility.
Cytotoxic and Anti-excitotoxic Effects of Selected Plant and Algal Extracts Using Comet and Cell Viability Assays
Authors: Al-Dbass Abeer , Amina Musarat , Musayeib Nawal Al , Bhat Ramesa Shafi , Al-Rashed Sara , Marraiki Najat , Fahmy Rania , El-Ansary Afaf 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Excess glutamate in the central nervous system may be a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases with gradual loss and dysfunction of neurons. Primary or secondary metabolites from medicinal plants and algae show potential for treatment of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Three plant extracts were evaluated for impact on glutamate excitotoxicity-induced in primary cultures of retinal ganglion cells. These cells were treated separately in seven groups: control; Plicosepalus. curviflorus treated; Saussurea lappa treated; Cladophora glomerate treated. Cells were treated independently with 5, 10, 50, or 100 µg/ml of extracts of plant or alga material, respectively, for 2 h. Glutamate-treated cells (48 h with 5, 10, 50, or 100 µM glutamate); and P. curviflorus/glutamate; S. lappa/glutamate; C. glomerata/glutamate [pretreatment with extract for 2 h (50 and 100 µg/ml) before glutamate treatment with 100 µM for 48 h]. Comet and MTT assays were used to assess cell damage and cell viability. The number of viable cells fell significantly after glutamate exposure. Exposure to plant extracts caused no notable effect of viability. All tested plants extracts showed a protective effect against glutamate excitotoxicity-induced RGC death. Use of these extracts for neurological conditions related to excitotoxicity and oxidative stress might prove beneficial.
The Utilization of Warfarin Dosing Algorithms in China: An Electronic Survey Study
Authors: Liu Yaxin , Wu Tian , Kuang Yun , Ning Xiaoyi , Xie Jinlian , Guo Chengxian , Xiang Yuxia , Jiang Weihong , Yang Guoping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Warfarin, a key anticoagulant medication, has a narrow therapeutic window and individual difference. Many warfarin dosing algorithms have been developed and been proved to have clinical benefits. However, the utilization of algorithms by medical professionals in China was unknown. We conducted an online survey to investigate the use and requirements of warfarin dosing algorithms among Chinese medical professionals. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted via WeChat to investigate the utilization of warfarin dosing algorithms by medical professionals in seven regions of China. The content of questionnaire was included general characteristics of participants, condition of anticoagulant therapy, utilization of warfarin dosing algorithms and demand for function of an assistant warfarin dosing system we proposed.Results: A total of 399 participants completed the survey. Although most medical professionals use warfarin for anticoagulant therapy, some of them (15.04%) were not familiar with warfarin’s individual difference. As high as 32.97% of clinicians ruled out genotypes when using warfarin. The vast majority of anticoagulant medical professionals believed warfarin dosing algorithms can have clinical benefits, but only 20.80% of them usually use algorithms for anticoagulant therapy. Conclusion: Warfarin dosing algorithms have high evaluation while not good utilization among Chinese anticoagulant medical professionals. If warfarin dosing algorithms and assistant tools aimed to Chinese population were developed, to some extent can improve anticoagulant therapy in China.
Historical Tree Species Height Growth Pattern Associated With Climate Change in Western North America
Authors: Messaoud Yassine , Reid Anya , Tchebakova Nadezhda M. , Hofgaard Annika , Messsaoud Faouzi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe climate variables effect on tree growth in boreal and temperate forests has received increased interest in the global context of climate change. However, most studies are geographically limited and involved few tree species. Here, sixteen tree species across western North America were used to investigate tree response to climate change at the species range scale. MethodsForest inventory data from 36,944 stands established between 1600 and 1968 throughout western Canada and USA were summarized. Height growth (total height at breast-height age of 50 years) of healthy dominant and co-dominant trees were related to annual and summer temperatures, annual and summer Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI, and tree establishment date (ED). Climate-induced height growth patterns were then tested to determine links to spatial environment (soil conditions and geographic locations), species range (coastal, interior, and both ranges) and species traits (shade tolerance and leaf form), using linear mixed model for the global height growth and general linear model to test the height growth patterns for each species. ResultsIncrease of temperatures and PDSI had a positive effect on height growth for most of the study species, whereas Alaska yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, (D. Don) Spach) height growth declined with ED. All explaining variables and the interactions explained 59% of the total height growth variance. Although tree height growth response was species-specific, increased height growth during the 20th century was more pronounced for coastal ranged species, high shade tolerant species, and broadleaf species. Furthermore, height growth increase occurred mostly on rich soil, at the northernmost species range, and, unexpectedly, at lower elevations. A decline in height growth for some species further north and especially higher in elevation possibly related to increased cloudiness and precipitation. However, drought conditions remain in interior areas despite moving northward and upward that decrease height growth. ConclusionThese results highlight the general trend (species characteristics and range) and the species-specific height patterns, indicating the spatio-temporal complexity of the growth response to recent global climate change.