bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age- and weight group-specific weight gain patterns in children and adolescents during the 15 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vogel Mandy , Geserick Mandy , Gausche Ruth , Beger Christoph , Poulain Tanja , Meigen Christof , Körner Antje , Keller Eberhard , Kiess Wieland , Pfäffle Roland 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesThere is a concern that measures aiming to limit a further spread of COVID-19, e.g., school closures and social distancing, cause an aggravation of the childhood obesity epidemic. Therefore, we compared BMI trends during the 15 years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Subjects/MethodsTo assess the change in weight dynamics during the first months of COVID-19, we compared the trends of 3-month change in BMI-SDS (ΔBMI-SDS) and the proportions of children showing a high positive (HPC) or high negative (HNC) weight change between 2005 and 2019 and the respective changes from 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 2020 (after the onset of anti-pandemic measures) in more than 150,000 children (9689 during the pandemic period). The period of 3 months corresponds approximately to the first lockdown period in Germany.ResultsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, we found a substantial weight gain across all weight and age groups, reflected by an increase in the 3-month change in BMI-SDS (β = 0.05,p < 0.001), an increase in the proportion of children showing HPC (OR = 1.4,p < 0.001), and a decrease in the proportion of children showing HNC (OR = 0.7,p < 0.001). Besides, we found the same trends since 2005 on a low but stable level with a yearly increase of ΔBMI-SDS byβ = 0.001 (p < 0.001), the odds of HPC increased by ORhigh_pos = 1.01 (p < 0.001), and the odds of HNC decreased by ORhigh_neg = 0.99 (p < 0.001). These rather small effects accumulated toβ = 0.02, ORhigh_pos = 1.14, and ORhigh_pos = 0.85 over the whole period 2005–2019. Alarmingly, both the long-term and the short-term effects were most pronounced in the obese subgroup.ConclusionsThere are positive dynamics in different measures of weight change, indicating a positive trend in weight gain patterns, especially within the group of children with obesity. These dynamics are likely to be escalated by COVID-19-related measures. Thus, they may lead to a significant further aggravation of the childhood obesity pandemic.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: CircHAS2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells by regulating PPM1E mediated by hsa-miR-944
Authors: Ma Shuo , Gu Xinliang , Shen Lei , Chen Yinhao , Qian Chen , Shen Xianjuan , Ju Shaoqing 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is considered one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of endogenous noncoding RNAs, which can be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for many tumors. However, the role and potential regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in GC remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that a specific circRNA, circHAS2, was upregulated in GC tissues and cells and was positively correlated with tumor metastasis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that circHAS2 knockdown or the addition of hsa-miR-944 mimics inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of GC cells and affected the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In addition, hsa-miR-944 interacted with protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent 1E (PPM1E), and was found to be a target gene of circHAS2. The upregulation of PPM1E reversed the effects of circHAS2 knockout on GC cells. The circHAS2/hsa-miR-944/PPM1E axis may be involved in the progression of GC; thus, circHAS2 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.
Orexin receptors 1 and 2 in serotonergic neurons differentially regulate peripheral glucose metabolism in obesity
Authors: Xiao Xing , Yeghiazaryan Gagik , Hess Simon , Klemm Paul , Sieben Anna , Kleinridders André , Morgan Donald A. , Wunderlich F. Thomas , Rahmouni Kamal , Kong Dong , Scammell Thomas E. , Lowell Bradford B. , Kloppenburg Peter , Brüning Jens C. , Hausen A. Christine 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe wake-active orexin system plays a central role in the dynamic regulation of glucose homeostasis. Here we show orexin receptor type 1 and 2 are predominantly expressed in dorsal raphe nucleus-dorsal and -ventral, respectively. Serotonergic neurons in ventral median raphe nucleus and raphe pallidus selectively express orexin receptor type 1. Inactivation of orexin receptor type 1 in serotonin transporter-expressing cells of mice reduced insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obesity, mainly by decreasing glucose utilization in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Selective inactivation of orexin receptor type 2 improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in obese mice, mainly through a decrease in hepatic gluconeogenesis. Optogenetic activation of orexin neurons in lateral hypothalamus or orexinergic fibers innervating raphe pallidus impaired or improved glucose tolerance, respectively. Collectively, the present study assigns orexin signaling in serotonergic neurons critical, yet differential orexin receptor type 1- and 2-dependent functions in the regulation of systemic glucose homeostasis.
Functional characterization of T2D-associated SNP effects on baseline and ER stress-responsive β cell transcriptional activation
Authors: Khetan Shubham , Kales Susan , Kursawe Romy , Jillette Alexandria , Ulirsch Jacob C. , Reilly Steven K. , Ucar Duygu , Tewhey Ryan , Stitzel Michael L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) have linked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at >250 loci in the human genome to type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. For each locus, identifying the functional variant(s) among multiple SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium is critical to understand molecular mechanisms underlying T2D genetic risk. Using massively parallel reporter assays (MPRA), we test thecis-regulatory effects of SNPs associated with T2D and altered in vivo islet chromatin accessibility in MIN6 β cells under steady state and pathophysiologic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions. We identify 1,982/6,621 (29.9%) SNP-containing elements that activate transcription in MIN6 and 879 SNP alleles that modulate MPRA activity. Multiple T2D-associated SNPs alter the activity of short interspersed nuclear element (SINE)-containing elements that are strongly induced by ER stress. We identify 220 functional variants at 104 T2D association signals, narrowing 54 signals to a single candidate SNP. Together, this study identifies elements driving β cell steady state and ER stress-responsive transcriptional activation, nominates causal T2D SNPs, and uncovers potential roles for repetitive elements in β cell transcriptional stress response and T2D genetics.
Sub-diffraction error mapping for localisation microscopy images
Authors: Marsh Richard J. , Costello Ishan , Gorey Mark-Alexander , Ma Donghan , Huang Fang , Gautel Mathias , Parsons Maddy , Cox Susan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAssessing the quality of localisation microscopy images is highly challenging due to the difficulty in reliably detecting errors in experimental data. The most common failure modes are the biases and errors produced by the localisation algorithm when there is emitter overlap. Also known as the high density or crowded field condition, significant emitter overlap is normally unavoidable in live cell imaging. Here we use Haar wavelet kernel analysis (HAWK), a localisation microscopy data analysis method which is known to produce results without bias, to generate a reference image. This enables mapping and quantification of reconstruction bias and artefacts common in all but low emitter density data. By avoiding comparisons involving intensity information, we can map structural artefacts in a way that is not adversely influenced by nonlinearity in the localisation algorithm. The HAWK Method for the Assessment of Nanoscopy (HAWKMAN) is a general approach which allows for the reliability of localisation information to be assessed.
Two-dimensional monolayer salt nanostructures can spontaneously aggregate rather than dissolve in dilute aqueous solutions
Authors: Zhao Wenhui , Sun Yunxiang , Zhu Weiduo , Jiang Jian , Zhao Xiaorong , Lin Dongdong , Xu Wenwu , Duan Xiangmei , Francisco Joseph S. , Zeng Xiao Cheng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIt is well known that NaCl salt crystals can easily dissolve in dilute aqueous solutions at room temperature. Herein, we reported the first computational evidence of a novel salt nucleation behavior at room temperature, i.e., the spontaneous formation of two-dimensional (2D) alkali chloride crystalline/non-crystalline nanostructures in dilute aqueous solution under nanoscale confinement. Microsecond-scale classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that NaCl or LiCl, initially fully dissolved in confined water, can spontaneously nucleate into 2D monolayer nanostructures with either ordered or disordered morphologies. Notably, the NaCl nanostructures exhibited a 2D crystalline square-unit pattern, whereas the LiCl nanostructures adopted non-crystalline 2D hexagonal ring and/or zigzag chain patterns. These structural patterns appeared to be quite generic, regardless of the water and ion models used in the MD simulations. The generic patterns formed by 2D monolayer NaCl and LiCl nanostructures were also confirmed by ab initio MD simulations. The formation of 2D salt structures in dilute aqueous solution at room temperature is counterintuitive. Free energy calculations indicated that the unexpected spontaneous salt nucleation behavior can be attributed to the nanoscale confinement and strongly compressed hydration shells of ions.
Gut microbiota and metabolites of α-synuclein transgenic monkey models with early stage of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yan Yaping , Ren Shuchao , Duan Yanchao , Lu Chenyu , Niu Yuyu , Wang Zhengbo , Inglis Briauna , Ji Weizhi , Zheng Yun , Si Wei 
Published: September 2021

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. However, it is unclear whether microbiota and metabolites have demonstrated changes at early PD due to the difficulties in diagnosis and identification of early PD in clinical practice. In a previous study, we generated A53T transgenic monkeys with early Parkinson’s symptoms, including anxiety and cognitive impairment. Here we analyzed the gut microbiota by metagenomic sequencing and metabolites by targeted gas chromatography. The gut microbiota analysis showed that the A53T monkeys have higher degree of diversity in gut microbiota with significantly elevated Sybergistetes, Akkermansia, and Eggerthella lenta compared with control monkeys. Prevotella significantly decreased in A53T transgenic monkeys. Glyceric acid, L-Aspartic acid, and p-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid were significantly elevated, whereas Myristic acid and 3-Methylindole were significantly decreased in A53T monkeys. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (KO0131) and the oxidative phosphorylation reaction (KO2147) were significantly increased in metabolic pathways of A53T monkeys. Our study suggested that the transgenic A53T and α-syn aggregation may affect the intestine microbiota and metabolites of rhesus monkeys, and the identified five compositional different metabolites that are mainly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction may be related to the pathogenesis of PD.
Preparation of hexagonal nanoporous Al2O3/TiO2/TiN as a novel photodetector with high efficiency
Authors: Elsayed Asmaa M. , Rabia Mohamed , Shaban Mohamed , Aly Arafa H. , Ahmed Ashour M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe unique optical properties of metal nitrides enhance many photoelectrical applications. In this work, a novel photodetector based on TiO2/TiN nanotubes was deposited on a porous aluminum oxide template (PAOT) for light power intensity and wavelength detection. The PAOT was fabricated by the Ni-imprinting technique through a two-step anodization method. The TiO2/TiN layers were deposited by using atomic layer deposition and magnetron sputtering, respectively. The PAOT and PAOT/TiO2/TiN were characterized by several techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The PAOT has high-ordered hexagonal nanopores with dimensions ~ 320 nm pore diameter and ~ 61 nm interpore distance. The bandgap of PAOT/TiO2 decreased from 3.1 to 2.2 eV with enhancing absorption of visible light after deposition of TiN on the PAOT/TiO2. The PAOT/TiO2/TiN as photodetector has a responsivity (R) and detectivity (D) of 450 mAW-1 and 8.0 × 1012 Jones, respectively. Moreover, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) was 9.64% at 62.5 mW.cm−2 and 400 nm. Hence, the fabricated photodetector (PD) has a very high photoelectrical response due to hot electrons from the TiN layer, which makes it very hopeful as a broadband photodetector.
Predictive modelling of level IIb lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Hyunwoo , Son Nak-Hoon , Lee Sung Hwa , Kim Dongwook , Kim Hyung Jun , Cha In-ho , Nam Woong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to examine the conditions, characteristics, and risk factors of level IIb lymph node metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma and to formulate surgical criteria for level IIb lymph node dissection. We analyzed clinical and pathological records for 541 oral squamous carcinoma patients in relation to level IIb metastasis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to detect risk factors for level IIb lymph node metastasis; a predictive model was built based on multivariate analysis and tested in a validation group. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the training group indicated that level IIa metastasis and Lymphovascular permeation (LVP) were two independent risk factors for level IIb lymph node metastasis. This model was built and tested in a validation group, the area under the curve being 0.697 (P < .0.001). The model’s sensitivity was 66.7% and specificity was 77.4%. Nomogram incorporating validated variables was developed for level IIb metastasis prediction. Expected survival probabilites were analysed to specify significance of model's variable on patients’ overall survival and recurrence. Level IIb dissection should be performed in patients with level IIa metastasis and LVP. However, thorough consideration of the oncologic safety of omitting level IIb dissection is compulsory.
Ultra-high-resolution computed tomography shows changes in the lungs related with airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine asthma model
Authors: Jung Jae-Woo , Oh Jung Suk , Bae Boram , Ahn Yoon Hae , Kim Lucy Wooyeon , Choi Jiwoong , Kim Hye-Young , Kang Hye-Ryun , Lee Chang Hyun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn vivo presentation of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) at the different time points of the allergic reaction is not clearly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate how AHR manifests in the airway and the lung parenchyma in vivo following exposure to different stimuli and in the early and late phases of asthma after allergen exposure. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma model was established using 6-week female BALB/c mice. Enhanced pause was measured with a non-invasive method to assess AHR. The dynamic changes of the airway and lung parenchyma were evaluated with ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (128 multi-detector, 1024 × 1024 matrix) for 10 h. While the methacholine challenge showed no grossly visible changes in the proximal airway and lung parenchyma despite provoking AHR, the OVA challenge induced significant immediate changes manifesting as peribronchial ground glass opacities, consolidations, air-trapping, and paradoxical proximal airway dilatations. After resolution of immediate response, multiple episodes of AHRs occurred with paradoxical proximal airway dilatation and peripheral air-trapping in late phase over a prolonged time period in vivo. Understanding of airflow limitation based on the structural changes of asthmatic airway would be helpful to make an appropriate drug delivery strategy for the treatment of asthma.
Relativistic nucleon–nucleon potentials in a spin-dependent three-dimensional approach
Authors: Hadizadeh M. R. , Radin M. , Nazari F. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe matrix elements of relativistic nucleon–nucleon (NN) potentials are calculated directly from the nonrelativistic potentials as a function of relative NN momentum vectors, without a partial wave decomposition. To this aim, the quadratic operator relation between the relativistic and nonrelativistic NN potentials is formulated in momentum-helicity basis states. It leads to a single integral equation for the two-nucleon (2N) spin-singlet state, and four coupled integral equations for two-nucleon spin-triplet states, which are solved by an iterative method. Our numerical analysis indicates that the relativistic NN potential obtained using CD-Bonn potential reproduces the deuteron binding energy and neutron-proton elastic scattering differential and total cross-sections with high accuracy.
The effect of blue light filtering lenses on speed perception
Authors: Ali Adiba , Roy Maitreyee , Alzahrani Hind Saeed , Khuu Sieu K. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBlue-light filtering lenses (BFLs) are marketed to protect the eyes from blue light that may be hazardous to the visual system. Because BFLs attenuate light, they reduce object contrast, which may impact visual behaviours such as the perception of object speed which reduces with contrast. In the present study, we investigated whether speed perception is affected by BFLs. Using a two-interval forced-choice procedure in conjunction with Method of Constant Stimuli, participants (n = 20) judged whether the perceived speed of a moving test stimulus (1.5–4.5°/s) viewed through a BFL was faster than a reference stimulus (2.75°/s) viewed through a clear lens. This procedure was repeated for 3 different BFL brands and chromatic and achromatic stimuli. Psychometric function fits provided an estimate of the speed at which both test and reference stimuli were matched. We find that the perceived speed of both chromatic and achromatic test stimuli was reduced by 6 to 20% when viewed through BFLs, and lenses that attenuated the most blue-light produced the largest reductions in perceived speed. Our findings indicate that BFLs whilst may reduce exposure to hazardous blue light, have unintended consequences to important visual behaviours such as motion perception.
Hunting dogs bark differently when they encounter different animal species
Authors: Policht Richard , Matějka Ondřej , Benediktová Kateřina , Adámková Jana , Hart Vlastimil 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that vocalizations of dogs can provide information to human companions. While acoustic signals of dogs have been intensively studied during the last decade, barking during hunting activities remains unstudied. The experiences of hunters indicate that owners can recognize what animal species has been found based on the bark of their dog. Such a phenomenon has never been tested before. We tested such an ability by comparing barks that were produced when dogs encountered four different animal species: wild boar, red fox, rabbit and fowl. Classification results of a discrimination analysis showed, that based on barks of dachshunds and terriers, it is possible to categorize towards which animal species barks were produced. The most distinctive barks were produced during encounters with the most dangerous of these animals, the wild boar. On the contrary, barks evoked by red fox encounters were classified similarly as those towards other smaller and non-dangerous animals like rabbits and fowl. Although the red fox represents a potentially dangerous species, the barking provoked was not classified with a much higher result than barking at animals that pose no threat. This might indicate that the key parameter could be the body size of the animal the dog meets. We further tested whether the degree of threat from the species of animal the dog encounters is reflected in the structure of the acoustic parameters based on the valence-arousal model. We found that barks produced in contact with a wild boar showed significantly lower frequency parameters and longest duration compared to other barks. According to these results, it seems that the variability of barking depending on the species of animal a dog encounters is an expression of the dogʼs inner state rather than functionally reference information.
Exploring the best monochromatic energy level in dual energy spectral imaging for coronary stents after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Liu Qian , Wang Yajuan , Qi Haicheng , Yu Yaohui , Xing Yan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this study, the optimal monochromatic energy level in dual-energy spectral CT required for imaging coronary stents after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was explored. Thirty-five consecutive patients after PCI were examined using the dual-energy spectral CT imaging mode. The original images were reconstructed at 40–140 keV (10-keV interval) monochromatic levels. The in-stent and out-stent CT values at each monochromatic level were measured to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for the vessel and the CT value difference between the in-stent and out-stent lumen (dCT (in–out)), which reflects the artificial CT number increase due to the beam hardening effect caused by the stents. The subjective image quality of the stent and in-stent vessel was evaluated by two radiologists using a 5-point scale. With the increase in energy level, the CT value, SNR, CNR, and dCT (in–out) all decreased. At 80 keV, the mean CT value in-stent reached (345.24 ± 93.43) HU and dCT (in–out) started plateauing. In addition, the subjective image quality of the stents and vessels peaked at 80 keV. The 80 keV monochromatic images are optimal for imaging cardiac patients with stents after PCI, balancing the enhancement and SNR and CNR in the vessels while minimizing the beam hardening artifacts caused by the stents.
Innovative functional polymerization of pyrrole-N-propionic acid onto WS2 nanotubes using cerium-doped maghemite nanoparticles for photothermal therapy
Authors: Levin Tzuriel , Lampel Yakir , Savyon Gaya , Levy Esthy , Harel Yifat , Elias Yuval , Sinvani Moshe , Nachman Iftach , Lellouche Jean-Paul 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTungsten disulfide nanotubes (WS2-NTs) were found to be very active for photothermal therapy. However, their lack of stability in aqueous solutions inhibits their use in many applications, especially in biomedicine. Few attempts were made to chemically functionalize the surface of the NTs to improve their dispersability. Here, we present a new polymerization method using cerium-doped maghemite nanoparticles (CM-NPs) as magnetic nanosized linkers between the WS2-NT surface and pyrrole-N-propionic acid monomers, which allow in situ polymerization onto the composite surface. This unique composite is magnetic, and contains two active entities for photothermal therapy—WS2 and the polypyrrole. The photothermal activity of the composite was tested at a wavelength of 808 nm, and significant thermal activity was observed. Moreover, the polycarboxylated polymeric coating of the NTs enables effective linkage of additional molecules or drugs via covalent bonding. In addition, a new method was established for large-scale synthesis of CM-NPs and WS2-NT-CM composites.