bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tropical Terrestrial And Epiphytic Ferns Have Different Leaf Stoichiometry With Ecological Implications.
Authors: Sulaiman Syazwan Pengiran , Cicuzza Daniele 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Terrestrial and epiphytic herbaceous forest species have different ecology and leaf stoichiometry. In tropical regions, a great component of herbaceous forest species is represented by ferns with different lifeforms. However, little is known about the differences in leaf stoichiometry between the lifeforms. We account for the concentrations of leaf elements (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) between terrestrial and epiphyte lifeforms and evolutionary clades. The fern species were sampled from the forest of Brunei Darussalam. Five leaves were collected from 5 individuals from 16 terrestrial and 4 epiphytic ferns. The leaves were then acid-digested and analyzed. Epiphytic species had higher concentration of most of the leaf elements. The N:P ratio showed that the epiphytic species being much more nutrient-limited, relying on stochastic events, compared to the terrestrial species which have a constant availability of soil elements. Epiphytes showed a higher concentration of P, which could be explained by their luxury consumption. Epiphytes accumulate elements in a higher concentration than is needed by their normal metabolic activity. Furthermore, epiphyte species have a significantly higher concentration of Ca which could be interpreted as necessity of coping with severe habitat conditions with schlerophyll leaves. The results bring in more information on the poorly studied stoichiometry of tropical Asian fern species. Important in understanding the eco-physiology of terrestrial and epiphytic ferns and determining which species are sensitive to the different forest management and the effect of climate change. This, is in addition to the associated mechanisms.
Health-Related Quality of Life In T1DM Patients After High-Dose Cholecalciferol Supplementation.
Authors: de Souza Ana Carolina Contente Braga , de Oliveira Maria Clara Neres Iunes , de Lemos Gabriela Nascimento , Silva Emanuele Rocha da , de Souza Ícaro José Araújo , Silva Wanderson Maia da , de Alcântara Angélica Leite , Said Nivin Mazen , de Moraes Lorena Vilhena , Neto João Felício Abrahão , Passos Simone Rodrigues dos , Monteiro Ádria Aline Alves , de Queiroz Natércia Neves Marques , de Melo Franciane Trindade Cunha , Felício Karem Miléo , Silva Lilian de Souza D’Albuquerque , Pinheiro Danielle Dias da Silva , Mourão Neyla Arroyo Lara , Piani Pedro Paulo Freire , Lobato Isabel Jane Campos , Felício João 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Cross-sectional studies suggest that low levels of vitamin D (VD) may impair HRQoL, however, the effect of VD supplementation on quality of life in patients with T1DM has not yet been clarified. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of high-dose VD supplementation on HRQoL in patients with T1DM. Methods: We performed a prospective interventional study with 64 patients supplemented with high doses of cholecalciferol (4,000 IU/day for patients with 25-OH-vitamin D [25(OH)D] between 30 and 60 ng/mL, and 10,000 IU/day for those with 25(OH)D below 30 ng/mL) for 12 weeks. HRQoL was assessed with EuroQol instruments (EQ-5D and EQ-VAS). Results: There was an improvement in global EQ-5D index at the end of vitamin D supplementation. Analysing only the EQ-5D domains, we observed particularly an improvement in mobility (1.3 ± 0.6 versus 1.1 ± 0.3, p <0.01). Evaluating possible outcome influencing variables, we detected a reduction in albuminuria at the end of the trial, without changes in BMI, lipids, blood pressure, glycemic control, insulin doses and in peripheral diabetic neuropathy. We also found a correlation between final albuminuria and the dimensions: mobility (r = 0.6; p <0.01), personal care (r = 0.7; p <0.01), pain and discomfort (r = 0.6; p <0.01) and habitual activities (r = 0.6; p <0.01), suggesting an association between albuminuria reduction and the impact of VD supplementation on HRQoL. Conclusion: Our data showed that high doses of cholecalciferol supplementation can improve HRQoL in patients with T1DM, and the reduction of albuminuria seems to be an important factor in this context.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN32601947. Registered 3 June 2017 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN32601947
The Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Heart Failure in Middle-aged Men and Women : Population-Based Study of 2 Million Individuals
Authors: Kim Tae-Eun , Kim Hyeongsu , Sung JiDong , Kim Duk-Kyung , Lee Myoung-Soon , Han Seong Woo , Kim Hyun-Joong , Kim Sung Hea , Ryu Kyu-Hyung 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Although the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and heart failure (HF) risk is known, large longitudinal studies that can permit causal inferences are limited. In this study, we investigated metabolic status as a risk factor for HF in middle-aged men and women and evaluated sex differences in various risk factors for HF using nationwide real-world data.Methods: Data obtained from the Korean National Health Insurance Service from 2009 to 2016 were analyzed. A total of 2151597 middle-age subjects (1149642 men and 1001955 women) (between 50 and 59 years old) without a history of Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease or malignancy were enrolled. Subjects were divided into three groups according to the number of MetS components: 0 (normal), 1–2 (Pre‐MetS) or 3–5 (MetS) based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between MetS and incident HF after adjusting for clinical risk factors.Results: At baseline, MetS existed in 23,77% of men and 10.58% of women. Pre-MetS and MetS increased the risk of HF: the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of pre-MetS was 1.508 (1.287-1.767) in men and 1.395 (1.158-1.681) in women; the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of MetS was 1.711 (1.433-2.044) in men and 2.144 (1.674-2.747) in women. Current smoking, low hemoglobin level, underweight (BMI<18.5) and high creatinine level as well as acute myocardial infarction were also predictors of HF in both men and women.Conclusions: This study confirmed that pre-MetS and MetS are risk factors for HF in middle-aged men and women. The effect of MetS on the occurrence of HF was stronger in women than in men. Pre-MetS was also a predictor of HF but was associated with a lower risk than MetS.
Association Between Plasma Glycosylated Hemoglobin A1c/high-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Carotid Atherosclerosis: A Real-world Study
Authors: Hu Xiangming , Li Wei , Wang Chenyang , Zhang Haotian , Lu Haoyu , Li Guang , Zhou Yingling , dong haojian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and dyslipidemia are the main risk factors for atherosclerosis. Elevated glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are associated with the progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio and atherosclerosis evaluated using carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid artery plaque.Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 1304 patients who had multiple cardiovascular risk factors or symptoms of suspected coronary artery disease. cIMT and carotid artery plaque were measured using ultrasonography. Logistic regression was used to explore the correlation between the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio and cIMT or carotid artery plaque. We used restricted cubic spline curves to assess nonlinear relationships between the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio and cIMT or carotid artery plaque.Results: With increased quartiles of HbA1c/HDL-C, patients had higher cIMT and a greater carotid plaque burden. After adjusting for other relevant clinical covariates, patients with the highest HbA1c/HDL-C ratio (Quartile 4 [Q4]) had a 2.88-times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.02–4.10, P<0.001) more abnormal mean cIMT, 3.72-times (95% CI: 2.55–5.44, P<0.001) more abnormal maximum cIMT, and 2.58-times (95% CI: 1.70–3.91, P<0.001) greater carotid artery plaque burden compared with patients who had the lowest HbA1c/HDL-C ratio (Q1). Moreover, the association of HbA1c/HDL-C with atherosclerosis remained significant in a subsample of patients with and without DM.Conclusions: As a novel compound indicator for evaluating blood glucose homeostasis and dyslipidemia, the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio was positively correlated with carotid atherosclerosis evaluated using the mean and maximum cIMT as well as the carotid artery plaque burden.
Structural insights into the gating mechanism of human Cx43/GJA1 gap junction channel
Authors: Woo Jae-Sung , Lee Hyuk-Joon , Cha Hyung Jin , Jeong Hyeongseop , Lee Seu-Na , Lee Chang-Won , Kim Minsoo , Yoo Jejoong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Connexin family proteins assemble into hexameric hemichannels in a cell membrane, which dock together between two adjacent membranes to form gap junction intercellular channels (GJIChs). The most ubiquitously expressed connexin Cx43 plays important roles in numerous biological processes. Here we report cryo-EM structures of Cx43 GJIChs at 3.1–3.6 Å resolutions, which show dynamic conformational changes of N-terminal helices (NTHs) caused by pH change or C-terminal truncation. Cx43 GJIChs in a channel-closing condition contain 12 protomers in gate-covering NTH (GCN) conformation, while those in opening conditions have varying compositions of GCNs and pore-lining NTHs (PLNs) resulting in various pore dimensions and electrostatic surface potentials. GCN-to-PLN transition accompanies π-helix formation in the first transmembrane helix (TM1), movement of TM2-4 that creates a side opening to the membrane, and structural stabilization of the cytoplasmic loop. Our study provides structural insights into the intercellular ion/metabolite transfer and the lateral lipid transport through Cx43 GJICh.
Cataract by electrocution. Case report
Authors: Fariña MD. Eliana Duarte , Vera Guillermo Raúl , Arrúa Martin , Gonzalez Luis 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
IntroductionElectrical burns generate a special type of injury. the longer a person is exposed to electricity, the worse the injuries will be. Cataracts resulting from this mechanism are of low frequency. Casewe present a case of a cataract secondary to an electrical accident, whose vision worsened over time, which led him to the service consultation. DiscussionThe formation of cataracts after various types of exposure to electricity has been reported but the exact pathogenesis of electrical cataract is controversial, and several theories have been proposed. ConclusionThis type of accident or events related to electrocution should have a complete routine ophthalmology evaluation, as soon as the patient is stable. Although they turn out to be a minimal cause of frequency, you should think about the possibility of their existence. Generally, these cases, without previous affections is considered to have a good visual prognosis.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors Reduced Long-term Cardiovascular Risk in Japanese Diabetic Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention via Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Axis: A 10-year Follow-up Study
Authors: Chikata Yuichi , Iwata Hiroshi , Miyosawa Katsutoshi , Koike Takuma , Yasuda Hidetoshi , Funamizu Takehiro , Doi Shinichiro , Endo Hirohisa , Wada Hideki , Naito Ryo , Ogita Manabu , Dohi Tomotaka , Kasai Takatoshi , Isoda Kikuo , Okazaki Shinya , Miyauchi Katsumi , Minamino Tohru 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) have become one of the most used antidiabetic medications worldwide due to their good safety profiles and tolerability with a low risk of hypoglycemia, however, no large cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) have shown any significant superiority with respect to reducing cardiovascular risk. On the contrary, since observational studies have suggested the effects of DPP4i are enhanced some populations, such as Asians and those who without overweight, their prognostic benefit is still under debate. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prognostic impact of DPP4i in patients with both diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) through the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis, a substrate of DPP4 and it is relevant for the cardiovascular system.Methods: This single-center analysis involved consecutive Japanese diabetic patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the first time between 2008 and 2018 (n=885). Primary and secondary endpoints were set as cardiovascular (CV)-death and the composite of CV-death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke (3P-MACE). Serum levels of IGF-1 and its main binding protein (IGF- binding protein 3: IGFBP-3) were measured by ELISA.Results: Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed reduced incidences of CV-death and 3P-MACE by DPP4i, which was particularly enhanced in patients who were not overweight (BMI ≤25). Multivariate Cox hazard analyses consistently indicated reduced risks of CV-death by DPP4i at PCI (hazard ratio (HR): 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16–0.82, p=0.01) and 3P-MACE (HR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25–0.84, p=0.01), respectively. Moreover, elevated IGF-1 activity indicated by the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio was associated with decreased risks of both endpoints and it was significantly higher in patients with DPP4i (p<0.0001).Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that DPP4i improved outcomes in Japanese diabetic patients following PCI, in which the beneficial effects might be mediated by DPP4-IGF-1 axis. Trial registration: This study reports the retrospective analysis of a prospective registry database of patients who underwent PCI at Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan (Juntendo Physicians’ Alliance for Clinical Trials, J-PACT), which is publicly registered (University Medical Information Network Japan - Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN-CTR 000035587).
Split luciferase-based assay to detect botulinum neurotoxins using human motor neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cell.
Authors: Cotter Laurent , Yu Feifan , De Lamotte Juliette Duschene , Dong Min , Krupp Johannes , Nicoleau Camille 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) have been widely used clinically as a muscle relaxant. These toxins target motor neurons and cleave proteins essential for neurotransmitter release like Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25). Most in vitro assays for BoNT testing use rodent cells or immortalized cell lines, which showed limitations in accuracy and physiological relevance. Here, we report a cell-based assay for detecting SNAP25-cleaving BoNTs by combining human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (hiPSC)-derived motor neurons and a luminescent detection system based on split nanoluc luciferase. This assay is convenient, rapid, free-of-specialized antibodies, and can discriminate the potency of different BoNTs, with a detection sensitivity of femtomolar concentrations of toxin and can be used to study the different steps of BoNT intoxication. Abreviations: BoNT, Botulinum neurotoxin, SNAP-25, Synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa, hiPSC, human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, SNARE, soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor, SV2, synaptic vesicle proteins, MLB, mouse lethality bioassay, LD50, toxin’s dose lethal for half of the animal injected, CB-assay, cell-based assays, FRET, Förster resonance energy transfer, Concanamycin A, EC50, Half maximal effective concentration, MNs, motor neurons.
18nm n-channel and p-channel Dopingless Asymmetrical Junctionless DG-MOSFET: Low Power CMOS Based Digital and Memory Applications
Authors: Mendiratta Namrata , Tripathi Suman Lata 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, an 18nm dopingless asymmetrical junctionless (AJ) double gate (DG) MOSFET has been designed for suppressed short channel effects (SCEs) for low power applications. A desired ON and OFF state current ratio with subthreshold performance parameters under limit, is the major focus of the proposed transistor. Different sensitivity parameters of dopingless AJ DG MOSFET such as drain extension, length of gate overlapping and oxide thickness are compared with the AJ DG MOSFET with doped channel region. The ON-state current obtained is 3.80 x 10-6 A/µm with reduced OFF-state leakage current up to 1.37 x 10-17 A/µm. The subthreshold slope (SS) and drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) of the device obtained are 59.5 mV/decade and 10.5 mV/V respectively. Temperature analysis of proposed device at various temperature such as 250 K, 300 K, 350 K and 400 K shows a small variation in OFF-state current (< 15%). Additionally, a p-channel AJ DG MOSFET along with n-channel AJ DG MOSFET are designed and their performance is evaluated for CMOS inverter circuit and 6T SRAM cell. All the design and analysis has been done with a 2D/3D Visual TCAD device simulator.
Induction of CD73 Prevents Death After Emergency Open Aortic Surgery for a Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm – A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Hakovirta Harri , Jalkanen Juho , Saimanen Eija , Kukkonen Tiia , Romsi Pekka , Suominen Velipekka , Vikatmaa Leena , Valtonen Mika , Karvonen Matti , Venermo Maarit 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Mortality remains high after emergency open surgery for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA). The aim of the present study was to assess, if intravenous (IV) Interferon (IFN) beta-1a improve survival after surgery by up-regulating Cluster of differentiation (CD73). Methods: This is a multi-center phase II double-blind, 2:1 randomized, parallel group comparison of the efficacy and safety of IV IFN beta-1a vs. placebo for the prevention of death after open surgery for an infra-renal RAAA. All study patients presented a confirmed infra-renal RAAA, survived the primary emergency surgery and were treated with IFN beta-1a (10μg) or matching placebo for 6 days after surgery. Major exclusion criteria included irreversible hemorrhagic shock, unconsciousness at arrival, chronic renal replacement therapy, diagnosed liver cirrhosis, severe congestive heart failure, advanced malignant disease, primary attempt of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), and per-operative suprarenal clamping over 30 minutes. Main outcome measure was all-cause mortality at day 30 (D30) from initial emergency aortic reconstruction. Results: Out of 40 randomized patients 38 were included in the outcome analyses (27 active arm and 11 placebo). Treatment groups were comparable by baseline characteristics. D30 all-cause mortality was 22.2% (6/27) in the active arm and 18.2% (2/11) in the placebo arm (OR 1.30; 95% CI, 0.21 – 8.19). The most common adverse event relating to the IFN beta-1a was pyrexia (20.7% in the active arm vs. 9.1% in the placebo arm). High level of serum CD73 associated with survival (P = 0.001) whereas the use of glucocorticoids associated with a poor CD73 response and poor survival in the active arm (P = 0.002).Conclusions: IV IFN beta-1a was well tolerated. Survival after open RAAA surgery associated strongly with up-regulation of serum CD73, but the use of glucocorticoids blocked IFN beta-1a from up-regulating CD73. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03119701Funding/Support: This study was sponsored by Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
CT Radiomics Nomogram for the Preoperative Prediction of Severe Post-Hepatectomy Liver Failure in Patients with Huge (≥10 cm) Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xiang Fei , Liang Xiaoyuan , Yang Lili , Liu Xingyu , Yan Sheng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background To establish a radiomics-based nomogram for predicting severe (grade B or C) post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in patients with huge (≥10 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods 186 patients with huge HCC (n = 131 for training dataset and n = 55 for test dataset) who underwent curative hepatic resection were included. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator approach was applied to develop the radiomics signature for grade B or C PHLF prediction in the training dataset. A multivariable logistic regression model was used by incorporating radiomics signature and other clinical predictors to establish a radiomics nomogram. A decision tree was created to stratify the risk for severe PHLF.Results The radiomics signature consisting of nine features predicted severe PHLF with an AUC of 0.766 and 0.745 in the training and test datasets, respectively. The radiomics nomogram was generated by integrating the radiomics signature, the extent of resection and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. The nomogram exhibited satisfactory discrimination and calibration, with an AUC of 0.842 and 0.863 in the training and test datasets, respectively. Decision tree split patients into 3 risk classes: low-risk patients with radiomics score < -0.247 and MELD score < 10 or，radiomics score ≥ -0.247 and underwent partial resections; intermediate-risk patients with radiomics score < -0.247 but MELD score ≥10; high-risk patients with radiomics score ≥ -0.247 and underwent extended resections.Conclusions The radiomics nomogram was able to predict severe PHLF in huge HCC patients. Decision tree may be useful in surgical decision-making for huge HCC hepatectomy.
5-methylcytosine profiles in mouse transcriptomes suggest the randomness of m5C formation catalyzed by RNA methyltransferase
Authors: Liu Junfeng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
5-methylcytosine (m5C) is a type of chemical modification on the nucleotides and is widespread in both DNA and RNA. Although the DNA m5C has been extensively studied over the past years, the distribution and biological function of RNA m5C still remain to be elucidated. Here, I explored the profiles of RNA m5C in four mouse tissues and found that the methylation rates of cytosine were the same with the averages of methylation level at single-nucleotide level. Furthermore, I gave a mathematical formula to describe the observed relationship and analyzed it deeply. The sufficient necessary condition for the given formula suggests that the methylation levels at most m5C sites are the same in four mouse tissues. Therefore, I proposed a hypothesis that the m5C formation catalyzed by RNA methyltransferase is random and with the same probability at most m5C sites, which is the methylation rate of cytosine. My hypothesis can be used to explain the observed profiles of RNA m5C in four mouse tissues and will be benefit to future studies of the distribution and biological function of RNA m5C in mammals.