bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiband effects on the upper critical field angular dependence of 122-family iron pnictide superconductors
Authors: Llovo I. F. , Carballeira C. , Sóñora D. , Pereiro A. , Ponte J. J. , Salem-Sugui S. , Sefat A. S. , Mosqueira J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDetailed measurements of the in-plane resistivity were performed in a high-quality Ba($$\hbox {Fe}_{1-x}\hbox {Co}_{{x}}$$

Fe

1
-
x

Co
x

)$$_2\hbox {As}_2$$

2

As
2

($$x=0.065$$

x
=
0.065

) single crystal, in magnetic fields up to 9 T and with different orientations $$\theta$$
θ
relative to the crystal c axis. A significant $$\rho (T)_{H,\theta }$$

ρ

(
T
)

H
,
θ

rounding is observed just above the superconducting critical temperature $$T_c$$

T
c

due to Cooper pairs created by superconducting fluctuations. These data are analyzed in terms of a generalization of the Aslamazov-Larkin approach, that extends its applicability to high reduced-temperatures and magnetic fields. This method allows us to carry out a criterion-independent determination of the angular dependence of the upper critical field, $$H_{c2}(\theta )$$

H

c
2

(
θ
)

. In spite of the relatively small anisotropy of this compound, it is found that $$H_{c2}(\theta )$$

H

c
2

(
θ
)

presents a significant deviation from the single-band 3D anisotropic Ginzburg-Landau (3D-aGL) approach, particularly for large $$\theta$$
θ
(typically above $$\sim 60^o$$

∼

60
o

). These results are interpreted in terms of the multiband nature of these materials, in contrast with other proposals for similar $$H_{c2}(\theta )$$

H

c
2

(
θ
)

anomalies. Our results are also consistent with an effective anisotropy factor almost temperature independent near $$T_c$$

T
c

, a result that differs from the ones obtained by using a single-band model.
Exposure to metals and morbidity at eight years follow-up in women of childbearing age
Authors: Karakis Isabella , Baumfeld Yael , Landau Daniella , Gat Roni , Shemesh Nofar , Yitshak-Sade Maayan , Tirosh Ofir , Sarov Batia , Novack Lena 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis exploratory study was aimed to investigate the link between toxic metal content in women’s urine and their morbidity 2 years before and 6 years after the test. Concentrations of 25 metals in urine were analyzed for 111 pregnant women collected prior to delivery. All women were of Arab-Bedouin origin. Information on primary care and hospital visits during the study period was obtained. In a Poisson regression model, a health outcome was regressed over metal exposure and other factors. A Weighted Quantile Sum Regression (WQS) approach was used to indicate metals dominating in their possible impact on women's morbidity. Obesity was the most frequently diagnosed condition in this population (27.9%). Diagnoses in a neurological category accounted for 36.0%, asthma or respiratory—25.2%, psychiatric—12.6%, cardiovascular—14.4% and cancer or benign growth—for 13.5%. Based on WQS analysis, cancer and benign growth were mostly attributed to the increased levels of cadmium, cardiovascular outcomes were linked with lead, and obesity was found associated with elevated levels of nickel. Hematological, neurological and respiratory outcomes were attributed to multiple non-essential metals. The health and exposure profile of women in the study warrants a periodic biomonitoring in attempt to identify and reduce exposure to potentially dangerous elements.
Clusterin serum levels are elevated in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and predict disease activity and treatment response
Authors: Kropáčková Tereza , Mann Heřman , Růžičková Olga , Šléglová Olga , Vernerová Lucia , Horváthová Veronika , Tomčík Michal , Pavelka Karel , Vencovský Jiří , Šenolt Ladislav 
Published: June 2021

AbstractClusterin (CLU) is a molecular chaperone that participates in a variety of biological processes. Recent studies indicate its possible involvement in the development of bone erosions and autoimmunity. The aim of this study was to investigate its serum concentrations in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to explore their potential relationship with disease activity and treatment response. Serum levels of CLU were measured in 52 patients before and 3 months after the initiation of treatment and in 52 healthy individuals. CLU levels at baseline were significantly increased in patients with early RA compared with healthy subjects (p < 0.0001). After 3 months of treatment, the levels of CLU decreased and reached concentrations comparable to those in controls. Even though there was no relationship between CLU levels and disease activity at baseline, CLU levels positively correlated with disease activity at months 3, 6 and 12 after treatment initiation. Using ROC analysis, lower CLU baseline levels predicted achieving the therapeutic target of low disease activity and remission at months 3, 6 and 12. In summary, we found increased serum concentrations of clusterin in treatment-naïve patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, and we suggest clusterin as a predictive biomarker of disease activity and treatment response.
Demographic, psychological, chronobiological, and work-related predictors of sleep disturbances during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy
Authors: Salfi Federico , Lauriola Marco , D’Atri Aurora , Amicucci Giulia , Viselli Lorenzo , Tempesta Daniela , Ferrara Michele 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe first COVID-19 contagion wave caused unprecedented restraining measures worldwide. In Italy, a period of generalized lockdown involving home confinement of the entire population was imposed for almost two months (9 March–3 May 2020). The present is the most extensive investigation aimed to unravel the demographic, psychological, chronobiological, and work-related predictors of sleep disturbances throughout the pandemic emergency. A total of 13,989 Italians completed a web-based survey during the confinement period (25 March–3 May). We collected demographic and lockdown-related work changes information, and we evaluated sleep quality, insomnia and depression symptoms, chronotype, perceived stress, and anxiety using validated questionnaires. The majority of the respondents reported a negative impact of confinement on their sleep and a delayed sleep phase. We highlighted an alarming prevalence of sleep disturbances during the lockdown. Main predictors of sleep disturbances identified by regression models were: female gender, advanced age, being a healthcare worker, living in southern Italy, confinement duration, and a higher level of depression, stress, and anxiety. The evening chronotype emerged as a vulnerability factor, while morning-type individuals showed a lower predisposition to sleep and psychological problems. Finally, working from home was associated with less severe sleep disturbances. Besides confirming the role of specific demographic and psychological factors in developing sleep disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, we propose that circadian typologies could react differently to a particular period of reduced social jetlag. Moreover, our results suggest that working from home could play a protective role against the development of sleep disturbances during the current pandemic emergency.
Distribution and internal correlations of corneal astigmatism in cataract patients
Authors: Jiang Yuanfeng , Qin Ying , Bu Shaochong , Zhang Hong , Zhang Xiaomin , Tian Fang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe aim of the study is to explore the distribution patterns and internal correlations of the morphological parameters of the cornea in patients with age-related cataract. The Pentacam HR was used to measure anterior corneal astigmatism (ACA), posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA), total corneal astigmatism (TCA) and keratometric corneal astigmatism (KCA). With age, the proportion of with-the-rule (WTR) ACA decreased from 65.31% to 23.63%, while the against-the-rule (ATR) ACA increased from 26.53% to 56.20%. PCA exceeded 0.50 D in 9.14% of eyes, while 76.35% of them were ATR. The magnitude of ACA was positively correlated with PCA in the whole sample, with a more significant correlation in WTR eyes (sr = 0.349, P < 0.001). The vector summation effect of PCA to ACA changed from compensation to augmentation with aging. In 57.53% of WTR eyes, KCA was overestimated by an average of 0.21 ± 0.17 D, while it was underestimated by 0.38 ± 0.27 D in 87.62% of ATR eyes. In conclusion, among age-related cataract patients, ACA and TCA gradually shifted from WTR to ATR with aging, while most PCA remained as ATR. Ignoring the age-related changes and real PCA might cause overestimation of WTR astigmatism and underestimation of ATR astigmatism.
Analysis of the metabolomic profile in serum of irradiated nonhuman primates treated with Ex-Rad, a radiation countermeasure
Authors: Li Yaoxiang , Girgis Michael , Wise Stephen Y. , Fatanmi Oluseyi O. , Seed Thomas M. , Maniar Manoj , Cheema Amrita K. , Singh Vijay K. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTo date, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four drugs to mitigate hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome and all four are repurposed radiomitigators. There are several additional drug candidates currently under evaluation that may also be helpful for use during a widespread emergency. One possible candidate is Ex-Rad, also known as ON01210, a chlorobenzyl sulfone derivative (organosulfur compound), which is a novel, small-molecule kinase inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy in the murine model. In this study, we have evaluated the metabolomic and lipidomic profiles in serum samples of nonhuman primates (NHPs) treated with Ex-Rad after exposure to ionizing radiation. Two different dose administration schedules (Ex-Rad I administered 24 and 36 h post-irradiation, and Ex-Rad II administered 48 and 60 h post-irradiation), were used and evaluated using a global molecular profiling approach. We observed alterations in biochemical pathways relating to inflammation and oxidative stress after radiation exposure that were alleviated in animals that received Ex-Rad I or Ex-Rad II. The results from this study lend credence to the possible radiomitigative effects of this drug possibly via a dampening of metabolism-based tissue injury, thus aiding in recovery of vital, radiation-injured organ systems.
Clinical applicability and diagnostic performance of electrocardiographic criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy diagnosis in older adults
Authors: Tavares Caio de Assis Moura , Samesima Nelson , Hajjar Ludhmila Abrahão , Godoy Lucas C. , Padrão Eduardo Messias Hirano , Lazar Neto Felippe , Facin Mirella , Jacob-Filho Wilson , Farkouh Michael E. , Pastore Carlos Alberto 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRecently, a new ECG criterion, the Peguero-Lo Presti (PLP), improved overall accuracy in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)—compared to traditional ECG criteria, but with few patients with advanced age. We analyzed patients with older age and examined which ECG criteria would have better overall performance. A total of 592 patients were included (83.1% with hypertension, mean age of 77.5 years) and the PLP criterion was compared against Cornell voltage (CV), Sokolow-Lyon voltage (SL) and Romhilt-Estes criteria (cutoffs of 4 and 5 points, RE4 and RE5, respectively) using LVH defined by the echocardiogram as the gold standard. The PLP had higher AUC than the CV, RE and SL (respectively, 0.70 vs 0.66 vs 0.64 vs 0.67), increased sensitivity compared with the SL, CV and RE5 (respectively, 51.9% [95% CI 45.4–58.3%] vs 28.2% [95% CI 22.6–34.4%], p < 0.0001; vs 35.3% [95% CI 29.2–41.7%], p < 0.0001; vs 44.4% [95% CI 38.0–50.9%], p = 0.042), highest F1 score (58.3%) and net benefit for most of the 20–60% threshold range in the decision curve analysis. Overall, despite the best diagnostic performance in older patients, the PLP criterion cannot rule out LVH consistently but can potentially be used to guide clinical decision for echocardiogram ordering in low-resource settings.
Investigation of genetic markers for intramuscular fat in the hybrid Wagyu cattle with bulked segregant analysis
Authors: Zhu Yun , Han Liyun , Li Peng , Kang Xiaolong , Dan Xingang , Ma Yun , Shi Yuangang 
Published: June 2021

Abstractulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) is a rapid strategy for identifying genetic markers in specific regions of the phenotypical population and it has been widely used for QTLs mapping in smaller mixed F2 and F3 populations. We applied a modified BSA method to assessed genome-wide homozygous and heterozygous linkage patterns in the Chinese Wagyu Beef Cattle F2/F3 mixed population. Two overlapped regions from F2 and F3 populations on autosomes were found with high-density heterozygote alleles between high and low intramuscular fat groups. Regions from 24.8 M ~ 29.6 M of chromosome 23 were identified as most significantly correlated to the intramuscular fat in our samples. We also identified other 4 potential loci on chromosomes 5, 9, 15, and 21 correlated with Intramuscular fat. This study provided a novel low-cost method for QTLs mapping and identify molecular markers of phenotypical changes in a small mixed population.
Automated coronary calcium scoring using deep learning with multicenter external validation
Authors: Eng David , Chute Christopher , Khandwala Nishith , Rajpurkar Pranav , Long Jin , Shleifer Sam , Khalaf Mohamed H. , Sandhu Alexander T. , Rodriguez Fatima , Maron David J. , Seyyedi Saeed , Marin Daniele , Golub Ilana , Budoff Matthew , Kitamura Felipe , Takahashi Marcelo Straus , Filice Ross W. , Shah Rajesh , Mongan John , Kallianos Kimberly , Langlotz Curtis P. , Lungren Matthew P. , Ng Andrew Y. , Patel Bhavik N. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCoronary artery disease (CAD), the most common manifestation of cardiovascular disease, remains the most common cause of mortality in the United States. Risk assessment is key for primary prevention of coronary events and coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring using computed tomography (CT) is one such non-invasive tool. Despite the proven clinical value of CAC, the current clinical practice implementation for CAC has limitations such as the lack of insurance coverage for the test, need for capital-intensive CT machines, specialized imaging protocols, and accredited 3D imaging labs for analysis (including personnel and software). Perhaps the greatest gap is the millions of patients who undergo routine chest CT exams and demonstrate coronary artery calcification, but their presence is not often reported or quantitation is not feasible. We present two deep learning models that automate CAC scoring demonstrating advantages in automated scoring for both dedicated gated coronary CT exams and routine non-gated chest CTs performed for other reasons to allow opportunistic screening. First, we trained a gated coronary CT model for CAC scoring that showed near perfect agreement (mean difference in scores = −2.86; Cohen’s Kappa = 0.89, P < 0.0001) with current conventional manual scoring on a retrospective dataset of 79 patients and was found to perform the task faster (average time for automated CAC scoring using a graphics processing unit (GPU) was 3.5 ± 2.1 s vs. 261 s for manual scoring) in a prospective trial of 55 patients with little difference in scores compared to three technologists (mean difference in scores = 3.24, 5.12, and 5.48, respectively). Then using CAC scores from paired gated coronary CT as a reference standard, we trained a deep learning model on our internal data and a cohort from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) study (total training n = 341, Stanford test n = 42, MESA test n = 46) to perform CAC scoring on routine non-gated chest CT exams with validation on external datasets (total n = 303) obtained from four geographically disparate health systems. On identifying patients with any CAC (i.e., CAC ≥ 1), sensitivity and PPV was high across all datasets (ranges: 80–100% and 87–100%, respectively). For CAC ≥ 100 on routine non-gated chest CTs, which is the latest recommended threshold to initiate statin therapy, our model showed sensitivities of 71–94% and positive predictive values in the range of 88–100% across all the sites. Adoption of this model could allow more patients to be screened with CAC scoring, potentially allowing opportunistic early preventive interventions.
Responses and coping methods of different testicular cell types to heat stress: overview and perspectives
Authors: Cai Hui , Qin Dezhe , Peng Sha 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
To facilitate temperature adjustments, the testicles are located outside the body cavity. In most mammals, the temperature of the testes is lower than the body temperature to ensure the normal progression of spermatogenesis. Rising temperatures affect spermatogenesis and eventually lead to a decline in male fertility or even infertility. However, the testes are composed of different cell types, including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), spermatocytes, spermatozoa, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells, which have different cellular responses to heat stress. Recent studies have shown that using different drugs can relieve heat stress-induced reproductive damage by regulating different signaling pathways. Here, we review the mechanisms by which heat stress damages different cells in testes and possible treatments.
cMet agonistic antibody prevents acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease transition by suppressing Smurf1 and activating Smad7
Authors: Li Lilin , Lee Jeonghwan , Cho Ara , Kim Jin Hyuk , Ju Wonmin , An Jung Nam , Park Jeong Hwan , Zhu Shi Mao , Lee Junghun , Yu Seung-Shin , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Dong Ki , Kim Yon Su , Yang Seung Hee , Lee Jung Pyo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We aimed to investigate the role of cMet agonistic antibody (cMet Ab) in preventing kidney fibrosis during acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition. Additionally, we explored the effect of cMet Ab on TGF-β1/Smad pathway during the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis. A unilateral ischemia–reperfusion injury (UIRI) mouse model was established to induce AKI-to-CKD transition. Furthermore, we incubated human proximal tubular epithelial cells (hPTECs) under hypoxic conditions as in vitro model of kidney fibrosis. We analyzed the soluble plasma cMet level in patients with AKI requiring dialysis. Patients who did not recover kidney function and progressed to CKD presented a higher increase in the cMet level. The kidneys of mice treated with cMet Ab showed fewer contractions and weighed more than the controls. The mice in the cMet Ab-treated group showed reduced fibrosis and significantly decreased expression of fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin. cMet Ab treatment decreased inflammatory markers (MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-1β) expression, reduced Smurf1 and Smad2/3 level, and increased Smad7 expressions. cMet Ab treatment increased cMet expression and reduced the hypoxia-induced increase in collagen-1 and ICAM-1 expression, thereby reducing apoptosis in the in vitro cell model. After cMet Ab treatment, hypoxia-induced expression of Smurf1, Smad2/3, and TGF-β1 was reduced, and suppressed Smad7 was activated. Down-regulation of Smurf1 resulted in suppression of hypoxia-induced fibronectin expression, whereas treatment with cMet Ab showed synergistic effects. cMet Ab can successfully prevent fibrosis response in UIRI models of kidney fibrosis by decreasing inflammatory response and inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
Harnessing the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of fungal secondary metabolites
Authors: Wang Guokun , Kell Douglas B. , Borodina Irina 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Fungal secondary metabolites (FSMs) represent a remarkable array of bioactive compounds, with potential applications as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agrochemicals. However, these molecules are typically produced only in limited amounts by their native hosts. The native organisms may also be difficult to cultivate and genetically engineer, and some can produce undesirable toxic side-products. Alternatively, recombinant production of fungal bioactives can be engineered into industrial cell factories, such as aspergilli or yeasts, which are well amenable for large-scale manufacturing in submerged fermentations. In this review, we summarize the development of baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce compounds derived from filamentous fungi and mushrooms. These compounds mainly include polyketides, terpenoids, and amino acid derivatives. We also describe how native biosynthetic pathways can be combined or expanded to produce novel derivatives and new-to-nature compounds. We describe some new approaches for cell factory engineering, such as genome-scale engineering, biosensor-based high-throughput screening, and machine learning, and how these tools have been applied for S. cerevisiae strain improvement. Finally, we prospect the challenges and solutions in further development of yeast cell factories to more efficiently produce FSMs.
A Preliminary Comparison of In-Person and Telepractice Evaluations of Stuttering
Authors: McGill Megann , Siegel Jordan , Noureal Natasha 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare in-person and telepractice evaluations of stuttering with adult participants. The research questions were as follows: Is an evaluation for stuttering via telepractice equivalent to an in-person evaluation in terms of (a) duration of individual evaluation tasks and overall length of the evaluation, (b) clinical outcomes across evaluating clinicians, and (c) participant experience?

Method
Participants were 14 adults who stutter (males = 11; age range: 20–68) who were simultaneously assessed via telepractice and in-person. Comprehensive evaluations included analysis of the speaker's stuttering, evaluation of the speaker's perceptions and attitudes about stuttering, and language testing. Evaluations were administered by either an in-person clinician or a telepractice clinician but were simultaneously scored by both clinicians. Participants were randomly assigned to the in-person-led assessment condition or the telepractice-led assessment condition.

Results
No statistically significant differences were found between the in-person and telepractice-led evaluations in terms of overall evaluation task duration, evaluation clinical outcomes, or participants' reported experiences. That is, telepractice evaluations for stuttering in adults may be an equivalent option to in-person evaluations.

Conclusions
Results of this preliminary study indicate that telepractice evaluations of stuttering may be comparable to in-person evaluations in terms of duration, clinical outcomes, and participant experiences. The current study supports the notion that telepractice evaluations may be a viable option for adult clients who stutter. Clinical considerations and future directions for research are discussed.