bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smoking and Dementia Status Among Older Americans: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Fu Mingzhou , Faul Jessica D. , Jin Yuan , Ware Erin B. , Bakulski Kelly M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Smoking is associated with dementia, but causality has not been well-established. Given smoking has a strong genetic component, we used genetic predisposition to smoking, based on a genome-wide association study (GWAS) from the GWAS & Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine use, as an instrumental variable. In a Mendelian randomization framework, we assessed the relationships between smoking and impaired cognitive status using the 2010 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. Cognitive status was assessed using cognition tests and categorized in three levels (normal cognition, cognitive impairment-non dementia, dementia). Smoking status was self-reported and classified into never, former, and current smoking. We used multivariable logistic regressions, Wald-type ratio estimators, and two-sample Mendelian randomization methods to examine associations and infer causal relationships. Among European genetic ancestry participants (n = 8741), current smoking was associated with cognitive impairment (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.29, 2.01) relative to normal cognition. Two-sample Mendelian randomization results showed an inferred causal effect of smoking initiation on late-onset Alzheimer’s type dementia (MR-Egger: OR = 1.021, 95%CI: 1.017, 1.025). We observed no association between current smoking and dementia, or between former smoking and any cognitive status. No associations between smoking status and cognitive status were observed in the African genetic ancestry sample (n = 2501). Smoking behavior can give rise to cognitive impairment; therefore, promotion of smoking cessation is also important for brain health. Studies on dose and duration of smoking on cognition are critically needed, as well as continued research in non-European genetic ancestry study samples.
Chronic Hepatitis C Pathogenesis: Immune Response in The Liver Microenvironment and Peripheral Compartment
Authors: Rios Daniela Alejandra , Casciato Paola Cecilia , Caldirola María Soledad , Gaillard María Isabel , Giadans Cecilia , Ameigeiras Beatriz , De Matteo Elena Noemí , Preciado María Victoria , Valva Pamela 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Chronic hepatitis C pathogenesis is not defined yet, so immune cell populations and cytokines in liver and peripheral blood (PB) were evaluated to elucidate their role in liver disease. B, CTL, Th, Treg, Th1, Th17 and NK cells localization and frequency were evaluated on liver biopsies by immunohistochemistry, while frequency, differentiation, and functional status on PB by flow cytometry. TNF−α, IL−23, IFN−γ, IL−1β, IL−6, IL−8, IL−17A, IL−21, IL−10 and TGF−β expression were quantified in fresh liver biopsy by RT-qPCR and in plasma by CBA/ELISA. Results: Liver CTL and Th1 at lobular area inversely correlated with viral load (r=−0.469, p=0.003 and r=−0.384, p=0.040). Treg correlated with CTL and Th1 at lobular area (r=0.784, p<0.0001; r=0.436, p=0.013). Th17 correlated with hepatic IL-8 (r=0.52, p<0.05) and both were higher in advanced fibrosis cases (Th17 p=0.0312, IL-8 p=0.009). Hepatic cytokines were higher in severe hepatitis cases (IL−1β p=0.026, IL−23 p=0.031, IL−8 p=0.002, TGF−β p=0.037). Peripheral NK (p=0.008) and NK Dim (p=0.018) were diminished while NK Bright (p=0.025) were elevated in patients vs donors. Naïve Th (p=0.011) and CTL (p=0.0007) were decreased, while activated Th (p=0.0007) and CTL (p=0.0003) were increased. IFN−γ production and degranulation activity in NK and CTL were normal. Peripheral cytokines showed an altered profile, particularly elevated IL−6 (p=0.008) and TGF−β (p=0.041). Conclusions: HCV-specific and non-specific hepatic CTLs favored damage. Treg could not prevent fibrogenesis triggered by Th17 and IL-8. Peripheral T-lymphocyte differentiation stages shift, elevated cytokines levels and NK-cell count decrease would contribute to global disease.
Modelling Based Analysis and Optimization of Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation for the Production of Lignocellulosic-Based Xylitol
Authors: Hidayatullah Ibnu Maulana , Setiadi Tjandra , Kresnowati Made Tri Ari Penia 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) configuration offers an efficient used of the reactor. In this configuration, both the hydrolysis and fermentation processes are conducted simultaneously in a single bioreactor and the overall process may be accelerated. Problems may arise if both processes have different optimum conditions, and therefore process optimization is required. This paper presents the development of mathematical model over SSF strategy implementation for producing xylitol from hemicellulose component of lignocellulosic materials. The model comprises of the hydrolysis of hemicellulose and the fermentation of hydrolysate into xylitol. The model was simulated for various process temperature, prior hydrolysis time, and inoculum concentration. Simulation of the developed kinetics model shows that the optimum SSF temperature is 36oC, whereas conducting a prior hydrolysis at its optimum hydrolysis temperature will further shorten the processing time and increase the xylitol productivity. On the other hand, increasing the inoculum size will shorten the processing time further. For an initial xylan concentration of 100 g/L, the best condition is obtained by performing 21-hour prior hydrolysis at 60oC, followed by SSF at 36oC by adding 2.0 g/L inoculum, giving 46.27 g/L xylitol within 77 hours of total processing time.
AMT Starting Control as a Soft Starter Using a Novel Data-Driven Method
Authors: Li Yunxia 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
To improve the starting quality of automated mechanical transmission (AMT) as a soft starter for belt conveyors, a novel data-driven method is proposed. By analyzing the common soft-starting acceleration curves, a segmented acceleration curve is proposed as the soft-starting acceleration curve for AMT. A modified model free adaptive control (MFAC) method with jerk compensation is proposed as a data-driven method to control the AMT output shaft’s angular acceleration, which consists of a MFAC algorithm and a jerk compensation algorithm. Simulation comparisons are analyzed between the modified MFAC method with jerk compensation, the prototype MFAC method, and the proportion integration differentiation (PID) method. Results indicate better control of the modified MFAC method with jerk compensation on the AMT output shaft’s angular acceleration than the other two methods. It also has excellent properties of small tracking error and small shock, providing a novel approach for AMT as a soft starter.
FABP4 Might be an Indicator of the Status of Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ning Lijun , Yan Yuqing , Tong Tianying , Gao Ziyun , Cui Zhe , wang zhenhua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: As tumor microenvironment (TME) play an indispensable role in tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer, this study performs a bunch of bioinformatics analysis to identify the indicator of the status of TME in Colorectal cancer (CRC). Results: In the presented study, we applied CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE computational methods to calculate the proportion of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) and the amount of immune and stromal components in 444 COAD-READ cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed by COX regression analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction. Then, fatty acid-binding protein four ( FABP4 ) was determined as a predictive factor by the intersection analysis of univariate COX and PPI. Further analysis revealed that FABP4 expression was positively correlated with the clinical pathologic characteristics (clinical stage, distant metastasis) and negatively correlated with the survival of CRC patients. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) showed that the genes in the high-expression FABP4 group were mainly enriched in immune-related activities. In the low-expression FABP4 group, the genes were enriched in metabolic pathways. CIBERSORT analysis for the proportion of TICs revealed that NK cell, CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells were negatively correlated with FABP4 expression, suggesting that FABP4 might be a potential prognostic factor of CRC patients. Conclusion: Our study has developed a new biomarker (FABP4) that can predict the status of tumor microenvironment in Colorectal cancer. Keywords: FABP4, tumor microenvironment, ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, colorectal cancer
Upmodulation of Unfolded Protein Response and ER Stress-Related IL-23 Production in M1 Macrophages From Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Authors: Rezaiemanesh Alireza , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Amirzargar Ali Akbar , Vojdanian Mahdi , Babaie Farhad , Mahdavi Jila , Jamshidi Ahmad Reza , Nicknam Mohammad Hossein 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

The inflammatory interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but with an unknown regulatory mechanism. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy pathway in the expression of IL-23 in peripheral blood-derived macrophages in AS patients.
Methods

Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 15 AS and 15 healthy control subjects. MACS was used to isolate monocytes from PBMCs. Then, M-CSF was used to differentiate monocytes to M2 macrophages. IFN-γ and/or LPS was used to activate macrophages and M2 polarization toward M1 macrophages. Thapsigargin was used to induce ER stress and 3-MA to inhibit autophagy. The purity of extracted monocytes and macrophage markers was evaluated by flow cytometry. mRNA expression of HLA-B and-B27, ER stress-related genes, autophagy-related genes, and IL-23p19 was performed using RT-qPCR. Soluble levels of IL-23p19 were measured using ELISA.
Results

Significant increase in mRNA expression of HLA-B, HLA-B27, BiP, XBP1, CHOP, and PERK mRNAs was observed in macrophages of AS patients before and after stimulation with IFN-γ and LPS. No significant change in autophagy gene expression was detected. mRNA and soluble levels of IL-23p19 demonstrated a significant increase in macrophages of AS patients compared to healthy subjects. ER stress induction led to a significant increase in IL-23p19 in macrophages. Inhibition of autophagy had no effect on IL-23 expression.
Conclusion

ER stress, unlike autophagy, in macrophages of AS patients is associated with increased IL-23 levels.
A Practical Approach for Geographic Prioritization and Targeting of Insecticide-Treated Net Distribution Campaigns During a Public Health Emergency
Authors: Young Alyssa , Eaton Will , Worges Matt , Hiruy Honelgn , Maxwell Kolawole , Audu Bala Mohammed , Marasciulo Madeleine , Nelson Charles , Tibenderana James , Abeku Tarekegn A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe use of data in targeting of malaria control efforts is becoming increasingly adopted by national malaria control programmes and is essential for optimal use of resources. This is especially important during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in reallocation of funding towards containment efforts. This work provides a practical mechanism for prioritizing geographical areas for insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution during a public health emergency or situations of limited resources. We adopt a GIS-based weighted approach to categorize and rank administrative units based on data inputs that are widely available and can be applied in various country contexts where Plasmodium falciparum transmission is reported. MethodsP. falciparum-specific intervention and prevailing risk factors were used to rank administrative units in Nigeria for prioritization during ITN distributions. Each factor was assigned a unique weight and was multiplied by a value, typically ranging from 1 to 4, based on natural groupings inherent in the data, or the presence or absence of a given intervention. Risk scores for each factor were then summated to generate a composite unique risk score for each administrative unit. This risk score was then translated into a prioritization map which ranks each administrative unit from low to high priority in terms of ITN distribution targeting in situations of limited resources. ResultsA major component that influenced the prioritization scheme was previous ITN depth of coverage, as obtained and spatially interpolated from DHS survey data. The geospatial heterogeneity found among input risk factors suggests that a range of variables and covariates — outside of those that characterize malaria transmission exclusively — should be considered when using data to inform ITN distributions. The approach resulted in identification of regions that should be prioritized in upcoming ITN distributions. ConclusionThe presented approach provides a tool for prioritizing regions for ITN distributions. It serves as a base upon which a wider range of vector control interventions could be targeted. Its value added can be found in its potential for application in multiple country contexts, expediated timeframe for producing outputs, and its use of systematically collected malaria indicators in informing prioritization.
The Combination of Bacillus Subtilis wt55 with AiiO-AIO6 Improve the Resistance of Zebrafish to A. Veronii Infection by Simple Collocation Rather Than B. Subtilis Quorum-Quenching Recombinant Expression Strain
Authors: Yao Yuan-Yuan , Xia Rui , Yang Ya-Lin , Gao Chen-Chen , Zhang Feng-Li , Hu Juan , Hao Qiang , Ran Chao , Zhang Zhen , Zhou Zhigang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Disease problems will seriously restrict the sustainable development of aquaculture, and the environmental-friendly prevention strategies are urgently needed. Probiotics and quorum-quenching enzyme are innovative strategies to control bacterial diseases. The bacteriostatic effect of B. subtilis wt55 strain and quenching enzyme AiiO-AIO6 in vitro showed wt55 inhibit the growth of A. veronii, but AiiO-AIO6 did not. Therefore simple combination of B. subtilis wt55 strain and AiiO-AIO6 was used to evaluate potential synergistic effect. The results showed this combination could significantly reduce the number of invasive A. veronii in gut after challenge, corresponding to the lower intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity. In vitro co-culture experiments showed this combination could inhibit the growth of A. veronii. Direct immersion of germ-free zebrafish proved AiiO-AIO6 did not directly regulate the innate immune response of the host, but wt55 did it, and the combination of wt55 and AiiO-AIO6 could significantly reduce the expression of NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, increase the expression of lysozyme gene. The gut microbiota induced by either experimental diet was transferred to germ-free zebrafish, and the results showed that intestinal microbiota also plays a regulatory role. The gut microbiota from combination group could significantly inhibit the expression of IL-1β and NF-κB, and increased the expression of TGF-β and lysozyme. Given the effectiveness of this combination, a B. subtilis quorum-quenching recombinant expression strain in which AiiO-AIO6 was surface displayed on the spores and secreted by vegetative cells was built. The results showed that the survival rate after challenge was lower than that of the group treated with AiiO-AIO6 or wt55 alone, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β and NF-κB were significantly higher. Our study demonstrated the effectiveness of B. subtilis and AiiO-AIO6 simple combination and established an efficient B. subtilis expression system.
The BMMSCs Derived From Juvenile Macaques Have the Ability to Promote Thymus Regeneration in Aged Macaques
Authors: WANG Yan-ying , ZHU Gao-hong , LI Gong-hua , KONG Qing-peng , Long-bao LV , SU Yu-lin , HU Jian-wei , WEI Wei , WANG Qiang , HE Jie , WANG Jin-xiang , TIAN Chuan , LI Ye , ZHU Xiang-qing , pan xinghua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe thymus gland is an important central immune organ in the human body and plays an indispensable role in the immune system. Aging thymic atrophy is critical factors leading to immune function decline and senile debilitation in aged people. Immune function decline is one of the important mechanisms of aging. Some research reports indicated that Stem cell therapy have the ability to promote tissue regeneration，but reverse thymus atrophy or promote atrophy thymus regenerate by stem cells need to be confirmed further. MethodsThe elderly macaque models were systematic screened and the thymus structure and function were evaluated by imaging and histopathology methods. The juvenile BMMSCs were injected into macaque models body by intravenous infusion. The effects of thymus tissue structure and expression of related factors were investigated by using imaging, histopathology,cell and molecule observation and measurement techniques. To explore the mechanism of juvenile BMMSC on thymus atrophy in aging rhesus macaques, the gene transcription profile of thymus tissue were sequencing and analyzed by bioinformatic methods. .ResultsThrough PET-CT observation, the thymus tissue density gradually increased after treatment, CT value gradually increased, SUVmax >1;The percentage of CD3+T cells in peripheral blood increased first and then decreased, CD3+CD4+T cells increased slowly, and CD3+CD8+T cells increased first, then decreased and then increased. By detecting Tregs in peripheral blood, the percentage of Tregs in peripheral blood showed a trend of decreasing first and then increasing after treatment (P< 0.05).The levels of thymosin α and thymosin II in peripheral blood were analyzed by ELISA method. It was found that thymosin α was firstly increased and then decreased after BMSC infusion, and the levels of thymosin Ⅱ were firstly increased and then decreased.The area of thymus parenchyma increased, and the boundary between skin and medulla appeared. Some thymus tissues were regenerated and changed to normal structure.The cortical and medullary junction structure and dense thymus structure gradually appeared in the elderly treatment group.The degree of thymus tissue fibrosis was reduced, and the deposition of collagen fiber was reduced. Apoptosis cells decreased significantly in the elderly treatment group compared with the elderly group. BMMSCs inhibited the expression of genes related to aging and apoptosis.Conclusion﻿Transplantation BMMSC derived from juvenile macaques can poromote thymus regeneration, reverse thymus atrophy by regulating gene transcription profiles in aged macaques.
Application of the Concave Arc Surface Collision Detection Method to Virtual Assembly
Authors: shi xin , Tian Li 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Exact location calculation between each part of a parallel groove clamp when connecting a power line with a jumper is addressed in this paper. The relative location between a concave clamp and convex power line cannot be measured directly in live-line manipulation. We propose a concave arc surface collision detection method embedded in motion simulation. The relative location between irregular concave parts in the manipulation process can be obtained. The method is found to be computationally less expensive than convex partitioning collision detection techniques. This research provides a foundation for further study on robot hand manipulation with irregular assembly.
The Association Between Sexual Orientation, BMI, Obesity Diagnosis, and Provider Recommendation for Weight Management
Authors: Wolfgang Kristen , Takeshita Junko , Fitzsimmons Robert , Guerra Carmen E. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: National data show that lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to be overweight and obese compared to straight women. Little is known about whether provider recommendation for weight management varies across these populations. Objectives: To compare, among lesbian, bisexual, and straight females with BMIs≥30: 1) the average Body Mass Index (BMI); 2) receipt of a diagnostic code for obesity; and 3) receipt of a provider recommendation for weight management.Design: We performed a cross-sectional study of 536 patient records from four outpatient academic internal medicine practices at the University of Pennsylvania between January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 to determine variations in average BMI, proportion of ICD-10 codes for obesity, and proportion of weight management recommendations offered by providers among lesbian, bisexual and straight females with BMIs≥30. We classified provider recommendations as definite, possible, and absent. Multivariable linear (BMI outcome only) or logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between sexual orientation and each of the following outcomes: BMI, receipt of obesity diagnosis, and weight management recommendations.Patients: Lesbian, bisexual, and straight females with BMIs≥30Main Measures: 1) the average Body Mass Index (BMI); 2) receipt of a diagnostic code for obesity; and 3) receipt of a provider recommendation for weight management Key Results: There were no significant differences in BMI, receipt of obesity diagnoses, or weight management recommendations between lesbian, bisexual, and straight females with BMIs≥30. However, only about half the patients with BMIs≥30, regardless of sexual orientation, received a weight management recommendation as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines.Conclusion: Disparities in BMI, receipt of obesity diagnoses, or receipt of weight management recommendations between sexual orientation minority and heterosexual females do not exist in this urban population. However, provider recommendation for weight management was suboptimal in all the groups.
Bacteriological and physical quality of Fiche drinking water from households and reservoirs, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Sebsibe Israel , Degaga Birhanu , Feye Gezahegn , Tekle Tsige 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Drinking water is the major source of bacteria pathogens in developing countries along with poor sanitation and contamination of food with a pathogen. More than half of the population of the country uses unimproved sanitation facilities while 36% of them practiced open defecation. The aim of the study was to investigate the suitability of public water for drinking. The study is designed to include a survey of 90 respondents and experimental analysis of 170 water samples from households and reservoirs. Water quality parameters, such as temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and bacteriological parameters like total coliforms (TC) and fecal coliforms (FC) were determined. Many of the respondents (88.8%) remarked that the water has no smells, tastes, and color. The experimental analysis confirmed that temperature (19.7 °C), electrical conductivity (269.63 μS/cm), turbidity (1.17 NTU), and total dissolved solids (134.3 mg/L) were found to be below the prescribed limit of World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water. Total coliforms (9.29 CFU/100 mL) and fecal coliforms (5.07 CFU/100 mL) were detected from pipe water sources during the wet season showing non-compliance with the guidelines. The reservoir samples were free from bacterial contamination. The main point of drinking water contamination was the household, where unsafe water handling practice was a common habit in the study area. Hence, awareness conception training on safe water handling practices is highly recommended for the communities.