bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The analysis and identification of charred suspected tea remains unearthed from Warring State Period Tomb
Authors: Jiang Jianrong , Lu Guoquan , Wang Qing , Wei Shuya 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRecently, a bowl containing charred suspected tea remains unearthed from the early stage of Warring States period tomb in Zoucheng City, Shandong Province, China. To identify the remains is significant for understanding the origin of tea and tea drinking culture. Scientific investigations of the remains were carried out by using calcium phytoliths analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) and Thermally assisted hydrolysis—methylation Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (THM-Py-GC/MS) techniques. Modern tea and modern tea residue were used as reference samples. Through phytoliths analyses, calcium phytoliths identifiable from tea were determined in the archeological remains. The infrared spectra of the archaeological remains was found similar as modern tea residue reference sample. In addition, the biomarker compound of tea—caffeine was determined in the archaeological remains by THM-Py-GC/MS analysis. Furthermore, through GC/MS analysis, some compounds were found both in the archeological remains and the modern tea residue reference samples. Putting the information together, it can be concluded that the archaeological remains in the bowl are tea residue after boiling or brewing by the ancient.
Ultrasonography findings in knee osteoarthritis: a prospective observational cross-sectional study of 100 patients
Authors: Abicalaf Claudia Andreia Rabay Pimentel , Nakada Leticia Naomi , dos Santos Felipe Ricardo Aquino , Akiho Ichiro , dos Santos Artur Cesar Aquino , Imamura Marta , Battistella Linamara Rizzo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWorldwide, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) accounts for 2.2% of total years lived with disability. There is a low correlation between joint tissue damage and pain intensity. Periarticular structures may be involved and cannot be identified in X-rays. To describe the main ultrasonography (USG) changes in symptomatic patients with primary KOA; to correlate the number of USG findings with KOA severity assessed by Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) radiological scores, with pain intensity measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and with functioning scores assessed with the Timed up and go test (TUG) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) questionnaire. 100 patients with primary symptomatic KOA were assessed with X-ray and USG. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were evaluated in a systematic manner. The most frequent findings were joint effusion, pes anserinus bursitis, quadriceps tendon enthesopathy, popliteal cyst, iliotibial band tendinitis and patellar tendinitis. Pearson’s correlation analysis demonstrated a significant moderate positive association between VAS scores and the number of USG findings (r = 0.36; p < 0.0001). The number of USG findings was different between K&L grades I and III (p = 0.041), I and IV (p < 0.001), and II and IV (p = 0.001, analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction). There was significant association between number of USG findings and TUG (r = 0.18; p = 0.014) and WOMAC scores for pain (r = 0.16; p < 0.029) and physical function domains (r = 0.16; p < 0.028). The most frequent USG finding was joint effusion. Periarticular structures should be explored as potential sources of pain and disability.
miR-181c-5p mediates apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells induced by hyperoxemia via ceRNA crosstalk
Authors: Wu Jizhi , Zhang Guangqi , Xiong Hui , Zhang Yuguang , Ding Gang , Ge Junfeng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractOxygen therapy has been widely used in clinical practice, especially in anesthesia and emergency medicine. However, the risks of hyperoxemia caused by excessive O2supply have not been sufficiently appreciated. Because nasal inhalation is mostly used for oxygen therapy, the pulmonary capillaries are often the first to be damaged by hyperoxia, causing many serious consequences. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism by which hyperoxia injures pulmonary capillary endothelial cells (LMECs) has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we systematically investigated these issues using next-generation sequencing and functional research techniques by focusing on non-coding RNAs. Our results showed that hyperoxia significantly induced apoptosis and profoundly affected the transcriptome profiles of LMECs. Hyperoxia significantly up-regulated miR-181c-5p expression, while down-regulated the expressions of NCAPG and lncRNA-DLEU2 in LMECs. Moreover, LncRNA-DLEU2 could bind complementarily to miR-181c-5p and acted as a miRNA sponge to block the inhibitory effect of miR-181c-5p on its target gene NCAPG. The down-regulation of lncRNA-DLEU2 induced by hyperoxia abrogated its inhibition of miR-181c-5p function, which together with the hyperoxia-induced upregulation of miR-181c-5p, all these significantly decreased the expression of NCAPG, resulting in apoptosis of LMECs. Our results demonstrated a ceRNA network consisting of lncRNA-DLEU2, miR-181c-5p and NCAPG, which played an important role in hyperoxia-induced apoptosis of vascular endothelial injury. Our findings will contribute to the full understanding of the harmful effects of hyperoxia and to find ways for effectively mitigating its deleterious effects.
Production, stability and degradation of Trichoderma gliotoxin in growth medium, irrigation water and agricultural soil
Authors: Jayalakshmi R. , Oviya R. , Premalatha K. , Mehetre S. T. , Paramasivam M. , Kannan R. , Theradimani M. , Pallavi M. S. , Mukherjee Prasun K. , Ramamoorthy V. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGliotoxin produced by Trichoderma virens is inhibitory against various phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria. However, its stability in soil-ecosystem has not yet been well-defined. This study aimed to decipher its persistence and behaviour in growth media, irrigation water and soil ecosystems. Gliotoxin production was noticed at logarithmic growth phase and converted into bis-thiomethyl gliotoxin at late stationary growth phase of T. virens in acidic growth medium. But, no gliotoxin production was observed in neutral and alkaline growth medium. Gliotoxin was stable for several days in acidic water but degraded in alkaline water. Degradation of gliotoxin was more in unsterile soil than sterile soil and also that was higher under wet soil than dry soil. Degradation of gliotoxin was hastened by alkaline pH in wet soil but not in dry soil. Under unsterile soil conditions, high soil moisture increased the degradation of gliotoxin and the degradation of gliotoxin occurred quickly in alkaline soil (in 5 days) compared to acidic soil (in 10 days). Under sterile soil conditions, high soil moisture also enhanced the degradation of gliotoxin but level of degradation was less compared to unsterile conditions. Thus, gliotoxin stability is influenced mainly by the soil wetness, soil microbial community and pH conditions.
Investigating differences in village-level heterogeneity of malaria infection and household risk factors in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Gul Desmond , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Daniela , Nate Elma , Auwan Alma , Salib Mary , Lorry Lina , Keven John B. , Katusele Michelle , Rosado Jason , Hofmann Natalie , Ome-Kaius Maria , Koepfli Cristian , Felger Ingrid , Kazura James W. , Hetzel Manuel W. , Mueller Ivo , Karl Stephan , Clements Archie C. A. , Fowkes Freya J. I. , Laman Moses , Robinson Leanne J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMalaria risk is highly heterogeneous. Understanding village and household-level spatial heterogeneity of malaria risk can support a transition to spatially targeted interventions for malaria elimination. This analysis uses data from cross-sectional prevalence surveys conducted in 2014 and 2016 in two villages (Megiar and Mirap) in Papua New Guinea. Generalised additive modelling was used to characterise spatial heterogeneity of malaria risk and investigate the contribution of individual, household and environmental-level risk factors. Following a period of declining malaria prevalence, the prevalence of P. falciparum increased from 11.4 to 19.1% in Megiar and 12.3 to 28.3% in Mirap between 2014 and 2016, with focal hotspots observed in these villages in 2014 and expanding in 2016. Prevalence of P. vivax was similar in both years (20.6% and 18.3% in Megiar, 22.1% and 23.4% in Mirap) and spatial risk heterogeneity was less apparent compared to P. falciparum. Within-village hotspots varied by Plasmodium species across time and between villages. In Megiar, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of infection could be partially explained by household factors that increase risk of vector exposure, such as collecting outdoor surface water as a main source of water. In Mirap, increased AOR overlapped with proximity to densely vegetated areas of the village. The identification of household and environmental factors associated with increased spatial risk may serve as useful indicators of transmission hotspots and inform the development of tailored approaches for malaria control.
Using impression data to improve models of online social influence
Authors: Liu Rui , Greene Kevin T. , Liu Ruibo , Mandic Mihovil , Valentino Benjamin A. , Vosoughi Soroush , Subrahmanian V. S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractInfluence, the ability to change the beliefs and behaviors of others, is the main currency on social media. Extant studies of influence on social media, however, are limited by publicly available data that record expressions (active engagement of users with content, such as likes and comments), but neglect impressions (exposure to content, such as views) and lack “ground truth” measures of influence. To overcome these limitations, we implemented a social media simulation using an original, web-based micro-blogging platform. We propose three influence models, leveraging expressions and impressions to create a more complete picture of social influence. We demonstrate that impressions are much more important drivers of influence than expressions, and our models accurately identify the most influential accounts in our simulation. Impressions data also allow us to better understand important social media dynamics, including the emergence of small numbers of influential accounts and the formation of opinion echo chambers.
Lipidomics of facial sebum in the comparison between acne and non-acne adolescents with dark skin
Authors: Okoro Obumneme Emeka , Adenle Adebomi , Ludovici Matteo , Truglio Mauro , Marini Federico , Camera Emanuela 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLipidomics is advantageous in the study of sebum perturbations occurring in acne. An extended evaluation of the sebum lipid profiles in acne-prone sebaceous areas is lacking in dark skin. Yet, there is a void space in understanding how the building blocks of sebum lipids, i.e. individual fatty acids (FAs), are intertwined with acne-prone skin. We aimed to determine the sebum lipidome in facial areas of adolescents with and without acne in Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 60 adolescents/young adults divided in 30 acne patients (15F, 15M) and 30 age and sex-matched controls. Sebum samples obtained from foreheads and cheeks were analysed separately by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) and thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Distributions of sebum components were investigated with multivariate ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA). Sebum incretion in acne was paralleled by significantly higher abundance of triglycerides, wax esters, and squalene together with monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs), and straight chain saturated FAs (SFAs), especially those with odd-carbon chain, i.e. C13:0, C15:0, and C17:0. Profiling weight/weight percentage of individual components revealed that, in acne, the free FAs (FFAs) array was shifted towards higher relative abundance of the SFAs C15:0, C16:0, and C17:0 and lower percentage of the anteiso-branched FFAs with 12, 14, 16, and 18 carbons. In acne patients, MUFAs and PUFAs were quantitatively increased and decreased on foreheads and cheeks, respectively. Relative abundance of fatty alcohols was decreased in acne independent on the site. The results indicated that acne associates with site-specific derangement of the pathways regulating the balance among odd straight-chain and branched-chain SFAs, MUFAs, which included sapienate (C16:1n-10), PUFAs, and squalene.
Crystallisation in a two-dimensional granular system at constant temperature
Authors: Ledesma-Motolinía M. , Carrillo-Estrada J. L. , Donado F. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe study the crystallisation processes occurring in a nonvibrating two-dimensional magnetic granular system at various fixed values of the effective temperature. In this system, the energy loss due to dissipative effects is compensated by the continuous energy input coming into the system from a sinusoidal magnetic field. When this balance leads to high values of the effective temperature, no aggregates are formed, because particles’ kinetic energy prevents them from aggregating. For lower effective temperatures, formation of small aggregates is observed. The smaller the values of the applied field’s amplitude, the larger the number of these disordered aggregates. One also observes that when clusters form at a given effective temperature, the average effective diffusion coefficient decreases as time increases. For medium values of the effective temperature, formation of small crystals is observed. We find that the sixth bond-orientational order parameter and the number of bonds, when considering more than two, are very sensitive for exhibiting the order in the system, even when crystals are still very small.
First trimester pregnancy outcomes in a large IVF center from the Lombardy County (Italy) during the peak COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Setti P. E. Levi- , Cirillo F. , Immediata V. , Morenghi E. , Canevisio V. , Ronchetti C. , Baggiani A. , Albani E. , Patrizio P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAt the beginning of 2020, the Italian Lombardy region was hit by an “epidemic tsunami” which was, at that point in time, one of the worst pandemics ever. At that moment the effects of SARS-COV 2 were still unknown. To evaluate whether the pandemic has influenced ART (Assisted Reproduction Techniques) outcomes in an asymptomatic infertile population treated at one of the major COVID-19 epicentres during the weeks immediately preceding lockdown. All ART procedures performed during two time periods were compared: November 1st, 2018 to February 28th, 2019 (non-COVID-19 risk) and November 1st, 2019 to February 29th, 2020 (COVID-19 risk). In total 1749 fresh cycles (883 non-COVID-19 risk and 866 COVID-19 risk) and1166 embryos and 63 oocytes warming cycles (538 and 37 during non-COVID and 628 and 26 during COVID-19 risk, respectively) were analysed. Clinical pregnancies per cycle were not different: 370 (25.38%) in non-COVID versus 415 (27.30%) (p = 0.237) during COVID-19 risk. There were no differences in biochemical pregnancy rates 52 (3.57%) versus 38 (2.50%) (p = 0.089) nor in ectopic pregnancies 4 (1.08%) versus 3 (0.72%) (p = 0.594), spontaneous miscarriages 84 (22.70%) versus 103 (24.82%) p = 0.487, nor in intrauterine ongoing pregnancies 282 (76.22%) versus 309 (74.46%) p = 0.569. A multivariate analysis investigating differences in spontaneous miscarriage rate showed no differences between the two timeframes. Our results support no differences in asymptomatic infertile couples’ ART outcomes between the pre COVID and COVID-19 periods in one of the earliest and most severe pandemic areas.
Rapid high-resolution melting genotyping scheme for Escherichia coli based on MLST derived single nucleotide polymorphisms
Authors: Bezdicek Matej , Nykrynova Marketa , Sedlar Karel , Kralova Stanislava , Hanslikova Jana , Komprdova Aja , Skutkova Helena , Kocmanova Iva , Mayer Jiri , Lengerova Martina 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRoutinely used typing methods including MLST, rep-PCR and whole genome sequencing (WGS) are time-consuming, costly, and often low throughput. Here, we describe a novel mini-MLST scheme for Eschericha coli as an alternative method for rapid genotyping. Using the proposed mini-MLST scheme, 10,946 existing STs were converted into 1,038 Melting Types (MelTs). To validate the new mini-MLST scheme, in silico analysis was performed on 73,704 strains retrieved from EnteroBase resulting in discriminatory power D = 0.9465 (CI 95% 0.9726–0.9736) for mini-MLST and D = 0.9731 (CI 95% 0.9726–0.9736) for MLST. Moreover, validation on clinical isolates was conducted with a significant concordance between MLST, rep-PCR and WGS. To conclude, the great portability, efficient processing, cost-effectiveness, and high throughput of mini-MLST represents immense benefits, even when accompanied with a slightly lower discriminatory power than other typing methods. This study proved mini-MLST is an ideal method to screen and subgroup large sets of isolates and/or quick strain typing during outbreaks. In addition, our results clearly showed its suitability for prospective surveillance monitoring of emergent and high-risk E. coli clones’.
A multiscale approach for bridging the gap between potency, efficacy, and safety of small molecules directed at membrane proteins
Authors: Aguayo-Ortiz Rodrigo , Creech Jeffery , Jiménez-Vázquez Eric N. , Guerrero-Serna Guadalupe , Wang Nulang , da Rocha Andre Monteiro , Herron Todd J. , Espinoza-Fonseca L. Michel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMembrane proteins constitute a substantial fraction of the human proteome, thus representing a vast source of therapeutic drug targets. Indeed, newly devised technologies now allow targeting “undruggable” regions of membrane proteins to modulate protein function in the cell. Despite the advances in technology, the rapid translation of basic science discoveries into potential drug candidates targeting transmembrane protein domains remains challenging. We address this issue by harmonizing single molecule-based and ensemble-based atomistic simulations of ligand–membrane interactions with patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based experiments to gain insights into drug delivery, cellular efficacy, and safety of molecules directed at membrane proteins. In this study, we interrogated the pharmacological activation of the cardiac Ca2+ pump (Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase, SERCA2a) in human iPSC-derived cardiac cells as a proof-of-concept model. The combined computational-experimental approach serves as a platform to explain the differences in the cell-based activity of candidates with similar functional profiles, thus streamlining the identification of drug-like candidates that directly target SERCA2a activation in human cardiac cells. Systematic cell-based studies further showed that a direct SERCA2a activator does not induce cardiotoxic pro-arrhythmogenic events in human cardiac cells, demonstrating that pharmacological stimulation of SERCA2a activity is a safe therapeutic approach targeting the heart. Overall, this novel multiscale platform encompasses organ-specific drug potency, efficacy, and safety, and opens new avenues to accelerate the bench-to-patient research aimed at designing effective therapies directed at membrane protein domains.
Double tunnel technique reduces technical failure during POEM in cases with severe submucosal fibrosis
Authors: Nabi Zaheer , Ramchandani Mohan , Chavan Radhika , Basha Jahangeer , Reddy Manohar , Darisetty Santosh , Reddy Nageshwar D. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background and study aims Submucosal fibrosis (SMF) is one of the major reasons for technical failure during per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of double tunnel technique (DT-POEM) on the technical success of POEM in cases with severe SMF.
Patients and methods Data from patients with achalasia in whom SMF was encountered during POEM from Jan 2013 to Jan 2020 at our center were retrospectively evaluated. The technical success and adverse events (AEs) were analyzed and compared between cases with SMF who underwent POEM via single tunnel versus DT-POEM technique.
Results A total of 1,150 patients underwent POEM during the study period. There were 14 technical failures (1.2 %). SMF and severe SMF was found in 104 (9 %) and 21 (1.8 %) patients, respectively. The majority of patients (17, 80.9 %) with severe SMF had type I achalasia. Overall, technical failures occurred in 14 cases (1.2 %) and severe SMF resulted in the majority of the technical failures (10, 71.4 %). DT-POEM was utilized in 11 cases (52.4 %) with severe SMF. The median procedure time with DT-POEM was 150 minutes (85–210). There were no major AEs and DT-POEM was technically successful in all the patients. The technical success of POEM in cases with SMF improved after the adoption of the double tunnel technique (98.4 % vs 68.3 %, P = 0.0001).
Conclusions Severe SMF is the most common reason for technical failure during POEM. DT-POEM improves the technical success rates of POEM in patients with severe SMF.
A Giant Lymph Node—Liver Imposter
Authors: Dembla Sagar , Asif Shujaath , Singh Aniruddha P. , Sekaran Anuradha , Lakhtakia Sundeep , Reddy D. N. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAbdominal tuberculosis has insidious course and is a diagnostic challenge. Tubercular lymphadenitis is associated with constitutional symptoms and multiple enlarged lymph nodes. Isolated giant lymph nodes are rare in tuberculosis and are common in lymphoma or malignancy. Peripancreatic mass on endosonography are commonly lymph node less than 4 cm. Isolated giant nonnecrotizing lymph node can mimic liver architecture on endoscopic ultrasound but lack a biliary connection.
Re-examination of effects of ALD high-k materials on defect reduction in SiGe metal–oxide–semiconductor interfaces
Authors: Lee Tsung-En , Toprasertpong Kasidit , Takenaka Mitsuru , Takagi Shinichi 
Published: August 2021

We study the impact of the atomic layer deposition high-k gate insulators on metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) interface properties of Si0.78Ge0.22 gate stacks with TiN gate electrodes and the physical origins of the reduction in MOS interface defects. The SiGe MOS interface properties of TiN/Y2O3, Al2O3, HfO2, and ZrO2 gate stacks are compared over a wide range of annealing temperatures. It is found that the lowest interface trap density (Dit) is obtained by TiN/Y2O3 stacks with post-metallization annealing (PMA) at 450 °C among the gate stacks with other gate insulators. Moreover, it is revealed that less amount of GeOx in the interfacial layer leads to lower Dit and that the Y2O3 stacks yield further reduction in Dit during PMA at 450 °C. These results can be explained by the reduction in distorted Ge–O bond densities in GeOx in ILs by scavenging and annealing effects during PMA and the suppression of Ge dangling bond generation by incorporating Y atoms into GeOx during PMA at 450 °C.