bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Robust and Highly Efficient Approach for Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton’s Jelly for Tissue Repair
Authors: Zheng Shengxia , Gao Yanyan , Chen Kai , Liu Yusheng , Xia Ninuo , Fang Fang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from umbilical cord Wharton’s Jelly (WJ-MSCs) are emerging as promising therapeutics for a variety of diseases due to their ability of regeneration and immunomodulation and their non-tumorigenic and non-immunogenic properties. Although multiple protocols have been developed for WJ-MSCs isolation, insufficient cell numbers, heterogeneous cell population, and variations in procedures between different laboratories impede further clinical applications.MethodsWe compared six widely used WJ-MSCs isolation methods regarding cell morphology, yield, purity, proliferation rate, and differentiation potential. Based on these analyses, we developed a new isolation approach called “Mince-Soak-Digest (MSD)”, and compared its efficiency with the existing methods. Furthermore, we transplanted WJ-MSCs isolated by different methods to the rat uterus to test their ability for tissue repair.ResultsBased on the comparison and analysis of the six widely used isolation protocols, we identified that the inefficiency of the digestion of the extracellular matrix results in low cell yield. Thus, we have developed a robust and highly efficient method to isolate MSCs from WJ by incorporating a soaking step to facilitate the digestion of the extracellular matrix and release of the cells. Our newly developed method generates significantly higher cell yield (4 to 10-fold higher) than six widely used methods that we tested with high purity and consistency. Importantly, by transplantation of WJ-MSCs isolated by MSD to the rat uterus, we repair the endometrial injury and restore the fertility of the rats.ConclusionOur results provide a robust and highly efficient approach for isolating WJ-MSCs to restore injured tissue. The higher efficiency of MSD assures the abundance of WJ-MSCs for clinical applications. Furthermore, the reliability of MSD contributes to the standardization of WJ-MSCs isolation, which eliminates the discrepancies due to isolation procedures, thus facilitates the evaluation of the efficacy of WJ-MSCs across various human clinical applications.
Adherence to Treatment for Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy and Relationship With Thyrotropin Control: a Retrospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Siscart Júlia , Orós Miriam , Serna M. Catalina , Perejon Daniel , Galvan Leonardo , Ortega Marta 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Hypothyroidism is the second most common endocrinological disease during pregnancy, with percentages that can range between 3.2 and 5.5%. A good maternal and foetal health outcome depends on thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The goal of such therapy is to maintain thyrotropin (TSH) in a range that is specific for pregnant women and varies between the trimesters of pregnancy. In our study, we wanted to analyse the adherence to hypothyroidism treatment among pregnant women and to evaluate the degree of control of the disease.Methods: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study in pregnant women between 2012 and 2018 in the Lleida health region. Therapeutic adherence was analysed by the proportion of days covered (PDC). The relationship with other variables was assessed using the regression coefficients and their 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: We examined a sample of 17281 women, representing more than 92% of the pregnant women in the Lleida health region in the period analysed. Among this sample, the mean prevalence of hypothyroidism was 6.52% (0.07% clinical and 6.45% subclinical). 3.3% of the 17281 pregnant women were treated. Among them, the mean adherence score was 79.6 ± 22.2. Of these, 54% presented high adherence. The latter had a higher mean age and better TSH control, in comparison to the ones showing low adherence. Conclusions: Half of the treated patients had good adherence to treatment and a better TSH control, in comparison to the others. Most of them achieved a good control at the third trimester of pregnancy.
Molecular-Level Characterization of Changes in the Mechanical Properties of Wood in Response to Thermal Treatment
Authors: Wang Dong , Fu Feng , Lin Lanying 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Thermal treatment can improve the dimensional stability of wood, but it also decreases wood’s stiffness and increases its brittleness. In this paper, combining FTIR spectroscopy and mechanical analysis was used to in-situ study the molecular-level responses to stresses and analyze mechanical interactions among components in thermally-treated wood. For both untreated and treated woods, the cellulose was the longitudinal tensile load-bearing component of wood, but the lignin participated in the load transfer in the fiber direction. Moreover, the FTIR results indicated that hemicellulose degradation, as the interface between cellulose and lignin, decreased shear slipping between microfibrils. The interfacial material degradation also caused the wood’s stiffness and mechanical responses of the matrix along the cell transverse direction decrease. Upon increasing the heat treatment intensity, the cellulose microfibrils rearranged along the cell axis, resulting in the ability of the cell wall to resist deformation and the wood’s stiffness being increased.
A Two-Stage Deep Learning Architecture for Radiographic Assessment of Periodontal Bone Loss
Authors: Jiang Linhong , Chen Daqian , Cao Zheng , Wu Fuli , Zhu Haihua , Zhu Fudong 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Objective: To establish a comprehensive and accurate assessment model of periodontal alveolar bone loss based on panoramic images.Methods:A total of 640 panoramic images were included, and 3 experienced periodontal physicians marked the key points needed to calculate the degree of periodontal alveolar bone loss and the specific location and shape of the alveolar bone loss. A deep learning architecture based on UNet and YOLO-v4 was proposed to localize the tooth and key points, and the percentage and stageof periodontal alveolar bone loss were accurately calculated. The ability of the model to recognize these features was evaluated and compared with that of general dental practitioners.Results: The overall classification accuracy of the model was 0.77, and the performance of the model varied for different tooth positions and categories;model classification was generally more accurate than that of general practitioners.Conclusion: It is feasible to establish deep learning model forassessmentand staging radiographicperiodontal alveolar bone loss using two-stage architecture based on UNet and YOLO-v4.
Survival-associated 11-AS Events Interact with the Immune Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Yue Congbo , Zhao Tianyi , Zhang Shoucai , Liu Yingjie , Zheng Guixi , Zhang Yi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) events play a crucial role in the tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. Transcriptome data and Percent Spliced In (PSI) values of OV patients were downloaded from TCGA database and TCGA SpliceSeq. Totally we identified 1,472 AS events that were associated with survival of OV and exon skipping (ES) was the most important type. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify survival-associated AS events and develop the prognostic model based on 11-AS events. The immune cells and different response to cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockers in low-risk and high-risk group of OV patients were analyzed. Ten kinds of immune cells were found up-regulated in low-risk group. Activated B cell, natural killer T cell, natural killer cell and regulatory T cell were associated with survival of OV. The patients in low-risk group had good response to CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockers treatment. Moreover, a regulatory network was established according to the correlation between AS events and splicing factors (SFs). The present study provided valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of OV. AS events that were correlated with the immune system might be potential therapeutic targets.
Detection of Clostridioides Difficile Toxin B Gene: Benefits of Identifying Gastrointestinal Pathogens by mPCR Assay in the Diagnosis of Diarrhea in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Byun Jung-Hyun , Yong Dongeun , Kim Heejung 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In the pediatric population, severe Clostridioides difficile infection sometimes occurs, but most cases are asymptomatic. Since the asymptomatic carriage rate is reportedly high in pediatric populations, diagnosis of CDI is difficult. Here, we analyzed 960 results of gastrointestinal pathogen multiplex PCR to estimate the positive rate of toxigenic C. difficile in pediatric populations aged between 0 and 18 years. The overall rate of C. difficile toxin B positivity was 10.1% in the stool samples. The positive rate peaked in 1-year-old infants (29/153, 19.0%), and decreased continually thereafter. The positive rate we observed was lower than the rates described in the literature. Remarkably, no C. difficile was detected in neonates. Antibiotic usage was inversely related to the positive rate, especially in infants < 2 years of age. The odds ratio of antibiotics was 0.44 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.68; P < 0.001). The presence of concomitant gastrointestinal pathogens was not associated with toxigenic C. difficile positivity. Even though toxigenic C. difficile infection is neither an important nor a common cause of pediatric diarrhea, children can spread it to adults who are at risk of developing CDI. Pediatric population can act as hidden reservoirs for pathogenic strains in the community.
Assessing Assemblage-wide Mammal Responses to Different Types of Habitat Modification in Amazonian Forests
Authors: Almeida-Maués Paula , Bueno Anderson , Palmeirim Ana Filipa , Peres Carlos , Mendes-Oliveira Ana Cristina 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The structure of tropical forest is heavily modified by varying intensities of land use ranging from structural degradation to complete conversion. While ecological responses of vertebrate assemblages to habitat modification are variable, such understanding is critical to appropriate conservation planning of anthropogenic landscapes. We assessed the responses of mammal assemblages to the ecological impacts of reduced impact logging, secondary regrowth, and eucalyptus and oil palm plantations in Eastern Brazilian Amazonia. We used within-landscape paired baseline-treatment comparisons to examine the impact of different types of habitat modification in relation to adjacent primary forest. We examined assemblage-wide metrics including the total number of species, number of primary forest species retained in modified habitats, abundance, species composition, and community integrity. We ranked all types of habitat modification along a gradient of assemblage-wide impact intensity, with oil palm and eucalyptus plantations exerting the greatest impact, followed by secondary regrowth, and selectively logging. Selectively-logged and secondary forests did not experience discernible biodiversity loss, except for the total number of primary forest species retained. Secondary forests further experienced pronounced species turnover, with loss of community integrity. Considering the biodiversity retention capacity of anthropogenic habitats, this study reinforces the landscape-scale importance of setting aside large preserved areas.
Individual Differences in Mental Imagery Modulate Effective Connectivity of Scene-Selective Regions During Resting State
Authors: Tullo Maria Giulia , Almgren Hannes , de Steen Frederik Van , Sulpizio Valentina , Marinazzo Daniele , Galati Gaspare 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Successful navigation relies on the ability to identify, perceive, and correctly process the spatial structure of a scene. It is well known that visual mental imagery plays a crucial role in navigation. Indeed, cortical regions encoding navigationally relevant information are also active during mental imagery of navigational scenes. However, it remains unknown whether their intrinsic activity and connectivity reflect the individuals’ ability to imagine a scene. Here, we primarily investigated the intrinsic causal interactions among scene-selective brain regions such as Parahipoccampal Place Area (PPA), Retrosplenial Complex (RSC), and Occipital Place Area (OPA) using Dynamic Causal Modelling (DCM) for resting-state functional magnetic resonance (rs-fMRI) data. Second, we tested whether resting-state effective connectivity parameters among scene-selective regions could reflect individual differences in mental imagery in our sample, as assessed by the self-reported Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ). We found an inhibitory influence of occipito-medial on temporal regions, and an excitatory influence of more anterior on more medial and posterior brain regions. Moreover, we found that a key role in imagery is played by the connection strength from OPA to PPA, especially in the left hemisphere, since the influence of the signal between these scene-selective regions positively correlated with good mental imagery ability. Our investigation contributes to the understanding of the complexity of the causal interaction among brain regions involved in navigation and provides new insight in understanding how an essential ability, such as mental imagery, can be explained by the intrinsic fluctuation of brain signal.
An Evaluation of the Effects of Elevated Body Mass Index on Skeletal Age
Authors: French Michael H. , Kung Michael S. , Holmes W. Nathan , Aziz Hossein , Thomas Evelyn S. , Schlechter John A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMany treatment decisions in children’s Orthopaedics are based on age. This study determined whether a discrepancy between chronological age (CA) and skeletal age (SA) is dependent on BMI and if overweight or obese children would have an advanced SA.Materials and Methods120 children between ages 8-17 with an adequate hand radiograph and a correlating BMI were enrolled by retrospective chart review. Stratification based on age, sex, ethnicity, and BMI percentile was performed. For each age group, 6 males and 6 females were selected with 50% of each group having an elevated BMI. Two blinded physicians independently evaluated hand radiographs and recorded the SA. Statistical analyses evaluated inter-rater reliability and any discrepancy between groups.ResultsThe final statistical analysis included 96 children. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for SA determined by the two reviewers was excellent at 0.95. A difference of 13 months was found between CA and SA in the elevated BMI cohort versus the non-elevated BMI cohort, (p<0.001). No significant difference was seen between CA and SA for the non-elevated cohort (p=0.72), while matching for age and sex. ConclusionChronological age and skeletal age are not always equivalent especially in pediatric patients who are overweight or obese.
Nonlinear and Dual-Parameter Chaotic Vibrations of Lumped Parameter Model in Blisk under Combined Aerodynamic Force and Varying Rotating Speed
Authors: Zhang W. , Ma L. , Zhang Y. F. , Behdinan K. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the nonlinear and dual-parameter chaotic vibrations are investigated for the blisk structure with the lumped parameter model under combined the aerodynamic force and varying rotating speed. The varying rotating speed and aerodynamic force are respectively simplified to the parametric and external excitations. The nonlinear governing equations of motion for the rotating blisk are established by using Hamilton’s principle. The free vibration and mode localization phenomena are studied for the tuning and mistuning blisks. Due to the mistuning, the periodic characteristics of the blisk structure are destroyed and uniform distribution of the energy is broken. It is found that there is a positive correlation between the mistuning variable and mode localization factor to exhibit the large vibration of the blisk in a certain region. The method of multiple scales is applied to derive four-dimensional averaged equations of the blisk under 1:1 internal and principal parametric resonances. The amplitude-frequency response curves of the blisk are studied, which illustrate the influence of different parameters on the bandwidth and vibration amplitudes of the blisk. Lyapunov exponent, bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits, waveforms and Poincare maps are depicted. The dual-parameter Lyapunov exponents and bifurcation diagrams of the blisk reveal the paths leading to the chaos. The influences of different parameters on the bifurcation and chaotic vibrations are analyzed. The numerical results demonstrate that the parametric and external excitations, rotating speed and damping determine the occurrence of the chaotic vibrations and paths leading to the chaotic vibrations in the blisk.
Comparison of Outcomes of Chronic Kidney Disease Based on Etiology: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ryu Hyunjin , Hong Yeji , Kang Eunjeong , Kang Minjung , Kim Jayoun , Park Hayne Cho , Oh Yun Kyu , Chin Ho Jun , Park Sue K. , Jung Ji Yong , Hyun Young Youl , Sung Su Ah , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook-Hwan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background and objectivesThe cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects outcomes. However, relative risks for adverse outcomes according to specific causes of CKD are not well studied.Design, setting, participants and measurementsProspective cohort study from KNOW-CKD cohort were analyzed using overlap propensity score weighting methods. Patients were grouped into four categories according to the cause of CKD: glomerulonephritis (GN), diabetic nephropathy (DN), hypertensive nephropathy (HTN), or polycystic kidney disease (PKD). From a total of 2,070 patients, the relative risk of kidney failure, composite of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, and the slope of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline according to the cause of CKD were compared between causative groups pairwisely.ResultsThere were 565 cases of kidney failure and 259 cases of composite CVD and death over 6.0 years of follow-up. Hazard ratios of the PKD group for kidney failure were significantly increased at 1.82, 2.23, and 1.73 compared to GN, HTN, and DN, respectively. Hazard ratios of the DN group for the composite of CVD and death were also significantly increased at 2.07, and 1.73 compared to GN, and HTN, respectively. The adjusted eGFR decline slope for DN and PKD groups was -3.07, and -3.37 mL/min/1.73m2 per year, respectively, and all of these values were significantly different than those of the GN and HTN groups (-2.16, and -1.42 mL/min/1.73m2 per year, respectively).ConclusionsRisks for renal progression were relatively higher in patients with PKD compared to other causes of CKD. However, the composite of CVD and death were relatively higher in patients with DN-related CKD than those with GN- and HTN-related CKD.
Factors Associated With Treatment Outcome in Patients With Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease: a Large Population-based Retrospective Cohort Study in Shanghai
Authors: Cheng Li Ping , Chen Shan Hao , Lou Hai , Gui Xu Wei , Shen Xiao Na , Cao Jie , Sha Wei , Sun Qin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Background: Investigate factors associated with treatment outcome in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTMPD). Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined NTMPD patients in Shanghai from January 2014 to December 2018. The distribution and incidence of the different causative species were determined. The outcomes of patients infected with different NTM species were compared. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of different factors with treatment failure. Results: The most common species were Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) (50%), M. abscessus (28%), and M. kansasii (15%). Over five years, the proportions of M. kansasii and M. abscessus increased, and that of MAC decreased. The treatment success rate was significantly greater for patients infected with M. kansasii (89.9%) than MAC (65.0%, P<0.001) and M. abscessus (36.1%, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated the risk factors for treatment failure were pathogenic NTM species (M. abscessus: aOR=9.355, P<0.001; MAC: aOR=2.970, P=0.021), having an elevated ESR (>60mm/h: aOR=2.658, P<0.001), receipt of retreatment (aOR=2.074, P<0.001), middle-aged and elderly (>60 years-old: aOR=1.739, P=0.021; 45–60 years-old: aOR=1.661, P=0.034). Conclusions: The main bacterial species responsible for NTMPD infections in Shanghai were MAC, M. abscessus, and M. kansasii. Patients with M. kansasii infections had a higher rate of treatment success. Multiple factors including infection by M. abscessu or MAC, an elevated ESR, receiving retreatment, middle-aged and elderly were associated with treatment failure.
The Relationship Between Insulin Resistance and Obesity and Serum Anti-mullerian Hormone Level in Chinese Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case-control Study.
Authors: Zhao Han , Zhou Dexin , Liu Cong , Zhang Le 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAnti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) has an important role in the pathophysiological process of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by regulating follicular development and is closely related to the severity of PCOS. Previous studies have suggested that AMH levels in PCOS is related to hyperandrogenemia levels and are affected by obesity and insulin resistance. however, the exact relationship between AMH levels and obesity and insulin resistance remains unclear. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between insulin resistance and obesity and serum AMH levels in women with PCOS. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 220 women with PCOS who had undergone an assortment of physical, endocrine, and metabolic assessments. AMH levels and various other indicators of PCOS in patients with different body mass indices (BMI) and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were compared. Independent sample t-tests were performed to compare two groups. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to study the correlation between AMH and age, obesity, IR, and other indicators of PCOS, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors influencing AMH. Bilateral tests were performed for all statistical tests. The data were analysed using SPSS v25.0. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided P-value of less than 0.05.ResultsWe found that >50% of patients with PCOS had insulin resistance, obesity, hyperandrogenemia, and abnormal glucose tolerance. AMH, testosterone (T), and HOMA-IR levels were affected by age, and older participants had lower AMH, HOMA-IR, and androgen levels (P < 0.05). Glycated hemoglobin levels were higher and AMH, luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and LH levels were lower in non-obese individuals than in obese individuals (both P < 0.05). Participants in the non-insulin resistant (IR; NIR) group were older than those in the IR group (P < 0.05). AMH, LH, LH/FSH, and T levels in the IR group were significantly higher than those in the NIR group (P < 0.05). AMH levels were positively correlated with LH, LH/FSH, T, fasting insulin (FINS), and HOMA-IR levels as well as the free androgen index and negatively correlated with age, BMI, and sex hormone binding globulin levels (P < 0.05). Through multiple linear regression, we found that AMH levels could be explained by T, LH/FSH, FINS, sex hormone binding globulin, LH levels, and BMI.ConclusionsSerum AMH levels were closely related to metabolic abnormalities in PCOS. In patients with PCOS, AMH levels were positively correlated with HOMA-IR levels and negatively correlated with BMI. Thus, AMH combined with BMI and HOMA-IR levels could help determine the severity of PCOS.