bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular Vesicle Capture by AnTibody of CHoice and Enzymatic Release (EV‐CATCHER): A customizable purification assay designed for small‐RNA biomarker identification and evaluation of circulating small‐EVs
Authors: Mitchell Megan I. , Ben‐Dov Iddo Z. , Liu Christina , Ye Kenny , Chow Kar , Kramer Yael , Gangadharan Anju , Park Steven , Fitzgerald Sean , Ramnauth Andrew , Perlin David S. , Donato Michele , Bhoy Emily , Manouchehri Doulabi Ehsan , Poulos Michael , Kamali‐Moghaddam Masood , Loudig Olivier 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCirculating nucleic acids, encapsulated within small extracellular vesicles (EVs), provide a remote cellular snapshot of biomarkers derived from diseased tissues, however selective isolation is critical. Current laboratory‐based purification techniques rely on the physical properties of small‐EVs rather than their inherited cellular fingerprints. We established a highly‐selective purification assay, termed EV‐CATCHER, initially designed for high‐throughput analysis of low‐abundance small‐RNA cargos by next‐generation sequencing. We demonstrated its selectivity by specifically isolating and sequencing small‐RNAs from mouse small‐EVs spiked into human plasma. Western blotting, nanoparticle tracking, and transmission electron microscopy were used to validate and quantify the capture and release of intact small‐EVs. As proof‐of‐principle for sensitive detection of circulating miRNAs, we compared small‐RNA sequencing data from a subset of small‐EVs serum‐purified with EV‐CATCHER to data from whole serum, using samples from a small cohort of recently hospitalized Covid‐19 patients. We identified and validated, only in small‐EVs, hsa‐miR‐146a and hsa‐miR‐126‐3p to be significantly downregulated with disease severity. Separately, using convalescent sera from recovered Covid‐19 patients with high anti‐spike IgG titers, we confirmed the neutralizing properties, against SARS‐CoV‐2 in vitro, of a subset of small‐EVs serum‐purified by EV‐CATCHER, as initially observed with ultracentrifuged small‐EVs. Altogether our data highlight the sensitivity and versatility of EV‐CATCHER.
Saving and borrowing behaviour among agropastoralists in West Pokot County, Kenya
Authors: Bostedt Göran , Mukoya Lonah , Muricho Deborah , Nyberg Gert 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFinancial inclusion is an important development impetus, where knowledge of saving and borrowing behaviour provides valuable insights. This study focuses on access to and use of financial services among agropastoralists in rural Kenya, using survey‐based household data from 2007 and 2017. Surveys show that households with savings increased from about 57% to 71%—coinciding with increased access to financial training and growing use of informal group‐based savings organizations. Share of households that had access to credit also increased during this period, from about 26% to 54%. Support to group‐based savings organizations can stimulate financial inclusion among agropastoralists.
Diabetes induces macrophage dysfunction through cytoplasmic dsDNA/AIM2 associated pyroptosis
Authors: Nie Lulingxiao , Zhao PengFei , Yue Ziqi , Zhang Peng , Ji Ning , Chen Qianming , Wang Qi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDiabetes is emerging as a severe global health problem that threatens health and increases socioeconomic burden. Periodontal impairment is one of its well-recognized complications. The destruction of the periodontal defense barrier makes it easier for periodontal pathogens to invade in, triggering a greater inflammatory response, and causing secondary impairment. Macrophages are the major immune cells in periodontium, forming the frontier line of local innate immune barrier. Here, we explored the periodontal impairments and functional changes of macrophages under the diabetic and aging conditions. Besides, we further explored the molecular mechanism of how hyperglycemia and aging contribute to this pathogenesis. To test this, we used young and aged mice to build diabetic mice, and metformin treatment was applied to a group of them. We demonstrated that under hyperglycemia conditions, macrophage functions, such as inflammatory cytokines secretion, phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and immune response, were disturbed. Simultaneously, this condition elevated the local senescent cell burden and induced secretion of senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Meanwhile, we found that expressions of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and caspase-1 were up-regulated in diabetic conditions, suggesting that the local senescent burden and systemic proinflammatory state during diabetes were accompanied by the initiation of pyroptosis. Furthermore, we found that the changes in aged condition were similar to those in diabetes, suggesting a hyperglycemia-induced pre-aging state. In addition, we show that metformin treatment alleviated and remarkably reversed these functional abnormalities. Our data demonstrated that diabetes initiated macrophage pyroptosis, which further triggered macrophage function impairments and gingival destructions. This pathogenesis could be reversed by metformin.
Relationship between sacral shape variation and phylogeny in Old World monkeys
Authors: Tojima Sayaka 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe sacrum, an essential skeletal element in the trunk, articulates with the ilium and lumbar and caudal vertebrae. While there are known morphological differences between hominoids and cercopithecoids (Old World monkeys), sacral morphological variations among cercopithecoids have rarely been studied outside of research on tail length variation. Increased knowledge regarding sacral variations in extant primates, however, could help in understanding and reconstructing their evolutionary development. Therefore, this study aimed to explore phylogenetic sacral shape variations among cercopithecoids. Geometric morphometric analyses were performed on 221 sacra from 39 different cercopithecoid species. Clear shape differences were observed among Colobinae, Cercopithecini, and Papionini, particularly in the spinous processes and sacral lateral mass. These parts function as muscle attachment points or skeletal joints, and variations in them seemed to reflect their required functions. However, the significance of the relationship between shape and function was not so great as to explain all the observed variation. According to recent genetic/developmental biological studies, shape variations may also be caused by the pleiotropic effects of some genes, such as posterior Hox genes. Therefore, while skeletal morphology has previously been considered to be directly connected to skeletal function, this study's results suggest that other factors influencing sacral shape require further research.
Neuroimaging Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Task‐Based Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Activation Following 12 Weeks of Cosmos caudatus Supplementation Among Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: You Yee Xing , Shahar Suzana , Mohamad Mazlyfarina , Rajab Nor Fadilah , Haron Hasnah , Che Din Normah , Abdul Hamid Hamzaini 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCosmos caudatus (CC) is traditional Asian vegetable, commonly consumed among the Southeast Asian population. It has been reported to be high in flavonoids and might potentially improve brain activity among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The effect of CC in brain activation improvement using neuroimaging is yet to be discovered.PurposeTo investigate the effects of CC supplement on brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) among older adults with MCI.Study typeProspective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.Population/subjectsTwenty older adults with mild cognitive impairment (60–75 years old), 14 of them (70%) were female subjects.Field strength/sequenceA 3.0‐T, T1‐weighted anatomical images, T2*‐weighted imaging data, A single shot, gradient echo‐echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence.AssessmentAll subjects were asked to consume two 500 mg capsules of either CC supplement or placebo (maltodextrin) daily for 12 weeks. Cognitive function was measured using validated neuropsychological tests (i.e. Mini‐mental State Examination and Digit Span) and task‐based fMRI (N‐back and Stroop Color Word Test) at baseline and 12th week. Brodmann's area 9, 46 and anterior cingulate cortex were selected as the regions of interest to define dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in fMRI analysis.Statistical testsNormality test was performed with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Two‐way repeated ANOVA determined the intervention effects of the CC supplementation on brain activity after adjustments for covariates. Significance level at P < 0.05 for independent‐t test and Chi square test; adjusted P < 0.0042 for two‐way repeated ANOVA after Bonferroni correction.ResultsFindings showed significant improvements in digit span (partial η2 = 0.559), increment in right DLPFC activation while performing 1‐back task (partial η2 = 0.586) and left DLPFC activation while performing Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT) (congruent) task (partial η2 = 0.432) at 12th week of CC supplementation.ConclusionCC supplementation might have the ability to improve DLPFC activation, potentially leading to improved working memory among older adults with MCI after 12 weeks of administration.Level of evidence1Technical efficacyStage 4
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke’s efforts on diversifying the neuroscience research workforce
Authors: Jones Harlan P. , Thorpe Roland J. , Vishwanatha Jamboor K. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractResearch innovation that leads to discovery in the battle against neurological disease and disorders requires diverse ideas. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, one of the National Institutes of Health's 27 institutes and centers, strives to reduce the burden of neurological disease and disorders. The National Institutes of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke is very interested in increasing the diversity of researchers by addressing the existing barriers responsible for the low numbers of underrepresented populations from traditionally minority‐serving institutions (MSIs) and non‐minority serving institutions (non‐MSIs). This commentary provides insight on the persistent underrepresentation of racial/ethnic minorities entering neuroscience research careers paths, focusing on multiples levels within the scientific academy and the supportive role that both MSIs and non‐MSIs play in increasing diversity in the biomedical research workforce.
Lattice implants that generate homeostatic and remodeling strains in bone
Authors: Munford Maxwell J. , Xiao Dannier , Jeffers Jonathan R. T. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBone remodeling is mediated by several factors including strain. An increase in strain between 1% and 10% compared to homeostasis can trigger bone formation. We aim to create an orthopedic implant using clinically established imaging and manufacturing methods that induces this strain control in human bone. Titanium scaffolds were manufactured with multiaxial apparent modulus tailored to the mechanical properties of bone defined from computed tomography scans of cadaver human tibiae. Five bone cubes were tested with corresponding titanium scaffolds by loading under compression, which is similar to the implanted tibia loading condition. Bone strain was precisely controlled by varying the scaffold modulus, from 0% to 15% bone strain increase. This strain increase is the magnitude reported to invoke bone's positive remodeling. Axial modulus was closely matched between titanium scaffolds and bone, ranging from 48–728 and 81–800 MPa, respectively, whereby scaffold axial modulus was within 2% of nominal target values. Fine control of multiaxial moduli resulted in transverse modulus that matched bone well; ranging from 42–648 and 47–585 MPa in scaffolds and bone respectively. The scaffold manufacturing material and method are already used in the orthopedic industry. This study has significant clinical implications as it enables the design of implants which positively harness bone's natural mechanoresponse and respect bone's mechanical anisotropy and heterogeneity.
Diet based on Prosopis laevigata legume seed prevents dyslipidemia development in C57BL/6J mouse
Authors: Díaz‐Batalla Luis , Aguilar Arteaga Karina , Castro‐Rosas Javier , Falfán‐Cortés Reyna N. , Téllez‐Jurado Alejandro , Gómez‐Aldapa Carlos A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) burden represents a major challenge for health care systems worldwide. Dyslipidemia is an important factor that triggers the atherogenic process and CVD development. The intake of legume seeds has been associated with a reduced risk of CVDs. Seed flour of Prosopis laevigata is a good source of protein, with high levels of active compounds. In the present work, the dyslipidemia‐prone C57BL/6J mouse was used to evaluate the potential of a diet based on mesquite seed to prevent CVD development, through the reduction of blood lipid levels. The diet based on mesquite seed (D1MS) supported the nutritional requirements of mice for the growing stage as the diet based on casein (D2Cas) and standard chow (D3SC). Mice treated with the diet D1MS (2.33%) had significantly lower visceral fat deposition than mice treated with the diet D2Cas (3.32%) and the diet D3SC (3.48%). Treatment with the diet D1MS decreases significantly the blood levels of glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol, resulting in a lower atherogenic index than treatments with D2Cas and D3SC diets. The phenolic compound content and specifically the presence of apigenin in the diet D1MS decrease body fat accumulation and atherogenic index in C57BL/6J mouse model, suggesting an important anti‐atherogenic potential of mesquite seed.
To disclose or not to disclose? Caregivers experiences of disclosure of HIV status of children living with HIV in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Klutsey Delight Abla , Amankwah‐Poku Margaret , Oppong Asante Kwaku 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundStatus disclosure remains a major challenge for most caregivers of children living with HIV/AIDS, and it remains suboptimal, resulting in reduced adherence and negative psychological and physical outcomes in these children. This study explored caregivers’ experiences of disclosure of the HIV status of their affected children within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.MethodsUsing the interpretive phenomenological qualitative approach, in‐depth interviews were conducted among 15 caregivers (aged 27–55 years) who were either the biological parents or guardians of children living with HIV (aged 6–15 years) from three main hospitals giving antiretroviral care in the Greater Accra Region. Interviews focused on the reasons for disclosure, the process of disclosure, and the aftermaths of disclosure. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subsequently analyzed thematically.ResultsThree main themes emerged from the analysis: “The Despair of HIV Diagnosis,” “The Dilemma and Nuances of Disclosure,” and “Aftermaths of Disclosure” Generally, the diagnosis of HIV in the children came as a shock to most caregivers which led to subsequent testing and diagnosis of caregivers. Two forms of disclosure were observed from the narratives: partial and full disclosure. Reasons for full disclosure were the child's curiosity, non‐adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and transition to high school. Non‐disclosure was as a result of stigma, the child been too young, and a lack of skill to disclose. Overall, caregivers reported that disclosure improved adherence and well‐being in their children; and helped reduce tension and anxiety among caregivers.ConclusionsThese findings suggest disclosure of HIV status to children living with HIV/AIDS has the potential to positively influence health outcomes in these children. However, caregivers need to be educated to initiate disclosure with the needed assistance from health care providers.
Mandibular rehabilitation: From the Andy Gump deformity to jaw‐in‐a‐day
Authors: Lilly Gabriela L. , Petrisor Daniel , Wax Mark K. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe mandible is a critical structure of the lower facial skeleton which plays an important role in several vital functions. Segmental resection of the mandible is at times required in patients with advanced oral cavity malignancies, primary mandibular tumors, and radiation or medication induced osteonecrosis. Mandibulectomy can significantly decrease quality of life, and thus mandibular reconstruction is an important aspect of the operative plan. Mandibular reconstruction is challenging due to the complex three‐dimensional anatomy of the mandible, and the precision required to restore dental occlusion in dentate patients. Significant advances have been made over the past decade in the ability to reconstruct and rehabilitate patients after a segmental mandibulectomy. This review will highlight these advances and discuss the timing of dental implantation.
The Efficacy and Safety of Fractional 1064 nm Nd:YAG Picosecond Laser Combined With Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scar: A Split‐Face Study
Authors: Feng Hao , Wu Yuemeng , Jiang Min , Luo Xiaoqun , Yan Shuxian , Lu Zhong 
Published: June 2021

Background and ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of fractional 1064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser combined with intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of atrophic acne scar with post‐inflammatory erythema (PIE). © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Study Design/Materials and MethodsSeventeen patients received five sessions of treatment at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and were followed up at week 28. One half of the face was randomly treated by fractional 1064 nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser combined with IPL (FxPico + IPL), and the other by IPL alone as a control.ResultsFor the 15 patients who completed the study, the FxPico + IPL side demonstrated significant median Échelle D'évaluation clinique des cicatrices D'acné (ECCA) score improvement (P < 0.01), while IPL alone side did not (P = 0.1250). The pore counts for both sides decreased but more pore count reduction was seen on the FxPico + IPL side (P < 0.05). Better scar improvement was observed on the FxPico + IPL‐treated side (P < 0.05) while no difference in erythema improvement was seen between the two sides. There was no difference between the two treatments in terms of overall satisfaction. Pain, erythema, edema, petechiae, crusting, reactive acneiform eruptions, and pruritus were common adverse effects and were mild to moderate.ConclusionFxPico + IPL is an effective, efficient, and safe treatment regimen for atrophic acne scars complicated by PIE.
Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Bromo–Butyl Elastomers Filled with Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene
Authors: Verma Pawan , Zolton Gabriel C. , Truong Phuc Vinh , Arole Kailash , Saha Sanjit , Sentmanat Martin L. , Yakovlev Sergey , Jacob Sunny , Green Micah J. , Hule Rohan A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the effects of graphene loading and processing technique on the morphological, mechanical, thermal, rheological, and barrier properties of bromo–butyl rubber, are explored. Bromo–butyl rubber composites with electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG) nanosheet filler are prepared via solvent casting and/or melt blending techniques, and their properties are compared against a carbon black control sample. Even though analysis of the EEG composites via microscopy reveals agglomeration problems not present in the carbon black controls, EEG composite samples are observed to have improved barrier properties over carbon black samples in exchange for slightly reduced stress and strain at break. Extensional rheological analysis of the bromo–butyl rubber composites reveals strain hardening phenomena in all the samples and higher extensional modulus in solvent casted‐melt blended (SCM) samples. As a result of better dispersion over the solely melt‐blended samples, the SCM rubber composites exhibit superior tensile modulus and extensional modulus compared to the samples that are solely melt‐blended.
Preoperative Electroencephalography‐Based Machine Learning Predicts Cognitive Deterioration After Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Geraedts Victor J. , Koch Milan , Kuiper Roy , Kefalas Marios , Bäck Thomas H.W. , van Hilten Jacobus J. , Wang Hao , Middelkoop Huub A.M. , van der Gaag Niels A. , Contarino Maria Fiorella , Tannemaat Martijn R. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundSubthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) may relieve refractory motor complications in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Despite careful screening, it remains difficult to determine severity of alpha‐synucleinopathy involvement which influences the risk of postoperative complications including cognitive deterioration. Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) reflects cognitive dysfunction in PD and may provide biomarkers of postoperative cognitive decline.ObjectiveTo develop an automated machine learning model based on preoperative EEG data to predict cognitive deterioration 1 year after STN DBS.MethodsSixty DBS candidates were included; 42 patients had available preoperative EEGs to compute a fully automated machine learning model. Movement Disorder Society criteria classified patients as cognitively stable or deteriorated at 1‐year follow‐up. A total of 16,674 EEG‐features were extracted per patient; a Boruta algorithm selected EEG‐features to reflect representative neurophysiological signatures for each class. A random forest classifier with 10‐fold cross‐validation with Bayesian optimization provided class‐differentiation.ResultsTweny‐five patients were classified as cognitively stable and 17 patients demonstrated cognitive decline. The model differentiated classes with a mean (SD) accuracy of 0.88 (0.05), with a positive predictive value of 91.4% (95% CI 82.9, 95.9) and negative predictive value of 85.0% (95% CI 81.9, 91.4). Predicted probabilities between classes were highly differential (hazard ratio 11.14 [95% CI 7.25, 17.12]); the risk of cognitive decline in patients with high probabilities of being prognosticated as cognitively stable (>0.5) was very limited.ConclusionsPreoperative EEGs can predict cognitive deterioration after STN DBS with high accuracy. Cortical neurophysiological alterations may indicate future cognitive decline and can be used as biomarkers during the DBS screening. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society