bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Signatures in Circulating Cell-Free DNA as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chen Lei , Xu Shunliang , Shen Qianqian , Yu Hongzhuan , Pei Shengjie , Zhang Yangting , He Xin , Wang QiuZhen , Li Duo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an epigenetic DNA modification that is highly abundant in nervous system. It has been reported that 5hmC is significant associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Changes in 5hmC signatures can be detected in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which has shown potential as a non-invasive liquid biopsy material. However, there is no research about genome-wide profiling of 5hmC in cfDNA and its potential for the diagnosis of AD to date. Methods: We carried out a case-control study and used a highly sensitive and selective high-throughput sequencing of chemical labels to detect the genome-wide profiles of 5hmC in human cfDNA and identified differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) in AD patients and the control. Results: We detected a significant difference of 5hmC enrichment in gene bodies which were linked to multiple AD pathogenesis-associated signaling pathways in AD patients compared with cognitively normal controls. AD patients can be well distinguished from cognitively normal controls by differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs) in cfDNA. Specially, we found 7 distinct genes (RABEP1, CPNE4, DNAJC15, REEP3, ROR1, CAMK1D, and RBFOX1) had prediction diagnostic potential based on their significant correlations with MMSE and MoCA scores. Conclusions: The present results suggest that 5hmC markers derived from plasma cfDNA can be served as an effective, minimally invasive biomarkers for clinical auxiliary diagnosis of late-onset AD. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100042537, registered 13 January 2021-retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=120582.
Blocking lncRNA-SNHG16 Sensitizes Gastric Cancer Cells to 5-Fu Through Targeting the miR-506-3p-PTBP1-Mediated Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Ding Yan , Gao Sujie , Zheng Jiabin , Chen Xuebo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most human malignancies. The 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) is a first-line anti-gastric cancer chemotherapeutic agent. However, a large number of GC patients developed 5-Fu resistance. Currently, the biological roles and molecular mechanisms of lncRNA-SNHG16 in 5-Fu resistant gastric cancer still remain elusive. Here we report SNHG16 as well as PTBP1 are positively associated with 5-Fu resistance of gastric cancer. SNHG16 and PTBP1 are significantly upregulated in gastric tumors and cell lines. Silencing SNHG16 or PTBP1 effectively sensitized GC cells to 5-Fu. Furthermore, the glucose metabolism was remarkedly elevated in 5-Fu resistant GC cells. Under low glucose supply, 5-Fu resistant cells displayed higher vulnerability than parental GC cells. Bioinformatical analysis and luciferase assay demonstrated that SNHG16 downregulated miR-506-3p by sponging it. We identified PTBP1 was a direct target of miR-506-3p in GC cells. RNA-seq results indicated PTBP1 positively regulated multiple glycolysis enzymes expressions, including GLUT1, HK2 and LDHA. Bioinformatics analysis illustrated the 3’UTRs of glycolysis enzymes contained multiple PTBP1 binding sites, which were further verified by RNA-pull down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Consequently, we demonstrated PTBP1 upregulated the mRNAs of glycolysis enzymes via promoting the mRNAs stabilities. Finally, in vivo xenograft experiments validated that blocking the SNHG16-mediated miR-506-3p-PTBP1 axis effectively sensitized xenograft tumors to 5-Fu treatments. Summarily, our study reports biological roles and molecular mechanisms underlying the lncRNA SNHG16-mediated 5-Fu resistance in GC through modulating the miR-506-3p-PTBP1-glycolysis axis, presenting a promising prospect in improvement of 5-Fu therapy for chemoresistant GC patients.
Electrochemical Crystallization for Recovery of Phosphorus and Potassium from Urine as K-Struvite, with A Sacrificial Magnesium Anode
Authors: Shan Jinhua , Liu Hongbo , Zhang Haodong , Long Shiping , Lichtfouse Eric 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Declining earth resources, rising ore cost and pollution call for better recycling of wastewater in the context of the circular economy. In particular, urine is a potential huge source of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) agricultural nutrients, yet the efficiency of actual methods for P and K recovery are limited. Here we designed a electrochemical crystallization system using sacrificial magnesium anodes to recover P and K in the form of K-struvite (MgKPO4·6H2O) from simulated urine at low (P/K=0.25) and high (P/K=0.6) phosphate levels, respectively. Results show optimal recoveries of 88.5% for P and 35.4% for K in the form of rod-shaped K-struvite at 3.5 mA/cm2, yet higher current density reduced recovery due to side reactions and pH increase. Adding phosphate to urine increased K recovery to 35.4% versus 15.0% without phosphate. Adding prefabricated struvite crystals at 1.6 g/L into urine enhanced the recovery of K by 14.7% and of P by 23.7% compared to the control group. Overall, our findings show that electrochemical crystallization is promising for the recovery of K-struvite fertilizers.
A specific relationship between musical sophistication and auditory working memory
Authors: Lad Meher , Billig Alexander J. , Kumar Sukhbinder , Griffiths Timothy D. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Musical engagement may be associated with better listening skills, such as the perception of and working memory for notes, in addition to the appreciation of musical rules. The nature and extent of this association is controversial. In this study we assessed the relationship between musical engagement and both sound perception and working memory. We developed a task to measure auditory perception and working memory for sound using a behavioural measure for both, precision. We measured the correlation between these tasks and musical sophistication based on a validated measure (the Goldsmiths Musical Sophistication Index) that can be applied to populations of both musicians and non-musicians. The data show that musical sophistication accounts for 21% of the variance in the precision of working memory for frequency in an analysis that accounts for age and non-verbal intelligence. Musical sophistication was not significantly associated with the precision of working memory for amplitude modulation rate or with the precision of perception of either acoustic feature. The work supports a specific association between musical sophistication and working memory for sound frequency.
Global Diversity of the Gene Encoding the Pfs25 Protein - A Plasmodium Falciparum Transmission-Blocking Vaccine Candidate
Authors: Sookpongthai Pornpawee , Utayopas Korawich , Sitthiyotha Thassanai , Pengsakul Theerakamol , Kaewthamasorn Morakot , Wangkanont Kittikhun , Harnyuttanakorn Pongchai , Chunsrivirot Surasak , Pattaradilokrat Sittiporn 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Vaccines against the sexual stages of the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum are indispensable for controlling malaria and abrogating the spread of drug-resistant parasites. Pfs25, a surface antigen of the sexual stage of P. falciparum, is a leading candidate for transmission-blocking vaccine development. While clinical trials have reported that Pfs25-based vaccines are safe and effective in inducing transmission-blocking antibodies, the extent of the genetic diversity of Pfs25 in malaria endemic populations has been rarely studied. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the global diversity of Pfs25 in P. falciparum populations.Methods: A database of 307 Pfs25 sequences of P. falciparum was established. Population genetic analyses were performed to evaluate haplotype and nucleotide diversity, analyze haplotypic distribution patterns of Pfs25 in different geographical populations, and construct a haplotype network. Neutrality tests were conducted to determine evidence of natural selection. Homology models of the Pfs25 haplotypes were constructed, subjected to molecular dynamics (MD), and analyzed in terms of flexibility and percentages of secondary structures.Results: Pfs25 of P. falciparum comprised 11 unique haplotypes. Of these, haplotype 1 (H1) and H2, the major haplotypes, represented 70% and 22% of the population, respectively. H1 and H2 were dominant in Asia, whereas H1 was dominant in Africa, Central America, and South America. Other haplotypes were rare and region-specific, resulting in unique distribution patterns in different geographical populations. The diversity in Pfs25 originated from 10 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci located in EGF-like domains and anchor domain. Of these, an SNP at position 392 (GGA/GCA), resulting in amino acid substitution 131 (Gly/Ala), defined the two major haplotypes. MD results showed that structures of H1 and H2 variants were relatively similar. Limited polymorphism in Pfs25 could be likely due to negative selection. Conclusions: The study successfully established a Pfs25 sequence database that can become an essential tool for monitoring vaccine efficacy, designing assays for detecting malaria carriers, and conducting epidemiological studies of P. falciparum. The discovery of the two major haplotypes, H1 and H2, and their conserved structures suggests that the current Pfs25-based vaccines could be globally used for malaria control.
Dielectric Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol/ Polyacrylamide Blend Film Filled with Carbon Nanospheres
Authors: Adoor Rashmi , Ayachit Narasimha , Upadhyaya Kishor , Bhajantri R.F. , Anandalli Mallikarjun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Carbon nanosphere / Polyvinyl alcohol/Polyacrylamide (CNS/PVA/PAM) nanocomposite films prepared via a solution casting method were studied for their structural and dielectric properties. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of the CNS/PVA/PAM blends reveal the formation of circular islands of CNS and uniform blending with PVA/PAM matrix. XRD pattern shows a higher value with increase in blending ratio of PVA with CNS. The interaction of the dispersed and preformed CNS particles with the PVA/PAM chain was confirmed by the corresponding vibrational signaturing of PVA/PAM through FTIR. The dielectric constant increased from [K = 134, 2K Hz, 305 Kelvin] to [K = 438, 2KHz, 333 Kelvin] and the composite films exhibited a high increase in the energy storage efficiency upto 75% (at 2KHz) in the case of 4%CNS /PVA/PAM 50:50 sample.
Epicardial Adipose Tissue Radiodensity Is Associated With All-cause Mortality in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Kwon Seong Soon , Choi Kyoungjin , Nam Bo Da , Lee Haekyung , Cho Nam-Jun , Park Byoung Won , Kim Hyoungnae , Noh Hyunjin , Jeon Jin Seok , Han Dong Cheol , Oh Sujeong , Kwon Soon Hyo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The radiodensity and volume of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) on computed tomography angiography (CTA) may provide information regarding cardiovascular risk and long-term outcomes. EAT volume is associated with mortality in patients undergoing incident hemodialysis. However, the relationship between EAT radiodensity/volume and all-cause mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis remains elusive. In this retrospective study, EAT radiodensity (in Hounsfield units) and volume (in cm3) on coronary CTA were quantified for patients with ESRD using automatic, quantitative measurement software between January 2012 and December 2018. All-cause mortality data (up to December 2019) were obtained from the Korean National Statistical Office. The prognostic values of EAT radiodensity and volume for predicting long-term mortality were assessed using multivariable Cox regression models, which were adjusted for potential confounders. A total of 221 patients (mean age: 64.88 ± 11.09 years; 114 women and 107 men) with ESRD were included. The median follow-up duration (interquartile range) after coronary CTA was 29.63 (range: 16.67–44.7) months. During follow-up, 82 (37.1%) deaths occurred. In the multivariable analysis, EAT radiodensity (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.055; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.015–1.095; p = 0.006) was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with ESRD. However, EAT volume was not associated with mortality. Higher EAT radiodensity on CTA is associated with higher long-term all-cause mortality in patients undergoing prevalent hemodialysis, highlighting its potential as a prognostic imaging biomarker in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Predicting Anesthetic Infusion Events Using Machine Learning
Authors: Miyaguchi Naoki , Takeuchi Koh , Kashima Hisashi , Morita Mizuki , Morimatsu Hiroshi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Recently, research has been conducted to automatically control anesthesia using machine learning, with the aim of alleviating the shortage of anesthesiologists. In this study, we address the problem of predicting decisions made by anesthesiologists during surgery using machine learning; specifically, we formulate a decision making problem by increasing the flow rate at each time point in the continuous administration of analgesic remifentanil as a supervised binary classification problem. The experiments were conducted to evaluate the prediction performance using six machine learning models: logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, LightGBM, artificial neural network, and long short-term memory (LSTM), using 210 case data collected during actual surgeries. The results demonstrated that when predicting the future increase in flow rate of remifentanil after 1 min, the model using LSTM was able to predict with scores of 0.659 for sensitivity, 0.732 for specificity, and 0.753 for ROC-AUC; this demonstrates the potential to predict the decisions made by anesthesiologists using machine learning. Furthermore, we examined the importance and contribution of the features of each model using shapley additive explanations—a method for interpreting predictions made by machine learning models. The trends indicated by the results were partially consistent with known clinical findings.
Two Short Low Complexity Regions (LCRs) are Hallmark Sequences of the Delta SARS-CoV- 2 Variant Spike Protein
Authors: Becerra Arturo , Muñoz-Velasco Israel , Aguilar-Cámara Abelardo , Cottom-Salas Wolfgang , Cruz-González Adrián , Vázquez-Salazar Alberto , Hernández-Morales Ricardo , Jácome Rodrigo , Campillo-Balderas José Alberto , Lazcano Antonio 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Low complexity regions (LCRs) are protein sequences formed by a set of compositionally biased residues. LCRs are extremely abundant in cellular proteins and have also been reported in viruses, where they may partake in evasion of the host immune system. Here we report four novel extremely conserved LCRs in the spike proteins of several SARS-CoV-2 variants. With the exception of Iota, where it is absent, the Spike LCR-1 is present in the signal peptide of 80.57% of the Delta variant, and in other variants of concern and interest. The Spike LCR-2 is highly prevalent (79.87%) in Iota. Two distinctive LCRs are present in the Delta spike protein. The Delta Spike LCR-3 is present in 99.19% of the analyzed sequences, and the Delta Spike LCR-4 in 98.3% of the same set of proteins. These two LCRs are present in the furin cleavage site and HR1 domain, respectively, and may be considered hallmark traits of the Delta variant. The presence of two medically-important point mutations, P681R and D950N, in these LCRs, combined with the extraordinary conservation of these regions, suggests that they may be a trait associated with the rapid spread of the highly contagious Delta lineage.
Neuroblastoma in Children: Intraoperative Goal Directed Therapy, Intraoperative And Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Kumba Claudine 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Neuroblastoma is the most common tumor in children. Anesthetic management can be challenging due to the localization, catecholamine-secreting characteristic of the tumor. We undertook a secondary analysis in a previously study to describe patients who underwent neuroblastoma resection.
Objective
To describe intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent neuroblastoma resection and to propose optimal intraoperative management for postoperative outcome improvement.
Methods
Secondary analysis of children who had neuroblastoma resection in the initial retrospective study.
Results
There were 16 patients with a mean age of 39.3±22.1 months. Seven (43.8%) patients presented with intraoperative or postoperative complications. One (6.3%) patient had intraoperative broncho-laryngospasm and difficult intubation respectively. Two (12.5%) patients had intraoperative hemorrhagic shock. One patient (6.3%) had postoperative renal failure. Two patients (12.5%) had postoperative respiratory failure and 3 (18.8%) patients had postoperative cardiocirculatory failure. One (6.3%) had postoperative pulmonary sepsis and septicemia respectively. Thirteen (81.3%) patients were intraoperatively transfused. There was no in-hospital mortality.
Conclusion
Neuroblastoma surgery can be a challenging situation where cardiovascular instability, high blood loss and transfusion requirements can be encountered. Consequently, preoperative preparation, intraoperative optimal management with validated means in children are necessary for a better postoperative outcome in this surgical setting.
Outcome of Topiramate in Migraine Prophylaxis
Authors: Ibrahim Etedal Ahmed A. , Elhardallo Wadia Abdalla Balla , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Topiramate is an anti epileptic medication originally and one of the first line drugs for migraine prophylaxis.Objective: To assess outcome of Topiramate in migraine prophylaxis by evaluating reduction in frequency and/or severity of attacks and address most common adverse affect associated with it.Methods: A Descriptive, prospective hospital based study was conducted at Ibrahim Malik Hospital, National center of neurological disease and sciences within the period of October 2018 –May 2019. Data entered, cleaned, analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.Results: This study covered 32 study participants; the mean age (33 ± 10) years, with female predominance by 27 (84%).Nearly, half of them 15(47%) migraine triggered by weather changes, 13 (41%) menstruation. 17(53%) was suffering from headache > 24 months, and most of them 26(81%) used the OTC medications in the acute pain headache.Mean of frequency of attacks per month was reduce (6.1 base line to 3.2), in severity mean was (6.9 turn to 5). Reduction in Frequency of attacks there was significant in both number and severity (p value < 0.001) with no significant difference in (50 mg and 100mg dose). Concerning adverse effects 5(15.6%) didn’t complain of any, more than third 12(38%) experienced weight loss, 7(22%) both Abdominal/GIT symptoms and Dizziness, 5(16%) mood changes, 4(13%) both parathesia and decreased memory, 3(9%) both Anorexia and sleepiness.Conclusion: Topiramate is effective in reducing headache frequency and reasonably well tolerated in adult Sudanese patients with episodic migraine. This may provide good evidence to support its use in routine clinical management.
Depth dependence of climatic controls on soil microbial community activity and composition
Authors: Dove Nicholas , Barnes Morgan , Moreland Kimber , Graham Robert , Berhe Asmeret , Hart Stephen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Subsoil microbiomes play important roles in soil carbon and nutrient cycling, yet our understanding of the controls on microbial communities in the subsoil is limited. Here, we investigate the direct (mean annual temperature and precipitation) and indirect (soil chemistry) effects of climate on microbiome composition and activity throughout the soil profile across two elevation-bioclimatic gradients in central California, USA. We show that microbiome composition changes and activity decreases with depth. Across these sites, the direct influence of climate on microbiome composition and activity was relatively lower at depth. Furthermore, we find that certain microbial taxa change in relative abundance over large temperature and precipitation gradients only in specific soil horizons, highlighting the depth dependence of the climatic controls on microbiome composition. Our finding that the direct impacts of climate are muted at depth suggests that deep soil microbiomes may lag in their acclimation to new temperatures with a changing climate.
The Effect in Renal Function and Vascular Decongestion in Type 1 Cardiorenal Syndrome Treated with Two Strategies of Diuretics, a Randomized Trial
Authors: Chávez-Iñiguez Jonathan S. , Ibarra-Estrada Miguel , Sánchez-Villaseca Sergio , Romero-González Gregorio , Font-Yañez Jorge J. , Torre-Quiroga Andrés De la , de Quevedo Andrés Aranda-G , Romero-Muñóz Alexia , Maggiani-Aguilera Pablo , Gómez-Fregoso Juan , Garcia-Garcia Guillermo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Aim:The main treatment strategy in type 1 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS1) is vascular decongestion. It is probable that sequential blockage of the renal tubule with combined diuretics (CD) will obtain similar benefits compared with stepped-dose furosemide (SF).Methods: In a double-blind randomized controlled trial of CRS1 patients were allocated in a 1:1 fashion to SF or CD. The SF group received a continuous infusion of furosemide 100 mg during the first day, with daily incremental doses to 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg. The CD group received a combination of diuretics, including 4 consecutive days of oral chlorthalidone 50 mg, spironolactone 50 mg and infusion of furosemide 100 mg. The objectives were to assess renal function recovery and variables associated with vascular decongestion.Results:From July 2017 to February 2020, 80 patients were randomized, 40 to the SF and 40 to the CD group. Groups were similar at baseline and had several very high-risk features. Their mean age was 59 ± 14.5 years, there were 37 men (46.2%). The primary endpoint occurred in 20% of the SF group and 15.2% of the DC group (p= 0.49). All secondary and exploratory endpoints were similar between groups. Adverse events occurred frequently (85%) with no differences between groups (p = 0.53).ConclusionIn patients with SCR-1 and a high risk of resistance to diuretics, the use of CD compared to SF offers the same results of renal recovery, diuresis, vascular decongestion and adverse events, and it can be considered an alternative treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov with number NCT04393493 in June 2017 retrospectively registered.