bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeatability and Reliability of Different Diagnostic Platforms in Normal Tear Film Evaluation
Authors: Singh Swati , Modiwala Zarin , Mohamed Ashik , Basu Sayan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose

To assess the repeatability and reliability of different commercially available diagnostic platforms in the objective assessment of normal tear film parameters.
Methods

Thirty healthy individuals (N = 60 eyes) had their tear film parameters (Lipid layer thickness (LLT), Tear meniscus height (TMH), Non-invasive tear break up time (NIBUT)) assessed by two observers on different occasions. The three instruments that were used are- LipiView® II, IDRA ocular surface analyzer and Oculus keratograph 5M. Bland-Altman analysis and mixed effects model with maximum likelihood estimation were used to calculate intra- and interobserver variability between the instruments.
Results

There were no significant intraobserver differences noted in LLT values measured with Lipiview, NIBUT using Oculus & IDRA, and Oculus TMH values. Between two observers, there were significant differences in LLT measurements (mean difference of 6.60; p = 0.002) and TMH measurements (mean difference of 0.03; p = 0.0001), obtained using IDRA but not for Oculus or Lipiview. Between instruments, all the measurements (LLT, NIBUT and TMH) were significantly different (p < 0.0001 for LLT; p = 0.002 for TMH; p < 0.0001 for NIBUT).
Conclusion

No two dry eye diagnostic platforms can be used interchangeably for the evaluation of the normal tear film. The NIBUT and LLT measurements using Oculus and Lipiview are more reliable than IDRA, and Oculus is more reliable than IDRA for TMH assessment.
Flowering Time Regulation by the miRNA156 in the Beet (Beta Vulgaris Ssp. Maritima)
Authors: Asgari Mishaneh , Mirzaie-asl Asghar , Abdollahi Mohammad Reza , Khodaei Leila 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Successful reproduction of the plants is assumed as a crucial challenge for meeting nutritional needs of growing human population. One of the significant changes in the plant's life cycle is its transition from vegetative to reproductive phase. Obviously, the flowering and bolting processes are influenced by many genetic and physiological factors. In this way, several main regulatory pathways and effective genes have been identified, so far. The age-dependent phenomenon as an effective pathway of reproductive transition phase is influenced by the miR172 and miR156 genes. In the present study, the miR156 sequence was identified in the sugar beet genome. First, the miR156 gene was cloned into the over-expression construct from the Beta vulgaris genome and then, was transferred to the beet explants. After the confirmation of transgenic plants, the transcript level of miR156 gene, and its target genes (SPL4 and SPL9) were evaluated in transgenic plants related to the control plants. Also, transgenic plants were studied in terms of flower phenotypic development, and root growth characteristics. By evidence evaluation, the research revealed that over-expression of miR156 played an effective role in reduction of SPL4 and SPL9 genes' expression that resulted in flowering suppression in the Sea beet. According to the findings, it had also a suppression effect on the root growth in transgenic beets.
Investigating on Structural, Optical, Magnetic and Photocatalytic Activities of ZnS and Co2+: ZnS NPs Synthesized by Hydrothermal Process Under MeB Dye
Authors: Upputuri S. , Lakshmanan S. , N Ramalakshmi , Antony S. Arul 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In present work, the structural, morphological, optical and photocatalytic activities of ZnS and Co2+: ZnS NPs were prepared through chemical route as hydrothermal process at room temperature. ZnS and Co2+: ZnS were characterized by using various techniques such as, XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM-SAED, UV-visible, PL and BET. The spherical-like morphology with the average crystallite size was found to be 8 to 15 nm. Among them results, it showed that the Co2+ atoms were incorporated into the ZnS lattice, forming cubic phase as the Co2+ dopant concentration increases from 0 to 2 %. The band gap energy of the ZnS and Co2+: ZnS increases from 3.5 to 4.10 eV, which enables stronger absorption of UV region. During catalytic process, Co2+ act as electron trapping center, which inhibits the recombination of the photo induced holes and electrons as showed higher degradation efficiency for MeB.
Recombinant Hirudin Protects the Vasculature and Myocardium in Atherosclerotic Rats by Inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Guo Wenping , Jin Hongguang , Wang Yiqiang , Huang Yongsheng , Zhu Xing , Wang Jiale , Zhang Li 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Recombinant hirudin (r-hirudin) has a good anticoagulant effect and also has a certain inhibitory effect on atherosclerosis (AS), however, its intrinsic mechanism of inhibiting AS is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the vascular and myocardial protective effects of r-hirudin in AS rats through animal experiments. A rat AS model was established by high-fat diet feeding combined with common carotid artery balloon injury. The model rats were given low, medium, or high doses of r-hirudin (0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 mg/kg/day), simvastatin tablets (1 mg/kg/day) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitors (SB203580, 100 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 8 weeks. The results showed that in AS rats, r-hirudin significantly alleviated pathological changes in the common carotid artery and myocardial tissue; decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels; increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels; decreased serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and endothelin (ET)-1 levels; increased nitric oxide (NO) levels; and decreased p38 MAPK, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), caspase-9, caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression. This study showed that r-hirudin may protect blood vessels and the myocardium in AS rats by adjusting blood lipid levels and inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and protect the vascular endothelium.
Liquid Nitrogen in The Industrial Practice of Hot Aluminum Extrusion: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Pelaccia Riccardo , Reggiani Barbara , Negozio Marco , Donati Lorenzo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Nowadays, the liquid nitrogen cooling in aluminium extrusion is a widely adopted industrial practice to increase the process productivity as well as to improve the extruded profile surface quality by reducing the profile exit temperatures. The cooling channels are commonly designed on the basis of die maker experience only, usually obtaining modest performances in terms of cooling efficiency. Trial-and-error approach is time and cost consuming, thus providing a relevant industrial interest in the development of reliable numerical simulations able to foresee and optimize the nitrogen cooling effect during the die design stage. In this work, an extensive experimental campaign was performed during the extrusion process of an AA6060 industrial hollow profile, in different conditions of nitrogen flow rate and ram speed. The monitored data (die and profile temperatures and extrusion load) were compared with the outputs of a fast and efficient numerical model proposed by the authors, and developed in the COMSOL Multiphysics code, able to compute not only the effect of nitrogen liquid flow but also the gaseous condition. The results of the simulations showed a good agreement with experimental data and evidenced how far was the experimental cooling channel design from an optimized condition.
The Influence of Sex on Embryo Development and Pregnancy Outcome in Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Chromosomal Translocation
Authors: Zhang Yile , Song Hui , Li Jing-di , Bu Zhi-qin , Wang Fang , Niu Wen-bin , Shi Hao 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background To investigate the embryonic development and clinical pregnancy outcome of reciprocal translocation carriers and Robertsonian translocation carriers with different sex in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Methods A retrospective analysis of 1369 cycles of preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) was performed in the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2015 to 2019. All the patients were divided into reciprocal translocation and Robertsonian translocation according to the type of chromosomal translocation and divided into female carriers and male carriers according to the sex of the carriers. SPSS21.0 was used for data statistics and P < 0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. Results The fertilization rate of female carriers(81.5%) with chromosomal structural abnormalities (including reciprocal translocation and Robertsonian translocation) was higher than that of male carriers(80.0%)(P=0.032), and the blastocyst formation rate of female carriers(50.0%) was lower than that of male carriers(54.8%)(P=0.016) in the same parental age. But there was no statistical difference in cleavage rate, high quality embryo rate, normal rate of biopsy, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate and live birth rate between female and male carriers. In the reciprocal translocation group, the blastocyst formation rate of male carriers (54.8%) was higher than that of female carriers (50.0%) (P=0.022) with the same parental age and there was no difference in pregnancy outcome. In the Robertsonian translocation group, the fertilization rate of male carriers (75.0%) was lower than that of female carriers (81.8%) (P=0.005) and the normal rate of biopsy (33.3%) was higher than that of female carriers (25.0%) (P=0.022) with the same parental age and there was no difference in pregnancy outcome. Conclusions In reciprocal translocation, male carriers have a higher rate of blastocyst formation rate than female carriers. In Robertsonianian translocation, male carriers have a higher noamal rate of biopsy than female carriers. However, there was no significant difference in pregnancy outcome between male carriers and female carriers with abnormal chromosome structure.
So, and if it is not congenital adrenal hyperplasia? Addressing an undiagnosed case of genital ambiguity
Authors: Filho Reinaldo Luna de Omena , Petroli Reginaldo José , Soardi Fernanda Caroline , Michelatto Débora de Paula , Mazzola Taís Nitsch , Fabbri-Scallet Helena , de Mello Maricilda Palandi , Zanotti Susane Vasconcelos , Gubert Ida Cristina , Monlleo Isabella 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency is the most common cause of genital ambiguity in persons with XX sexual chromosomes. Genital ambiguity among persons with XY sexual chromosomes comprises diverse and rare etiologies. The deficiency of 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 enzyme (HSD17B3) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to functionally altered variants of the HSD17B3 gene. In this disorder/difference of sex development, the conversion of androstenedione into testosterone is impaired. The appearance of external genitalia of 46,XY individuals varies from typically male to almost female. We report on a child presenting severe ambiguous genitalia. Due to access constraints, specialized care did not start until the child was 10 months old. Parents are consanguineous and were born in an area of high isonymy that is a cluster for rare recessive diseases. A new homozygous missense variant c.785G > T was found in exon 10 of the HSD17B3 gene. Researchers-clinicians and researchers-researchers collaborative efforts to elucidate the genetic basis of this disease were critical since this etiologic investigation is not available through the public health system. This case exemplifies the families’ pilgrimage in cases of genital ambiguity due to a rare genetic condition. Recognizing the etiology was the baseline to provide information on prognosis and treatment options, and to shelter family and child doubts and hopes in order to better support their decisions.
Increasing dominant follicular proportion negatively associated with good clinical outcomes in GnRH-a prolonged protocol: a large-sample retrospective analysis
Authors: Su Houming , Lai Youhua , Li Jie , Liao Tingting , Ji Licheng , Hu Xinyao , Qian Kun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Nowadays, there is no universal criteria for trigger time during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Particularly, in the so-called GnRH-a prolonged protocol, widely used in China, the ideal time to trigger ovulation is not yet well defined. Methods: This was a large-sample retrospective analysis. Between January 2016 and January 2020, 1,925 young patients who underwent their first in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with normal ovarian response were divided into three groups based on their dominant follicular proportions (DFP, defined as ≥18 mm follicles /≥14 mm follicles; Group A: < 30%; Group B: 30% - 60%; Group C: ≥ 60%). Binary logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were used to assessed whether DFP levels were related to clinical pregnancy, number of blastocysts frozen, blastocyst formation rate and low blastocysts frozen. Results: Binary logistics regression analysis showed that compared with Group A, the OR for clinical pregnancy was 1.345 in Group B (P = 0.023); however, there was no statistical difference between Group C and Group A (P = 0.216). On one hand, multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that DFP was negatively associated with number of blastocysts frozen (β ± SE: Group B vs Group A = -0.319 ± 0.115, P = 0.006; Group C vs Group A = -0.432 ± 0.154, P = 0.005) as well as blastocyst formation rate (β ± SE: Group B vs Group A = -0.035 ± 0.016, P = 0.031; Group C vs Group A = -0.039 ± 0.021, P = 0.067). On the other hand, compared with group A, the OR for low blastocyst frozen was 1.312 in Group B (P = 0.039) and was 1.417 in Group C (P = 0.041). Conclusions: Excessive delay of trigger in GnRH-a prolonged protocol might reduce the developmental potential of oocytes and reduce the number of available blastocysts, which might result in a lower cumulative pregnancy rate. But further confirmation by strict prospective randomized controlled study should be needed.Trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT03305510; Registered 08 October 2017 - Retrospectively registered.
Modeling Method and Experimental Study on the Random Distribution of Abrasive Particles in the Jet Cutting Process
Authors: Feng Long , Zhang Qiang , Du MingChao , Fan Chunyong , Zhang Kun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The distribution of abrasive particles in fluids is an important research topic in the study of abrasive waterjet cutting processes. However, it is impossible to obtain the accurate distribution law and influencing factors by performing only experiments; therefore, it is necessary to study abrasive waterjet cutting processes with the help of numerical models. The existing numerical models usually adopt the form of artificial settings for the distribution of abrasive particles in fluid. This method cannot accurately simulate the random distribution of particles. In this paper, the random algorithm method is used to simulate the impact azimuth and the random distribution of abrasive particles in water. The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is used to simulate the distribution of abrasive particles and the process of jet impingement. The influence of the particle distribution on the simulation results is studied. Comparisons show that the dent formed by the jet impinging on the target with random abrasive particles is similar to the dent from the actual cut, and the contour distribution of the dent is more uniform than that of the cut. The simulation results obtained by the SPH method are accurate.
Force, metric, or mass: Disambiguating causes of uniform gravity
Authors: Shi Yuan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In addition to nonzero forces and nontrivial metrics, here I show that a nonconstant Higgs expectation value, which endows elementary particles with their masses, also leads to apparent universal particle accelerations and photon frequency shifts. When effects of the Higgs is attributed to spacetime curvatures, a spurious stress-energy tensor is required in Einstein’s equation. On cosmological scales, the spurious density coincides with the observed dark energy density. On smaller scales, effects of the Standard Model Higgs gradients are unlikely observable except near compact astrophysical bodies. To estimate the experimental precision required to disambiguate causes of apparent accelerations, I compare distinct effects of the force, metric, and Higgs profiles that cause uniform acceleration of a test particle. When the acceleration is caused by a force, the motion of all particles are hyperbolic with the same acceleration. However, when the cause is a metric, only a one-parameter family of particles undergo hyperbolic motion. In comparison, when the cause is a Higgs gradient, the trajectory of all particles are hyperbolic, but the acceleration is larger when the particle’s energy is higher. The discrepancies among the three causes are minuscule on laboratory scales, which makes experimental tests very challenging.
Restored lncRNAs After ART Therapy Have Potential Key Roles in the Recovery From AIDS
Authors: Zhou Yingying , Huang Yuqing , Chen Tielong , Hu Wenjia , Chen Xiaoping , Hou Wei , Zhang Qi , Xiong Yong 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Many studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) derived from the host and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) itself play important roles in virus-host interactions and viral pathogenesis. To identify potential key lncRNAs in the regulation of HIV pathogenesis, transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which were derived from 6 HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) subjects pre-HAART and post-HAART with effective control of plasma viremia (<20 HIV RNA copies/ml) and 6 healthy subjects, was performed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq).Results: We identified a total of 974 lncRNAs whose expression levels were restored to normal after ART therapy. The results of the cis-acting analysis showed that only six lncRNAs have cis-regulated target genes, among which the target gene RP11-290F5.1, interferon regulatory factors 2 (IRF2), could promote HIV replication. We also identified lncRNA CTB-119C2.1, which regulates most mRNAs with differential expression between pre- and post-HAART, and the differences were significant. We selected lncRNA CTB-119C2.1 for qRT–PCR verification, and the results were consistent with those of RNA-seq. RAB3A and GADD45A, two of the lncRNA CTB-119C2.1-associated genes, have been shown to be associated with HIV infection. KEGG analysis of lncRNA CTB-119C2.1-associated genes revealed that most of the genes are involved in the p53 signaling pathway or pathways related to cell circulation and DNA replicationConclusion: In this study, we used RNA-seq to systematically compare the expression profiles of lncRNAs in HIV subjects between untreated and treated time points. We successfully identified some lncRNAs with differential expression during certain periods (no HIV infection, HIV infection before treatment, and after treatment). Their expression is associated with viral loads, and some of their regulating genes were found to be involved in HIV pathogenesis through bioinformatic analysis. These findings could help to reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of the progression of AIDS.
Evaluation of low-dose aspirin use among COVID-19 critically ill patients: A Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Harthi Abdullah Al , Sulaiman Khalid Al , Aljuhani Ohoud , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Altebainawi Ali F. , Alenezi Raghdah S. , Harbi Shmeylan Al , Gramish Jawaher , Kensara Raed , Hafidh Awattif , Enazi Huda Al , Alawad Ahad , Alotaibi Rand , Alshehri Abdulaziz , Alhuthaili Omar , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Saleh Khalid bin , Alsulaiman Thamer , Alqahtani Rahaf Ali , Almazrou Saja , Hussain Sajid 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMultiple medications with anti-inflammatory effects have been used to manage the hyper-inflammatory response associated with COVID-19. Aspirin is used widely as a cardioprotective agent due to its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties. Its role in hospitalized COVID-19 patients has been assessed and evaluated in the literature. However, no data regards its role in COVID-19 critically ill patients. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the use of low-dose aspirin (81-100 mg) and its impact on outcomes in COVID-19 critically ill patients. MethodThis is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study for all adult critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Eligible patients were classified into two groups based on aspirin use during ICU stay. The primary outcome is the in-hospital mortality; other outcomes were considered secondary. Propensity score-matched used based on patient’s age, SOFA score, MV status within 24 hours of ICU admission, prone position status, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and stroke as co-existing illness. We considered a P value of < 0.05 statistically significant.ResultsA total of 1033 patients were eligible; 352 patients were included after propensity score matching (1:1 ratio). The in-hospital mortality (HR (95%CI): 0.73 (0.56, 0.97), p-value=0.03) were lower in patients who received aspirin during hospital stay. On the other hand, patients who received aspirin have a higher risk of major bleeding compared to the control group (OR (95%CI): 2.92 (0.91, 9.36), p-value=0.07); but was not statistically significant.ConclusionAspirin use in COVID-19 critically ill patients may have a mortality benefit; nevertheless, it may be linked with an increased risk of significant bleeding. The benefit-risk evaluation for aspirin usage during an ICU stay should be tailored to each patient.