bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy induces distinctive transcriptomic responses in liver, fat and muscle
Authors: Ahn Chang Ho , Choi Eun Hye , Lee Hyunjung , Lee Woochan , Kim Jong-Il , Cho Young Min 
Published: January 2021

AbstractVertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is the most commonly performed bariatric/metabolic surgery, exhibiting a high rate of diabetes remission in humans. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of VSG, we performed transcriptomic analysis of the liver, fat, and muscle in VSG mice. C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet were randomly assigned to sham or VSG surgery. The sham-operated mice were fed ad libitum (sham group) or pair-fed (sham-PF group) matching their food intake to the VSG-operated mice. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the liver, fat, and muscle using RNA sequencing was performed. VSG reduced body weight and improved glucose tolerance compared to the sham group, but not more than the sham-PF group. Improvement in fatty liver and adipose tissue inflammation was comparable between VSG and sham-PF. However, global gene expression profiles showed distinctive changes in the liver, fat, and muscle of the VSG group compared to both the sham or sham-PF groups. The liver showed the most prominent gene expression changes. Immune response-related pathways were commonly upregulated in the three organs of the VSG group compared to the sham or sham-PF. VSG induces organ-specific gene expression changes in the liver, fat, and muscle, which may play critical roles in metabolic improvements after VSG.
Growth factor dependent changes in nanoscale architecture of focal adhesions
Authors: Legerstee Karin , Abraham Tsion E. , van Cappellen Wiggert A. , Nigg Alex L. , Slotman Johan A. , Houtsmuller Adriaan B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFocal adhesions (FAs) are flat elongated structures that mediate cell migration and link the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. Along the vertical axis FAs were shown to be composed of three layers. We used structured illumination microscopy to examine the longitudinal distribution of four hallmark FA proteins, which we also used as markers for these layers. At the FA ends pointing towards the adherent membrane edge (heads), bottom layer protein paxillin protruded, while at the opposite ends (tails) intermediate layer protein vinculin and top layer proteins zyxin and VASP extended further. At the tail tips, only intermediate layer protein vinculin protruded. Importantly, head and tail compositions were altered during HGF-induced scattering with paxillin heads being shorter and zyxin tails longer. Additionally, FAs at protruding or retracting membrane edges had longer paxillin heads than FAs at static edges. These data suggest that redistribution of FA-proteins with respect to each other along FAs is involved in cell movement.
Brain structural and functional substrates of ADGRL3 (latrophilin 3) haplotype in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Moreno-Alcázar Ana , Ramos-Quiroga Josep A. , Ribases Marta , Sánchez-Mora Cristina , Palomar Gloria , Bosch Rosa , Salavert Josep , Fortea Lydia , Monté-Rubio Gemma C. , Canales-Rodríguez Erick J. , Milham Michael P. , Castellanos F. Xavier , Casas Miquel , Pomarol-Clotet Edith , Radua Joaquim 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that the gene encoding the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor L3 (ADGRL3; formerly latrophilin 3, LPHN3) is associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Conversely, no studies have investigated the anatomical or functional brain substrates of ADGRL3 risk variants. We examined here whether individuals with different ADGRL3 haplotypes, including both patients with ADHD and healthy controls, showed differences in brain anatomy and function. We recruited and genotyped adult patients with combined type ADHD and healthy controls to achieve a sample balanced for age, sex, premorbid IQ, and three ADGRL3 haplotype groups (risk, protective, and others). The final sample (n = 128) underwent structural and functional brain imaging (voxel-based morphometry and n-back working memory fMRI). We analyzed the brain structural and functional effects of ADHD, haplotypes, and their interaction, covarying for age, sex, and medication. Individuals (patients or controls) with the protective haplotype showed strong, widespread hypo-activation in the frontal cortex extending to inferior temporal and fusiform gyri. Individuals (patients or controls) with the risk haplotype also showed hypo-activation, more focused in the right temporal cortex. Patients showed parietal hyper-activation. Disorder-haplotype interactions, as well as structural findings, were not statistically significant. To sum up, both protective and risk ADGRL3 haplotypes are associated with substantial brain hypo-activation during working memory tasks, stressing this gene’s relevance in cognitive brain function. Conversely, we did not find brain effects of the interactions between adult ADHD and ADGRL3 haplotypes.
The effects of bone marrow stem and progenitor cell seeding on urinary bladder tissue regeneration
Authors: Bury Matthew I. , Fuller Natalie J. , Sturm Renea M. , Rabizadeh Rebecca R. , Nolan Bonnie G. , Barac Milica , Edassery Sonia S. , Chan Yvonne Y. , Sharma Arun K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractComplications associated with urinary bladder augmentation provide the motivation to delineate alternative bladder tissue regenerative engineering strategies. We describe the results of varying the proportion of bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to CD34 + hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) co-seeded onto synthetic POC [poly(1,8 octamethylene citrate)] or small intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffolds and their contribution to bladder tissue regeneration. Human BM MSCs and CD34 + HSPCs were co-seeded onto POC or SIS scaffolds at cell ratios of 50 K CD34 + HSPCs/15 K MSCs (CD34-50/MSC15); 50 K CD34 + HSPCs/30 K MSCs (CD34-50/MSC30); 100 K CD34 + HSPCs/15 K MSCs (CD34-100/MSC15); and 100 K CD34 + HSPCs/30 K MSCs (CD34-100/MSC30), in male (M/POC; M/SIS; n = 6/cell seeded scaffold) and female (F/POC; F/SIS; n = 6/cell seeded scaffold) nude rats (n = 96 total animals). Explanted scaffold/composite augmented bladder tissue underwent quantitative morphometrics following histological staining taking into account the presence (S+) or absence (S−) of bladder stones. Urodynamic studies were also performed. Regarding regenerated tissue vascularization, an upward shift was detected for some higher seeded density groups including the CD34-100/MSC30 groups [F/POC S− CD34-100/MSC30 230.5 ± 12.4; F/POC S+ CD34-100/MSC30 245.6 ± 23.4; F/SIS S+ CD34-100/MSC30 278.1; F/SIS S− CD34-100/MSC30 187.4 ± 8.1; (vessels/mm2)]. Similarly, a potential trend toward increased levels of percent muscle (≥ 45% muscle) with higher seeding densities was observed for F/POC S− [CD34-50/MSC30 48.8 ± 2.2; CD34-100/MSC15 53.9 ± 2.8; CD34-100/MSC30 50.7 ± 1.7] and for F/SIS S− [CD34-100/MSC15 47.1 ± 1.6; CD34-100/MSC30 51.2 ± 2.3]. As a potential trend, higher MSC/CD34 + HSPCs cell seeding densities generally tended to increase levels of tissue vascularization and aided with bladder muscle growth. Data suggest that increasing cell seeding density has the potential to enhance bladder tissue regeneration in our model.
Prediction of gas velocity in two-phase flow using developed fuzzy logic system with differential evolution algorithm
Authors: Babanezhad Meisam , Zabihi Samyar , Behroyan Iman , Nakhjiri Ali Taghvaie , Marjani Azam , Shirazian Saeed 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this investigation, differential evolution (DE) algorithm with the fuzzy inference system (FIS) are combined and the DE algorithm is employed in FIS training process. Considered data in this study were extracted from simulation of a 2D two-phase reactor in which gas was sparged from bottom of reactor, and the injected gas velocities were between 0.05 to 0.11 m/s. After doing a couple of training by making some changes in DE parameters and FIS parameters, the greatest percentage of FIS capacity was achieved. By applying the optimized model, the gas phase velocity in x direction inside the reactor was predicted when the injected gas velocity was 0.08 m/s.
Obesity is not a risk factor for either mortality or complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis
Authors: Enami Yuta , Aoki Takeshi , Tomioka Kodai , Hakozaki Tomoki , Hirai Takahito , Shibata Hideki , Saito Kazuhiko , Takano Yojiro , Seki Junichi , Oae Sonoko , Shimada Shoji , Nakahara Kenta , Takehara Yusuke , Mukai Shumpei , Sawada Naruhiko , Ishida Fumio , Murakami Masahiko , Kudo Shin-ei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObesity is a positive predictor of surgical morbidity. There are few reports of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) outcomes in obese patients. This study aimed to clarify this relationship. This retrospective study included patients who underwent LC at Showa University Northern Yokohama Hospital between January 2017 and April 2020. A total of 563 cases were examined and divided into two groups: obese (n = 142) (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) and non-obese (n = 241) (BMI < 25 kg/m2). The non-obese group had more female patients (54%), whereas the obese group had more male patients (59.1%). The obese group was younger (56.6 years). Preoperative laboratory data of liver function were within the normal range. The obese group had a significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) count (6420/μL), although this was within normal range. Operative time was significantly longer in the obese group (p = 0.0001). However, blood loss and conversion rate were not significantly different among the groups, neither were surgical outcomes, including postoperative hospital stay and complications. Male sex and previous abdominal surgery were risk factors for conversion, and only advanced age (≥ 79 years) was an independent predictor of postoperative complications as observed in the multivariate analysis. Although the operation time was prolonged in obese patients, operative factors and outcomes were not. Therefore, LC could be safely performed in obese patients with similar efficacy as in non-obese patients.
Acquisition and consolidation processes following motor imagery practice
Authors: Ruffino Célia , Truong Charlène , Dupont William , Bouguila Fatma , Michel Carine , Lebon Florent , Papaxanthis Charalambos 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIt well-known that mental training improves skill performance. Here, we evaluated skill acquisition and consolidation after physical or motor imagery practice, by means of an arm pointing task requiring speed-accuracy trade-off. In the main experiment, we showed a significant enhancement of skill after both practices (72 training trials), with a better acquisition after physical practice. Interestingly, we found a positive impact of the passage of time (+ 6 h post training) on skill consolidation for the motor imagery training only, without any effect of sleep (+ 24 h post training) for none of the interventions. In a control experiment, we matched the gain in skill learning after physical training (new group) with that obtained after motor imagery training (main experiment) to evaluate skill consolidation after the same amount of learning. Skill performance in this control group deteriorated with the passage of time and sleep. In another control experiment, we increased the number of imagined trials (n = 100, new group) to compare the acquisition and consolidation processes of this group with that observed in the motor imagery group of the main experiment. We did not find significant differences between the two groups. These findings suggest that physical and motor imagery practice drive skill learning through different acquisition and consolidation processes.
Methods and open-source toolkit for analyzing and visualizing challenge results
Authors: Wiesenfarth Manuel , Reinke Annika , Landman Bennett A. , Eisenmann Matthias , Saiz Laura Aguilera , Cardoso M. Jorge , Maier-Hein Lena , Kopp-Schneider Annette 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGrand challenges have become the de facto standard for benchmarking image analysis algorithms. While the number of these international competitions is steadily increasing, surprisingly little effort has been invested in ensuring high quality design, execution and reporting for these international competitions. Specifically, results analysis and visualization in the event of uncertainties have been given almost no attention in the literature. Given these shortcomings, the contribution of this paper is two-fold: (1) we present a set of methods to comprehensively analyze and visualize the results of single-task and multi-task challenges and apply them to a number of simulated and real-life challenges to demonstrate their specific strengths and weaknesses; (2) we release the open-source framework challengeR as part of this work to enable fast and wide adoption of the methodology proposed in this paper. Our approach offers an intuitive way to gain important insights into the relative and absolute performance of algorithms, which cannot be revealed by commonly applied visualization techniques. This is demonstrated by the experiments performed in the specific context of biomedical image analysis challenges. Our framework could thus become an important tool for analyzing and visualizing challenge results in the field of biomedical image analysis and beyond.
Alterations in the histological features of the intestinal mucosa in malnourished adults of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md. Shabab , Begum S. M. Khodeza Nahar , Rahman M. Masudur , Mazumder Ramendra Nath , Parvez Mashud , Gazi Md. Amran , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Fahim Shah Mohammad , Das Subhasish , Mahfuz Mustafa , Sarker Shafiqul Alam , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThere is paucity of knowledge on the histological features of the intestinal mucosa in malnourished adults of Bangladesh. The purpose of the study was to explore the histological features of the intestinal mucosa in malnourished adults of Bangladesh and to compare the findings with their well-nourished counterparts. 64 adults (37 malnourished with body mass index, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 and 27 controls with BMI > 18.5 kg/m2) from the Bangladesh Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (BEED) study, who underwent upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy, were selected for this study. With a view to address the association of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) with malnutrition, upper-gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed and mucosal biopsies from the distal duodenum were studied for histopathology. Villous height, crypt depth, and presence of inflammatory infiltrates in lamina propria were investigated. Bivariate analysis was performed to quantify the relation between malnutrition and the histological features. About 95% adults, irrespective of nutritional status, were diagnosed to have chronic non-specific duodenitis on histopathology. Malnourished adults suffered significantly more from chronic active duodenitis compared to their well-nourished counterparts (p = 0.003). Malnourished adults also had significantly higher frequency of subtotal villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia and marked cellular infiltration in the lamina propria than the healthy controls (p < 0.05).
No significant association of serum klotho concentration with blood pressure and pulse wave velocity in a Chinese population
Authors: Liang Wan-Ying , Wang Li-Hong , Wei Jian-Hang , Li Qing-Lu , Li Qi-Yan , Liang Quan , Hu Nai-Qing , Li Li-Hua 
Published: January 2021

AbstractKlotho, an important anti-aging protein, may be related to elevated blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness. We aimed to investigate associations between the serum klotho concentration and peripheral/central BP and arterial stiffness based on the carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in a Chinese population. We invited all inhabitants aged ≥ 18 years in two Dali communities for participation. The SphygmoCor system was used to record radial arterial waveforms. Aortic waveforms were derived using a generalized transfer function. The central BP was assessed by calibrating the brachial BP, which was measured using an oscillometric device. The serum klotho concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and logarithmically transformed. Of the 716 participants (mean age: 51.9 ± 12.6 years), 467 (65.2%) were women. The median serum klotho concentration was 381.8 pg/mL. The serum klotho concentration did not significantly differ between patients with and without hypertension (P > 0.05) and between those with and without arterial stiffness (cfPWV ≥ 10 m/s) (P > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the serum klotho concentration was not significantly associated with the peripheral or central BP (P > 0.05) and cfPWV (P > 0.05). Our data indicated that the serum klotho concentration was not associated with BP or cfPWV in the general Chinese population.
A century of decoupling size and structure of urban spaces in the United States
Authors: Uhl Johannes H. , Connor Dylan S. , Leyk Stefan , Braswell Anna E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMost cities in the United States of America are thought to have followed similar development trajectories to evolve into their present form. However, data on spatial development of cities are limited prior to 1970. Here we leverage a compilation of high-resolution spatial land use and building data to examine the evolving size and form (shape and structure) of US metropolitan areas since the early twentieth century. Our analysis of building patterns over 100 years reveals strong regularities in the development of the size and density of cities and their surroundings, regardless of timing or location of development. At the same time, we find that trajectories regarding shape and structure are harder to codify and more complex. We conclude that these discrepant developments of urban size- and form-related characteristics are driven, in part, by the long-term decoupling of these two sets of attributes over time.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis identified MTHFD1L as a potential biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Junhui , Yang Jie , Xu Qingchun , Wang Zhenyu , Wu Jun , Pan Liukui , Huang Kai , Wang Chen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is one of the most frequently occurring primary malignant liver tumors and seriously harms people’s health in the world. Methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1-like (MTHFD1L) has been shown to be associated with colon cancer cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion. In the present study, a total of 370 LIHC and 51 normal samples data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Bioinformatics and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis showed that MTHFD1L is highly expressed in liver tumors. Correlation analysis suggested the differences of vital status between high- and low-expression MTHFD1L groups of LIHC. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were performed to identify the relationship between clinical characteristics and overall survival (OS). In addition, to explore whether MTHFD1L has an effect on the immune infiltration of LIHC. The correlation between MTHFD1L expression and 24 immune cells were analyzed by ImmuneCellAI database. Furthermore, we combined three databases CIBERSORT, TIMER and ImmuneCellAI to do a comprehensive validation and determined that dendritic cells (DCs) resting, macrophage M0 and macrophage M2 closely related to the expression of MTHFD1L. The results showed that MTHFD1L was a potential prognostic biomarker for LIHC, and could help to elucidate that how the immune microenvironment promotes liver cancer development.
A Comparison of Intervention Intensity and Service Delivery Models With School-Age Children With Speech Sound Disorders in a School Setting
Authors: Byers Beth A. , Bellon-Harn Monica L. , Allen Madeline , Saar Karen Whisenhunt , Manchaiah Vinaya , Rodrigo Hansapani 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
This study examined intervention intensity and service delivery with school-age children with mild or mild–moderate speech sound disorders. The commonly used business-as-usual (BAU) service delivery model and a shorter, more frequent, individual model (experimental [EXP]) were compared.

Method
A between-subjects group design was selected. In BAU, 11 children received group sessions, 2 times per week, 30 min per session for 6 weeks. In EXP, 11 children received individual session, 3 times per week, 5 min per session for 6 weeks. Group differences on measures of dose (i.e., therapeutic input and production trials) and cumulative treatment intensity were examined. The extent to which children, across both conditions, demonstrated gains in speech sound accuracy and the extent to which gains differed between BAU and EXP were examined.

Results
There was a significant group difference on dose. Children in BAU received more therapeutic input and production trials than children in EXP. Cumulative treatment intensity was not statistically different between groups when dose was calculated as therapeutic input or production trials. Results from both conditions indicated statistically significant differences on measures of speech sound accuracy with large effect sizes. No group differences on gains were noted.

Conclusions
Dose calculated as therapeutic input and production trials plays an important role in understanding the impact of cumulative intervention intensity. Children with mild or mild–moderate speech sound disorders may benefit more from a shorter, frequent, individual service delivery model than a BAU model.
School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists: Confidence in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Assessment
Authors: Sanders Eric J. , Page Thomas A. , Lesher Deborah 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine confidence levels and identify predictors of increased confidence of school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) relative to different aspects of the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment process.

Method
Surveys were completed by 272 school-based SLPs. Questions were designed to capture demographic information and confidence in areas of assessment such as student capabilities, participation, and feature matching.

Results
There were variable levels of confidence across aspects of assessment. Respondents were less confident in tasks related to assessing students with severe physical impairments and incorporating aspects related to cultural and linguistic diversity in their assessment. SLPs were more confident assessing student participation and unaided communication. Additionally, respondents had less confidence in matching the features of high-tech speech-generating devices to their students. Self-identification as an AAC specialist, years of experience, percentage of caseload of students with complex communication needs, and length of longest continuing education experiences all contributed to predicting confidence in most areas of assessment. However, years of experience did not contribute to predicting confidence in feature matching.

Conclusions
Results from this study acknowledge that SLPs are likely to have varied degrees of confidence in aspects of assessment related to preparation, clinical experience, and self-identification of specialty. Findings from this study support increasing training opportunities in AAC assessment. As specialization was the strongest predictor of confidence, further research should investigate the characteristics and preparation of self-identified AAC specialists. This is an important first step in pinpointing ways to increase confidence in school-based SLPs.