bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mindfulness Intervention Improves Cognitive Function in Older Adults by Enhancing the Level of miRNA-29c in Neuron-Derived Exosomes
Authors: Hashizume Shin , Nakano Masako , Kubota Kenta , Kobayashi Eiji , Fujimiya Mineko 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Although mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) improves cognitive function, the mechanism is not clear. In this study, people aged 65 years and older were recruited from elderly communities in Chitose City, Japan, and assigned to the non-MBSR group or MBSR group. In the MBSR group, the program was performed three times a week for 4 weeks. After the intervention, the score of Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J) as well as the expression of microRNA (miR)-29c in neuron-derived exosomes (NDEs) in blood was significantly increased in the MBSR group, compared to the non-MBSR group. Analysis of miR-29c target genes showed that the expression of DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A), DNA methyltransferase 3 beta (DNMT3B), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in NDEs was significantly decreased in the MBSR group. We also found that intracerebroventricular injection of a miR-29c mimic into 5xFAD mice prevented cognitive decline as well as neuronal loss in the subiculum area by down-regulating DNMT3A and STAT3 in the hippocampus. The results of the present study suggest that MBSR can prevent neuronal loss and cognitive impairment in elderly people by increasing the neuronal expression of miR-29c.
Passively Mode-Locked Thulium- and Thulium/Holmium-Doped Fiber Lasers Using MXene Nb2C-Coated Microfiber
Authors: Ahmad Harith , Ramli Rizal , Ismail Nor Najwa , Aidit Siti Nabila , Yusoff Norazriena , Samion Muhamad Zharif 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
As a result of the emergence of two-dimensional (2D) materials for various opto-electronics applications, a new class of materials named MXenes have been attracting interests due to their outstanding nonlinear properties. In this work, an MXene niobium carbide (Nb2C) was proposed and demonstrated as a saturable absorber to induce mode-locking in thulium- and thulium/holmium-doped fiber lasers. The Nb2C solution was first prepared using the liquid exfoliation technique, and then deposited onto a microfiber for integration into the laser cavity. Stable mode-locking operation was observed in both laser cavities, where the center wavelengths of the laser were recorded at 1944 nm for the TDFL and 1950 nm for the THDFL. The generated pulses in the TDFL and THDFL had repetition rates of 9.35 and 11.76 MHz respectively, while their corresponding pulse widths were 1.67 and 1.34 ps. Both of the lasers were highly stable, having SNR values of more than 52 dB and showed no major fluctuations when tested for their long-term stabilities. The results demonstrate an excellent performance of the Nb2C as a saturable absorber, offering opportunities to further explore MXenes for future photonics devices.
COVID-19 Uncertainty and Sleep: The Roles of Perceived Stress and Intolerance of Uncertainty during the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Wu Dan , Yang Tingzhong , Hall Daniel , Jiao Guihua , Jiao Can 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background.

The COVID-19 pandemic brings unprecedented uncertainty and stress. This study aimed to characterize sleep behaviors among Chinese residents during the early stage of the outbreak and to test the extent to which sleep quality was driven by COVID-19 uncertainty, intolerance of uncertainty, and perceived stress.
Methods.

A cross-sectional correlational survey was conducted online. A total of 2,534 Chinese residents were recruited from February 7 to 14, 2020, the third week of lockdown. Self-report measures assessed uncertainty about COVID-19, intolerance of uncertainty, perceived stress, and sleep quality. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the relationships among uncertainty about COVID-19, intolerance of uncertainty, perceived stress, and sleep quality.
Results.

Sleep disturbance was common, with approximately half of participants (47.1%) reporting going to bed after 12:00am, 23.0% taking 30 minutes or longer to fall asleep, and 30.3% sleeping a total of 7 hours or less. Higher uncertainty about COVID-19 was significantly positively correlated with higher intolerance of uncertainty (r = 0.506, p < 0.001). Uncertainty about COVID-19 had a weak direct effect on poor sleep (β = 0.043, p < 0.05); however, there was a robust indirect effect on poor sleep through intolerance of uncertainty (β = 0.506, p < 0.001) and perceived stress (β = 0.479, p < 0.001).
Conclusions.

These findings suggest that intolerance of uncertainty and perceived stress are critical targets for reducing sleep disturbance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the sustained uncertainties and challenges managing COVID-19, it is likely that, if unmanaged, COVID-19 related uncertainty will persist and continue to impact sleep outcomes.
Collaboration between the Fab and Fc contribute to maximal protection against SARS-CoV-2 following NVX-CoV2373 subunit vaccine with Matrix-M™ vaccination
Authors: Alter Galit , Gorman Matthew , Patel Nita , Guebre-Xabier Mimi , Zhu Alex , Atyeo Caroline , Pullen Krista , Loos Carolin , Goez-Gazi Yenny , Carrion Ricardo , Tian Jing-Hui , Yuan Dansu , Bowman Kathryn , Zhou Bin , Maciejewski Sonia , McGrath Marisa , Logue James , Frieman Matthew , Montefiori David , Schendel Sharon , Saphire Erica Ollmann , Lauffenburger Douglas , Greene Ann , Portnoff Alyse , Massare Michael , Ellingsworth Larry , Glenn Gregory , Smith Gale , Mann Colin , Amanat Fatima , Krammer Florian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Recently approved vaccines have already shown remarkable protection in limiting SARS-CoV-2 associated disease. However, immunologic mechanism(s) of protection, as well as how boosting alters immunity to wildtype and newly emerging strains, remain incompletely understood. Here we deeply profiled the humoral immune response in a cohort of non-human primates immunized with a stable recombinant full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein (NVX-CoV2373) at two dose levels, administered as a single or two-dose regimen with a saponin-based adjuvant Matrix-M™. While antigen dose had some effect on Fc-effector profiles, both antigen dose and boosting significantly altered overall titers, neutralization and Fc-effector profiles, driving unique vaccine-induced antibody fingerprints. Combined differences in antibody effector functions and neutralization were strongly associated with distinct levels of protection in the upper and lower respiratory tract, pointing to the presence of combined, but distinct, compartment-specific neutralization and Fc-mechanisms as key determinants of protective immunity against infection. Moreover, NVX-CoV2373 elicited antibodies functionally target emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, collectively pointing to the critical collaborative role for Fab and Fc in driving maximal protection against SARS-CoV-2. Collectively, the data presented here suggest that a single dose may prevent disease, but that two doses may be essential to block further transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and emerging variants.
Visual Outcome and Treatment Frequency of Anti-VEGF Therapy using the Treat-and-extend and Treatment Cessation Regimen for Exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration and Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy
Authors: Kinoshita Takamasa , Mori Junya , Hatanaka Akira , Akaiwa Kei , Shimizu Miho , Imaizumi Hiroko 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Compared with fixed dosing regimens, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy using treat-and-extend (TAE) and treatment cessation regimens for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PN) may reduce the treatment burden on chronic patients. To confirm this, and to determine the factors related to the successful treatment cessation, we retrospectively examined the visual outcome and treatment frequency of 101 eyes with exudative AMD and PN that underwent treatment using TAE and treatment cessation regimen. We found that visual acuity was maintained at the last visit with a mean follow-up period of four years. At the last visit, nearly half of the eyes were being treated at an interval of ≥ 12 weeks, or were under treatment cessation. Further, more than a quarter of the eyes were under successful treatment cessation with a median treatment-free period of 126 weeks. There was a significant association of successful treatment cessation at the last visit with good early treatment response and a small recurrence number. Moreover, eyes with ≥ 2 recurrences were unlikely to achieve long-term treatment cessation. This information could help physicians predict the achievement of treatment cessation for a considerable period.
Ethical and Procedural Issues For Applying Researcher-Driven Multi-National Paediatric Clinical Trials in and Outside The European Union: The Challenging Experience of The DEEP Project
Authors: Giannuzzi Viviana , Felisi Mariagrazia , Bonifazi Donato , Devlieger Hugo , Papanikolaou George , Ragab Lamis , Fattoum Slaheddine , Tempesta Bianca , Reggiardo Giorgio , Ceci Adriana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background. We describe our experience from a multi-national application of a European Union-funded research-driven paediatric trial (DEEP-2, EudraCT 2012-000353-31; NCT01825512).This paper aims to evaluate the impact of the local and national rules on the trial authorisation process in European and non-European countries. National/local provisions and procedures, number of Ethics Committees and Competent Authorities to be addressed, documentation required, special provisions for the paediatric population, timelines for completing the authorisation process and queries received were collected; compliance with the European provisions were evaluated.Descriptive analysis, Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test and General Linear Model analysis were used to determine factors potentially influencing the timelines. The Cluster Analysis procedure was used to identify homogenous groups of cases.Result. The authorisation process was completed in 7,7 to 53,8 months in European countries and in 17,1 to 27,1 months in non-European countries. The main factors influencing these timelines resulted the requests for changes/clarifications in European countries and the different national legislations in non-European countries.Conclusion. This work confirms that the procedures and requirements for the clinical trial application of a paediatric trial are different. In the European Union, the timeframes for submission were generally harmonised but longer. In non-EU countries, delays were caused by national dispositions but the entire authorisation process resulted faster with less requests from ECs/CAs. The upcoming application of Regulation (EU) 536/2014 is expected to harmonise practices in Europe and possibly outside. Networks on paediatric research acting at international level will be crucial in this effort.
Tracking the Maturity of Industry 4.0: The Perspective of a Real Scenario
Authors: Alcácer Vítor , Rodrigues Carolina , Carvalho Helena , Cruz-Machado Virgilio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In order to track industry 4.0 status, readiness models can be used to analyze the state of indus-try 4.0 technologies’ implementation allowing the quantification and qualification of its readiness level, focusing on different dimensions. To this matter, there are companies unable to relate the industry 4.0 with their business models, leading to a lack of a correct self-assess in order to understand the reached readiness level. Not all companies are adopting these new technologies with the same ease and with the same pace. Into this purpose, it is important to understand how to assess the industry 4.0’ readiness so far and what are the barriers on the adoption of these enabling technologies by the industry. This paper aims to assess the industry 4.0’ readiness level of companies, understand the perception of companies due to the barriers on the adoption of industry 4.0 enabling technologies and bring new barriers for discussion on academic community. To this end, empirical data was collected on a sample of 15 companies belonging to an important industrial cluster in Portugal.
Combined Polyhexamethylene Quanidine and Nanocellulose for the Conservation and Enhancement of Ancient Paper
Authors: Ma Xiaochun , Tian Shenglong , Li Xiaohong , Fan Huiming , Fu Shiyu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Here a new reinforcement and mold-resistant method for ancient books is proposed based on the suspension of nanocellulose (CNCS) and polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG). The paper documents were treated with the reinforcement suspension under the optimum ratio obtained by response surface methodology (RSM), then tested for mildew resistance and accelerated aging experiments to evaluate the anti-mildew effect, mechanical strengthening properties and durability of CNCS/PHMG compound solution on ancient books. The results showed the mechanical properties of the paper treated by CNCS/PHMG were significantly improved at the optimum ratio (0.3 wt%:0.3 wt%), with the folding endurance increased by 1.78 times and the increase ratio of tensile strain was 46.62%. Meanwhile, the treated paper maintained the same good zero-span tensile strength after aging 7 days as the sample unaged untreated, indicating superior aging resistance of this treatment method. In addition, excellent biocidal activity with the growth trace of mold less than 10% was observed on treated paper. In conclusion, it is a method that simple to operate, which can be a promising treatment of conservation and enhancement of ancient paper.
Educational and Psychological Support Combined with Minimally Invasive Surgery Reduces Perioperative Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Bladder Cancer Treated with Radical Cystectomy.
Authors: Lemiński Artur , Kaczmarek Krystian , Słojewski Marcin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeRadical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is an extensive and morbid operation, often associated with a permanent alteration of body image. Combined with aggressive malignant potential of MIBC and considerable risk of complications, it may pose a serious threat to psychological well-being of patients. Educational deficiencies not infrequently encountered in everyday hospital practice, may lead to confusion and further aggravate procedure-related emotional distress. We conceived a preoperative informational and supportive program named “Cystocare”, with monthly meetings held by a team of urologists, stoma therapist, psychologists and cancer survivors to facilitate patients’ adaptation and coping. We aimed to evaluate whether participation in Cystocare meetings would alleviate emotional distress in patients undergoing RC.MethodsWe included 95 consecutive patients who agreed to participate and returned Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) questionnaires before RC and on discharge. The intervention arm (A) comprised 32 patients who participated in meetings, the remaining 63 constituted controls (B). Patients from arm A were significantly younger than controls (mean age arm A: 64.7 SD 8.25; arm B: 68.8 SD 7.87), there were no further differences between study arms.ResultsWe found no differences between groups in median anxiety and depression scores preoperatively. In postoperative measurement, the intervention arm showed significantly lower median depression score than controls: 3 vs 8 points, p=0.015, while the anxiety score remained comparable. On multivariate analysis we found lower odds of preoperative anxiety in patients planned for laparoscopic RC OR=0.351 (95%CI: 0.139-0.884), p=0.026, lower risk of postoperative depression in patients from arm A OR=0.253 (95% CI: 0.087-0.732) p=0.011 and higher risk of postoperative anxiety in patients whose length of stay exceeded 7 days OR=9.48 (95%CI: 1,146-78,428) p=0.037. ConclusionsPreoperative educational and supportive intervention combined with minimally invasive approach to RC seem effective in alleviation of surgery-related anxiety and depression.
Stationary Response of Flag-shaped Hysteretic System under Combined Harmonic and White Noise Excitations
Authors: Chen L.C. , HU Huiying , Ye Shushen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The dynamical system containing flag-shaped hysteretic behavior is common in practice. In this paper, the stationary response of flag-shaped hysteretic system excited by harmonic excitation as well as Gaussian white noise is determined with the technique of stochastic averaging. The reliability of the presented approach is demonstrated by relevant digital simulation. The stochastic jump under a certain combination of parameters is found. The stochastic P-bifurcation phenomenon, i.e., the disappearance or appearance of bimodal shape of stationary response, occurs concerning to the variation of system’s parameters. Besides, the response of the system exposed to only harmonic excitation or non-resonance case is also examined for comparison, respectively. The numerical results show that the stationary amplitude response displays typical “soft” system behavior, and the deterministic jump may occur under pure harmonic excitation. Moreover, the non-resonance response is always weaker than that of resonant case.
A Comparison of Techniques for PET Data-Driven Tracking of Head Motion
Authors: Gillman Ashley , Rose Stephen , Smith Jye , Dowling Jason A , Dowson Nicholas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background / AimsPatient motion during positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can corrupt the image by causing blurring and quantitation error due to misalignment with the attenuation correction image. Data-driven techniques for tracking motion in PET imaging allow for retrospective motion correction, where motion may not have been prospectively anticipated.MethodsA two minute PET acquisition of a Hoffman phantom was acquired on a Bi- ograph mCT Flow, during which the phantom was rocked, simulating periodic motion with varying frequency. Motion was tracked using the sensitivity method, the axial centre-of-mass (COM) method, a novel 3D-COM method, and the principal component analysis (PCA) method. A separate two minute acquisition was acquired with no motion as a gold standard. The tracking signal was discretised into 10 gates using k-means clustering. Motion was modelled and corrected using the reconstruct-transform-add (RTA) technique, leveraging Multimodal Image Registration using Block-matching and Robust Regression (Mirorr) for rigid registration of non- attenuation-corrected 4D PET and Software for Tomographic Image Reconstruction (STIR) for PET reconstructions. Evaluation was performed by segmenting white matter (WM) and grey matter (GM) in the attenuation correction computed tomography (CT). The mean uptake in the region of GM was compared with that in the WM region. Additionally, the difference between the intensity distributions of WM and GM regions was measured with the t-statistic from a Welch's t-test.ResultsDifference in the mean distribution of WM to GM ranked the techniques in order of efficacy: no correction, sensitivity, axial-COM, 3D-COM, PCA, no motion. PCA correction had a great WM/GM separation measured by the t-value than the no motion scan. This was attributed to interpolation blurring during motion correction reducing class variance.ConclusionOf the techniques examined, PCA was found to be most effective for tracking rigid motion. The sensitivity and axial-COM techniques are mostly sensitive to axial motion, and so were ineffective in this phantom experiment. 3D-COM demonstrates improved transaxial motion sensitivity, but not to the level of effectiveness of PCA.
Interleukin-1 Blockade Attenuates White Matter Inflammation and Oligodendrocyte Loss After Progressive Systematic Lipopolysaccharide Exposure in Near-Term Fetal Sheep
Authors: Kelly Sharmony B. , Stojanovska Vanesa , Zahra Valerie , Moxham Alison , Miller Suzanne L , Moss Timothy JM , Hooper Stuart B , Nold Marcel F. , Nold-Petry Claudia A. , Dean Justin M. , Bennet Laura , Polglase Graeme R. , Gunn Alistair J. , Galinsky Robert 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIncreased systemic and tissue levels of interleukin(IL)-1β are associated with greater risk of impaired neurodevelopment after birth. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that systemic IL-1 receptor antagonist (Ra) administration can attenuate neuroinflammation and injury in near-term fetal sheep exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MethodsChronically instrumented near-term fetal sheep at 0.85 of gestation were randomly assigned to saline (control, n=9), LPS infusions (0 h=300 ng, 24 h=600 ng, 48 h=1200 ng, n=8) or LPS plus 3 infusions of IL-1Ra (13 mg/kg infused over 4 h) started 1 h after each LPS infusion (n=9). Sheep were euthanized 4 days after starting infusions for histology.ResultsLPS infusions were associated with electroencephalogram (EEG) suppression with transiently reduced mean arterial blood pressure, and increased carotid artery perfusion and fetal heart rate (P<0.05 vs. control). In the periventricular and intragyral white matter, LPS-exposure increased IL-1β immunoreactivity, apoptosis and microglial activation, and reduced astrocyte and total oligodendrocyte survival, but did not change myelin expression or numbers of neurons in the cortex and subcortical regions. IL-1Ra infusions reduced circulating cytokines and improved recovery of EEG activity and carotid artery perfusion. Histologically, IL-1Ra reduced microgliosis, IL-1β expression and apoptosis, and improved total oligodendrocyte survival.ConclusionIL-1Ra improved EEG activity and markedly attenuated systemic inflammation, microgliosis and oligodendrocyte loss, but did not improve survival of astrocytes after LPS-induced inflammation in near-term fetal sheep. Further studies of long term brain maturation are now needed.
Periostin Expression and Its Roles in Benign and Malignant Thyroid Nodules: an Immunohistochemical Study of 105 Cases
Authors: Kusafuka Kimihide , Yamashita Masaru , Iwasaki Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Chinatsu , Kubota Aki , Hirata Kazuki , Murakami Akinori , Muramatsu Aya , Arai Kazumori , Suzuki Makoto 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background. Thyroid tumors are often difficult to histopathologically diagnose, especially follicular adenoma (FA) and follicular carcinoma (FC). Papillary carcinoma (PAC) has several histological subtypes. Periostin (PON), which is a non-collagenous extracellular matrix molecule, is related to tumor invasiveness. We aimed to elucidate the role of PON in thyroid tumors.Method. We collected 105 cases of thyroid nodules, which included cases of adenomatous goiter, FA, microcarcinoma (MIC), PAC, FC, poorly differentiated carcinoma (PDCa), and undifferentiated carcinoma (UCa), and immunohistochemically examined the PON expression patterns of these lesions. Results. PAC and MIC exhibited stromal PON deposition, especially in the solid/sclerosing subtype, whereas FA and FC showed weak deposition on the fibrous capsule. However, the invasive and/or extracapsular regions of microinvasive FC demonstrated quite strong PON expression.Except for it, we could not find any significantly histopathological differences between FA and FC. Although PDCa showed a similar PON expression pattern to PAC, UCa exhibited stromal PON deposition in its invasive portions and cytoplasmic expression in its carcinoma cells. Although there was only one case of UCa, it demonstrated strong PON immunopositivity. PAC and MIC showed similar patterns of stromal PON deposition, especially at the invasive front.Conclusions. PON plays a role in the invasion of thyroid carcinomas, especially PAC and UCa, whereas it acts as a barrier against the growth of tumor cells in FA and minimally invasive FC.