bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial communities of the upper respiratory tract of turkeys
Authors: Kursa Olimpia , Tomczyk Grzegorz , Sawicka-Durkalec Anna , Giza Aleksandra , Słomiany-Szwarc Magdalena 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe respiratory tracts of turkeys play important roles in the overall health and performance of the birds. Understanding the bacterial communities present in the respiratory tracts of turkeys can be helpful to better understand the interactions between commensal or symbiotic microorganisms and other pathogenic bacteria or viral infections. The aim of this study was the characterization of the bacterial communities of upper respiratory tracks in commercial turkeys using NGS sequencing by the amplification of 16S rRNA gene with primers designed for hypervariable regions V3 and V4 (MiSeq, Illumina). From 10 phyla identified in upper respiratory tract in turkeys, the most dominated phyla were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Differences in composition of bacterial diversity were found at the family and genus level. At the genus level, the turkey sequences present in respiratory tract represent 144 established bacteria. Several respiratory pathogens that contribute to the development of infections in the respiratory system of birds were identified, including the presence of Ornithobacterium and Mycoplasma OTUs. These results obtained in this study supply information about bacterial composition and diversity of the turkey upper respiratory tract. Knowledge about bacteria present in the respiratory tract and the roles they can play in infections can be useful in controlling, diagnosing and treating commercial turkey flocks.
Synthesis and pharmacokinetic characterisation of a fluorine-18 labelled brain shuttle peptide fusion dimeric affibody
Authors: Morito Takahiro , Harada Ryuichi , Iwata Ren , Du Yiqing , Okamura Nobuyuki , Kudo Yukitsuka , Yanai Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBrain positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with radiolabelled proteins is an emerging concept that potentially enables visualization of unique molecular targets in the brain. However, the pharmacokinetics and protein radiolabelling methods remain challenging. Here, we report the performance of an engineered, blood–brain barrier (BBB)-permeable affibody molecule that exhibits rapid clearance from the brain, which was radiolabelled using a unique fluorine-18 labelling method, a cell-free protein radiosynthesis (CFPRS) system. AS69, a small (14 kDa) dimeric affibody molecule that binds to the monomeric and oligomeric states of α-synuclein, was newly designed for brain delivery with an apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-derived brain shuttle peptide as AS69-ApoE (22 kDa). The radiolabelled products 18F-AS69 and 18F-AS69-ApoE were successfully synthesised using the CFPRS system. Notably, 18F-AS69-ApoE showed higher BBB permeability than 18F-AS69 in an ex vivo study at 10 and 30 min post injection and was partially cleared from the brain at 120 min post injection. These results suggest that small, a brain shuttle peptide-fused fluorine-18 labelled protein binders can potentially be utilised for brain molecular imaging.
Post-acute pre-discharge echocardiography in the long-term prognostic assessment of pulmonary thrombembolism
Authors: Kokalj Nataša , Kozak Matija , Jug Borut 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe aim of our study was to asses the long-term prognostic impact of post-acute, pre-discharge echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with low- and intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). Consecutive patients with acute PE underwent post-acute, pre-discharge echocardiographic assessment of RV dysfunction (defined by: RV dilation, tricuspid anulus peak systolic excursion, or tricuspid regurgitation systolic velocity). A Cox multivariate survival mode was constructed to determine the prognostic impact of post-acute, pred-discharge RV dysfunction on all-cause mortality. 615 patients were included: 330 (54%) women, mean age 64 ± 18 years, 265 (43.1%) with post-acute, predischarge RV dysfunction. During follow-up (median 1068 days), 88 (14.3%) patients died. On Cox multivariate analyis, pre-discharge post-acute tricuspid regurgitation systolic velocity emerged as the only independent echocardiographic predictor of mortality (HR 1.73 for every 1 m/s increase; 95% confidence interval 1.033–2.897; p = 0.037). RV dysfunction persists in almost one half of PE patients in the post-acute phase on pre-discharge echocardiography; however, only tricuspid regurgitation systolic velocity independently predicts long-term prognosis.
Changes in headache characteristics with oral appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Park Ji Woon , Mehta Sujay , Fastlicht Sandra , Lowe Alan A. , Almeida Fernanda R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractChanges in headache characteristics in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients following oral appliance treatment was investigated for the first time. Thirteen OSA patients with headaches treated with a mandibular advancement device were investigated. Level I polysomnography and Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire were completed before and after treatment. Various headache characteristics and concomitant conditions were analyzed. The patient was considered a headache responder when ≥ 30% reduction in headache frequency following treatment. Differences in headache and polysomnographic parameters were compared between headache responder groups. Eight patients (62%) were headache responders. Eleven patients (85%) before and 7 (54%) after treatment reported morning headaches. Significantly more patients had bilateral headache in the responder group before treatment (P = 0.035). The severest headache intensity (P = 0.018) at baseline showed a significant decrease in the headache responder group after treatment. The time spent in N2 (r = − 0.663, P = 0.014), REM sleep (r = 0.704, P = 0.007) and mean oxygen saturation (r = 0.566, P = 0.044) showed a significant correlation with post-treatment average headache intensity. Pre-treatment lower PLM index (r = − 0.632, P = 0.027) and higher mean oxygen saturation levels (r = 0.592, P = 0.043) were significantly correlated with higher post-treatment severest headache intensity. Treatment with an oral appliance is beneficial for many OSA patients with headaches. It should be considered as an alternative treatment in headache patients with mild to moderate OSA.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict drainage duration in patients with breast cancer treated with modified radical mastectomy
Authors: Wu Song , Xin Zechang , Sui Daxing , Ou Zhengli , Bai Haotian , Zhu Shenzhen , Wang Xueying , Zhang Jiaxin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAppropriate drainage duration is vital for the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with breast cancer (BC) undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM). To provide better and individualized postoperative management for these patients, this study explored independent predictors of postoperative drainage duration in patients with BC. This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Patients diagnosed with BC and treated with MRM from May 2016 to April 2020 were randomly divided into training (n = 729) and validation (n = 243) cohorts. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses revealed that the body mass index, serum albumin level, hypertension, number of total dissected axillary lymph nodes, and ratio of positive axillary lymph nodes were independent predictors of postoperative drainage duration in the training cohort. Based on independent predictors, a nomogram was constructed to predict the median postoperative drainage duration and the probability of retaining the suction drain during this period. This nomogram had good concordance and discrimination both in the training and validation cohorts and could effectively predict the probability of retaining the suction drain during drainage, thus assisting clinicians in predicting postoperative drainage duration and providing individualized postoperative management for patients with BC.
Multiparametric ultrasound examination for response assessment in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Dobruch-Sobczak K. , Piotrzkowska-Wróblewska H. , Klimonda Z. , Karwat P. , Roszkowska-Purska K. , Clauser P. , Baltzer P. A. T. , Litniewski J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo investigate the performance of multiparametric ultrasound for the evaluation of treatment response in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The IRB approved this prospective study. Breast cancer patients who were scheduled to undergo NAC were invited to participate in this study. Changes in tumour echogenicity, stiffness, maximum diameter, vascularity and integrated backscatter coefficient (IBC) were assessed prior to treatment and 7 days after four consecutive NAC cycles. Residual malignant cell (RMC) measurement at surgery was considered as standard of reference. RMC < 30% was considered a good response and > 70% a poor response. The correlation coefficients of these parameters were compared with RMC from post-operative histology. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), cross-validation and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were performed. Thirty patients (mean age 56.4 year) with 42 lesions were included. There was a significant correlation between RMC and echogenicity and tumour diameter after the 3rd course of NAC and average stiffness after the 2nd course. The correlation coefficient for IBC and echogenicity calculated after the first four doses of NAC were 0.27, 0.35, 0.41 and 0.30, respectively. Multivariate analysis of the echogenicity and stiffness after the third NAC revealed a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 90%, PPV = 75%, NPV = 93%, accuracy = 88% and AUC of 0.88 for non-responding tumours (RMC > 70%). High tumour stiffness and persistent hypoechogenicity after the third NAC course allowed to accurately predict a group of non-responding tumours. A correlation between echogenicity and IBC was demonstrated as well.
Central aortic hemodynamics following acute lower and upper-body exercise in a cold environment among patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Hintsala Heidi E. , Valtonen Rasmus I. P. , Kiviniemi Antti , Crandall Craig , Perkiömäki Juha , Hautala Arto , Mäntysaari Matti , Alén Markku , Ryti Niilo , Jaakkola Jouni J. K. , Ikäheimo Tiina M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractExercise is beneficial to cardiovascular health, evidenced by reduced post-exercise central aortic blood pressure (BP) and wave reflection. We assessed if post-exercise central hemodynamics are modified due to an altered thermal state related to exercise in the cold in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD patients (n = 11) performed moderate-intensity lower-body exercise (walking at 65–70% of HRmax) and rested in neutral (+ 22 °C) and cold (− 15 °C) conditions. In another protocol, CAD patients (n = 15) performed static (five 1.5 min work cycles, 10–30% of maximal voluntary contraction) and dynamic (three 5 min workloads, 56–80% of HRmax) upper-body exercise at the same temperatures. Both datasets consisted of four 30-min exposures administered in random order. Central aortic BP and augmentation index (AI) were noninvasively assessed via pulse wave analyses prior to and 25 min after these interventions. Lower-body dynamic exercise decreased post-exercise central systolic BP (6–10 mmHg, p < 0.001) and AI (1–6%, p < 0.001) both after cold and neutral and conditions. Dynamic upper-body exercise lowered central systolic BP (2–4 mmHg, p < 0.001) after exposure to both temperatures. In contrast, static upper-body exercise increased central systolic BP after exposure to cold (7 ± 6 mmHg, p < 0.001). Acute dynamic lower and upper-body exercise mainly lowers post-exercise central BP in CAD patients irrespective of the environmental temperature. In contrast, central systolic BP was elevated after static exercise in cold. CAD patients likely benefit from year-round dynamic exercise, but hemodynamic responses following static exercise in a cold environment should be examined further.Clinical trials.gov: NCT02855905 04/08/2016.
Extracting sub-cycle electronic and nuclear dynamics from high harmonic spectra
Authors: Austin Dane R. , Johnson Allan S. , McGrath Felicity , Wood David , Miseikis Lukas , Siegel Thomas , Hawkins Peter , Harvey Alex , Mašín Zdeněk , Patchkovskii Serguei , Vacher Morgane , Malhado João Pedro , Ivanov Misha Y. , Smirnova Olga , Marangos Jon P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe present a new methodology for measuring few-femtosecond electronic and nuclear dynamics in both atoms and polyatomic molecules using multidimensional high harmonic generation (HHG) spectroscopy measurements, in which the spectra are recorded as a function of the laser intensity to form a two-dimensional data set. The method is applied to xenon atoms and to benzene molecules, the latter exhibiting significant fast nuclear dynamics following ionization. We uncover the signature of the sub-cycle evolution of the returning electron flux in strong-field ionized xenon atoms, implicit in the strong field approximation but not previously observed directly. We furthermore extract the nuclear autocorrelation function in strong field ionized benzene cations, which is determined to have a decay of $$\tau _0 = 4 \pm 1$$

τ
0

=
4
±
1

fs, in good agreement with the $$ \tau _0 = 3.5$$

τ
0

=
3.5

fs obtained from direct dynamics variational multi-configuration Gaussian calculations. Our method requires minimal assumptions about the system, and is applicable even to un-aligned polyatomic molecules.
Engineered biochar from wood apple shell waste for high-efficient removal of toxic phenolic compounds in wastewater
Authors: Kumar Nadavala Siva , Shaikh Hamid M. , Asif Mohammad , Al-Ghurabi Ebrahim H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study investigated a novel agricultural low-cost bio-waste biochar derived from wood apple fruit shell waste via the pyrolysis method, which is modified by ball milling and utilized to remove toxic phenol and chlorophenols (4-CPh and 2,4-DCPh) from contaminated aqueous media. The ball-milled wood apple fruit shell waste biochar (WAS-BC) sorbent was systematically analyzed by BET, CHN, and FTIR as well as particle size, SEM–EDS, XPS and TGA studies. The sorption equilibrium and kinetic studies exhibit that the sorption capacity was greater than 75% within the first 45 min of agitation at pH 6.0. The uptake capacity of 2,4-DCPh onto WAS-BC was greater than those of 4-CPh and phenol. Equilibrium results were consistent with the Langmuir isotherm model, while the kinetic data were best represented by the Elovich and pseudo-second-order model. The maximum uptake of phenol, 4-CPh, and 2,4-DCPh was 102.71, 172.24, and 226.55 mg/g, respectively, at 30 ± 1 °C. Thus, this study demonstrates that WAS-BC is an efficient, low-cost sorbent that can be used for the elimination of phenol and chlorophenol compounds from polluted wastewater.
Antifibrotic effect of novel neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin inhibitors in cardiac and renal disease models
Authors: Bonnard Benjamin , Martínez-Martínez Ernesto , Fernández-Celis Amaya , Pieronne-Deperrois Marie , Do Quoc-Tuan , Ramos Isbaal , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Mulder Paul , Ouvrard-Pascaud Antoine , López-Andrés Natalia , Jaisser Frédéric 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNeutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is involved in cardiovascular and renal diseases. Gene inactivation of NGAL blunts the pathophysiological consequences of cardiovascular and renal damage. We aimed to design chemical NGAL inhibitors and investigate its effects in experimental models of myocardial infarction (MI) and chronic kidney disease induced by 5/6 nephrectomy (CKD) on respectively 8–12 weeks old C57Bl6/j and FVB/N male mice. Among the 32 NGAL inhibitors tested, GPZ614741 and GPZ058225 fully blocked NGAL-induced inflammatory and profibrotic markers in human cardiac fibroblasts and primary mouse kidney fibroblasts. The administration of GPZ614741 (100 mg/kg/day) for three months, was able to improve cardiac function in MI mice and reduced myocardial fibrosis and inflammation. The administration of GPZ614741 (100 mg/kg/day) for two months resulting to no renal function improvement but prevented the increase in blood pressure, renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and profibrotic marker expression in CKD mice. In conclusion, we have identified new compounds with potent inhibitory activity on NGAL-profibrotic and pro-inflammatory effects. GPZ614741 prevented interstitial fibrosis and dysfunction associated with MI, as well as tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a CKD model. These inhibitors could be used for other diseases that involve NGAL, such as cancer or metabolic diseases, creating new therapeutic options.
Locomotion of the C60-based nanomachines on graphene surfaces
Authors: Mofidi Seyedeh Mahsa , Nejat Pishkenari Hossein , Ejtehadi Mohammad Reza , Akimov Alexey V. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe provide a comprehensive computational characterization of surface motion of two types of nanomachines with four C60 “wheels”: a flexible chassis Nanocar and a rigid chassis Nanotruck. We study the nanocars’ lateral and rotational diffusion as well as the wheels’ rolling motion on two kinds of graphene substrates—flexible single-layer graphene which may form surface ripples and an ideally flat graphene monolayer. We find that the graphene surface ripples facilitate the translational diffusion of Nanocar and Nanotruck, but have little effect on their surface rotation or the rolling of their wheels. The latter two types of motion are strongly affected by the structure of the nanomachines instead. Surface diffusion of both nanomachines occurs preferentially via a sliding mechanism whereas the rolling of the “wheels” contributes little. The axial rotation of all “wheels” is uncorrelated.
Evaluation of the nano silica and nano waste materials on the corrosion protection of high strength steel embedded in ultra-high performance concrete
Authors: Mostafa Sahar A. , EL-Deeb Mohamed M. , Farghali Ahmed A. , Faried A. Serag 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCorrosion resistance of high strength steel (HHS) embedded in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) immersed in 3.5% NaCl solution is evaluated in the absence and presence of nano silica (NS), nano glass waste (NGW), nano rice husk ash (NRHA) and nano metakaolin (NMK) using open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) under normal and accelerated conditions. Data showed that the corrosion rate in the accelerated conditions is higher compared by the normal conditions due to the increasing in the rate of both anodic and cathodic reactions in the presence of anodic current. On the other hand, the presence of the studied nano materials decreases both the anodic and cathodic overpotentials, and shifts both the open circuit potential (Eocp) and corrosion potential (Ecorr) of HSS to more noble values, as well as decreases the values of the corrosion current densities (Icorr) in both normal and accelerated conditions. Furthermore, EIS analysis illustrates that the presence of these materials enhances both the concrete bulk resistance and the charge transfer resistance at HSS/UHPC interface, which retards the flow of the electrons between the anodic and cathodic sites, thus impeding the propagation of the corrosion process. The inhibitory effect of the studied nano materials for the corrosion of HSS is interpreted on the basis of the change in the microstructure and the compressive strength of the UHPC.
Detecting neurodevelopmental trajectories in congenital heart diseases with a machine-learning approach
Authors: Cainelli Elisa , Bisiacchi Patrizia S. , Cogo Paola , Padalino Massimo , Simonato Manuela , Vergine Michela , Lanera Corrado , Vedovelli Luca 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe aimed to delineate the neuropsychological and psychopathological profiles of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and look for associations with clinical parameters. We conducted a prospective observational study in children with CHD who underwent cardiac surgery within five years of age. At least 18 months after cardiac surgery, we performed an extensive neuropsychological (intelligence, language, attention, executive function, memory, social skills) and psychopathological assessment, implementing a machine-learning approach for clustering and influencing variable classification. We examined 74 children (37 with CHD and 37 age-matched controls). Group comparisons have shown differences in many domains: intelligence, language, executive skills, and memory. From CHD questionnaires, we identified two clinical subtypes of psychopathological profiles: a small subgroup with high symptoms of psychopathology and a wider subgroup of patients with ADHD-like profiles. No associations with the considered clinical parameters were found. CHD patients are prone to high interindividual variability in neuropsychological and psychological outcomes, depending on many factors that are difficult to control and study. Unfortunately, these dysfunctions are under-recognized by clinicians. Given that brain maturation continues through childhood, providing a significant window for recovery, there is a need for a lifespan approach to optimize the outcome trajectory for patients with CHD.
Mechanisms of slab avalanche release and impact in the Dyatlov Pass incident in 1959
Authors: Gaume Johan , Puzrin Alexander M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Dyatlov Pass incident is an intriguing unsolved mystery from the last century. In February 1959, a group of nine experienced Russian mountaineers perished during a difficult expedition in the northern Urals. A snow avalanche hypothesis was proposed, among other theories, but was found to be inconsistent with the evidence of a lower-than-usual slope angle, scarcity of avalanche signs, uncertainties about the trigger mechanism, and abnormal injuries of the victims. The challenge of explaining these observations has led us to a physical mechanism for a slab avalanche caused by progressive wind-blown snow accumulation on the slope above the hikers’ tent. Here we show how a combination of irregular topography, a cut made in the slope to install the tent and the subsequent deposition of snow induced by strong katabatic winds contributed after a suitable time to the slab release, which caused severe non-fatal injuries, in agreement with the autopsy results.