bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovering fiber type architecture over the entire muscle using data‐driven analysis
Authors: Bindellini Davide , Voortman Lennard M. , Olie Cyriel S. , van Putten Maaike , van den Akker Erik , Raz Vered 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSkeletal muscle function is inferred from the spatial arrangement of muscle fiber architecture, which corresponds to myofiber molecular and metabolic features. Myofiber features are often determined using immunofluorescence on a local sampling, typically obtained from a median region. This median region is assumed to represent the entire muscle. However, it remains largely unknown to what extent this local sampling represents the entire muscle. We present a pipeline to study the architecture of muscle fiber features over the entire muscle, including sectioning, staining, imaging to image quantification and data‐driven analysis with Myofiber type were identified by the expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms, representing contraction properties. We reconstructed muscle architecture from consecutive cross‐sections stained for laminin and MyHC isoforms. Examining the entire muscle using consecutive cross‐sections is extremely laborious, we provide consideration to reduce the dataset without loosing spatial information. Data‐driven analysis with over 150,000 myofibers showed spatial variations in myofiber geometric features, myofiber type, and the distribution of neuromuscular junctions over the entire muscle. We present a workflow to study histological changes over the entire muscle using high‐throughput imaging, image quantification, and data‐driven analysis. Our results suggest that asymmetric spatial distribution of these features over the entire muscle could impact muscle function. Therefore, instead of a single sampling from a median region, representative regions covering the entire muscle should be investigated in future studies.
A show of Hands: Novel and conserved expression patterns of teleost hand paralogs during craniofacial, heart, fin, peripheral nervous system and gut development
Authors: Reynolds Samantha , Pierce Christian , Powell Benjamin , Kite Alexandra , Hall‐Ruiz Nicholas , Schilling Thomas , Le Pabic Pierre 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundHand genes are required for the development of the vertebrate jaw, heart, peripheral nervous system, limb, gut, placenta, and decidua. Two Hand paralogues, Hand1 and Hand2, are present in most vertebrates, where they mediate different functions yet overlap in expression. In ray‐finned fishes, Hand gene expression and function is only known for the zebrafish, which represents the rare condition of having a single Hand gene, hand2. Here we describe the developmental expression of hand1 and hand2 in the cichlid Copadichromis azureus.Resultshand1 and hand2 are expressed in the cichlid heart, paired fins, pharyngeal arches, peripheral nervous system, gut, and lateral plate mesoderm with different degrees of overlap.ConclusionsHand gene expression in the gut, peripheral nervous system, and pharyngeal arches may have already been fixed in the lobe‐ and ray‐finned fish common ancestor. In other embryonic regions, such as paired appendages, hand2 expression was fixed, while hand1 expression diverged in lobe‐ and ray‐finned fish lineages. In the lateral plate mesoderm and arch associated catecholaminergic cells, hand1 and hand2 swapped expression between divergent lineages. Distinct expression of cichlid hand1 and hand2 in the epicardium and myocardium of the developing heart may represent the ancestral pattern for bony fishes.
Connexin 43 contributes to phenotypic robustness of the mouse skull
Authors: Jewlal Elizabeth , Barr Kevin , Laird Dale W. , Willmore Katherine E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe compared skull shape and variation among genetically modified mice that exhibit different levels of connexin43 (Cx43) channel function, to determine whether Cx43 contributes to craniofacial phenotypic robustness. Specifically, we used two heterozygous mutant mouse models (G60S/+ and I130T/+) that, when compared to their wildtype counterparts, have an ~80% and ~50% reduction in Cx43 function, respectively.ResultsBoth mutant strains showed significant differences in skull shape compared to wildtype littermates and while these differences were more severe in the G60S/+ mouse, shape differences were localized to similar regions of the skull in both mutants. However, increased skull shape variation was observed in G60S/+ mutants only. Additionally, covariation of skull structures was disrupted in the G60S/+ mutants only, indicating that while a 50% reduction in Cx43 function is sufficient to cause a shift in mean skull shape, the threshold for Cx43 function for disrupting craniofacial phenotypic robustness is lower.ConclusionsCollectively, our results indicate Cx43 can contribute to phenotypic robustness of the skull through a nonlinear relationship between Cx43 gap junctional function and phenotypic outcomes.
Deletion of Fibroblast growth factor 9 globally and in skeletal muscle results in enlarged tuberosities at sites of deltoid tendon attachments
Authors: Leek Connor C. , Soulas Jaclyn M. , Bhattacharya Iman , Ganji Elahe , Locke Ryan C. , Smith Megan C. , Bhavsar Jaysheel D. , Polson Shawn W. , Ornitz David M. , Killian Megan L. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe growth of most bony tuberosities, like the deltoid tuberosity (DT), rely on the transmission of muscle forces at the tendon‐bone attachment during skeletal growth. Tuberosities distribute muscle forces and provide mechanical leverage at attachment sites for joint stability and mobility. The genetic factors that regulate tuberosity growth remain largely unknown. In mouse embryos with global deletion of fibroblast growth factor 9 (Fgf9), the DT size is notably enlarged. In this study, we explored the tissue‐specific regulation of DT size using both global and targeted deletion of Fgf9.ResultsWe showed that cell hypertrophy and mineralization dynamics of the DT, as well as transcriptional signatures from skeletal muscle but not bone, were influenced by the global loss of Fgf9. Loss of Fgf9 during embryonic growth led to increased chondrocyte hypertrophy and reduced cell proliferation at the DT attachment site. This endured hypertrophy and limited proliferation may explain the abnormal mineralization patterns and locally dysregulated expression of markers of endochondral development in Fgf9null attachments. We then showed that targeted deletion of Fgf9 in skeletal muscle leads to postnatal enlargement of the DT.ConclusionTaken together, we discovered that Fgf9 may play an influential role in muscle‐bone cross‐talk during embryonic and postnatal development.
The Different Protective Effects of Phospholipids Against Obesity‐Induced Renal Injury Mainly Associate with Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Zhang Lingyu , Ding Lin , Shi Haohao , Wang Chengcheng , Xue Changhu , Zhang Tiantian , Wang Yuming 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe objectives of the study are to investigate the protective effects of eight phospholipids (PL) with different fatty acids or polar head groups on obesity‐induced renal damage. Four kinds of phosphatidylcholine (PC) are exacted from egg york (Egg‐PC), soybean (Soy‐PC), squid roe (DHA‐PC) and sea cucumber (EPA‐PC). Furthermore, four kinds of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are enzymatically synthesized from PC, respectively. Male C57BL/6J mice are fed with standard diet, high‐fat diet (Model) or high‐fat diet containing 2% phospholipids for 8 weeks. Mice in the model group demonstrate severe renal injury. Different phospholipids improve renal dysfunction in high‐fat diet mice to varying degrees, and EPA‐PE shows the best effects on reducing serum Cr, chronic inflammation and renal lipid accumulation. A further mechanistic study reveals that the lipid‐lower effect of phospholipids might be attributed to increased fatty acid β‐oxidation and decreased fatty acid synthesis. Finally, it seemed that the influence of phospholipids on the PGC1α activation appear to be dependent on FA saturation, as DHA/EPA‐PL increases the expression of PGC1α greater than Soy‐PL, as well as Egg‐PL.Practical Applications:Based on these findings, phospholipids are promising supplement for alleviation of obesity‐induced renal dysfunction, and their different protective effects mainly due to the fatty acids composition.
New Insights on Potentiometric Immunosensor at Carbon Fiber Microelectrode for Alpha‐Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Ling , Liang Dong , Guo Wuhua , Tang Dianping , Zeng Yongyi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHerein, we investigated the analytical features of potentiometric immunosensors for detection of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in hepatocellular carcinoma at different electrodes, such as carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) and carbon‐disk electrode (CDE), respectively. To construct such an immunosensor, anti‐AFP capture antibodies were first conjugated covalently onto the activated electrodes through typical carbodiimide coupling. Thereafter, one‐step immunoreaction protocol was successfully introduced to develop a new potentiometric immunoassay upon addition of AFP. Accompanying the antigen‐antibody reaction, the surface charges of the modified electrodes were changed for the readout of electric potential. Results indicated that the linear range of CDE‐based immunosensor was 0.1–100 ng mL−1 AFP, whereas the assay sensitivity by using CFME could be further increased to 3.2 pg mL−1 with the linear range from 0.01 to 500 ng mL−1 AFP. Meanwhile, CFME‐based immunosensor showed high sensitivity, good reproducibility and specificity, and could be utilized for the analysis of human serum specimens with consistent results relative to commercialized ELISA kit.
Depression is associated with hippocampal volume loss in adults with HIV
Authors: Bronshteyn Margarita , Yang Fan Nils , Shattuck Kyle F. , Dawson Matthew , Kumar Princy , Moore David J. , Ellis Ronald J. , Jiang Xiong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDepressive symptoms are more prevalent in persons with HIV (PWH) than HIV‐uninfected individuals. In HIV‐uninfected individuals, depression has been associated with atrophy in the hippocampus and other brain regions. In the present study, we investigated the impact of depression on brain structure in PWH. One hundred PWH participated in a cross‐sectional study (56.6 ± 6.4 yrs, range 41–70 yrs, 24 females, 63 African Americans). The Beck's Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Structural MRI images were collected. Both the voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) technique and a region of interest (ROI) based approach were used to examine the relationship between hippocampal gray matter volume (GMv) and depressive symptoms. The impact of HIV CD4 nadir and antidepressants was also investigated. Both VBM and ROI approaches revealed that higher BDI‐II scores (implicating more severe depressive symptoms) were associated with loss of hippocampal GMv, especially in the right hippocampus and the right entorhinal cortex. Low CD4 nadir predicted additional hippocampal volume loss independent of depressive symptoms. Taking antidepressants did not have a detectable effect on hippocampal volume. In summary, having more depressive symptoms is associated with smaller hippocampal volume in PWH, and a history of severe immunosuppression (i.e., low CD4 nadir) correlates with additional hippocampal volume reduction. However, the impact of depression on hippocampal volume may be independent of HIV‐disease severity such as low CD4 nadir.
RETRACTED: Novel computer‐aided lung cancer detection based on convolutional neural network‐based and feature‐based classifiers using metaheuristics
Authors: Guo Zhiqiang , Xu Lina , Si Yujuan , Razmjooy Navid 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study proposes a lung cancer diagnosis system based on computed tomography (CT) scan images for the detection of the disease. The proposed method uses a sequential approach to achieve this goal. Consequently, two well‐organized classifiers, the convolutional neural network (CNN) and feature‐based methodology, have been used. In the first step, the CNN classifier is optimized using a newly designed optimization method called the improved Harris hawk optimizer. This method is applied to the dataset, and the classification is commenced. If the disease cannot be detected via this method, the results are conveyed to the second classifier, that is, the feature‐based method. This classifier, including Haralick and LBP features, is subsequently applied to the received dataset from the CNN classifier. Finally, if the feature‐based method also does not detect cancer, the case study is healthy; otherwise, the case study is cancerous.
Blood plasma resonance Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis for esophageal cancer detection
Authors: Li Xianchang , Chen Hongjun , Zhang Shiding , Yang Haijun , Gao Shanshan , Xu Haisheng , Wang Lidong , Xu Ruiping , Zhou Fuyou , Hu Jiming , Zhao Jianhua , Zeng Haishan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe herein report a novel, reliable and inexpensive method for detecting esophageal cancer using blood plasma resonance Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis methods. The blood plasma samples were divided into late stage cancer group (n = 164), early stage cancer group (n = 35) and normal group (n = 135) based on clinical pathological diagnosis. Using a specially designed quartz capillary tube as sample holder, we obtained higher quality resonance Raman spectra of blood plasma than existing method. The study demonstrated that the carotenoids levels in blood plasma were reduced in esophageal cancer patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (and 95% confidence interval) calculated by wavenumber selection and principal component analysis combined with linear discriminant analysis (PC‐LDA) algorithm were 0.894 (0.858‐0.929), 0.901 (0.841‐0.960) and 0.871 (0.799‐0.942) for differentiating late cancer from normal, late cancer from early cancer, and early cancer from normal respectively. The contribution from the two carotenoids wavenumber regions of 1155 and 1515 cm−1 were more than 84.2%. The results show that the plasma carotenoids could be a potential biomarker for screening esophageal cancer using resonance Raman spectroscopy combined with wavenumber selection and PC‐LDA algorithms.
Low temperature SCR of NOx over Mn/Fe mixed oxides catalyst: comparison of synthesis methods
Authors: Ng Derrick , Acharya Durga , Wang Xingdong , Easton Christopher D , Wang Jinxiu , Xie Zongli 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith the increasing environmental pollution issues arising from NOx, the low‐temperature selective catalytic reduction (LT‐SCR) of NOx by NH3 is becoming more important. Mn/Fe mixed oxides type catalysts have been proven to be particularly effective at low temperature reactions; however, the synthesis method can be a key factor determining the SCR activities.RESULTSA comprehensive study of LT‐SCR was carried out on a series of Mn/Fe mixed oxides catalysts prepared using diverse synthesis methods, namely, sonication assisted continuous coprecipitation (SACP), equilibrium adsorption (EA), precipitation method using either NaOH (P‐OH) or Na2CO3 (P‐CO) as precipitant, and one pot hydrothermal synthesis (CA). The morphology, composition, crystal property, oxidation status, and surface property were systematically characterised. LT‐SCR of the NOx performance of prepared Mn/Fe catalysts was conducted in temperatures from 75 to 225 °C. It was demonstrated that, at reaction temperatures under 125 °C, LT‐SCR performance showed the trend of P‐OH > SACP > EA ~ CA > P‐CO; meanwhile, the trend was CA > SACP > P‐OH ~ EA > P‐CO at temperatures over 125 °C. However, N2 selectivity showed the trend SACP > CA > P‐OH overall.CONCLUSIONThe characterisation results suggested that NOx conversion performance is controlled by several parameters, especially uniformity of materials, high surface area, Mn crystallinity, surface oxygen defects, Fe (III) on the surface; these are important parameters to achieve high denitrification performance as shown by P‐OH and SACP under low temperature. At higher temperatures, the stability of materials and high Brønsted acid sites on the surface are important, leading to better performance by CA and SACP.
Cultural awareness training for dental students
Authors: Alraqiq Hosam M. , Sahota Sukhneet K. , Franks Cheryl L. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the impact of a full‐day workshop on increasing cultural awareness among incoming first‐year (DDS‐I) and post‐doctoral (PGY‐I) dental students at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.MethodsThe workshop focused on developing students’ cultural awareness regarding dimensions of identity, recognition of power and privilege, importance of cross‐cultural understanding and communication, and the role of self‐reflection through direct teaching, interactive discussions, and reflective writing. A convenience sample of 83 DDS‐I and 30 PGY‐I students from the 2019 enrollment class were recruited. Assessments included pre‐ and post‐workshop surveys, facilitator interviews, and a formal workshop evaluation. Descriptive and bivariate analyses of students’ responses were performed to assess cultural awareness within and between student groups. Facilitator interviews and student feedback were analyzed qualitatively to identify emerging themes.ResultsGlobal cultural awareness among both student groups was higher in the post‐workshop survey (for DDS‐I, mean = 3.46, SD = 0.38; for PGY‐I, mean = 3.47, SD = 0.30) than in the pre‐workshop survey (for DDS‐I, mean = 2.98, SD = 0.34; for PGY‐I, mean = 2.90, SD = 0.47), which represented a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Quantitative analysis revealed that the workshop provided a platform to discuss sensitive topics, increased cultural awareness among students and faculty, and provided faculty with different perspectives about culture awareness.ConclusionsThe full‐day workshop achieved its goals of increasing dental students’ self‐perceived cultural awareness and capacity to establish cross‐cultural professional relationships.
Sex and age influence on postural sway during sit‐to‐stand movement in children and adolescents: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pavão Silvia Leticia , dos Santos Adriana Neves , Cicuto Ferreira Rocha Nelci Adriana 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe investigated the influence of sex and age in postural sway during sit‐to‐stand (STS) in children and adolescents of 5–15 years. We evaluated sway during STS in 86 typical participants. STS was divided into three phases: preparation, rising, and stabilization. We calculated for each phase: area, anterior–posterior, and medial–lateral velocity of center‐of‐pressure sway. We applied a stepwise multiple linear regression model to determine if age and sex might be predictors of postural sway during STS. Only age was associated with sway, accounting for between 6.5% and 14.6% of the variability in sway during STS. The age of the subject influences postural sway during STS, but in a small amount. This variable should be taken into account as a variable of control in the assessment of dynamic postural control. Moreover, postural stability during STS was not associated with the sex of the participants.
Remoteness of residence predicts tumor stage, receipt of treatment, and mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Taye Belaynew W , Clark Paul J , Hartel Gunter , Powell Elizabeth E , Valery Patricia C 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and AimSurveillance and early detection and curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are the mainstay of improving survival for patients, but there are several barriers to achieving this goal. We reported the impact of remoteness of residence on receipt of treatment, tumor stage, and survival in patients with HCC in Queensland.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1651 HCC patients (147 migrants) from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2016. We used Wilcoxon rank‐sum test to compare the median age at the time of diagnosis and Bayesian Weibull accelerated failure time regression to identify independent predictors of time to death.ResultsThe median survival time after HCC diagnosis was 9.0 months (interquartile range 2.0–24.0). Metropolitan residence (P = 0.02), non‐English language (P < 0.001), foreign country of origin (P < 0.001), and HBV etiology (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with receiving surgical resection for HCC treatment. The strongest predictors of time to death were undifferentiated tumor at presentation (time ratio [TR] = 0.30, 95% credible interval (CrI) 0.23–0.39), age ≥70 years (TR = 0.42, 95% CrI 0.34–0.53), living in remote areas (TR = 0.67, 95% CrI 0.55–0.80), and presence of ≥1 comorbidity (TR = 0.69 95% CrI 0.54–0.90). All the other covariates adjusted, including country of birth (TR = 0.76, 95% CrI 0.49–1.06), did not predict survival time.ConclusionsPatients living in rural and remote areas had late stage clinical presentation and poor survival. Remoteness of residence may limit access to HCC surveillance in at‐risk patients such as those with cirrhosis, and timely curative treatment to improve survival in these patients.
Concise total synthesis of antiarrhythmic drug dronedarone via a conjugate addition followed intramolecular heck cyclization
Authors: Madhasu Madhu , Doda Sai Reddy , Begari Prem Kumar , Dasari Krishna Rao , Thalari Gangadhar , Kadari Sudhakar , Yadav Jhillu Singh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA concise, scalable, and an efficient total synthesis for dronedarone (2) was described using conjugate addition followed by intramolecular Heck cyclization. The other key reaction includes selective reduction of nitro functionality and addition of lithiated terminal alkyne to the aldehyde. The overall yield of this approach is 44% in six steps.
A comprehensive study on the Bayesian modelling of extreme rainfall: A case study from Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Touqeer , Ahmad Ishfaq , Arshad Irshad Ahmad , Bianco Nicolas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the modelling of extreme rainfall is carried out in Pakistan by analysing annual daily maximum rainfall data via frequentist and Bayesian approaches. In frequentist settings, the parameters and return levels of the best fitted probabilistic model (i.e., generalized extreme value) are estimated using maximum likelihood and linear moments method. On the other side, under the Bayesian framework, the parameters and return levels are calculated both for noninformative and informative priors. This task is completed with the help of the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method using the Metropolis‐Hasting algorithm. This study also highlights a procedure to build an informative prior through historical records of the underlying processes from other nearby weather stations. The findings attained from the Bayesian paradigm demonstrate that the posterior inference could be affected by the choice of past knowledge used for the construction of informative priors. Additionally, the best method for the modelling of extreme rainfall over the country is decided with the support of assessment measures. In general, the Bayesian paradigm linked with the informative priors offers an adequate estimations scheme in terms of accuracy as compared to frequentist methods, accounting for ambiguity in parameters and return levels. Hence, these findings are very helpful in adopting accurate flood protection measures and designing infrastructures over the country.