bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bio-inspired spatially variant photonic crystals for self-collimation and beam-steering applications in the near-infrared spectrum
Authors: Gnawali Rudra , Volk Andrew , Agha Imad , Payne Tamara E. , Rai Amit , Touma Jimmy 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe self-collimation of light through Photonic Crystals (PCs) due to their optical properties and through a special geometric structure offers a new form of beam steering with highly optical control capabilities for a range of different applications. The objective of this work is to understand self-collimation and bending of light beams through bio-inspired Spatially Variant Photonic Crystals (SVPCs) made from dielectric materials such as silicon dioxide and common polymers used in three-dimensional printing like SU-8. Based upon natural PCs found in animals such as butterflies and fish, the PCs developed in this work can be used to manipulate different wavelengths of light for optical communications, multiplexing, and beam-tuning devices for light detection and ranging applications. In this paper, we show the optical properties and potential applications of two different SVPC designs that can control light through a 90-degree bend and optical logic gates. These two-dimensional SVPC designs were optimized for operation in the near-infrared range of approximately 800–1000 nm for the 90-degree bend and 700–1000 nm for the optical logic gate. These SVPCs were shown to provide high transmission through desired regions with low reflection and absorption of light to prove the potential benefits of these structures for future optical systems.
SWATH-MS for prospective identification of protein blood biomarkers of rtPA-associated intracranial hemorrhage in acute ischemic stroke: a pilot study
Authors: Karaszewski Bartosz , Gójska-Grymajło Anna , Czaplewska Paulina , Jabłoński Bartosz , Lewandowska Aleksandra E. , Ossowska Daria , Wyszomirski Adam , Hałas Marek , Szurowska Edyta 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is, besides mechanical thrombectomy, the highest class evidence based reperfusion treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The biggest concern of the therapy is symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), which occurs in 3–7% of all treated patients, and is associated with worse functional outcome. Finding a method of the powerful identification of patients at highest risk of sICH, in order to increase the percentage of stroke patients safely treated with rtPA, is one of the most important challenges in stroke research. To address this problem, we designed a complex project to identify blood, neuroimaging, and clinical biomarkers combined for prospective assessment of the risk of rtPA-associated ICH. In this paper we present results of blood proteomic and peptide analysis of pilot 41 AIS patients before rtPA administration (the test ICH group, n = 9 or the controls, without ICH, n = 32). We demonstrated that pre-treatment blood profiles of 15 proteins differ depending on whether the patients develop rtPA-associated ICH or not. SWATH-MS quantification of serum or plasma proteins might allow for robust selection of blood biomarkers to increase the prospective assessment of rtPA-associated ICH over that based solely on clinical and neuroimaging characteristics.
Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery with interarterial course: a mid-term follow-up of 28 cases
Authors: Albuquerque Francisco , de Araújo Gonçalves Pedro , Marques Hugo , Ferreira António , Freitas Pedro , Lopes Pedro , Gonçalves Mariana , Dores Hélder , Cardim Nuno 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAnomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the opposite sinus (right-ACAOS) with interarterial course (IAC) has been associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Widespread use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has led to increased recognition of this condition, even among healthy individuals. Our study sought to examine the prevalence, anatomical characteristics, and outcomes of right-ACAOS with IAC in patients undergoing CCTA for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients referred for CCTA at one tertiary hospital from January 2012 to December 2020. Patients exhibiting right-ACAOS with IAC were analyzed for cardiac symptoms and mid-term occurrence of first MACE (cardiac death, SCD, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or revascularization of the anomalous vessel). CCTAs were reviewed for anatomical high-risk features and concomitant CAD. Among 10,928 patients referred for CCTA, 28 patients with right-ACAOS with IAC were identified. Mean age was 55 ± 17 years, 64% were male and 11 (39.3%) presented stable cardiac symptoms. Most patients had at least one high risk anatomical feature. During follow-up, there were no cardiac deaths or aborted SCD episodes and only 1 patient underwent surgical revascularization of the anomalous vessel. Right-ACAOS with IAC is an uncommon finding (prevalence of 0.26%). In a contemporary population of predominantly asymptomatic patients who survived this condition well into adulthood, most patients were managed conservatively with a low event rate. Additional studies are needed to support medical follow-up as the preferred option in this setting.
Circadian misalignment measured by social jetlag from early to late pregnancy and its association with nutritional status: a longitudinal study
Authors: Balieiro Laura Cristina Tibiletti , Gontijo Cristiana Araújo , Marot Luisa Pereira , Teixeira Gabriela Pereira , Fahmy Walid Makin , Moreno Claudia Roberta de Castro , Maia Yara Cristina de Paiva , Crispim Cibele Aparecida 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA mismatch between circadian and social clocks leads to a circadian misalignment, which has been widely measured by social jetlag (SJL). There are several studies measuring SJL, but it has not been studied in pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the occurrence of SJL throughout pregnancy and to verify whether there is an effect of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on SJL throughout pregnancy. The baseline of the present study was conducted with 205 1st trimester pregnant women of whom 100 were followed in their 2nd and 3rd trimester. SJL was calculated based on the absolute difference between mid-sleep time on workdays versus work-free days. The pre-pregnancy BMI and current BMI (kg/m2) were calculated. Linear regression and Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) adjusted for confounders were used to determine the association between SJL and the gestational trimesters (time), and anthropometric variables. Most of the pregnant women (54.5%) presented SJL > 1 h in the first gestational trimester. We also found an isolated effect of the gestation trimester on the SJL mean. In this sense, pregnant women had a decrease in SJL from the second to the third trimester (1.33 ± 0.08 versus 1.12 ± 0.07, respectively; p = 0.012). GEE analyzes showed that pregnant women of a normal weight showed a decrease in SJL from the second to the third trimester (1.29 ± 0.11 and 0.93 ± 0.08, respectively, p = 0.032), but this was not found in the other groups of nutritional status (underweight, overweight and obesity). In addition, a positive association between SJL and pre-gestational BMI in the third trimester (β = 0.200, p = 0.046) was found. SJL is quite prevalent during the gestational period and excessive BMI both before and during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of having SJL > 1 h in the third and second trimesters, respectively. In addition, pregnant women of normal weight—but not underweight or overweight—had decreased SJL from the second to the third trimester.
The influence of pacific winds on ENSO diversity
Authors: Capotondi Antonietta , Ricciardulli Lucrezia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe differences in ENSO sea surface temperature (SST) spatial patterns, whether centered in the Eastern Pacific (EP), Central Pacific (CP) or in the eastern-central equatorial region (“canonical”) have been associated to differences in atmospheric teleconnections and global impacts. However, predicting different types of ENSO events has proved challenging, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of their predictability. Given the key role played by wind variations in the development and evolution of ENSO events, this study examines the relationship between the leading modes of Pacific surface wind speed variability and ENSO diversity using three different state-of-the-art wind products, including satellite observations and atmospheric reanalyses. Although previous studies have associated different ENSO precursors to either EP or CP events, our results indicate that the most prominent of those ENSO precursors are primarily related to canonical and CP events, and show little correlation with EP events. The latter are associated with tropical Pacific conditions favoring equatorial westerly wind and precipitation anomalies that extend all the way to the eastern Pacific. Results over the entire twentieth century period versus those during the satellite era also suggest that the influences from the Southern Hemisphere may be more robust than those from the Northern Hemisphere.
Performance of individual dietary diversity score to identify malnutrition among patients living with HIV in Ethiopia
Authors: Hussien Foziya Mohammed , Mebratu Wondwosen , Ahmed Aragaw Yimer , Mekonnen Tefera Chane , Hassen Anissa Mohammed , Asfaw Zinet Abegaz , Hassen Hamid Yimam , Abate Kalkidan Hassen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThere is a lack of uniformity in developing and validating indicators of nutritional status among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV). Experiences from low and middle-income countries are scant, and differences in methodological and analytical approaches affect the comparability and generalizability of findings. Therefore, this study investigated the performance of individual diversity score (IDDS) as a proxy indicator of nutritional status among PLHIV. We conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study among 423 PLHIV who were under Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) at clinics in Bahir-Dar, Ethiopia. We collected data on sociodemographic, dietary, clinical, and anthropometric measures. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-Hour dietary recall. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated to assess the nutritional status of study subjects. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the ability of the IDDS and Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) to detect poor nutritional status. Furthermore, sensitivity, specificity, Predictive Values (PPs), and Likelihood Ratios (LRs) were calculated at different cut-off points. IDDS showed good reliability with Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.76. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of IDDS was 78.5 (95%CI 73.9–83.4). At the IDDS cut-off of 4, the sensitivity and specificity of IDDS to indicate nutritional status were 88.0% (95%CI 81.0–93.0) and 71.0% (95%CI 66.0–76.0), respectively. The AUC of MDD-W was 74.1%, and at the cut-off of 4 the sensitivity and specificity of MDD-W to indicate undernutrition were 73.0% and 72.0%, respectively. Both IDDS and MDD-W have good accuracy as a proxy indicator for measuring the nutritional status of PLHIV. In the prevention of undernutrition among PLHIV especially in a resource-limited setting, IDDS and MDD-W can be used to assess nutritional status.
On the function of biosynthesized cellulose as barrier against bacterial colonization of VAD drivelines
Authors: Kaemmel Julius , Ferrari Aldo , Robotti Francesco , Bottan Simone , Eichenseher Fritz , Schmidt Tanja , Gonzalez Moreno Mercedes , Trampuz Andrej , Eulert-Grehn Jaime-Jürgen , Knosalla Christoph , Potapov Evgenij , Falk Volkmar , Starck Christoph 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBacterial colonization of drivelines represents a major adverse event in the implantation of left ventricular assist devices (L-VADs) for the treatment of congestive heart failure. From the external driveline interface and through the skin breach, pathogens can ascend to the pump pocket, endangering the device function and the patient’s life. Surface Micro-Engineered Biosynthesized cellulose (BC) is an implantable biomaterial, which minimizes fibrotic tissue deposition and promotes healthy tissue regeneration. The topographic arrangement of cellulose fibers and the typical material porosity support its potential protective function against bacterial permeation; however, this application has not been tested in clinically relevant animal models. Here, a goat model was adopted to evaluate the barrier function of BC membranes. The external silicone mantle of commercial L-VAD drivelines was implanted percutaneously with an intervening layer of BC to separate them from the surrounding soft tissue. End-point evaluation at 6 and 12 weeks of two separate animal groups revealed the local bacterial colonization at the different interfaces in comparison with unprotected driveline mantle controls. The results demonstrate that the BC membranes established an effective barrier against the bacterial colonization of the outer driveline interface. The containment of pathogen infiltration, in combination with the known anti-fibrotic effect of BC, may promote a more efficient immune clearance upon driveline implantation and support the efficacy of local antibiotic treatments, therefore mitigating the risk connected to their percutaneous deployment.
Encapsulation of an anticancer drug Isatin inside a host nano-vehicle SWCNT: a molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Dehaghani Maryam Zarghami , Yousefi Farrokh , Seidi Farzad , Bagheri Babak , Mashhadzadeh Amin Hamed , Naderi Ghasem , Esmaeili Amin , Abida Otman , Habibzadeh Sajjad , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Rybachuk Maksym 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe use of carbon nanotubes as anticancer drug delivery cargo systems is a promising modality as they are able to perforate cellular membranes and transport the carried therapeutic molecules into the cellular components. Our work describes the encapsulation process of a common anticancer drug, Isatin (1H-indole-2,3-dione) as a guest molecule, in a capped single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) host with chirality of (10,10). The encapsulation process was modelled, considering an aqueous solution, by a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation under a canonical NVT ensemble. The interactions between the atoms of Isatin were obtained from the DREIDING force filed. The storage capacity of the capped SWCNT host was evaluated to quantify its capacity to host multiple Isatin molecules. Our results show that the Isatin can be readily trapped inside the volume cavity of the capped SWCNT and it remained stable, as featured by a reduction in the van der Waals forces between Isatin guest and the SWCNT host (at approximately − 30 kcal mol−1) at the end of the MD simulation (15 ns). Moreover, the free energy of encapsulation was found to be − 34 kcal mol−1 suggesting that the Isatin insertion procedure into the SWCNT occurred spontaneously. As calculated, a capped SWCNT (10,10) with a length of 30 Å, was able to host eleven (11) molecules of Isatin, that all remained steadily encapsulated inside the SWCNT volume cavity, showing a potential for the use of carbon nanotubes as drug delivery cargo systems.
TDP-43 regulates GAD1 mRNA splicing and GABA signaling in Drosophila CNS
Authors: Romano Giulia , Holodkov Nikola , Klima Raffaella , Feiguin Fabian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlterations in the function of the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 are largely associated with the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating disease of the human motor system that leads to motoneurons degeneration and reduced life expectancy by molecular mechanisms not well known. In our previous work, we found that the expression levels of the glutamic acid decarboxylase enzyme (GAD1), responsible for converting glutamate to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), were downregulated in TBPH-null flies and motoneurons derived from ALS patients carrying mutations in TDP-43, suggesting that defects in the regulation of GAD1 may lead to neurodegeneration by affecting neurotransmitter balance. In this study, we observed that TBPH was required for the regulation of GAD1 pre-mRNA splicing and the levels of GABA in the Drosophila central nervous system (CNS). Interestingly, we discovered that pharmacological treatments aimed to potentiate GABA neurotransmission were able to revert locomotion deficiencies in TBPH-minus flies, revealing novel mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in ALS.
Conditioned medium from stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth ameliorates NASH via the Gut-Liver axis
Authors: Muto Hisanori , Ito Takanori , Tanaka Taku , Yokoyama Shinya , Yamamoto Kenta , Imai Norihiro , Ishizu Yoji , Maeda Keiko , Honda Takashi , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Kato Asuka , Ohshiro Taichi , Kano Fumiya , Yamamoto Akihito , Sakai Kiyoshi , Hibi Hideharu , Ishigami Masatoshi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) occurrence has been increasing and is becoming a major cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, effective treatments for NASH are still lacking. We examined the benefits of serum-free conditioned medium from stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED-CM) on a murine non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model induced by a combination of Western diet (WD) and repeated administration of low doses of carbon tetrachloride intraperitoneally, focusing on the gut-liver axis. We showed that repeated intravenous administration of SHED-CM significantly ameliorated histological liver fibrosis and inflammation in a murine NASH model. SHED-CM inhibited parenchymal cell apoptosis and reduced the activation of inflammatory macrophages. Gene expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mediators (such as Tnf-α, Tgf-β, and Ccl-2) in the liver was reduced in mice treated with SHED-CM. Furthermore, SHED-CM protected intestinal tight junctions and maintained intestinal barrier function, while suppressing gene expression of the receptor for endotoxin, Toll-like receptor 4, in the liver. SHED-CM promoted the recovery of Caco-2 monolayer dysfunction induced by IFN-γ and TNF-α in vitro. Our findings suggest that SHED-CM may inhibit NASH fibrosis via the gut-liver axis, in addition to its protective effect on hepatocytes and the induction of macrophages with unique anti-inflammatory phenotypes.
An all-sputtered photovoltaic ultraviolet photodetector based on co-doped CuCrO2 and Al-doped ZnO heterojunction
Authors: Ahmadi Morteza , Abrari Masoud , Ghanaatshoar Majid 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe propose and fabricate a heterojunction between Al-doped ZnO and (Mg, N)-doped CuCrO2 thin films using the sputtering deposition method. These materials possess wide bandgap that makes them transparent in the visible light but excellent UV-absorbers. On the other hand, the high conductivity of these materials, respectively as n-type and p-type transparent conducting oxides, facilitates the charge transport. We show that the p–n junction fabricated from these materials has the potential to act as a high-performance UV photovoltaic photodetector. The proposed structure, demonstrates fast responses in order of sub seconds, photosensitivity of ~ 41,000, responsivity of 1.645 mA/W, and a detectivity of 3.52 × 1012 Jones that are significantly improved in comparison with the Al-doped ZnO photoconductor. This excellent improvement is attributed to the capability of the photovoltaic configuration that creates a built-in voltage and facilitates the charge separation and collection rather than recombination in the photoconductor configuration.
Systematic tissue collection during clinical breast biopsy is feasible, safe and enables high-content translational analyses
Authors: Koh Siang-Boon , Dontchos Brian N. , Bossuyt Veerle , Edmonds Christine , Cristea Simona , Melkonjan Nsan , Mortensen Lindsey , Ma Annie , Beyerlin Kassidy , Denault Elyssa , Niehoff Elizabeth , Hirz Taghreed , Sykes David B. , Michor Franziska , Specht Michelle , Lehman Constance , Ellisen Leif W. , Spring Laura M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSystematic collection of fresh tissues for research at the time of diagnostic image-guided breast biopsy has the potential to fuel a wide variety of innovative studies. Here we report the initial experience, including safety, feasibility, and laboratory proof-of-principle, with the collection and analysis of research specimens obtained via breast core needle biopsy immediately following routine clinical biopsy at a single institution over a 14-month period. Patients underwent one or two additional core biopsies following collection of all necessary clinical specimens. In total, 395 patients were approached and 270 consented to the research study, yielding a 68.4% consent rate. Among consenting patients, 238 lesions were biopsied for research, resulting in 446 research specimens collected. No immediate complications were observed. Representative research core specimens showed high diagnostic concordance with clinical core biopsies. Flow cytometry demonstrated consistent recovery of hundreds to thousands of viable cells per research core. Among a group of HER2 + tumor research specimens, HER2 assessment by flow cytometry correlated highly with immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, and in addition revealed extensive inter- and intra-tumoral variation in HER2 levels of potential clinical relevance. Suitability for single-cell transcriptomic analysis was demonstrated for a triple-negative tumor core biopsy, revealing substantial cellular diversity in the tumor immune microenvironment, including a prognostically relevant T cell subpopulation. Thus, collection of fresh tissues for research purposes at the time of diagnostic breast biopsy is safe, feasible and efficient, and may provide a high-yield mechanism to generate a rich tissue repository for a wide variety of cross-disciplinary research.
Age-related demethylation of the TDP-43 autoregulatory region in the human motor cortex
Authors: Koike Yuka , Sugai Akihiro , Hara Norikazu , Ito Junko , Yokoseki Akio , Ishihara Tomohiko , Yamagishi Takuma , Tsuboguchi Shintaro , Tada Mari , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Kakita Akiyoshi , Onodera Osamu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), which is encoded by TARDBP, forms aggregates in the motor cortex. This aggregate formation may be triggered by an increase in the TDP-43 level with aging. However, the amount of TDP-43 is autoregulated by alternative splicing of the TARDBP 3′UTR, and how this autoregulation is affected by aging remains to be elucidated. We found that DNA demethylation in the autoregulatory region in the TARDBP 3′UTR reduced alternative splicing and increased TARDBP mRNA expression. Furthermore, in the human motor cortex, we found that this region was demethylated with aging, resulting in increased expression of TARDBP mRNA. The acceleration of DNA demethylation in the motor cortex was associated with the age of ALS onset. In summary, the dysregulation of TDP-43 autoregulation by age-related DNA demethylation in the motor cortex may explain the contribution of aging and motor system selectivity in ALS.