bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variability in molecular characteristics of Hepatitis E virus quasispecies could modify viral surface properties and transmission
Authors: Hartard Cédric , Fenaux Honorine , Gentilhomme Alexis , Murray John M. , Akand Elma , Laugel Elodie , Berger Sibel , Maul Armand , de Rougemont Alexis , Jeulin Hélène , Remen Thomas , Bensenane Mouni , Bronowicki Jean‐Pierre , Gantzer Christophe , Bertrand Isabelle , Schvoerer Evelyne 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV) usually causes self‐limited liver diseases but can also result in severe cases. Genotypes 1 (G1) and 2 circulate in developing countries are human‐restricted and waterborne, while zoonotic G3 and G4 circulating in industrialized countries preferentially infect human through consumption of contaminated meat. Our aims were to identify amino acid patterns in HEV variants that could be involved in pathogenicity or in transmission modes, related to their impact on antigenicity and viral surface hydrophobicity. HEV sequences from human (n = 37) and environmental origins (wild boar [n = 3], pig slaughterhouse effluent [n = 6] and urban wastewater [n = 2]) were collected for the characterization of quasispecies using ultra‐deep sequencing (ORF2/ORF3 overlap). Predictive and functional assays were carried out to investigate viral particle antigenicity and hydrophobicity. Most quasispecies showed a major variant while a mixture was observed in urban wastewater and in one chronically infected patient. Amino acid signatures were identified, as a rabbit‐linked HEV pattern in two infected patients, or the S68L (ORF2) / H81C (ORF3) residue mostly identified in wild boars. By comparison with environmental strains, molecular patterns less likely represented in humans were identified. Patterns impacting viral hydrophobicity and/or antigenicity were also observed, and the higher hydrophobicity of HEV naked particles compared with the enveloped forms was demonstrated. HEV variants isolated from human and environment present molecular patterns that could impact their surface properties as well as their transmission. These molecular patterns may concern only one minor variant of a quasispecies and could emerge under selective pressure.
A novel urine cell‐free DNA preservation solution and its application in kidney transplantation
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Liu Feng , Guo Luoying , Chen Ruoyang , Yuan Xiaodong , Li Chao , Shu Liping , Liu Haitao , Zhou Yang , Wu Yu , Shi Haifeng , Zhao Hongwen , Jiang Tingya 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimUrine cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) is a new type of liquid biopsy biomarker used in tumours and allograft injury detection but is highly susceptible to degradation by the high nuclease activity of urine. This study presents a newly developed urine cfDNA preservation solution (AlloU), efficient for examining allograft injury in kidney transplant recipients (KTx).MethodsWe established urine‐preserve solution called AlloU based on the response‐surface methodology, with two commercial collection reagents (Streck and K2 EDTA preservation solution) included for analysis. A total of 120 urine samples from KTx patients, including morning, nocturnal and random urine from specific storage time were subjected to investigation. The urine total cfDNA concentration was quantified by fluorometry, fragment distribution was analysed by qPCR, and donor‐derived cfDNA (ddcfDNA) was detected by next‐generation sequencing.ResultsUrine total cfDNA concentration and fragment size of samples preserved with AlloU and Streck did not change significantly within 5 days whereas the ddcfDNA also did not change significantly within 7 days. However, compared with EDTA, the total cfDNA concentration increased significantly on the third day. When compare with different urine types, it was found that samples preserved with AlloU showed no significant differences in total cfDNA concentration, fragment size, and ddcfDNA concentration, however, the SD for morning urine was significantly smaller in total cfDNA and ddcfDNA concentration.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to verify the dynamics of urine cfDNA in KTx, especially in the analysis impact of different urine types on cfDNA detection.
Corneal thickness changes in myopic children during and after short‐term orthokeratology lens wear
Authors: Wan Kin , Yau Hing Tuen , Cheung Sin Wan , Cho Pauline 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate thickness changes in the central and mid‐peripheral cornea (CCT and mPCT), corneal epithelium (CET and mPET) and stroma (CST and mPST) of myopic children during and after short‐term orthokeratology (ortho‐k) lens wear, with conventional (CCF, 0.75 D) and increased compression factors (ICF, 1.75 D).MethodsThis was a self‐controlled case series study. Subjects wore a CCF lens in one eye and an ICF lens in the other. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography images were captured weekly for 1 month during lens wear and for 2 weeks after discontinuing lens wear. CCT and CET (central 3‐mm cornea) and mPCT and mPET (within a 4–6 mm diameter annulus) were measured. Stromal thickness (ST) was determined by subtracting epithelium thickness (ET) from corneal thickness (CT). The repeatability of the analytical software was also investigated on age‐matched spectacle‐wearing subjects (n = 98).ResultsExcluding three outliers (>3 S.D.s), the coefficient of repeatability and intraclass correlation coefficients of 98 spectacle‐wearing subjects ranged from 2.63 to 4.64 μm and from 0.90 to 0.99, respectively. For the weekly‐change study, CCT and CET in both eyes were significantly thinner after lens wear (p < 0.001) and CET thinning in the ICF eyes were significantly higher (p < 0.02). CCT changes were mainly contributed by CET. CST, mPCT, mPET and mPST changes were not significant (p > 0.20) in either eye. CT (all sublayers) rebounded to baseline values 2 weeks after discontinuing lens wear (0.99 > p > 0.12).ConclusionsSignificant reductions in CT and ET, but not ST, were observed within 1 month of ortho‐k lens wear. Wearing ICF lenses resulted in a higher reduction in CET. Corneal thickness changes were reversible after discontinuing lens wear.
The neglected other half ‐ role of the pistil in plant heat stress responses
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Impa S. M. , Sunkar Ramanjulu , Jagadish S. V. Krishna 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHeat stress coinciding with reproductive stage leads to a significant loss in reproductive organs viability, resulting in lower seed‐set and crop productivity. Successful fertilization and seed formation are determined by the viability of male and female reproductive organs. The impact of heat stress on the male reproductive organ (pollen) is studied more often compared to the female reproductive organ (pistil). This is attributed to easier accessibility of the pollen coupled with the notion that the pistil's role in fertilization and seed‐set under heat stress is negligible. However, depending on species and developmental stages, recent studies reveal varying degrees of sensitivity of the pistil to heat stress. Remarkably, in some cases, the vulnerability of the pistil is even greater than the pollen. This article summarizes the current knowledge of the impact of heat stress on three critical stages of pistil for successful seed‐set, that is, female reproductive organ development (gametogenesis), pollen‐pistil interactions including pollen capture on stigma and pollen tube growth in style, as well as fertilization and early embryogenesis. Further, future research directions are suggested to unravel molecular basis of heat stress tolerance in pistil, which is critical for sustaining crop yields under predicted warming scenarios.
Low Vitamin D Serum Levels in a Cohort of Myasthenia Gravis Patients in Argentina
Authors: Justo Mariano E. , Aldecoa Mayra , Cela Eliana , Leoni Juliana , González Maglio Daniel H. , Villa Andrés M. , Aguirre Florencia , Paz Mariela L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThere are limited and controversial studies that address the role of vitamin D (vitD), a vitamin with immunomodulatory effects, in myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular autoimmune disease. We aimed to assess 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and to evaluate possible associations with the clinical severity and other biomarkers of the disease. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, anti‐acetylcholine receptor antibodies and complement factor C5a were measured in MG patients (n = 66) and healthy volunteers (HV) (n = 25). Participants were evaluated through questionnaires to determine vitD intake and sunlight exposure. Severity scores were registered for MG patients. We found an 89.4% of MG individuals with nonsufficient levels of vitD, in comparison with 68.0% in the group of HV (OR = 3.96; P = 0.024). In addition, there was an inverse correlation between 25(OH)D levels and one of the scores (P = 0.037 r = −0.26, CI95 = −0.49 to −0.0087). However, when we compared 25(OH)D median serum levels between MG patients and HV, no statistically significant differences have been found. This is the first report of vitD status in a cohort of Argentinean MG patients, where we found that patients are more likely to have nonsufficient levels of vitD compared to healthy people and that patients with more severe disease have lower levels of vitD.
Effects of different concentrations of Chir98014 as an activator of Wnt/beta‐catenin signaling pathway on oocyte in‐vitro maturation and subsequent embryonic development in Sanjabi ewes
Authors: Samereh Sarah , Hajarian Hadi , Karamishabankareh Hamed , Soltani Leila , Foroutanifar Saheb 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe present study was conducted to investigate the effects of the activator factor of the WNT pathway, chir98014, leading to the in vitro sheep oocyte maturation medium, on the cumulus cell development, different nuclear maturation stages and the following process of embryonic development. Experiments included (a) addition of different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 µm) of chir98014 to the maturation medium and evaluation of the cumulus cell expansion, (b) addition of different concentrations of chir98014 to the maturation medium and investigation of different nuclear maturation stages, (c) addition of different concentrations of chir98014 to the maturation medium and examination of the subsequent embryonic maturation process and (d) addition of different concentrations of chir98014 to the embryonic development culture medium (the first 48 hr) and investigation of the subsequent embryonic development process. The extracted data were analysed using the SPSS software, considering the significance level of p < .05 and making the mean comparisons. The results showed that the addition of the 0.1 µM concentration of chir98014 to the maturation medium had no significant effects on the oocyte maturation and embryo development post‐fertilization but it enhanced the Cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) expansion. In the fourth experiment, the low concentration of chir98014 in the embryo culture media improved the embryo development process, whereas the high one had a detrimental effect on it, as compared to the control group. Thus, the presence of the lower concentrations of this compound in the embryonic culture medium had favourable effects on the development of embryos.
Blood usage at a large academic center in Maryland in relation to the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020
Authors: Murphy Colin , Fontaine Magali , Luethy Paul , McGann Heather , Jackson Bryon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundBlood usage and collections were impacted throughout 2020 both by the severity of the COVID‐19 pandemic as well as public health decisions affecting hospital operations. We sought to understand the longer‐term effects of the pandemic on blood usage via changes in case volume and clinical intensity as well as whether the blood needs of COVID‐19‐positive patients differed from other transfused patients.Study design and methodsA single‐center retrospective study of blood use in 2020 as compared to 2014–2019 was conducted at a tertiary care center. Statistical analysis was performed in an R‐based workflow. p values are reported using two‐sided t‐tests for total hospital blood usage and using Mann–Whitney U tests for comparisons of patient blood usage.ResultsMean monthly red cell usage in 2020 decreased by 11.2% (p = .003), plasma usage decreased by 23.8%, (p < .001) platelet usage decreased by 11.4% (p < .001), and monthly cryoprecipitate use increased by 18% (p = .03). A linear regression model predicted significant associations between total blood usage and the year, number of Medicare eligible discharges, and Case Mix Index. COVID‐19‐positive patients requiring at least one blood product did not use significantly different amounts of red cells, plasma, or platelets from all other transfused patients.ConclusionsYear 2020 began with decreased blood usage that was normalized by late spring. Reassuringly, transfused COVID‐19‐positive patients in general and those requiring ICU level care do not use significantly increased amounts of blood as compared to similar transfused hospital patients.
Delayed window of improvements in skin microvascular function following a single bout of remote ischaemic preconditioning
Authors: Kim Jahyun , Franke Warren D. , Lang James A. 
Published: April 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Animal infarct studies indicate a delayed window of cardiac protection after remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC); however, the presence and duration of this delayed effect have not been examined in human microvasculature in vivo.

What is the main finding and its importance?
Cutaneous vasodilatation induced by local heating or ACh was increased significantly 24 and 48 h after a single bout of RIPC, respectively. Neither response persisted beyond ∼48 h. Sodium nitroprusside‐induced cutaneous vasodilatation was not altered. These findings reveal a delayed increase in microvascular endothelial function after a single bout of RIPC.

AbstractRemote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) induces protective effects from ischaemia–reperfusion injury. In the myocardium and conduit vasculature, a single bout of RIPC confers delayed protection that begins 24 h afterwards and lasts for 2–3 days. However, the extent and the time line in which a single bout of RIPC affects the human microvasculature are unclear. We hypothesized that a single bout of RIPC results in a delayed increase in skin microvascular function. Sixteen healthy participants (age, 23 ± 4 years; seven males, nine females; MAP, 82 ± 7 mmHg) were recruited to measure cutaneous microvascular function immediately before a single bout of RIPC and 24, 48 and 72 h and 1 week after the bout. The RIPC consisted of four repetitions of 5 min of arm blood flow occlusion interspersed by 5 min reperfusion. Skin blood flow responses to local heating (local temperature of 42°C), ACh and sodium nitroprusside were measured by laser speckle contrast imaging and expressed as the cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC; in perfusion units per millimetre of mercury). Vasodilatation in response to local heating was increased 24 and 48 h after RIPC (ΔCVC, 1.05 ± 0.07 vs. 1.18 ± 0.07 and 1.24 ± 0.08 PU mmHg−1, pre‐ vs. 24 and 48 h post‐RIPC; P < 0.05). Acetylcholine‐induced cutaneous vasodilatation increased significantly 48 h after RIPC (ΔCVC, 0.71 ± 0.07 vs. 0.93 ± 0.12 PU mmHg−1, pre‐ vs. 48 h post‐RIPC; P < 0.05) and returned to baseline thereafter. Sodium nitroprusside‐mediated vasodilatation did not change. Thus, a single bout of RIPC elicited a delayed response in the microvasculature, resulting in an improvement in the endothelium‐dependent cutaneous vasodilatory response that peaked ∼48 h post‐RIPC.
Individual variation of follicular phase changes in endothelial function across two menstrual cycles
Authors: Liu Kaitlyn R. , Lew Lindsay A. , McGarity‐Shipley Ellen C. , Byrne Amanda C. , Islam Hashim , Fenuta Alyssa M. , Pyke Kyra E. 
Published: April 2021

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
The purpose of this study was to determine intra‐individual reproducibility of follicular phase changes in endothelial function (flow‐mediated dilatation) over two menstrual cycles in healthy, premenopausal women.

What is the main finding and its importance?
Phase changes in endothelial function were not consistent at the individual level across two menstrual cycles, which challenges the utility of interpreting individual responses over one cycle.

AbstractEvidence regarding the impact of menstrual phase on endothelial function is conflicting, and studies to date have examined responses only over a single cycle. It is unknown whether the observed inter‐individual variability of phase changes in endothelial function reflects stable, inter‐individual differences in responses to oestrogen (E2; a primary female sex hormone). The purpose of this study was to examine changes in endothelial function from the early follicular (EF; low‐E2) phase to the late follicular (LF; high‐E2) phase over two consecutive cycles. Fourteen healthy, regularly menstruating women [22 ± 3 years of age (mean ± SD)] participated in four visits (EFVisit 1, LFVisit 2, EFVisit 3 and LFVisit 4) over two cycles. Ovulation testing was used to determine the time between the LF visit and ovulation. During each visit, endothelial function [brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD)], E2 and progesterone were assessed. At the group level, there was no impact of phase or cycle on FMD (P = 0.48 and P = 0.65, respectively). The phase change in FMD in cycle 1 did not predict the phase change in cycle 2 (r = 0.03, P = 0.92). Using threshold‐based classification (2 × typical error threshold), four of 14 participants (29%) exhibited directionally consistent phase changes in FMD across cycles. Oestrogen was not correlated between cycles, and this might have contributed to variability in the FMD response. The intra‐individual variability in follicular fluctuation in FMD between menstrual cycles challenges the utility of interpreting individual responses to phase over a single menstrual cycle.
Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Lithium Battery Based on Sequential CNN–LSTM Method
Authors: Li Dongdong , Yang Lin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Among various methods for remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of lithium batteries, the data-driven approach shows the most attractive character for non-linear relation learning and accurate prediction. However, the existing neural network models for RUL prediction not only lack accuracy but also are time-consuming in model training. In this paper, the sequential convolutional neural network–long short-term memory (CNN–LSTM) method is proposed for accurate RUL prediction of lithium batteries. First, degradation trajectories are analyzed, and six features are adopted for RUL prediction. Then, the CNN model is introduced for filtering the data features of degradation characters. And the orthogonal experiment is studied for optimizing the hyperparameters of the CNN model. Furthermore, by inputting the time-series features flattened by CNN and non-time series feature, the LSTM is reconstructed for memorizing the long-term degradation data of lithium battery. Finally, the proposed method is validated by four cells under different aging conditions. Comparing with the isolated models, the RUL prediction of sequential CNN–LSTM method has higher accuracy.
Dynamic Out-of-Plane Compressive Failure Mechanism of Carbon/Carbon Composite: Strain Rate Effect on the Defect Propagation and Microstructure Failure
Authors: Guo Fei , Fei Qingguo , Li Yanbin , Gupta Nikhil 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Out-of-plane compression experiments with the strain rate from 0.0001/s to 1000/s are performed on a three-dimensional (3D) fine weave-pierced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) composite using a universal testing machine, a high-speed testing machine, and a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The compressive failure mechanism of the composite is analyzed by a multi-scale analysis method, which ranges from micro-scale defect propagation, through meso-scale microstructure failure, to macro-scale material failure. In order to predict the out-of-plane compressive properties of 3D fine weave-pierced C/C composite at different strain rates, a strain-rate-dependent compressive constitutive model is proposed. The results show that the out-of-plane compressive behavior of the 3D fine weave-pierced C/C composite is sensitive to strain rate. With increasing the strain rate, the initial compressive modulus, the maximum stress, and the strain at the maximum stress increase. The difference in mechanical behavior between quasi-static and high strain rate compression is owing to the strain rate effect on the defect propagation of the 3D fine weave-pierced C/C composite. The proposed constitutive model matches well with the experimental data.
Heat Added to Repeated-Sprint Training in Hypoxia Does Not Affect Cycling Performance
Authors: Dennis Myles C. , Goods Paul S.R. , Binnie Martyn J. , Girard Olivier , Wallman Karen E. , Dawson Brian T. , Peeling Peter 
Published: April 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the influence of graded air temperatures during repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) on performance and physiological responses. Methods: Ten well-trained athletes completed one familiarization and 4 experimental sessions at a simulated altitude of 3000 m (0.144 FIO2) above sea level. Air temperatures utilized across the 4 experimental sessions were 20°C, 25°C, 30°C, and 35°C (all 50% relative humidity). The participants performed 3 sets of 5 × 10 seconds “all-out” cycle sprints, with 20 seconds of active recovery between sprints and 5 minutes of active recovery between sets (recovery intensity = 120 W). Core temperature, skin temperature, pulse oxygen saturation, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and thermal sensation were collected. Results: There were no differences between conditions for peak power, mean power, and total work in each set (P > .05). There were no condition × time interaction effects for any variables tested. The peak core temperature was highest at 30°C (38.06°C [0.31°C]). Overall, the pulse oxygen saturation was higher at 35°C than at 20°C (P < .001; d < 0.8), 25°C (P < .001; d = 1.12 ± 0.54, large), and 30°C (P < .001; d = 0.84 ± 0.53, large). Conclusion: Manipulating air temperature between 20°C and 35°C had no effect on performance or core temperature during a typical RSH session. However, the pulse oxygen saturation was preserved at 35°C, which may not be a desirable outcome for RSH interventions. The application of increased levels of ambient heat may require a different approach if augmenting the RSH stimulus is the desired outcome.