bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between telomere length and ischemic stroke risk and phenotype
Authors: Yetim Ezgi , Topcuoglu Mehmet Akif , Yurur Kutlay Nuket , Tukun Ajlan , Oguz Kader K. , Arsava Ethem Murat 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe chronological age of a person is a key determinant of etiology and prognosis in the setting of ischemic stroke. Telomere length, an indicator of biological aging, progressively shortens with every cell cycle. Herein, we determined telomere length from peripheral blood leukocytes by Southern blot analyses in a prospective cohort of ischemic stroke patients (n = 163) and equal number of non-stroke controls and evaluated its association with various ischemic stroke features including etiology, severity, and outcome. A shorter telomere length (i.e. lowest quartile; ≤ 5.5 kb) was significantly associated with ischemic stroke (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.70–5.13). This significant relationship persisted for all stroke etiologies, except for other rare causes of stroke. No significant association was present between admission lesion volume and telomere length; however, patients with shorter telomeres had higher admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores when adjusted for chronological age, risk factors, etiology, and infarct volume (p = 0.046). On the other hand, chronological age, but not telomere length, was associated with unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin scale > 2) and mortality at 90 days follow-up. The association between shorter telomere length and more severe clinical phenotype at the time of admission, might reflect reduced resilience of cerebral tissue to ischemia as part of biological aging.
PET-CT and RNA sequencing reveal novel targets for acupuncture-induced lowering of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Li Jing , Peng Chong , Lai Dongjian , Fang Yajing , Luo Daihong , Zhou Zunming , Li Chenyun , Lai Xinsheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractManual acupuncture (MA) can be used to manage high blood pressure; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. To explore the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of hypertension, Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were subjected to either MA stimulation or the corresponding sham procedure as a negative control (Sham-MA) for 1 week. PET-CT scans, transcriptomics and molecular biology were used to evaluate the effect of MA. The results show that MA can regulate blood pressure in SHRs, change the glucose metabolism of the paraventricular hypothalamus (PVH), and affect the mRNA and protein expression levels of differentially expressed genes in the PVH. These genes may lower blood pressure by regulating angiotensin, endothelial function and inflammation. These findings reveal that MA regulates multiple biological processes and genes/proteins of the PVH, and provide a solid theoretical basis for exploring the mechanisms by which MA regulates hypertension.
Poor performance of open incisional biopsy for the microbiological diagnosis of periprosthetic knee joint infection
Authors: Schwarze Jan , Moellenbeck Burkhard , Gosheger Georg , Schmidt-Braekling Tom , Lampe Lukas , Klingebiel Sebastian , Ackmann Thomas , Theil Christoph 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe accurate preoperative diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be difficult despite the use of a combination of serum and synovial markers. In such inconclusive cases, incisional open biopsy might be considered. This study investigates the usefulness of biopsies in patients with inconclusive diagnostic findings. We retrospectively identified 63 patients who underwent incisional biopsy for chronic PJI in the operation theatre following TKA revision between 2010 and 2018 after inconclusive preoperative diagnostics for PJI. In all cases, 5 independent biopsies were taken. Results from open biopsy for PJI were analyzed for diagnostic accuracy using the intraoperative results from following revision surgery as gold standard. 27 patients (43%) had a positive culture taken during biopsy. 15 cases (24%) met the diagnostic criteria for a chronic PJI. Most common organisms were Coagulase-negative staphylococci (67%) and Cutibacterium acnes (30%). Compared to the findings during revision surgery, biopsies showed a sensitivity of 47% and a specificity of 77% for PJI. Open incisional biopsy following inconclusive serum- and synovial diagnostics for low grade PJI may be considered for identification of microorganisms. Due to its low sensitivity and moderate specificity found in the present cohort, microbiological analysis should be combined with additional diagnostic markers and histological investigation.Level of Evidence. Retrospective cohort study (Level III).
Bacterial DNAemia is associated with serum zonulin levels in older subjects
Authors: Gargari Giorgio , Mantegazza Giacomo , Taverniti Valentina , Del Bo’ Cristian , Bernardi Stefano , Andres-Lacueva Cristina , González-Domínguez Raul , Kroon Paul A. , Winterbone Mark S. , Cherubini Antonio , Riso Patrizia , Guglielmetti Simone 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe increased presence of bacteria in blood is a plausible contributing factor in the development and progression of aging-associated diseases. In this context, we performed the quantification and the taxonomic profiling of the bacterial DNA in blood samples collected from forty-three older subjects enrolled in a nursing home. Quantitative PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene revealed that all samples contained detectable amounts of bacterial DNA with a concentration that varied considerably between subjects. Correlation analyses revealed that the bacterial DNAemia (expressed as concentration of 16S rRNA gene copies in blood) significantly associated with the serum levels of zonulin, a marker of intestinal permeability. This result was confirmed by the analysis of a second set of blood samples collected from the same subjects. 16S rRNA gene profiling revealed that most of the bacterial DNA detected in blood was ascribable to the phylum Proteobacteria with a predominance of the genus Pseudomonas. Several control samples were also analyzed to assess the influence of contaminant bacterial DNA potentially originating from reagents and materials. The data reported here suggest that para-cellular permeability of epithelial (and, potentially, endothelial) cell layers may play an important role in bacterial migration into the bloodstream. Bacterial DNAemia is likely to impact on several aspects of host physiology and could underpin the development and prognosis of various diseases in older subjects.
Cooperative inhibition of SNARE-mediated vesicle fusion by α-synuclein monomers and oligomers
Authors: Yoo Gyeongji , Yeou Sanghun , Son Jung Bae , Shin Yeon-Kyun , Lee Nam Ki 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe primary hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the generation of Lewy bodies of which major component is α-synuclein (α-Syn). Because of increasing evidence of the fundamental roles of α-Syn oligomers in disease progression, α-Syn oligomers have become potential targets for therapeutic interventions for PD. One of the potential toxicities of α-Syn oligomers is their inhibition of SNARE-mediated vesicle fusion by specifically interacting with vesicle-SNARE protein synaptobrevin-2 (Syb2), which hampers dopamine release. Here, we show that α-Syn monomers and oligomers cooperatively inhibit neuronal SNARE-mediated vesicle fusion. α-Syn monomers at submicromolar concentrations increase the fusion inhibition by α-Syn oligomers. This cooperative pathological effect stems from the synergically enhanced vesicle clustering. Based on this cooperative inhibition mechanism, we reverse the fusion inhibitory effect of α-Syn oligomers using small peptide fragments. The small peptide fragments, derivatives of α-Syn, block the binding of α-Syn oligomers to Syb2 and dramatically reverse the toxicity of α-Syn oligomers in vesicle fusion. Our findings demonstrate a new strategy for therapeutic intervention in PD and related diseases based on this specific interaction of α-Syn.
Clinical characteristics and prediction analysis of pediatric urinary tract infections caused by gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Hsu Yu-Lung , Chang Shih-Ni , Lin Che-Chen , Lin Hsiao-Chuan , Lai Huan-Cheng , Kuo Chin-Chi , Hwang Kao-Pin , Chiang Hsiu-Yin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGram-positive (GP) pathogens are less accounted for in pediatric urinary tract infection (UTI), and their clinical impact is underrecognized. This study aimed to identify predictors of GP uropathogens in pediatric UTI. In this 14-year retrospective cohort of pediatric patients with UTI, we classified first-time UTIs cases into those caused by GP or Gram-negative (GN) bacteria. We constructed a multivariable logistic regression model to predict GP UTI. We evaluated model performance through calibration and discrimination plots. We developed a nomogram to predict GP UTI that is clinically feasible. Of 3783 children with first-time UTI, 166 (4.4%) were infected by GP and 3617 (95.6%) by GN bacteria. Among children with GP UTI, the most common uropathogens were vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) (27.1%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (26.5%), and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (12.7%). Eight independent risk factors were associated with GP UTI: Age ≥ 24 months (odds ratio [OR]: 3.21), no prior antibiotic use (OR: 3.13), serum white blood cell (WBC) count < 14.4 × 103/μL (OR: 2.19), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) < 3.4 mg/dL (OR: 2.18), hemoglobin ≥ 11.3 g/dL (OR: 1.90), negative urine leukocyte esterase (OR: 3.19), negative urine nitrite (OR: 4.13), and urine WBC < 420/μL (OR: 2.37). The model exhibited good discrimination (C-statistic 0.879; 95% CI 0.845–0.913) and calibration performance. VR E. faecalis, the leading GP uropathogen causing pediatric UTI, requires early detection for infection control. Our model for predicting GP UTI can help clinicians detect GP uropathogens and administer antibiotic regimen early.
Prediction of precise subsoiling based on analytical method, discrete element simulation and experimental data from soil bin
Authors: Makange Nelson Richard , Ji Changying , Nyalala Innocent , Sunusi Idris Idris , Opiyo Samwel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPrediction of a precise subsoiling using an analytical model (AM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) was conducted to explain cutting forces and the soil profile induced changes by a subsoiler. Although sensors, AMs and DEM exist, there are still cases of soil structure deformation during deep tillage. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a clear understanding of the deep tillage using prediction models. Experimental data obtained in the soil bin trolley with force sensors were used for verification of the models. Experiments were designed using Taguchi method. In the AM, the modified-McKyes and Willat and Willis equations were used to determine cutting forces and soil furrow profile respectively. Calculations were done using MATLAB software. The elastoplastic behavior of soil was incorporated into the DEM. The DEM predicted results with the best regression of 0.984 $$R^{2}$$

R
2

at a $$NRMSE$$

NRMSE

of 1.936 while the AM had the lowest $$R^{2}$$

R
2

of 0.957, at a $$NRMSE$$

NRMSE

of 6.008. All regression results were obtained at p < 0.05. The ANOVA test showed that the p-values for the horizontal and vertical forces were 0.9396 and 0.9696, respectively. The DEM predicted better than the AM. DEM is easy to use and is effective in developing models for precision subsoiling.
The variability of soils and vegetation of hydrothermal fields in the Valley of Geysers at Kamchatka Peninsula
Authors: Semenkov I. N. , Klink G. V. , Lebedeva M. P. , Krupskaya V. V. , Chernov M. S. , Dorzhieva O. V. , Kazinskiy M. T. , Sokolov V. N. , Zavadskaya A. V. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe picturesque and high conservation value thermal landscapes of the Valley of Geysers feature endothermal (heated by endogenous fluids) soils which support endangered and unique species. However, such soils have not been distinguished as a separate taxon within most classification systems. In this study, we described the soil morphology at macro-, meso- and micro-scales, chemistry, mineralogy and vegetation of these landscapes as they are affected by the steam-heated acid-sulfate waters. The studied catenary sequence from exothermal (non-heated) to endothermal soils was characterized by decreasing contents of soil organic carbon, sand fraction, essential nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, Mn and Si), increasing soil acidity, amounts of fine particle-size fractions and contents of trace elements (Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ti and V) as well as the development of sodium-sulfate salinity, kaolinization and ferrugination. In phytocenoses supported by endothermal soils, species of order Rosales and Asparagales were overrepresented among obligate and facultative thermophytes respectively, and species of order Poales were underrepresented among facultative thermophytes in relation to the flora of the Valley of Geysers. Phytocenoses on the non-heated Andosols were enriched in Polypodiopsida species. The results of our comparative analysis of the thermally-induced variability in the soils and vegetation contribute to the general understanding of mineralogical, bio-abiotic and biological systems affected by steam-heated acid-sulfate waters. We hope that our findings will provide a basis for future transdisciplinary studies of the influence of steam-heated waters of a hot spring on the thermal landscapes.
Psychological symptoms and salivary inflammatory biomarkers in patients with dentofacial deformities: a case–control study
Authors: Volkweis Maria C. C. , Neculqueo Gabriela W. , Freitas Raquel D. S. , Dagnino Ana P. A. , Fritscher Guilherme G. , Irigaray Tatiana Q. , Campos Maria M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIndividuals with dentofacial deformities often display a low quality of life (QoL) through biological mechanisms that remain unraveled. In this case–control study, the salivary levels of cytokines, glutamate, and kynurenine metabolites were assessed in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery (OS), while correlating these parameters with QoL and psychological symptoms. Thirty-six patients were enrolled in control (under orthodontic treatment) and test (undergoing OS) groups, matched by age and sex. The QoL was assessed through the World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire (OQLQ). The psychological symptoms were evaluated by the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The salivary levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, glutamate, and kynurenine metabolites were evaluated. The OQLQ demonstrated increased QoL scores in the test group, regarding social aspects, facial esthetics, and function domains, without significant differences in respect to the other surveys. These patients displayed higher IL-1β and glutamate levels; conversely, the kynurenine metabolites were unaltered. The glutamate levels positively correlated with the OQLQ function scores. The data brings novel evidence about the psychobiological features of patients with dentofacial deformities, showing salivary variations of inflammatory biomarkers in these individuals.
NEBULA is a fast negative binomial mixed model for differential or co-expression analysis of large-scale multi-subject single-cell data
Authors: He Liang , Davila-Velderrain Jose , Sumida Tomokazu S. , Hafler David A. , Kellis Manolis , Kulminski Alexander M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe increasing availability of single-cell data revolutionizes the understanding of biological mechanisms at cellular resolution. For differential expression analysis in multi-subject single-cell data, negative binomial mixed models account for both subject-level and cell-level overdispersions, but are computationally demanding. Here, we propose an efficient NEgative Binomial mixed model Using a Large-sample Approximation (NEBULA). The speed gain is achieved by analytically solving high-dimensional integrals instead of using the Laplace approximation. We demonstrate that NEBULA is orders of magnitude faster than existing tools and controls false-positive errors in marker gene identification and co-expression analysis. Using NEBULA in Alzheimer’s disease cohort data sets, we found that the cell-level expression ofAPOEcorrelated with that of other genetic risk factors (includingCLU, CST3, TREM2, C1q, andITM2B) in a cell-type-specific pattern and an isoform-dependent manner in microglia. NEBULA opens up a new avenue for the broad application of mixed models to large-scale multi-subject single-cell data.
Exploiting the neuroprotective effects of α-klotho to tackle ageing- and neurodegeneration-related cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Hanson Kelsey , Fisher Kate , Hooper Nigel M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is a key symptom of ageing and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Strategies to enhance cognition would impact the quality of life for a significant proportion of the ageing population. The α-klotho protein may protect against cognitive decline through multiple mechanisms: such as promoting optimal synaptic function via activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor signalling; stimulating the antioxidant defence system; reducing inflammation; promoting autophagy and enhancing clearance of amyloid-β. However, the molecular and cellular pathways by which α-klotho mediates these neuroprotective functions have yet to be fully elucidated. Key questions remain unanswered: which form of α-klotho (transmembrane, soluble or secreted) mediates its cognitive enhancing properties; what is the neuronal receptor for α-klotho and which signalling pathways are activated by α-klotho in the brain to enhance cognition; how does peripherally administered α-klotho mediate neuroprotection; and what is the molecular basis for the beneficial effect of the VS variant of α-klotho? In this review, we summarise the recent research on neuronal α-klotho and discuss how the neuroprotective properties of α-klotho could be exploited to tackle age- and neurodegeneration-associated cognitive dysfunction.
Comparative study on the thermal performance of surface‐mounted devices light‐emitting diode packaging with poly(1,4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) and epoxy moulding compound frames
Authors: Zhao Dezhi , Xiong Zhihua , Chen Cong , Niu Yunfei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWith the emergence of the different light‐emitting diode (LED) packaging materials, the thermal analysis of LED device packaging with different materials has become urgent. The thermal performance of LED packaging with a poly(1,4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) frame (PCT‐LED) and LED packaging with an epoxy moulding compound frame (EMC‐LED) were measured and simulated. The results show that compared with EMC‐LED, PCT‐LED has better optical and thermal performance. The luminous efficiency of PCT‐LED and EMC‐LED is 177.31 and 167.42 lm/W, respectively, under 150 mA at 25°C. PCT‐LED devices have a lower thermal resistance of 15.64°C/W compared with that of EMC‐LED, and under the different temperature and drive current conditions, the excellent thermal characteristic of PCT‐LED devices is significant. Moreover, all simulation results agree well with the experimental results, and the maximum temperature of PCT‐LED falls faster than that of EMC‐LED with a fluid flow rate by thermal simulation. However, EMC‐LED has better antiageing performance. These results are important to guide the application of PCT‐LEDs and EMC‐LEDs.
Domestic smart metering infrastructure and a method for home appliances identification using low‐rate power consumption data
Authors: Paraskevas Ioannis , Barbarosou Maria , Fitton Richard , Swan William 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe deployment of domestic smart metering infrastructure in Great Britain provides the opportunity for identification of home appliances utilising non‐intrusive load monitoring methods. Identifying the energy consumption of certain home appliances generates useful insights for the energy suppliers and for other bodies with a vested interest in energy consumption. Consequently, the domestic smart metering system, which is an integral part of the smart cities' infrastructure, can also be used for home appliance identification purposes taking into account the limitations of the system. In this article, a step‐by‐step description on accessing data directly from the domestic Smart Meter via an external Consumer Access Device is described, as well as an easy‐to‐implement method for identifying commonly used home appliances through their power consumption signals sampled at a rate similar to the rate available by the domestic smart metering system. The experimental results indicate that the combination of time domain with frequency domain features extracted either from the 1D/2D Discrete Fourier Transform or the Discrete Cosine Transform provides improved recognition performance compared to the case where the time domain or the frequency domain features are used separately.
Pressure induced semiconductor to metal phase transition in cubic CsSnBr3 perovskite
Authors: Hossain Md. Sajib , Haque Babu Md. Majibul , Saha Tusar , Hossain Md. Sazzad , Podder Jiban , Rana Md. Shohel , Barik Abdul , Rani Protima 
Published: May 2021

Phase transitions in metal halide perovskites triggered by external provocations produce significantly different material properties, providing a prodigious opportunity for comprehensive applications. In the present study, the first principles calculation has been performed with the help of density functional theory using the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package code to investigate the physical properties of lead-free CsSnBr3 metal halides under various hydrostatic pressures. The effect of pressure is determined in the range of 0–28 GPa by the generalized gradient approximation and Becke, three-parameter, Lee–Yang–Parr functions. Subsequently, a significant change is observed in the lattice constant and volume with increasing pressure. The electronic band structure shows a semiconductor to metal phase transition under elevated pressure. The investigation of optical functions shows that the absorption edge of the CsSnBr3 perovskite is shifted remarkably toward the low energy region (red shift) with improved pressure up to 16 GPa. In addition, the absorptivity and dielectric constant also upsurge with the applied hydrostatic pressure. Finally, the mechanical properties reveal the fact that the CsSnBr3 perovskite is mechanically stable and highly ductile; the ductility is increased with increasing pressure. This type of semiconductor to metal phase transition may inspire a wide range of potential applications.