bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinoic acid and taurine enhance differentiation of the human bone marrow stem cells into cone photoreceptor cells and retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Forouzanfar Fatemeh , Soleimannejad Mostafa , Soltani Amin , Sadat Mirsafaee Parisa , Asgharzade Samira 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDegeneration and apoptotic death of the photoreceptor cell‐layer of retina are a major cause of irreversible blindness in the development era. The stem cell replacement therapy is one of the strategies for the retinal repairing. In addition, exogenous signals critically contribute to the direction of lineage decisions that causes the fate‐restricted photoreceptor progenitors from stem cell progeny in culture. It has been found that epidermal growth factor (EGF), taurine, and retinoic acid (RA) initially act in the instructive as well as lineage‐restricted way in the progenitor lineage for producing neuroretinal cells or photoreceptor like cells from stem cell. The study aims to investigate the effect of RA and taurine in differentiation of the human bone marrow stem cell into cone photoreceptors cells and retinal ganglion cells. Mesenchymal stem cell was derived from human bone marrow of the term delivery. Therefore, the cultured cells have been treated with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)/high glucose (H+). After the four‐cell passage, basal medium was replaced with DMEM/F12 complemented with 50 μmol/L taurine, RA (1 µM) and EGF (1 µg/ml). Subsequently cellular change morphology was detected following 7 and 14 days. Then, gene expression of neuroretinal and photoreceptor cell biomarkers (CRX, OTX2, PKC‐α, recoverin, and Rho) were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR). Also, cells were cultured, fixed, and then immunocytochemical analyzed. Primary antibodies included CRX and Rho. Cellular morphology demonstrated spindle elongated morphology. Taurine alone and combination of RA upregulate neuroretinal and photoreceptor cell biomarkers in messenger RNA and protein levels but along with EGF have not significant effect. Our data showed that taurine combination with RA can differentiate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuroretinal or photoreceptor like cells in vitro that can offer an attractive treatment ground for transplantation in the cell‐replacement therapy for some forms of the retinal degeneration.
Ocean acidification alters the diversity and structure of oyster associated microbial communities
Authors: Unzueta‐Martínez Andrea , Downey‐Wall Alan M. , Cameron Louise P. , Ries Justin B. , Lotterhos Katie E. , Bowen Jennifer L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHost‐associated microbial communities are fundamental to host physiology, yet it is unclear how these communities will respond to environmental disturbances. Here, we disentangle the environment‐linked and host‐linked effects of ocean acidification on oyster‐associated microbial communities. We exposed adult oysters (Crassostrea virginica) to CO2‐induced ocean acidification (400 vs. 2800 ppm) for 80 d. We measured the oyster extrapallial fluid pH and sampled the gills for microbial analysis at six time points. We found that different subsets of microbes were linked to acidification (n = 34 amplicon sequence variants [ASVs]) and to host response (n = 20 ASVs) with little overlap (n = 8 ASVs), suggesting that some members of the oyster microbiome were more responsive to environmental conditions while others were more tightly linked to host condition. Our results provide insight into which members of the oyster microbiome may contribute to the health and resistance of their host, and which members are the most vulnerable to changing environmental conditions.
Understanding the experiences of patients with cancers in hospitals during COVID‐19 pandemic in China: A qualitative research study
Authors: Chen Xing , Deng Wenyu , Zhou Wenjuan , Liu Ying , Chen Jinfeng , Gao Yuan , Xiao Kuirong , Man Lin , Qu Wanting , Zeng Hongjuan , Ye Sha 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimTo explore the experiences of patients with cancers in hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic.DesignA qualitative research study.MethodsUsing a phenomenological approach, we enrolled 22 patients with cancers in the Hunan Cancer Hospital from 20 February 2020 to 10 April 2020. The interviews were conducted face‐to‐face and were analysed by Colaizzi's 7‐step method. This study aligns with the COREQ checklist.ResultsThe experiences of patients with cancers in hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic can be categorized into four major themes: (1) emotional changes; (2) delays in visiting hospital; (3) barriers to accessing medical care services, and (4) inconvenience related to logistics services.
Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the PROMIS Social Relationships Short Forms
Authors: Cai Tingting , Huang Qingmei , Wu Fulei , Xia Haozhi , Yuan Changrong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimThis study aimed to culturally adapt and psychometrically validate the PROMIS Social Relationships Short Forms (PROMIS‐SR) among Chinese patients with breast cancer.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodThe PROMIS‐SR was translated into simplified Chinese by strictly adhering to the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy translation method and was subsequently tested among patients with breast cancer (N = 965). Eligible patients filled out the demographic information questionnaire, the PROMIS‐SR, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Breast.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided support for the original structure of the PROMIS‐SR. All instruments reported strong known‐group, cross‐cultural and convergent validity, as hypothesized. Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.67 to 0.85, and Cronbach's α of all items were high (0.90–0.94).
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment in an academic hospital in Kenya: Treatment outcomes and health‐care providers’ perspectives
Authors: Olbara Gilbert , van der Wijk Thyra , Njuguna Festus , Langat Sandra , Mwangi Henry , Skiles Jodi , Vik Terrry A. , Kaspers Gertjan J.L. , Mostert Saskia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundEarly deaths and treatment nonadherence are major reasons for low childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survival in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This study assessed treatment outcomes of children presenting with ALL and evaluated perspectives of health‐care providers (HCP) on ALL treatment at a Kenyan academic hospital.MethodsThis was a combined retrospective medical records and cross‐sectional questionnaire study. Treatment outcomes of 136 children diagnosed with ALL between 2010 and 2016 were collected. Questionnaires were completed by 245 HCP (response rate, 86%) between September and October 2016.ResultsChildhood ALL treatment outcomes were death (30%), progressive or relapsed disease (26%), abandonment (24%), and event‐free survival (20%). Of all deaths, 80% were early deaths (prior or during induction), whereas 20% occurred in remission. Probability of event‐free survival at three years was 18%. Only 57% of HCP believed childhood ALL can be cured, with more doctors (96%) than other HCP (45%) believing in curability of ALL (P < 0.001). The majority of HCP (96%) thought that experienced doctors should put more time and effort into making parents understand the diagnosis and necessity to complete treatment. According to HCP, reasons for protocol nonadherence included parental financial difficulties (94%) and use of alternative treatment (79%).ConclusionsEvent‐free survival for ALL in Kenya is low. The primary reason for treatment failure is early death from treatment‐related complications. More efforts should be directed toward improving supportive care strategies. In the opinion of HCPs, improved communication with parents and supervision of junior staff will improve ALL treatment outcomes.
Numerical and experimental investigations on the low‐velocity impact properties of hybrid Kevlar fiber/basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites: Effects of impactor nose shape and fiber stacking sequences
Authors: Karamooz Mohammad Reza , Rahmani Hossein , Khosravi Hamed 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the present work, the effect of impactor nose shape and fiber stacking sequences on the low‐velocity impact properties of hybrid Kevlar/basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites was investigated. The composite specimens were prepared using hand lay‐up method with six types of fiber stacking sequences including sandwich hybrid, intercalated hybrid and not‐hybrid. The impact tests were conducted using three types of impactor nose shapes (hemispherical, conical, and flat) at two impact energies of 40 and 60 J. Some characteristics of the composites like maximum force, absorbed energy, and damage area were evaluated. Also, the impact behavior of the composites was simulated in Abacus finite element software and the obtained results were compared with the experimental values. The results indicated the hybridization of Kevlar by basalt fibers (intercalated hybrid) considerably improved the impact properties of the specimen. Besides, when the conical impactor was employed, the highest absorbed energy and damaged area were obtained.
Cell‐free DNA screening for fetal aneuploidy using the rolling circle method: A step towards non invasive prenatal testing simplification
Authors: Pavanello Enza , Sciarrone Andrea , Guaraldo Varvara , Muccinelli Elisabetta , Ciuffreda Valentina Pia , Sauro Pina , Bondielli Giulia , Mirante Sandra , Mengozzi Giulio , Viora Elsa , Cuckle Howard , Pasini Barbara 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of cell‐free (cf)DNA screening for aneuploidy using the automated system based on rolling circle replication.MethodsA prospective study among women referred for invasive prenatal diagnosis between July 2018 and December 2019. The plasma fraction was extracted within 5 days from blood collection, stored at −20°C and cfDNA measured between January and December 2019.ResultsA total of 805 women were recruited; 778 with singleton pregnancies and 27 twins. There were 48 Down syndrome, 25 Edwards syndrome and 3 Patau syndrome cases. Overall, the no‐call rate was 2.6% (95% confidence interval 1.6%–3.9%) which reduced from 4.7% to 1.1% after relocation of the system (p < 0.002) to ensure a constant ambient temperature below 25°C. In singletons the Down syndrome detection rate (DR) was 100% (93%–100%) and false‐positive rate (FPR) 0.14% (0.00%–0.79%). The Edwards syndrome DR was 96% (80%–100%) and FPR 0.78% (0.29%–1.7%). One false‐positive had a confined placental trisomy 18 and the remaining five a z‐score requiring sample repetition; all the false‐positives occurred before system relocation (p < 0.005). Patau syndrome DR and FPR were 67% (9.4%–99%) and 0.26% (0.03%–0.95%).ConclusionThe cfDNA rolling circle method yields similar results to other methods provided that room temperature is adequately controlled.
The amyloid concentric β‐barrel hypothesis: Models of synuclein oligomers, annular protofibrils, lipoproteins, and transmembrane channels
Authors: Durell Stewart R. , Guy H. Robert 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAmyloid beta (Aβ of Alzheimer's disease) and α‐synuclein (α‐Syn of Parkinson's disease) form large fibrils. Evidence is increasing however that much smaller oligomers are more toxic and that these oligomers can form transmembrane ion channels. We have proposed previously that Aβ42 oligomers, annular protofibrils, and ion channels adopt concentric β‐barrel molecular structures. Here we extend that hypothesis to the superfamily of α, β, and γ‐synucleins. Our models of numerous synuclein oligomers, annular protofibrils, tubular protofibrils, lipoproteins, and ion channels were developed to be consistent with sizes, shapes, molecular weights, and secondary structures of assemblies as determined by electron microscopy and other studies. The models have the following features: (1) all subunits have identical structures and interactions; (2) they are consistent with conventional β‐barrel theory; (3) the distance between walls of adjacent β‐barrels is between 0.6 and 1.2 nm; (4) hydrogen bonds, salt bridges, interactions among aromatic side‐chains, burial and tight packing of hydrophobic side‐chains, and aqueous solvent exposure of hydrophilic side‐chains are relatively optimal; and (5) residues that are identical among distantly related homologous proteins cluster in the interior of most oligomers whereas residues that are hypervariable are exposed on protein surfaces. Atomic scale models of some assemblies were developed.
Assessing the progress of river restoration in the UK: Has biophysical condition improved over two decades of intervention?
Authors: Moore Harriet Elizabeth , Mercer Theresa G. , de Alwis Pitts Dilkushi , Beagley Sam , Naura Marc , Bryden Alexandra 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBiophysical condition is one indicator of the immediate success of efforts to restore degraded rivers as well as longer‐term progress towards improving water quality. In the context of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the biophysical condition of river systems in the UK also reflects how well international environmental policy translates into improved river management domestically. We assess whether the condition of river systems in the UK has improved or declined over the past two decades, whether regions identified by the first WFD assessment have improved or declined, and thus, how effectively international policy has been implemented nationally. Methods include: statistical and spatial analysis of more than 25,000 habitat condition records collated in the River Habitat Survey over the 1990s and 2000s; computing of an Index of Change for Local Authorities; and comparison of Indices of Change with a sub‐sample of 1,727 WFD assessments conducted in 258 Local Authorities. Findings include that three of four measures indicate that biophysical quality has declined, although only the decline in one measure (habitat quality) was statistically significant. Riparian quality has improved, although measures do not consider invasive compared to native coverage. In total, 27 regions were identified with the worst declining quality. Comparative analysis of regions suggests that condition has declined most substantially in regions that were previously in “good” condition. Priorities for future investment include improving degraded sites, protecting high quality sites, and increasing monitoring of “data poor” regions. Our methodology offers an approach for utilising “messy” routinely collated data like the RHS. However, guidelines are needed to support the use of similar datasets for the international river restoration community.
Covering cycles in sparse graphs
Authors: Mousset Frank , Škorić Nemanja , Trujić Miloš 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLet be an integer. Kouider and Lonc proved that the vertex set of every graph G with vertices and minimum degree at least can be covered by cycles. Our main result states that for every and , the same conclusion holds for graphs G with minimum degree that are sparse in the sense that In particular, this allows us to determine the local resilience of random and pseudorandom graphs with respect to having a vertex cover by a fixed number of cycles. The proof uses a version of the absorbing method in sparse expander graphs.
Judaism and Providence
Authors: Goldschmidt Tyron , Lebens Samuel 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAccording to central principles of Judaism, God interacts with the world. But howmuchdoes God interact with the world? Theological views on offer range from God’s particular providence over everything to particular providence in the land of Israel only. We defend an idealist view: reality is fundamentally mental, existing in God’s mind. Accordingly, God has his providential “fingers” on everything.
Loop-generated neutrino masses in composite Higgs models
Authors: Cacciapaglia Giacomo , Rosenlyst Martin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe present a composite scotogenic model for neutrino masses, which are generated via loops of ℤ2-odd composite scalars. We consider three different approaches to the couplings of the neutrinos (including three right-handed singlets) and the composite sector: ETC-like four-fermion interactions, fundamental partial compositeness and fermion partial compositeness. In all cases, the model can feature sizeable couplings and remain viable with respect to various experimental constraints if the three ℤ2-odd right-handed neutrinos have masses between the TeV and the Planck scales. Additionally, the lightest ℤ2-odd composite scalar may play the role of Dark Matter, either via thermal freeze-out or as an asymmetric relic. This mechanism can be featured in a variety of models based on vacuum misalignment. For concreteness, we demonstrate it in a composite two-Higgs scheme based on the coset SU(6)/Sp(6).
Radiation exposure in the endovascular therapy of cranial and spinal dural arteriovenous fistula in the last decade: a retrospective, single-center observational study
Authors: Opitz Marcel , Zensen Sebastian , Bos Denise , Li Yan , Styczen Hanna , Wetter Axel , Guberina Nika , Jabbarli Ramazan , Sure Ulrich , Forsting Michael , Wanke Isabel , Deuschl Cornelius 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in the endovascular therapy (EVT) of patients with cranial and spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF).

Methods
In a retrospective study design, DRLs and achievable dose (AD) were assessed for all patients with cranial and spinal dAVF undergoing EVT (I) or diagnostic angiography (II). All procedures were performed at the flat-panel angiography-system Allura Xper (Philips Healthcare). Interventional procedures were differentiated according to the region of fistula and the type of procedure.

Results
In total, 264 neurointerventional procedures of 131 patients with dAVF (94 cranial, 37 spinal) were executed between 02/2010 and 12/2020. The following DRLs, AD, and mean values could be determined: for cranial dAVF (I) DRL 507.33 Gy cm2, AD 369.79 Gy cm2, mean 396.51 Gy cm2; (II) DRL 256.65 Gy cm2, AD 214.19 Gy cm2, mean 211.80 Gy cm2; for spinal dAVF (I) DRL 482.72 Gy cm2, AD 275.98 Gy cm2, mean 347.12 Gy cm2; (II) DRL 396.39 Gy cm2, AD 210.57 Gy cm2, mean 299.55 Gy cm2. Dose levels of EVT were significantly higher compared to diagnostic angiographies (p < 0.001). No statistical difference in dose levels regarding the localization of dAVF was found.

Conclusion
Our results could be used for establishing DRLs in the EVT of cranial and spinal dAVF. Because radiation exposure to comparably complex interventions such as AVM embolization is similar, it may be useful to determine general DRLs for both entities together.
Composite Criteria for Non‐Operative Management of Acute Non‐Complicated Appendicitis Result in Low Failure Rates
Authors: Shay Shahaf , Kupietzky Amram , Weiss Daniel Joshua , Dover Roi , Lourie Nachum Emil Eliezer , Mordechay‐Heyn Tzlil , Mazeh Haggi , Mizrahi Ido 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes of conservative management of non‐complicated acute appendicitis (AA) using our unique institutional protocol, and to compare between these and the outcomes of operative management.MethodsPatients admitted to our institution between March 2016 and October 2019 with non‐complicated AA were grouped according to their initial management: non‐operative versus surgical. Our unique protocol for non‐operative management includes: pain < 3 days; afebrile upon admission; non‐gravid; WBC <15,000 (× 109/L); CRP < 5 mg/dl; appendix diameter < 1 cm; no appendicolith on imaging; no prior episode of AA; no history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease; no evidence of peritonitis on physical examination. The primary outcome measured was failure of non‐surgical management during the index admission. Secondary outcomes included recurrence rate, readmissions, complications, length of antibiotic treatment and length of stay (LOS).ResultsA total of 695 patients were included, 436 in the operative group and 259 in the non‐surgical treatment group. The mean follow‐up time was 1004.9 ± 205.7 days. Patients initially treated conservatively rarely required surgery during their index admission (6.9%). Recurrence rate was 19.1% after a mean follow up of 33.4 months. The overall failure rate of conservative management was documented in 20.8% of the patients. The complication rate was higher in those treated with upfront surgery (1.6% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001). The overall LOS was not statistically different between the groups.ConclusionsOur composite protocol for non‐surgical management of non‐complicated AA results in a low failure rate. A well calculated patient treatment allocation in non‐complicated AA can advocate for wide‐spread use of the conservative approach.
Semi-Analytical Estimates for the Orbital Stability of Earth’s Satellites
Authors: De Blasi Irene , Celletti Alessandra , Efthymiopoulos Christos 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNormal form stability estimates are a basic tool of Celestial Mechanics for characterizing the long-term stability of the orbits of natural and artificial bodies. Using high-order normal form constructions, we provide three different estimates for the orbital stability of point-mass satellites orbiting around the Earth. (i) We demonstrate the long-term stability of the semimajor axis within the framework of the $$J_2$$

J
2

problem, by a normal form construction eliminating the fast angle in the corresponding Hamiltonian and obtaining $${\mathcal {H}}_{J_2}$$

H

J
2

. (ii) We demonstrate the stability of the eccentricity and inclination in a secular Hamiltonian model including lunisolar perturbations (the ‘geolunisolar’ Hamiltonian $${\mathcal {H}}_\mathrm{gls}$$

H
gls

), after a suitable reduction of the Hamiltonian to the Laplace plane. (iii) We numerically examine the convexity and steepness properties of the integrable part of the secular Hamiltonian in both the $${\mathcal {H}}_{J_2}$$

H

J
2

and $${\mathcal {H}}_\mathrm{gls}$$

H
gls

models, which reflect necessary conditions for the holding of Nekhoroshev’s theorem on the exponential stability of the orbits. We find that the $${\mathcal {H}}_{J_2}$$

H

J
2

model is non-convex, but satisfies a ‘three-jet’ condition, while the $${\mathcal {H}}_\mathrm{gls}$$

H
gls

model restores quasi-convexity by adding lunisolar terms in the Hamiltonian’s integrable part.