bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropeptide Neuromedin B does not alter body weight and glucose homeostasis nor does it act as an insulin-releasing peptide
Authors: Cikes Domagoj , Atanes Patricio , Huang Guo-Cai , Persaud Shanta J. , Penninger Josef M. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Neuromedin B (NMB) is a member of the neuromedin family of neuropeptides with a high level of region-specific expression in the brain. Several GWAS studies on non-obese and obese patients suggested that polymorphisms in NMB predispose to obesity by affecting appetite control and feeding preference. Furthermore, several studies proposed that NMB can act as an insulin releasing peptide. Since the functional study has never been done, the in vivo role of NMB as modulator of weight gain or glucose metabolism remains unclear. Here, we generated Nmb conditional mice and nervous system deficient NmB mice. We then performed olfactory and food preference analysis, as well as metabolic analysis under standard and high fat diet. Additionally, in direct islet studies we evaluated the role of NMB on basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in mouse and humans.
Investigation on Flow Field Characteristics in an Open-Pit Coal Mine
Authors: Tang Wanjun , Li Fengming , Xiang Gaoxiang , Liu Mengwei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the atmospheric flow field characteristics in a deep open-pit mine are investigated numerically and theoretically. A theoretical model on the recirculation length based on the energy equation is used, a total variation diminishing (TVD) difference scheme with second order accuracy is used to solve the NS equations with a standard two-equation k-ε turbulence model. The effects of elevated inner dump on the flow field characteristics of the open-pit mine are analyzed detailly with the same inflow parameters. The results show that a recirculation zone exists in the open-pit mine due to the reflux from the high-pressure zone to the low-pressure zone. As the height of the inner dump increases, the flow becomes more complicated, the low-pressure zone and the recirculation zone becomes bigger. The elevated inner dump makes it difficult for the internal fluid to flow to the outside, which results in the increase of the dust concentration. At last, the influences of key parameters on flow filed are conducted by normalizing the depth of the lowest direct current flow on the windward slope. The sensitivity analysis is done by study each influencing factor. This paper offers an effective way to study the flow field characteristics in an open-pit coal mine, which is essential to the dust pollution control of open-pit mine.
Visual Appearance of the Uterine Cervix Differs on the Basis of HPV Type Status in High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion: The Results of a Reliable Method
Authors: Zhou Qi , Gong Yingxin , Qiu Xiangmei , Sui Long , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Yan , Lin Lin , Diao Wenjing , Li Yanyun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate the differences in cervical appearance among different human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs).
Methods
A total of 239 histopathological HSIL patients were included and divided into eight groups on the basis of HPV genotype in this prospective study. We present a reliable imaging method that provides reproducible, sensitive and unbiased assessments of cervical appearance characteristics. Colorimetric and morphometric data of colposcopic patterns after the application of acetic acid and iodine were acquired using ImageJ software and the surrounding normal regions were used as controls.
Results
The differences in red, green, blue and mean greyscale values in acetowhite epithelium obtained from ImageJ were not significant between the HPV16 and HPV18 groups (P < 0.05). The differences in red, green, and mean greyscale values in iodine staining were significant between the HPV18 and the other groups (P < 0.05). The frequency of the occurrence of the coarse mosaic patterns was significantly different among groups (P < 0.05), reducing in sequence were the HPV16, HPV-negative, HPV18, HPV31/33 and HPV52/58 groups. For the lesion area of HSILs, the HPV-negative group was the largest. The sensitivity of colposcopic impression varied among HPV genotypes (P < 0.01), being lowest in the HPV52 group.
Conclusions
Although being nonspecific, iodine negativity should be concerned in HPV18-positive lesions which is closely related to glandular epithelium. Vascular patterns in HPV52/58-positive HSIL are quite occult and tend to be missed by colposcopists. HPV-negative lesions are prone to be large and present typical vascular patterns despite being rare.
Metabolomic Profiling of Burkholderia Cenocepacia in Synthetic Cystic Fibrosis Sputum Media Reveals Nutrient Environment-Specific Production of Virulence Factors
Authors: Jaiyesimi Olakunle A. , McAvoy Andrew C. , Fogg David N. , Garg Neha 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Infections by Burkholderia cenocepacia lead to life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals, including those living with cystic fibrosis (CF). While genetic variation in various B. cenocepacia strains has been reported, it remains unclear how the chemical environment of CF lung influences the production of small molecule virulence factors by these strains. Here we compare metabolomes of three clinical B. cenocepacia strains in synthetic CF sputum media (SCFM2) and in a routine laboratory media (LB), in the presence and absence of the antibiotic trimethoprim. Using a mass spectrometry based untargeted metabolomics approach, we identify several compound classes which are differentially produced in SCFM2 compared to LB media, including siderophores, antimicrobials, quorum sensing signals, and various lipids. Furthermore, we describe that specific metabolites are induced by the antibiotic trimethoprim only in SCFM2 when compared to LB. Herein, C13-acyl-homoserine lactone, a quorum sensing signal previously not known to be produced by B. cenocepacia as well as pyochelin-type siderophores were exclusively detected during growth in SCFM2 in the presence of trimethoprim. The comparative metabolomics approach described in this study provides insight into environment-dependent production of secondary metabolites by B. cenocepacia strains and suggests future work which could identify personalized strain-specific regulatory mechanisms involved in production of secondary metabolites.
PD-1/PD-L1 Expressions on Treg Cells in Patients with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Authors: Cui Lin , Gu Xiaotong , Liu Haixia , Zheng Hong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Autoimmune thyroid disease(AITD) is a frequent autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and thyroid autoantibody production caused by autoimmune dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that Treg cells can participate in the pathogenesis of AITD by inhibiting peripheral reactive T cells and thereby inhibiting the autoimmune responses. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand (PD-L1) pathway is a negative costimulatory pathway discovered in recent years, enhancing or blocking this pathway is associated with the immune process of AITD. PD-1/PD-L1 was simultaneously expressed on Treg cells. In this paper, the role of regulatory T cells and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway in AITD was discussed.Methods: We detected the percentage of CD4+CD25+CD127lowT cells, the ratio of PD-1+Treg cells and PD-L1+Treg cells in peripheral blood of twenty patients newly diagnosed with graves disease (GD) and twenty-one patients newly diagnosed with Hashimotos’thyroiditis (HT) patients by flow cytometry, and samples from twenty healthy individuals served as control.Results: The results demonstrated that the proportion of CD4+CD25+CD127lowT cells in peripheral blood of HT patients was lower than that of healthy controls(HCs), the ratio of PD-1+Treg cells of HT patients was higher than that of the HCs and GD patients, the ratio of PD-1+Treg cells of GD patients was higher than that of the HCs, the ratio of PD-L1+Treg cells in Treg cells of HT patients was higher than that of the HCs and GD patients and the ratio of PD-L1+Treg cells of GD patients was higher than that of the HCs. All the above were statistically significant.Conclusions: The treg cells play an obvious role in hashimoto's thyroiditis, but not obvious in Graves' disease.
A Simple Scoring Scale for Predicting the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy over 50 Years Old in China
Authors: Ge Qiwei , Li Min , Gu Yunjuan , Liu Bihong , Sun Dajun , Liang Congkai , Zhu Rongrong , Zhuang Xun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To construct and evaluate a simple scoring scale for predicting the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR).Methods: Based on the chronic disease management database of Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, China, 1896 diagnosed patients over the age of 50 with diabetes were randomly selected and subjected to the self-designed epidemiological questionnaire survey and ocular clinical examination. Single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression analysis was used to screen the relevant influencing factors of DR and then according to the reference value principle, the weights were assigned, and a simple scoring scale was constructed. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was developed and the accuracy and validity of the simple scale were evaluated.Results: The DR detection rate was 34.8 %. Multivariate analysis showed that family history of diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 1.322, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.012-1.727), diabetes treatment method (OR: 2.074, 95 % CI: 1.696-2.537), diabetes duration (OR: 1.113, 95 % CI: 1.089-1.138), and hemoglobin (Hb)A1c (OR: 1.276, 95 % CI: 1.099-1.482) were independent DR risk factors. After excluding confounding factors and based on the β coefficient of the multivariate logistic analysis, the scale had a maximum score of 12 points. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.753, the cut-off value was 4, the sensitivity was 66.5 %, and the coincidence rate was 70.9 %. To improve sensitivity, the cut-off value was lowered to 3; the sensitivity was 79.7 %, and the coincidence rate was 65.0 %.Conclusion: The simple scale had good sensitivity and the ability to identify DR patients.
Benefits of Fixing 3 Proximal Vertebral Bodies vs. 2 in the Treatment of Early-Onset Scoliosis with Growing Rods
Authors: Cao Jun , Zhu Weiwei , Zhang Xuejun , Bai Yunsong , Guo Dong , Yao Ziming , Gao Rongxuan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

The outcomes of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) treated with growing rods in which 6 proximal anchor points on 3 vertebrae were used vs. 4 proximal anchor points on 2 vertebra were compared.
Methods

The records of patients with EOS treated surgically from January 2016 to December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. In the Proximal 4 group, 2 vertebral bodies were anchored proximally with 4 anchor points; in the Proximal 6 group, 3 vertebral bodies were anchored proximally with 6 anchor points.
Results

Forty-two patients (mean age 5.11 ± 1.93 years) were included; 22 Proximal 4 group, 20 Proximal 6 group. Mean follow-up was 40.86 ± 13.49 months. The decrease in main curve Cobb angle postoperatively was significantly greater in the Proximal 6 group (33.22° vs. 19.08°) (P < 0.05). Cobb thoracic kyphosis (TK) was significantly decreased postoperatively in the Proximal 6 group (mean 20.70°); no significant decrease occurred in the Proximal 4 group. The main curve Cobb angle decrease at last follow-up was significantly greater in the Proximal 6 group (37.84° vs. 24.23°) (P < 0.05). Cobb TK was significantly decreased at last follow-up in the Proximal 6 group (mean 25.17°, P < 0.05); no significant decrease occurred in the Proximal 4 group. Instrument complications were lower in the Proximal 6 group (15.00% vs. 45.45%) (P < 0.05). No proximal junctional kyphosis was noted.
Conclusion

Fixing 3 proximal vertebral bodies with 6 anchors improves outcomes of EOS treated with growing rods, and has a lower rate of instrument-related complications.
The Conclusion of the Double-Slit Interference Test Violates the Fundamental Rules of Quantum
Authors: Ruhuai Xia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The theory of light waves contains a number of errors that violate a fundamental principle of physics: photons can be subdivided indefinitely. Photons can multiply indefinitely. If the phase is shifted π, the electromagnetic, light, or matter waves become negative electromagnetic, negative light, or antimatter waves, respectively, which cancel themselves out. The wavelet sources of light waves are of unknown origin. Photons can be regenerated and reused. The conditions for light waves to interfere do not take into account the effect of polarization direction. The effect of the reflected wave is not represented in the interference fringe. The weak transmittance of the double-slit device will not stand up to close scientific scrutiny. Masks similar to double slit devices do not allow the lithography machine to function properly if the light waves interfere. The pattern of the fringe deduced by the mathematical model is different from that of the double slit interference test. Light waves without bandwidth cannot be accommodated by the theory of electromagnetic waves. The physics of light waves contradicts the principle of the Fourier transform. The spectrum of electromagnetic waves modulated by the transmitted information must produce a modulation effect, but this effect does not occur in optical fiber communication. Because the size is much smaller than the wavelength, the photon is sampled equivalent to the light wave, but the corresponding physical properties are not represented by the photon. The wave-particle duality is incompatible with the Doppler principle. In summary, the conclusion that light waves interfere with each other to produce fringes in the results of the double-slit interference test is reached under the condition that most of the physical properties of waves are stripped away, and this conclusion is divorced from objectivity. The theory of light waves is not correct. In any case, light is not a wave. Light waves are misunderstood.
Thymol improves salinity tolerance of tobacco by increasing the Na + efflux and enhancing the content of NO and GSH
Authors: xu liang , Song Jia-Qian , wang yuelin , Liu Xiao-Han , Li Xue-Li , Zhang Bo , Li Ai-Jie , Ye Xie-Feng , Wang Jing , Wang Peng 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Plants have evolved a lot of strategies to improve salt tolerance to cope with salt stress. Recent studies have suggested that thymol (a nature medicine) enhances the plant tolerance against abiotic stresses, but the mechanisms are rarely known. Here, we found that thymol played an important role in maintaining root growth under salt stress. Thymol rescued root growth from salt stress via ameliorating ROS (reactive oxygen species) accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. In addition, thymol enhanced the level of NO (nitric oxide) and GSH (glutathione) to repress ROS accumulation, further protecting the stability of cell membrane. Thymol-induced Na+ efflux in roots and leaves under salt stress may depend on the upregulation of SOS1, HKT1 and NHX1. Consequently, all of these evidences suggested that thymol improved tobacco salt tolerance via enhancing NO and GSH content as well as inducing Na+ efflux.
Urban hydrological model (UHM) developed for urban flash flood simulation and analysis of sensitivity of flood intensity to urbanization
Authors: Hu Haibo , Zhang Xiya , Meng Chunlei , Cheng Conglan , Wang Ying 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A two-dimensional raster gridded urban hydrological model has been developed to simulate the hydrologic response to urban land surfaces with consideration of the hydraulic characteristics of urban areas, and to produce mappings of urban inundation associated with rainstorms. The model is forced using radar-observed QPEs, in conjunction with parameter sets of land use and land cover (LULC) derived from satellite multispectral images and high spatial resolution GIS datasets relating to urban hydrology and land surface hydrodynamic properties. Urban drainage flow capacity is derived from a GIS road-network dataset using a generalization method. Submodels deduce runoffs of both the impervious and the pervious. Methodologically, the D8 method (eight slope directions) is used to derive the channel paths for gravity-driven nondispersive streamflow, which its hydrodynamics can be described by the hydraulic model based on simplified 1D − 2D St. Venant equation. A case study was undertaken to reproduce the urban flash flooding that occurred in Beijing following thunderstorms on 21 July 2012. The model results were verified qualitatively using media reports of the flooding. Through manipulation of model parameters, the test on the sensitivity of flash flood intensity to urban LULC variability and drainage network settings revealed the following: 1) flood intensity is enhanced slightly if the current urban LULC is substituted with a pure impervious, 2) increasing the pervious surface area (PSA) attenuates flood intensity considerably, and 3) flash flood intensity will increase by 30–60% in the absence of an underground drainage system.
Correlation of The Characteristics of Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaques with Stroke Types and Risk of Stroke Recurrence
Authors: Ren Kaixuan , Jiang Huayun , Zhu Zhengqi , Wang Tianle , Zhu Li , Zhu Xiangyang 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To explore the relationship of the characteristics of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic plaques (ICAP) with stroke types and risk of stroke recurrence.
Methods
Patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis were prospectively enrolled. The vessel stenosis degree, plaque shape, plaque thickness, plaque burden, and plaque enhancement degree of all patients were assessed using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and statistically analyzed.
Results
In total, 206 patients (mean age (64 ± 12) years; 141 males) were included in this study, 154 had acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 52 had transient ischemic attack (TIA), 124 had anterior circulation ischemic symptom (ACIS), and 82 had posterior circulation ischemic symptom (PCIS). AIS patients showed higher diastolic blood pressure (t=-2.605, p = 0.011), total cholesterol (t=-2.470, p = 0.014), apolipoprotein b (z=-2.411, p = 0.016), apolipoprotein a/b (t=-2.865, p = 0.006), LDL (t=-2.424, p = 0.016), arteriosclerosis index (z=-2.256, p = 0.024), stenosis degree (t=-3.317, p < 0.001) but smaller luminal area at the plaque than TIA patients (t = 2.539, p = 0.013). In addition, 24 (13.6%) patients had stroke recurrence within 6 months. The proportion of patients with T1WI hyperintensity was higher in patients with recurrent stroke than in patients without recurrent stroke (RR = 2.592 (1.091, 6.58), χ²=4.892, p = 0.034). Patients with PCIS had greater plaque thickness (t=-4.205, p < 0.001) and remaining luminal area (z=-4.127, p < 0.001), significantly enhanced ICAP (χ²=9.681, p = 0.003), more positive remodeling (χ²=5.661, p = 0.015) and higher incidence of T1WI hyperintensity (χ²=16.472, p < 0.001) than patients with ACIS. The prevalence of diabetes (χ²=9.038, p = 0.004) in patients with PCIS is higher than that in patients with ACIS.
Conclusions
The degree of stenosis and the remaining luminal area of symptomatic ICAP are related to the type of stroke, and patients with T1WI hyperintense plaque had a higher risk of stroke recurrence within six months. Posterior circulation culprit plaque tends to have higher vulnerability, which may be related to metabolic factors secondary to diabetes.
Synthesis of Epitope-Targeting Antibody Based on Native Protein–Protein Interactions for Ftsz Filamentation Suppressor
Authors: Nakazawa Hikaru , Katsuki Taiji , Matsui Takashi , Tsugita Atsushi , Yokoyama Takeshi , Ito Tomoyuki , Kawada Sakiya , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Umetsu Mitsuo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Phage display and biopanning is a powerful tool for generating binding molecules for a specific target. However, the selection process based on binding affinity provides no assurance for the antibody’s affinity to the target epitope. In this study, we propose a molecular-evolution approach guided by native protein–protein interactions to generate epitope-targeting antibodies. The binding-site sequence in a native protein was grafted into a complementarity-determining region (CDR) in the antibody, and a nonrelated CDR loop (in the grafted antibody) was randomized by phage display techniques. In this construction of antibodies by integrating graft and evolution technology (CAnIGET method), suitable grafting of the functional sequence weakly functionalized the antibody, and the molecular-evolution approach enhanced the binding function to inhibit the native protein–protein interactions. Antibody fragments with an affinity for filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) were constructed and completely inhibited the polymerization of FtsZ. Consequently, the expression of these fragments drastically decreased the cell division rate. We demonstrate the potential of the CAnIGET method with the use of native protein–protein interactions for steady epitope-specific evolutionary engineering.
Visual Risk Factors for Falls in Older Adults: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Mehta Jignasa , Czanner Gabriela , Harding Simon , Newsham David , Robinson Jude 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Falls are the second leading cause of accidental deaths worldwide mainly in older people. Older people have poor vision and published evidence suggests that it is a risk factor for falls. Less than half of falls clinics assess vision as part of the multi-factorial assessment of older adults at risk of falls despite vision being an essential input for postural stability. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between all clinically assessed visual functions and falls amongst older adults in a prospective observational individually age-matched case control study.
Methods
Visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), depth perception, binocular vision and binocular visual field were measured using routinely used clinical methods in falls participants (N = 83) and non-falls participants (N = 83). Data were also collected on socio-demographic factors, general health, number of medications, health quality, fear of falling and physical activity. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine key visual and non-visual risk factors for falls whilst adjusting for confounding covariates.
Results
Older adults have an increased risk of experiencing a fall if they have reduced visual function (odds ratio (OR): 3.49, 1.64–7.45, p = 0.001), specifically impaired stereoacuity worse than 85” of arc (OR: 3.4, 1.20–9.69, p = 0.02) and reduced (by 0.15 log unit) high spatial frequency CS (18 cpd) (OR:1.40, 1.12–1.80, p = 0.003). Older adults with a hearing impairment are also at higher risk of falls (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.36–7.40, p = 0.007). The risk decreases with living in a less deprived area (OR: 0.74, 0.64–0.86, < 0.001), or socialising more out of the home (OR: 0.75, 0.60–0.93, p = 0.01).
Conclusions
The combination of social, behavioural and biological determinants are significant predictors of a fall. The non-visual risk factors include older adults, living in deprived neighbourhoods, socialising less outside of the home and those who have a hearing impairment. Impaired functional visual measures; depth perception and contrast are significant visual risk factors for falls above visual acuity.