bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reverse Remodeling of Tricuspid Valve Morphology and Function in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Patients Following Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy – a Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Invasive Hemodynamic Study
Authors: Frederiksen Christian Alcaraz , Waziri Farhad , Ringgaard Steffen , Mellemkjær Søren , Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Hjortdal Vibeke Elisabeth , Nielsen Sten Lyager , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo investigate changes in tricuspid annulus (TA) and tricuspid valve (TV) morphology among chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients before and 12 months after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PEA) and compare these findings to normal control subjects. Methods20 CTEPH patients and 20 controls were enrolled in the study. The patients were examined with echocardiography, right heart catherization and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging prior to PEA and 12 months after.ResultsRight atrium (RA) volume was significantly reduced from baseline to 12 months after PEA (30 ±9 versus 23 ±5ml/m2, p<0.005). TA base area in systole remained unchanged (p=0.11) and was comparable to controls. The leaflet area, tenting volume and tenting height in systole were significantly increased at baseline but decreased significantly with comparable values to controls after 12 months (p<0.005). There was correlation between the changes of right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling and changes of TV tenting height (r = -0.54, p=0.02), TV tenting volume (r = -0.73, p<0.001) and TV leaflet area (-0.57, p = 0.01) from baseline to 12 months after PEA. Tricuspid regurgitation jet area/RA area was significantly (p<0.01) reduced from baseline (30 ±13%) to 12 months after PEA (9 ±10%).ConclusionsIn CTEPH patients selected for PEA, TV tenting height, volume and valve area are significantly increased whereas annulus size and shape are less affected. The alterations in TV morphology are fully reversed after PEA and correlates to improvements of right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling.
Structures and Photophysical Characterization of the Samarium-doped Y2Mo3O12 Ceramics
Authors: Lim Hyun-Ji , Kang Min-Seung , Yang Imjeong H-S. , Byeon Mirang , Kim Hyun Gyu , Bae Jong Seong , Hong Kyong-Soo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Negative thermal expansion materials have been studied in various types of functional materials regardless of their intriguing physical properties. In this study, by introducing Sm 3+ ions into the Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 lattice, the hygroscopicity is reduced. Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 :xSm 3+ (x = 0.000 ~ 0.300) have been synthesized by using the solid-state reaction method, and their structures have been studied by using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, and nano-SIMS. It is found that the Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 :Sm 3+ is formed in the orthorhombic [Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 ] phase for lower Sm 3+ concentrations and samarium molybdates [Sm 2 MoO 5 ] and [Sm 2 Mo 3 O 12 ] at higher Sm 3+ concentration samples. Elemental distribution images captured by using a nano-SIMS confirm the existence of [Sm 2 MoO 5 ] and [Sm 2 Mo 3 O 12 ] phases clearly. Additional phases due to the introducing of Sm 3+ ions confirm the reduction of atmospheric moisture. Photophysical properties obtained by using absorption and emission spectra reveal that the hygroscopicity-reduced Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 :Sm 3+ can be a possible orange-red-emitting phosphor with the near ultra-violet excitation.
A de novo paradigm for male infertility
Authors: Veltman Joris , Oud Manon , Smits Roos , Smith Hannah , Mastrorosa Francesco , Holt Giles , Houston Brendan , de Vries Petra , Alobaidi Bilal , Batty Lois , Ismail Hadeel , Greenwood Jackie , Sheth Harsh , Mikulasova Aneta , Astuti Galuh , Gilissen Christian , McEleny Kevin , Turner Helen , Coxhead Jonathan , Cockell Simon , Braat Didi , Fleischer Kathrin , D’Hauwers Kathleen , Schaafsma Ewout , Nagirnaja Liina , Conrad Donald , Friedrich Corinna , Kliesch Sabine , Aston Kenneth , Riera-Escamilla Antoni , Krausz Csilla , Gonzaga-Jauregui Claudia , Santibanez-Koref Mauro , Elliott David , Vissers Lisenka , Tüttelmann Frank , O’Bryan Moira , Ramos Liliana , Xavier Miguel , Heijden Godfried van der 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
De novo mutations (DNMs) are known to play a prominent role in many sporadic disorders with reduced fitness. We hypothesize that DNMs play an important role in male infertility and explain a significant fraction of the genetic causes of this understudied disorder. We performed a trio-based exome-sequencing study in a unique cohort of 185 infertile males and their unaffected parents. Following a systematic analysis, 29 of 145 rare protein altering DNMs were classified as possibly causative of the male infertility phenotype. We observed a significant enrichment of Loss-of-Function (LoF) DNMs in LoF-intolerant genes (p-value=1.00x10-5) as well as predicted pathogenic missense DNMs in missense-intolerant genes (p-value=5.01x10-4). One DNM gene identified, RBM5, is an essential regulator of male germ cell pre-mRNA splicing. In a follow-up study, 5 rare pathogenic missense mutations affecting this gene were observed in a cohort of 2,279 infertile patients, with no such mutations found in a cohort of 5,784 fertile men (p-value=0.009). Our results provide the first evidence for the role of DNMs in severe male infertility and point to many new candidate genes affecting fertility.
Identifying the potential role of IL-1β in molecular mechanisms of disc degeneration using gene expression profiling and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Fan Ning , Yuan Shuo , Hai Yong , Du Peng , Li Jian , Kong Xiaochuan , Zhu Wenyi , Liu Yuzeng , Zang Lei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Inflammatory processes exacerbated by IL-1β are believed to be key mediators of disc degeneration and low back pain. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes that were differentially expressed between degenerative intervertebral disc cells with and without exposure to interleukin (IL)-1β, and explore the related signaling pathways and interaction networks.Methods: The microarray data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE 27494). Then, analyses of the gene ontology, signaling pathways, and interaction networks for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conducted using tools including the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), Metascape, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA),Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), Cytoscape, the Venn method, and packages of the R computing language.Results: A total of 260 DEGs were identified, including 161 upregulated genes and 99 down-regulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly associated with the extracellular region, chemotaxis, taxis, cytokine activity, and cytokine receptor binding. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the interactions of cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, rheumatoid arthritis, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, salmonella infection, and chemokine signaling pathway. The interaction network analysis indicated that 10 hub genes, including CXCL8, CXCL1, CCL20, CXCL2, CXCL5, CXCL3, CXCL6, C3, PF4, and GPER1 may play key roles in intervertebral disc degeneration.Conclusions: Bioinformatic analysis showed that CXCL8 and other 9 key genes may play a role in the development of disc degeneration induced by inflammatory reactions, and can be used to identify the potential therapeutic target genes.
Mobilization of lithospheric mantle carbon during the Palaeocene-Eocene thermal maximum
Authors: Gernon Thomas , Barr Ryan , Fitton John , Hincks Thea , Longman Jack , Merdith Andrew , Mitchell Ross , Palmer Martin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The early Cenozoic exhibited profound environmental change influenced by plume magmatism, continental breakup, and opening of the North Atlantic Ocean. Global warming culminated in the transient (170 thousand year, kyr) hyperthermal event, the Palaeocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM) 56 million years ago (Ma). Although sedimentary methane release has been proposed as a trigger, recent studies have implicated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the coeval North Atlantic igneous province (NAIP). However, we calculate that volcanic outgassing from mid-ocean ridges and large igneous provinces associated with the NAIP yields only one-fifth of the carbon required to trigger the PETM. Rather, we show that volcanic sequences spanning the rift-to-drift phase of the NAIP exhibit a sudden and ∼220-kyr-long intensification of volcanism coincident with the PETM, and driven by substantial melting of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Critically, the SCLM is enriched in metasomatic carbonates and is a major carbon reservoir. We propose that the coincidence of the Iceland plume and emerging asthenospheric upwelling disrupted the SCLM and caused massive mobilization of this deep carbon. Our melting models and coupled tectonic–geochemical simulations indicate the release of >104 gigatons of carbon, which is sufficient to drive PETM warming. Our model is consistent with anomalous CO2 fluxes during continental breakup, while also reconciling the deficit of deep carbon required to explain the PETM.
Is Online Teaching in the First Two Years of the Medical School During the COVID-19 Pandemic Serving the Purpose?&nbsp;
Authors: Arja Sateesh Babu , Fatteh Samir , Nandennagari Sailaja , Pemma Sai Sarath Kumar , Ponnusamy Kumar , Arja Sireesha B. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic has required a major and rapid shift in teaching and training methods across health professions education. Physical distancing and closure of campuses required online teaching to replace face-to-face teaching. This study aims to investigate if online teaching implemented in the first two years of the medical school at Avalon University School of Medicine is serving the purpose during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThis is a concurrent mixed research method. The quantitative data collected are course evaluations and students’ performance in assessments between the two semesters September 2019 and May 2020, which had on-campus and online teaching, respectively. Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews of 19 faculty members and students. The quantitative data were analyzed for p-values and statistical significance using a t-test. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsResults have shown no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between two semesters for course evaluations. Even if there is any difference, the mean values were better in May 2020 semester with online teaching. There was no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) even on students’ performance in assessments except for two courses. The thematic analysis of interviews revealed the advantages and disadvantages of online teaching. ConclusionsOnline teaching is serving the purpose in the first two years of the medical school during the COVID-19 pandemic. The advantages of online teaching are flexibility and comfort, and students can save time. The disadvantages are technical challenges, students lacking motivation, lack of personal interaction, and limitations on lab and hands-on experiences.
Absence of pro-survival A1 has no impact on inflammatory cell survival in vivo during acute lung inflammation and peritonitis
Authors: Herold Marco , Gangoda Lahiru , Schenk Robyn , Best Sarah , Nedeva Christina , Louis Cynthia , D'Silva Damien , Fairfax Kirsten , Jarnicki Andrew , Puthalakath Hamsa , Sutherland Kate , Strasser Andreas 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism of the body to protect against pathogens. It is induced by immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, which are rapidly recruited to the site of infection, mediating host defense. The processes for eliminating inflammatory cells after pathogen clearance are critical in preventing sustained inflammation which can cause diverse pathologies. During chronic inflammation, excessive and uncontrollable activity of the immune system can cause extensive tissue damage. New therapies aimed at preventing this over-activity of the immune system could have major clinical benefit. Here, we investigated the role of the pro-survival Bcl-2 family member A1 in the survival of inflammatory cells under normal and inflammatory conditions using murine models of lung and peritoneal inflammation. Despite the robust upregulation of A1 protein levels in wild-type cells upon induction of inflammation, the survival of inflammatory cells was not impacted in A1 deficient mice compared to wild-type controls. These findings indicate that A1 does not play a major role in immune cell homeostasis during inflammation and therefore does not constitute a therapeutic target for such morbidities.
Adherence to Recommendations For Secondary Prevention Medications After Myocardial Infarction in Estonia – Comparison of Real-World Data From 2004-2005 and 2017-2018
Authors: Lõiveke Piret , Marandi Toomas , Ainla Tiia , Fischer Krista , Eha Jaan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:Relatively high rates of adherence to myocardial infarction (MI) secondary prevention medications have been reported, but register-based, objective real-world data is scarce.We aimed to analyse adherence to guideline-recommended medications for secondary prevention of MI in 2017-2018 (period II) and compare the results with data from 2004-2005 (period I) in Estonia.Methods:Study populations were formed based on data from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund's database and on Estonian Myocardial Infarction Register. By linking to the Estonian Medical Prescription Centre database adherence to guideline-recommended medications for MI secondary prevention was assessed for one year follow-up period from the first hospitalization due to MI. Data was analysed using the defined daily dosages methodology. Results:Total of 6694 and 6060 cases of MI were reported in periods I and II, respectively. At least one prescription during the follow up period was found for beta-blockers (BB) in 81.0 % and 83.5 % (p = 0.001), for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ACEi/ARB) in 76.9 % and 66.0 % (p < 0.001), and for statins in 44.0 % and 67.0 % (p < 0.001) of patients in period I and II, respectively. P2Y12 inhibitors were used by 76.4 % of patients in period II. The logistic regression analysis adjusted to gender and age revealed that some drugs and drug combinations were not allocated similarly in different age and gender groups.Conclusions:In Estonia, adherence to MI secondary prevention guideline-recommended medications has improved. But as adherence is still not ideal more attention should be drawn to MI secondary prevention through systematic guideline implementation.
Retrospective Genomics Suggests the Disappearance of a Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo Cuvier) Population Off South-Eastern Australia
Authors: Manuzzi Alice , Jiménez-Mena Belen , Henriques Romina , Holmes Bonnie J. , Pepperell Julian , Edson Janette , Bennett Mike B. , Huveneers Charlie , Ovenden Jennifer R. , Nielsen Einar Eg 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Over the last century, many populations of sharks have been reduced in numbers by overexploitation or attempts to mitigate human-shark interactions. Still, there is a general perception that populations of large ocean predators cover wide areas and therefore their diversity is less susceptible to local anthropogenic disturbance. Here we report retrospective genomic analyses of DNA using archived and contemporary samples of tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) from eastern Australia. Using SNP loci, we documented a significant overall change in genetic composition of tiger sharks born over the last century. The change was most likely due to a shift over time in the relative contribution of two well differentiated, but hitherto cryptic populations. Our data strongly indicate a dramatic shift in relative contribution of the two populations to the overall tiger shark abundance of the east coast of Australia, possibly associated with differences in direct or indirect exploitation rates.
Pituitary Deformation in High Altitude Immigrants and the Correlation with Headache：A Preliminary Study.
Authors: Feng Jie , Yu Xiao , Men Weiwei , Liu Wenjia , Zhang Shiyu , Liu Jie , Ma Lin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aim: To investigate pituitary gland deformation (PGD) in high altitude (HA) immigrants and determine if a correlation exists between PGD with headache and the ratio of brain volume to total intracranial volume (BV/TIV), and to investigate whether PGD can be used as an objective indicator of headache in HA immigrants.Methods: A total of 34 male HA immigrants and 60 age- and gender-matched sea-level (SL) residents were enrolled in this study. 3D T1 weighted brain MRI scans and headache scales were acquired. HA participants were classified into headache positive (HA[+]) and headache negative (HA[-]) subgroups. PGD was graded visually on mid-sagittal images of the pituitary gland. All continuous variables and categorical variables were compared using Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test and the χ2 or Fisher exact tests, respectively. Kendall's tau rank correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rho were used to investigate the relationship between PGD and headache or BV/TIV, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate whether PGD can be used as an objective indicator of headache in HA immigrants.Results: A higher proportion of HA participants had PGD (54.8%) than SL residents (23.3%) (p=0.005). The proportion of HA(-) participants with PGD (68.2%) was higher than that of HA(+) participants (22.2%) (p=0.044). PGD was negatively correlated with headache (Kendall's tau=-0.323, p=0.0097) and positively correlated with BV/TIV (r=0.454, p=0.010). The presence of PGD was an indicator of headache in HA immigrants (area under the ROC curve=0.712, p= 0.038, sensitivity=0.778, specificity=0.682). Conclusion: A greater proportion of HA immigrants had PGD, which is an adaptation to chronically altered ICP or compliance. The presence of PGD indicated a restoration of spatial compensatory capacity and compliance of intracranial system, leading to headache relief. PGD is a potential indicator of headache in HA immigrants.
Changes in Microbial Community Phylogeny and Metabolic Activity Along the Water Column Uncouple at Near Sediment Aphotic Layers in Fjords
Authors: Tobias-Hünefeldt Sven P. , Wing Stephen R. , Baltar Federico , Morales Sergio E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Fjords are semi-enclosed marine systems with unique physical conditions that influence microbial community composition and structure. Pronounced organic matter and physical condition gradients within fjords provide a natural laboratory for the study of changes in microbial phylogeny and metabolic potential in response to environmental conditions. Photosynthetic production in euphotic zones sustains deeper aphotic microbial activity via organic matter sinking, augmented by large terrestrial inputs. We profiled microbial functional potential (Biolog Ecoplates), bacterial abundance, heterotrophic production (3H-Leucine incorporation), and prokaryotic/eukaryotic community composition (16S and 18S rRNA amplicon gene sequencing) to link metabolic potential, activity, and community composition to known community drivers. Similar factors shaped metabolic potential, activity and community (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) composition across surface/near surface sites. However, increased metabolic diversity at near bottom (aphotic) sites reflected an organic matter influence from sediments. Photosynthetically produced particulate organic matter shaped the upper water column community composition and metabolic potential. In contrast, microbial activity at deeper aphotic waters were strongly influenced by other organic matter imput than sinking marine snow (e.g. sediment resuspension of benthic organic matter, remineralisation of terrestrially derived organic matter, etc.), severing the link between phylogeny and metabolic potential. Taken together, different organic matter sources shape microbial activity, but not community composition, in New Zealand fjords.
Assessment of Disease Activity Using a Whole-body MRI&nbsp;Derived Radiological Activity Index in Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis
Authors: Capponi Martina , Marafon Denise Pires , Rivosecchi Flaminia , Zhao Yongdong , Pardeo Manuela , Messia Virginia , Horatio Laura Tanturri di , Tomà Paolo , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Insalaco Antonella 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background. Based on the recently developed ChRonic nonbacterial Osteomyelitis MRI Scoring tool (CROMRIS), we developed a radiological activity index (RAI-CROMRIS) to obtain a quantification of the overall bone involvement in individual patients.Methods. Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) images were scored according to parameters included in the RAI-CROMRIS: bone marrow hyperintensity, signal extension, soft tissue/periosteal hyperintensity, bony expansion, vertebral collapse. These parameters were evaluated for each bone unit yielding a score from 0 to 7 and summed up as RAI-CROMRIS including all bone units. We assessed clinical disease activity using a physician global assessment (PGA) and radiological findings in 76 treatment-naïve patients; 46 of 76 were evaluated at 6 and 12 months after initial WB-MRI. Quantitative variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test for unmatched groups and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired groups. Correlation was evaluated using Spearman's rank coefficient (rs).Results. There was a significant correlation between RAI-CROMRIS and PGA (rs=0.32; p=0.0055), between RAI-CROMRIS and presence of elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.013) and C-reactive protein (p=0.0001) at baseline. The RAI-CROMRIS decreased from a median of 17 at baseline to 12 at 6 months (p=0.004) and remained stable (median 11) at 12 months. A correlation between the RAI-CROMRIS and the PGA was observed at baseline (rs=0.41; p=0.004) and during follow up at 6 months (rs=0.33; p=0.025) and 12 months (rs=0.38; p=0.010). The baseline RAI-CROMRIS (median 20) was significantly higher in patients who subsequently received bisphosphonates than in patients who received other treatments (median 12) and decreased significantly after bisphosphonates (p=0.008).Conclusions. The RAI-CROMRIS was correlated with clinical and laboratory measures of disease activity showing significant short-term changes following treatment with bisphosphonates. This tool could be used in clinical practice and clinical trials after validation.