bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-Flow, Low-Gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis: Cardiac Computed Tomography Findings and Clinical Outcomes After Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Choi Se Jin , Ahn Yura , Koo Hyun Jung , Kim Dae-Hee , Lim Soyeon , Kim Jun Bum , Song Jong-Min , Kang Duk-Hyun , Song Jae-Kwan , Kim Hwa Jung , Kang Joon-Won , Yang Dong Hyun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Aortic valve calcium scoring by cardiac computed tomographic (CT) has been recommended as an alternative to classify the AS severity, but it is unclear that whether CT findings can predict and have prognostic implication in low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (LF-LG AS), which has fewer benefit from surgery among the AS subtypes. In this study, we examined the clinical and cardiac CT findings of LF-LG AS patients and evaluated factors affecting outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR). This study included 511 (66.9±8.8 years, 55% men) consecutive patients with severe AS who underwent surgical AVR. Aortic valve area (AVA) was obtained by echocardiography (AVAecho) and by CT (AVACT) using each modalities measurement of the left ventricular outflow tract. Patients with AS were classified as 1) high-gradient severe (n=438), 2) classic LF-LG (n=18), and 3) paradoxical LF-LG (n=55) based on echocardiography. Classic LF-LG AS patients had higher end-systolic and end-diastolic volume indices, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, larger AVAecho and AVACT, and larger aortic annulus compared to high-gradient severe AS (P<0.05, for all). In classic LF-LG AS group, 27.8% of patients presented AVACT≥1.2 cm2. After multivariable adjustment, old age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04, P=0.049), high B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (HR, 1.005; P<0.001), preoperative atrial fibrillation (HR, 2.75; P=0.003), classic LF-LG AS (HR, 5.53, P=0.004), and small aortic annulus (HR, 0.57; P=0.002) were independently associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). The classic LF-LG AS group presented larger AVACT and aortic annulus than those in high-gradient severe AS group and one third of them had AVACT ≥1.2 cm2. Old age, high BNP, atrial fibrillation, classic LF-LG AS, and small aortic annulus were associated with MACCE in severe AS patients after surgical AVR.
Characterization of Internal Fatigue Cracks in Aluminum Alloys by Simulation of Phase Contrast Tomography
Authors: XIAO Ce , LETANG Jean-Michel , BUFFIERE Jean-Yves 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Synchrotron Radiation Computed Tomography (SRCT) allows a better detection of fatigue cracks in metals than laboratory CT due to the existence of phase contrast. However the presence in reconstructed images of fringes at the edges of objects generated by Fresnel diffraction makes it difficult to identify and analyze the cracks quantitatively. Simulations of phase contrast synchrotron tomography images containing cracks with different sizes and shapes are obtained by using GATE software. Analyzing the simulation results, firstly, we confirmed that the bright parts with strong contrast in SRCT image are streak artifacts; secondly, we found that the gray scale values within the cracks in SRCT images are related to the crack size; these simulation results are used to analyse SRCT images of internal fatigue cracks in a cast Al alloy, providing a clearer visualisation of damage.
Oxidized LDL Mediated Upregulation of ADAMTS-4 in Monocytes/Macrophages Involves The ROS-NFκB Pathway
Authors: S. Aswani S. , Mohan Mithra. S. , S. Aparna. N. , Boban P. T. , Kamalamma Saja 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
ADAMTS-4 is a protease enzyme which involves in vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis. It was found to be upregulated in macrophages seen in atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and regulation of ADAMTS-4 in oxLDL induced human monocytes/macrophages system. PBMCs isolated from human blood(hPBMCs), treated with oxLDL (50μg/ml) were used as the model system for the study. mRNA and protein expressions were studied by qRT-PCR, ELISA, and western blot analysis. ROS production and cell viability were determined by fluorescence imaging and MTT assay respectively. In the presence of oxLDL, monocytes get differentiated into macrophages, which were confirmed by the increased expression of CD-36, b- D glucuronidase activity and by the morphological changes. OxLDL increased the mRNA and protein expression of ADAMTS-4 and TIMP-3 in monocytes/ macrophages. A significant increase in the mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α was also observed in oxLDL treated cells compared to untreated control. In the presence of NAC, the ROS scavenger, the production of NFκB and ADAMTS-4 was decreased significantly. Our study suggests that oxLDL significantly upregulated the expression of ADAMTS-4 in the monocyte/macrophage system. OxLDL mediated upregulation of ADAMTS-4 in hPBMCs involves TNF-α and ROS- NFκB pathway.
Visualizing a Convergence of Three Mitochondrial Molecule mRNAs for Drp1/Mfn2/Ucp4 on Soma of Cerebellar Purkinje Cells by RNAscope
Authors: Liu Hui , Luo Tingting , Wu Feifei , Guo Baolin , Zhang Kunlong , Li Shujiao , Li Xiaodong , Wang Ruiqing , Chen Jinghao , Wang Lu , Yang Yanling , Wang Ya-Yun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We know little about how mitochondrial dynamics regulates in the Purkinje cells. To explore it, we first set up the Gad2-cre:ZsGreen-tdTomatofl/fl mice where Purkinje cells expressed tdTomato in the cerebellum. Secondly, double stainings verified tdTomato cells were Calbinin (CB)-positive Purkinje cells, but colocalized neither with astrocyte marker GFAP nor with microglia marker Iba1. Thirdly, application of RNAscope in situ hybridization with the identification of mRNAs of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), calcium transporter (Mcu and Nclx) and uncoupling proteins (Ucp2 and Ucp4) were used onto Purkinje cells for specific spatial analysis. Our findings demonstrated that Mfn2 mRNAs expression was evident in Purkinje cells. And few expressions of Ucp4 mRNAs were presented in dendritic shafts of Purkinje cells. It should be noted that Mcu, Nclx, and Ucp2 mRNAs expression were only scattered on both soma and dendrites in Purkinje cells. The double RNAscope profiling of mitochondrial molecules showed Mfn1 mRNAs are presented only in the soma of the Purkinje cells. Double RNAscope showed none of Drp1 mRNAs were co-localized with Mcu mRNAs, as well as almost none of Ucp2 mRNAs were co-localized with Mfn2 mRNAs. All of these results showed the mitochondrial Drp1/Mfn2/Ucp4 convergence on the Purkinje cells. Finally, present research focuses on developing new and more specific molecules tuning the activity of the Purkinje cells activate or inactivate and opening therapeutic windows for Purkinje cells-related diseases. The molecular identification of potential drug targets, mechanism of action, and structural basis of their activity will crucially enable preclinical development.
Climate Change Impacts And Adaptation Barriers Among Smallholder Cassava Farmer
Authors: AYANLADE Ayansina , OLUWATIMILEHIN Isaac Ayo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Climate variability/change has varied impacts on crop yields in many Sub-Saharan African countries. Enhancing the adaptive capacity of rural farmers is a major challenge as climate change becomes threatened to agricultural activities in the region. In this study, the impacts of climate change on cassava crops were examined, and farmers’ perceptions of climate, change and their experienced adaptation methods were assessed. Historical climate data and social datasets were used; the adaptation option and barriers to the use of adaptation methods were obtained through questionnaires, semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Correlation statistics and multiple regressions were utilized to show the impacts of climate on the yield of cassava. The results showed a high variation in climatic variables together with an obvious anomaly index with severity. Minimum and maximum temperatures correlated strongly and positively with the yield of cassava, with 0.86, 0.82 and 0.87, respectively, which were significant at p>0.05. The results of multiple regression showed that climate parameters accounted for 75% of the changes in yield. The results also showed a very strong relationship between crops and rainfall in the early growing season at the p<0.05 level of significance. The majority of the farmers perceived that lack of capital and financial, physical and human capital accounted for 70% of barriers to the implementation of climate change adaptation methods. The key findings here are that the cropping system has been impacted by climate change and that the adaptive capacity of rural farmers in the study area is generally low. The study concludes that although climate change is obvious, there is generally a need to enhance the adaptation options available to farmers in the region.
Endobronchial Ultrasound Features for Evaluation of Mediastinal and Hilar Lymph Nodes
Authors: Pang Lingling , Zou Shenchun , Liu Xueping , Fan Yingqi , Shi Ying , Yu Pengfei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the utility of Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) features included elastography and B-mode features for differentiating malignant from benign lymph nodes(LNs). Methods. 84 patients with 151 enlarged mediastinal and hilar LNs underwent endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) were involved in the retrospective study from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019. Scores of EBUS elastography, EBUS B-mode features and final pathological results were recorded. Receiver operating characteristics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the diagnostic yield of elastography and B-mode features for malignant LNs. Results. Total 84 patients of 151 LNs were enrolled in the single center retrospective study, which included 108 malignant nodes and 43 benign nodes obtained from 59/25 patients respectively. EBUS elastography score 4-5 differentiated malignant LNs from benign nodes with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy 85.05%, 77.27%, 90.10%, 71.0% and 82.23% respectively. EBUS B-mode features round shape, heterogenenous echogenicity and absence of CHS showed statistical diagnostic yield by multivariate logistic analysis. ROC analysis suggested the combined AUC for elastography, round shape, absence of CHS and hetergeneous echogenicity was 0.849. Conclusions. EBUS features are effective for differentiating between benign and malignant LNs. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Qingdao medical college affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital (NO. 2014-111).
The Unstable Restorer-of-Fertility Locus in Pepper (Capsicum Annuum. L) is Delimited to a Genomic Region Containing PPR Genes
Authors: Kang Moo Chan , Kang Hwa-Jeong , Jung So-Young , Lee Hae-Young , Kang Min-Young , Jo Yeong Deuk , Kang Byoung-Cheorl 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The use of cytoplasmic-genic male sterility (CGMS) systems greatly increases the efficiency of hybrid seed production. Although marker development and candidate gene isolation have been performed for the Restorer-of-fertility (Rf) gene in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), the broad use of CGMS systems has been hampered by the instability of fertility restoration among pepper accessions, especially sweet peppers, due to the widespread presence of the Unstable Restorer-of-fertility (Rfu) locus. Therefore, to investigate the genetic factors controlling unstable fertility restoration in sweet peppers, we developed a segregation population from a cross between a male-sterile line and an Rfu-containing line to examine the inheritance of Rfu. Individuals with unstable restoration vs. sterility segregated at a 3:1 ratio, indicating that a single dominant gene controls unstable fertility restoration. Genetic mapping delimited the Rfu locus to a 479 kb genomic region on chromosome 6 flanked by two markers, which is close to but different from the previously identified Rf-containing region. The Rfu-containing region harbors a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) gene, along with 13 other candidate genes. In addition, this region is syntenic to the genomic region containing the largest number of Rf-like PPR genes in tomato. Therefore, the dynamic evolution of PPR genes might be responsible for both the restoration and instability of fertility in pepper. During genetic mapping, we developed various molecular markers, including one that co-segregated with Rfu. These markers showed higher accuracy for genotyping than previously developed markers, pointing to their possible use in marker-assisted breeding of sweet peppers.
Development of Analytical Seismic Fragility Functions For The Common Buildings In Iran
Authors: Karimzadeh Zarrin , Ghafory-Ashtiany Mohsen , Kalantari Afshin , Shokuhirad Sahar 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
One of the main components for the development of regional seismic risk models is the fragility functions for common building types. Due to the differences between the national design codes, construction practices, and construction materials, it is necessary to develop specific fragility functions for the common building types which are constructed in each region. One of the existing challenges is the lack of classified, reliable, and cogent local seismic fragility functions for common buildings in Iran. For this reason, the present study is devoted to filling this essential gap. Therefore, at the first step, a comprehensive study was performed on the existing building types in the country. Finally, the Iranian common buildings are classified into 35 categories regarding material, lateral-load-resisting system, age, height, and code level. Also, by conducting comprehensive studies on all previously performed researches in the country, structural and dynamic parameters have been collected for buildings in each class. This information was used to compute a large set of backbone curves for Iranian buildings taxonomy. In the next steps, a large set of ground motion records were selected. Then non-linear time-history analyses were performed on the generic backbone curve for each type of building, and the structural responses were used to derive fragility functions for building classes. Then nearly three hundred appropriate fragility functions were generated for Iranian common buildings considering both record-to-record and building-to-building response variability using cloud analysis. Based on the existing empirical data from past earthquakes in the country, the validation of the resulting fragility functions was carried out. The resulted fragility functions can be utilized in seismic risk assessment studies in the country.
Reintroduction of Decomposed Straw To Maize Fields Resulted In Soil Microbial Community Change And Increased Corn Production
Authors: Zhou Yang , Xu Weihui , Chen Wenjing , Hu Yunlong , Wang Zhigang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose Returning decomposed straw to crop fields could address many agricultural shortcomings. In this study, the soil microbial community, soil nutrients, soil enzyme activities and maize yield were investigated after returning decomposed straw to the field. Methods To investigate the effects of returning decomposed straw to field on soil microorganisms and maize growth, field experiments were carried out to measure soil nutrient content, soil enzyme activity and maize yield, and the soil microbial community structure was measured by 16SRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing technology.Results The results showed that the contents of total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP) and pH were significantly increased, and the contents of ammonium nitrogen (AN) and available kalium were decreased in both the rotary tillage (SR) and mulching (SM) treatments. The bacterial and fungal community structures in bulk and rhizosphere soils were clearly changed under SR and SM. The relative abundances of bacterial genera related to soil denitrification, such as Skermanella, Blastococcus, Geodermatophilus and Asanoa, were significantly increased. The relative abundances of Conexibacter, Streptomyces and Trichoderma, which bacteria that has shown to inhibit plant diseases, were increased. In addition, the relative abundances of growth-promoting bacteria, such as Arthrobacter and Mesorhizobium, were also significantly increased. Moreover, adding decomposed straw back to the field promoted the absorption of nutrients by maize, and resulted in higher yield of maize.Conclusions Our findings suggest positive responses of soil microbial community structure and maize growth to decomposition straw returning.
Co-Administration of a Plasmid Encoding CD40 or CD63 Enhances the Immune Responses to a DNA Vaccine Against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in a Mouse Model
Authors: Dongze Leng , Yamada Shinji , Chiba Yusuke , Yoneyama Syuji , Sakai Yusuke , Hikono Hirokazu , Murakami Kenji 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes substantial economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide. Plasmids encoding the BVDV E2 protein are potential DNA vaccines against BVDV, but their immunogenicity has been insufficient. Here, we investigated the adjuvant effect of CD40 and CD63 on the immune responses to a BVDV E2 DNA vaccine in a mouse model. We constructed pUMVC4a-based plasmids encoding the BVDV E2 protein (pE2), mouse CD40 (pCD40), or mouse CD63 (pCD63). Protein expression by each plasmid was confirmed through Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining of cultured cell lines. BALB/c mice were immunized intradermally twice with pE2 in combination with, or without, pCD40 or pCD63, with 3 weeks between the two doses. pE2 with pCD40 induced significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers against BVDV than pE2 alone. Furthermore, pE2 with pCD40 or pCD63 induced significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ production in response to BVDV ex vivo, compared with E2 alone. These results suggest that a plasmid encoding CD40 or CD63 can be used as an adjuvant to enhance immune responses to DNA vaccines against BVDV.
Mutations in the GNAS Gene Prevent the Cell Invasion by Activating the MEG3/Wnt/β-catenin Axia in Growth Hormone-secreting Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Tang Chao , Zhong Chunyu , Zhu Junhao , Yuan Feng , Yang Jin , Cai Xiangming , Xu Yong , Ma Chiyuan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Approximately 30–40% of growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (GHPA) harbor somatic mutations in the GNAS (α subunit of the stimulatory G protein) gene. However, the latent functional role of the mutations and relative molecular mechanism in GHPA remain unknown. The GNAS gene mutations were detected in GHPAs using a standard PCR-sequencing procedure. The mutation-associated MEG3 expression was measured by RT-qPCR. MEG3 was manipulated in GH3 cells using a lentiviral expression system. Alterations in mRNA profiles in the MEG3-overexpressed cells were analyzed by RNA-seq. The cell invasion ability was measured using a Transwell assay, and the EMT-associated proteins were quantified by immunofluorescence and western blot. Finally, a tumor cell xenograft mouse model was applied to verify the effect of MEG3 on tumor growth and invasiveness. The percentage of invasive tumors was significantly declined in GNAS-mutated GHPA tumors with the GNAS mutations compared to those tumors with the wild-type of GNAS. Consistently, the GH3 cell invasion capacity was decreased by expressing the mutant GNAS. MEG3 is uniquely expressed at high levels in GHPA harboring the mutated GNAS gene. Accordingly, the upregulation of MEG3 resulted in inhibiting cell invasion; and vice versa, the downregulation of MEG3 led to enhancing cell invasion. Mechanistically, the high level of MEG3 in mutated GNAS cells prevented the cell invasion via inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which was further validated in vivo. The GNAS mutations inhibit the invasiveness of GHPA cells via inactivation of the MEG3/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
COVID-19 and Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Clinic Based Study
Authors: Siddig Amira , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Abdelrahman Ahmed , Abbasher AlHussien , Abbasher Abubaker Alsedig , Abbasher Mohammed , Hussien Abbasher 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Patients with dementia are more prone to acquire COVID-19 infection. Patients with COVID-19 showed a tendency to develop cognitive impairment. Objectives: We aimed to study the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 infection among adult Sudanese demented patients and the prevalence of cognitive impairment among adult Sudanese non demented patients. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study which took place in Sudan, Khartoum state in the period (September-December 2021) in a private neurology/psychiatry clinic. 135 adult Sudanese patients were included in this study and were divided into two groups. The first group consists of 100 patients with a known history of dementia that got infected recently with COVID-19, while the second group consists of 35 patients who developed some sort of cognitive impairment after recovering from COVID-19 infection. Regarding the second group, cognitive functions were assessed by senior consultant neurologist and senior consultant psychiatrist using a well validated neuropsychological measure. Results: Out of 100 patients in the first group, females were 60 and males were 40. Age distribution is between 63 -98. The common presenting symptoms of COVID-19 among this group were: Cough and fever (90 patients), diarrhea and vomiting (5 patients), breathlessness (4 patients), coughing of blood (5 patients), convulsions (1 patient), paraplegia (1 patient) and hemiplegia (1 patient). Regarding the second group, Age distribution varied from 30 to 80 years. Cognitive functions impairment was noticed as follows: Memory recall (22%), memory recognition (23%), memory encoding (24%), processing speed (16%), executive functioning (19%), phonemic fluency (17%) and category fluency (17%). Conclusion: Patients with dementia are more susceptible to develop COVID-19 infection. Patients with COVID-19 Infection are at risk of developing some sort of cognitive impairment after recovery.
Polymethylmethacrylate-augmented Cannulated Pedicle Screw Fixation for High-energy Vertebral Compression Fracture with Osteoporosis
Authors: Liu Yao-yao , Xiao Jun , Yin Xiang , Liu Ming-Yong , Wang Zhong , He Lei , Liu Peng , Dai Fei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: High-energy vertebral compression fractures (HVCFs) with osteoporosis puts forward higher requirement for the stability of pedicle screw internal fixation system. However, few studies have concentrated on the clinical outcomes of cannulated pedicle screw to augment fixation with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) under this condition. This study aims to investigate the mid-term efficacy of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screw (CICPS) in HVCFs with osteoporosis.Methods: Eighteen patients with HVCFs (T < -2.5) were underwent spinal fixation by CICPS from 2012 to 2017. The operation time, blood loss, and hospitalization time were recorded. Pain and functional recovery were evaluated by Visual Analog Scale VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), respectively. X-ray films were taken to evaluate the loss of vertebral height, kyphosis angle, pedicle screw loosening, and bony fusion. Surgical related complications were also recorded.Results: The average follow-up time was 18.5 ± 8.7 months (range, 6-54 months). VAS and ODI scores indicated significant improvements in postoperative pain and activity function (P < 0.05). Comparing the last follow-up with the postoperative imaging findings, the loss of vertebral height and kyphosis angle was 3.4 ± 1.2 mm and 7.8 ± 3.8°, respectively. The rate of bone graft fusion was 100% while no case was involved in screw loosening or extraction. 1 case of superficial infection, 2 cases of PMMA leakage, and 1 case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage were found.Conclusions: CICPS fixation using PMMA augmentation may be suggested as a feasible surgical technique in osteoporotic patients with HVCFs.