bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of outdoor air pollution with the medical expense of ischemic stroke: The case study of an industrial city in western China
Authors: Zeng Siyu , luo Li , Chen Fang , Li Yue , Chen Mei , He Xiaozhou 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIschemic stroke, the most frequent cause of severe disability, imposes a significant mental and economic burden on patients and their families. There is increasing evidence to indicate that air pollution contributes to the risk of ischemic stroke. This study aimed to examine the correlation between air pollution and the expense imposed by an ischemic stroke. Data were obtained from hospitals and environmental monitoring stations in an industry city, Longspring, in western China. We used a generalized additive model to estimate the associations between the two factors, measured during 2015–2017. Counter‐intuitively, the medical expenses arising from ischemia were negatively associated with the level of air pollution. The corresponding ER for per interquartile range increase of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 in lag10 was −0.17% (95% confidence interval (95% CI −0.31%, −0.03%), −0.11% (95% CI −0.2%, −0.02%), −1.04% (95% CI −1.92%, −0.17%) and −0.44% (95% CI −0.66%, −0.22%), respectively (p < 0.05). Subgroups based on gender, age, and season were considered in the analysis. The results indicated that pollutants had significant effects on ischaemia's medical expenses, which were stronger for older people, patients who survived, and warm seasons. This study is the first step in optimizing medical resources, which are essential for policymaking and service planning.
Estimation of mass and energy balance of glaciers using a distributed energy balance model over the Chandra river basin (Western Himalaya)
Authors: Patel Akansha , Goswami Ajanta , Dharpure Jaydeo K. , Thamban Meloth , Sharma Parmanand , Kulkarni Anil V. , Oulkar Sunil 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe ongoing glacier shrinking in the Himalayan region causes a significant threat to freshwater sustainability and associated future runoff. However, data on the spatial climatic contribution of glacier retreat is scanty in this region. To investigate the spatially distributed glacier surface energy and mass fluxes, a two‐dimensional mass balance model was developed and applied to the selected glaciers of the Chandra basin, in the Upper Indus Basin, Western Himalaya. This model is driven by the remote sensing data and meteorological variables measured in the vicinity of the Chandra basin for six hydrological years (October 2013 to September 2019). The modelled variables were calibrated/validated with the in‐situ observation from the Himansh station in the Chandra basin. We have derived air temperature (Ta) spatially using the multivariate statistical approach, which indicates a relative error of 0.02–0.05°C with the observed data. Additionally, the relative error between the modelled and observed radiation fluxes was <10.0 W m−2. Our study revealed that the Chandra basin glaciers have been losing its mass with a mean annual mass balance of −0.59 ± 0.12 m w.e.a−1for the six hydrological years. Results illustrated that the mean surface melt rate of the selected glaciers ranged from −5.1 to −2.5 m w.e.a−1that lies between 4500 and 5000 m a.s.l. The study revealed that the net radiation(RN)contributes ~75% in total energy (FM) during the melt season while sensible heat(HS), latent heat(Hl), and ground heat(HG)fluxes shared 15%, 8%, and 2%, respectively. Sensitivity analysis of the energy balance components suggested that the mass balance is highly sensitive to albedo and surface radiations in the study area. Overall, the proposed model performed well for glacier‐wide energy and mass balance estimation and confirms the utility of remote sensing data, which may help in reducing data scarcity in the upper reaches of the Himalayan region.
Jump volatility spillover network based measurement of systemic importance of Chinese financial institutions
Authors: Yang Xin , Chen Shan , Liu Hong , Yang Xiaoguang , Huang Chuangxia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe identification of systemically important financial institutions (SIFIs) is an important measure to deal with systemic risks. To achieve this goal, we first use generalized variance decomposition method and granger causality test to construct jump volatility spillover networks of Chinese financial institutions based on the 5‐min high‐frequency data. Then, out‐strength and in‐strength are adopted to analyze the SIFI. Finally, we use panel data regression model to investigate the determinant of the SIFIs. The empirical results show that: (a) The network density reaches a peak when the financial system under pressure during the China's stock market disaster of 2015. (b) Large banks and insurances usually display systemic importance, while some small financial institutions are also SIFIs due to their high value of out‐strength and in‐strength. (c) There are obvious differences in the factors that affect the out‐strength and in‐strength based on panel data regression model, but turnover rate, jump volatility, firm size and growth rate of total assets are the common driving factors.
Colloidal stability, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake of HfO2 nanoparticles
Authors: McGinnity Tracie L. , Sokolova Viktoriya , Prymak Oleg , Nallathamby Prakash D. , Epple Matthias , Roeder Ryan K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe colloidal stability, cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake of hafnium oxide (HfO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated in vitro to assess safety and efficacy for use as a deliverable theranostic in nanomedicine. Monoclinic HfO2 NPs, ~60–90 nm in diameter and ellipsoidal in shape, were directly prepared without calcination by a hydrothermal synthesis at 83% yield. The as‐prepared, bare HfO2 NPs exhibited colloidal stability in cell culture media for at least 10 days without significant agglomeration or settling. The viability (live/dead assay) of human epithelial cells (HeLa) and monocyte‐derived macrophages (THP‐1) did not fall below 95% of untreated cells after up to 24 h exposure to HfO2 NPs at concentrations up to 0.80 mg/ml. Similarly, the mitochondrial activity (MTT assay) of HeLa and THP‐1 cells did not fall below 80% of untreated cells after up to 24 h exposure to HfO2 NPs at concentrations up to 0.40 mg/ml. Cellular uptake was confirmed and visualized in both HeLa and THP‐1 cells by fluorescence microscopy of HfO2 NPs labeled with Cy5 and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of bare HfO2 NPs. TEM micrographs provided direct observation of macropinocytosis and endosomal compartmentalization within 4 h of exposure. Thus, the HfO2 NPs in this study exhibited colloidal stability, cytocompatibility, and cellular uptake for potential use as a deliverable theranostic in nanomedicine.
Osteoinductive effect of soluble transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 on human osteoblast lineage
Authors: Amanso Angelica Mastandrea , Kamalakar Archana , Bitarafan Sara , Abramowicz Shelly , Drissi Hicham , Barnett Joey Victor , Wood Levi Benjamin , Goudy S. L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe development of bone requires carefully choregraphed signaling to bone progenitors to form bone. Our group recently described the requirement of transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 (TGFβR3), a receptor involved in TGFβ pathway signaling, during osteoblast lineage commitment in mice. The TGFβ pathway is known to play multiple osteo‐inductive and osteo‐inhibitory roles during osteoblast development and TGFβR3 human mutations are associated with reduced bone mineral density, making TGFβR3 a unique target for bone inductive therapy. In this article, we demonstrated increased mineralization of human pediatric bone‐derived osteoblast‐like cells (HBO) when treated with soluble TGFβR3 (sR3) using Alizarin Red staining. Osteogenic commitment of HBO cells was demonstrated by induction of osteogenic genes RUNX2, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and osterix. Evaluation of the canonical TGFβ pathway signaling demonstrated that sR3 was able to induce bone formation in HBO cells, mainly through activation of noncanonical targets of TGFβ pathway signaling including AKT, ERK, and p38 MAP kinases. Inhibition of these osteogenic noncanonical pathways in the HBO cells also inhibited mineralization, suggesting they are each required. Although no induction of SMAD1, 5, and 9 was observed, there was the activation of SMAD2 and 3 suggesting that sR3 is primarily signaling via the noncanonical pathways during osteogenic induction of the HBO. Our results highlight the important role of TGFβR3 in osteoblast induction of mineralization in human bone cells through noncanonical targets of TGFβ signaling. Future studies will focus on the ability of sR3 to induce bone regeneration in vivo using animal models.
Development and functionalization of DNA nanostructures for biomedical applications
Authors: Baig Mirza Muhammad Faran Ashraf , Zou Ting , Neelakantan Prasanna , Zhang Chengfei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNanomaterials are excellent drug delivery systems, yet, they must be functionalized in a manner compatible with the biological environment. Regarding delivery of the payloads, it is critical to monitor the nanocarrier's biocompatibility and the ability to control its drug encapsulation and release, as well as targeting. The current challenges include avoiding negative host immune responses, optimizing stability in biological environments, and achieving precise interactions with the targets. Contemporary advances in structural DNA nanotechnology, DNA origami, and supramolecular DNA assembly make it possible to produce complex multi‐functional DNA nanostructures, wherein precise control of the size, geometry, and appearance of the ligands is feasible. DNA nanostructures offer ease of synthesis and conjugation of functional moieties to target the release of cargo or to analyze important biomarkers for diagnostics. Furthermore, the biocompatibility, programmability, responsiveness to biomolecules, cell‐surfaces, and organisms make such DNA nanomaterials highly suitable for potential translational applications. This overview summarizes the recent developments in functionalizing, stabilizing, and applying DNA nanostructures for potential biomedical applications.
Alliance rupture‐repair processes in intensive short‐term dynamic psychotherapy: Working with resistance
Authors: Abbass Allan A. , Town Joel M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntensive short‐term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) was developed to manage treatment impasses preventing the experiencing of feelings related to childhood attachment interruptions, such as parental loss. According to ISTDP theory, certain categories of patients will exhibit habitual patterns of responding within the treatment relationship (called defenses) to certain anxiety‐provoking thoughts and feelings. Such defensive behaviors interrupt awareness of one's own feelings, self‐directed compassion and engagement in close human attachments, including the bond with the therapist. Rupture‐repair sequences in ISTDP are primarily considered in the context of a patient's defenses and the responses a therapist has to these defenses. By understanding and clarifying these defenses, this risk of subsequent misalliance, that is negative shifts or ruptures in the alliance, are minimized. In this paper we summarize ISTDP theory and technique through the use of clinical vignettes to illustrate defense management as a rupture‐repair equivalent in ISTDP.
The ability of selected filter materials in removing nutrients, metals, and microplastics from stormwater in biofilter structures
Authors: Kuoppamäki Kirsi , Pflugmacher Lima Stephan , Scopetani Costanza , Setälä Heikki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCreative solutions to manage stormwater include ecologically based designs, such as biofilter structures. A laboratory experiment was established to study the ability of biofilters to remove nutrients, metals, total suspended solids (TSS), and total organic C originating from roadside stormwater as melted snow. Special attention was paid to the removal of P. In addition, the fate of microplastics (MPs) in the biofilters was followed. The materials selected for biofilters were (a) crushed light‐expanded clay aggregates without biochar or amended with biochar, (b) Filtralite P clay aggregates, (c) crushed concrete, or (d) filter sand. A layer to support grass growth was placed above these materials. Stormwater was rich in TSS with associated P and metals, which were substantially retained by all biofilters. Filtralite and concrete had almost 100% P removal, but the high pH had adverse effects on plants. Light‐expanded clay aggregates had lower retention of P, and, when mixed with biochar (30% v/v), the leaching of P increased and N retention was improved. None of the materials was ideal for treating both nutrients and metals, but sand was generally best. Vegetation improved N retention and stormwater infiltration. Plant roots formed preferential pathways for water and associated substances, evidenced by the accumulation of MPs along root channels. No MPs were found in discharge. Given the high loading of suspended solids and associated contaminants in snowmelt from traffic areas and their efficient retention in biofiltration, results of this study suggest the implementation of such stormwater management solutions along road verges.
Landmarks and techniques to perform minimally invasive liver surgery: A systematic review with a focus on hepatic outflow
Authors: Monden Kazuteru , Alconchel Felipe , Berardi Giammauro , Ciria Ruben , Akahoshi Keiichi , Miyasaka Yoshihiro , Urade Takeshi , García Vázquez Alain , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Honda Goro , Kaneko Hironori , Hoon Kim Ji , Tanabe Minoru , Yamamoto Masakazu , Wakabayashi Go ,   Study group of Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic surgery (PAM‐HBP surgery)
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeIn this systematic review, we aimed to clarify the useful anatomic structures and assess available surgical techniques and strategies required to safely perform minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (MIALR), with a particular focus on the hepatic veins (HVs).MethodsA systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed for English articles and Ichushi databases for Japanese articles through September 2020. The quality assessment of the articles was performed in accordance with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).ResultsA total of 3372 studies were obtained, and 59 were selected and reviewed. Due to the limited number of published comparative studies and case series, the degree of evidence from our review was low. Thirty‐two articles examined the anatomic landmarks and crucial structures for approaching HVs. Regarding the direction of HV exposure, 32 articles focused on the techniques and advantages of exposing HVs from either the root or the periphery. Ten articles focused on the techniques to perform a segmentectomy 8 in particularly difficult cases of MIALR. In seven articles, bleeding control from HVs was also discussed.ConclusionsThis review may help experts reach a consensus regarding the best approach to the management of hepatic veins during MIALR.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells and their association with vaccine immunogenicity in South African infants
Authors: Kidzeru Elvis , Gasper Melanie A , Shao Danica , Edlefsen Paul T , Lejarcegui Nicholas , Havyarimana Enock , Urdahl Kevin , Gantt Soren , Horton Helen , Jaspan Heather , Gervassi Ana 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSC) in infant immune ontogeny is unknown. Here, we evaluated MDSC frequency and relationship with infant vaccine responses throughout the first year of life in a prospective cohort study. Ninety-one South African infant-mother pairs were enrolled at delivery, and blood samples were collected at 0, 6, 10, and 14 weeks, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year. MDSC frequencies were quantified, and immune responses to the childhood vaccines Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), hepatitis B (HepB), and combination diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (dTaP) were measured by Ag-specific CD4+ T cell proliferation and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production. Vaccine-specific Ab responses to HepB, dTaP, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) were quantified via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MDSC frequency in mother-infant pairs was strongly correlated; the frequency of MDSC decreased in both mothers and infants during the months after delivery/birth; and by 1 year, infant MDSC frequencies rebounded to birth levels. Higher MDSC frequency at vaccination was associated with a lack of subsequent IFN-γ release in response to vaccine Ags, with the exception of BCG. With the exception of a weak, positive correlation between MDSC frequency at 6 weeks (time of initial vaccination) and peak Hepatitis B surface antigen Ab titer, Polymorphonuclear Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (PMN-MDSC) was not correlated with T cell proliferation or Ab responses in this study. The potential for MDSC-mediated suppression of vaccine Ag-specific IFN-γ responses should be explored further, and considered when evaluating candidate infant vaccines.
Influences of grain and protein characteristics on in vitro protein digestibility of modern and ancient wheat species
Authors: Ma Fengyun , Baik Byung‐Kee 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe resistance of proteins to gastrointestinal digestion contributes to their ability to act as allergens. Near‐complete digestion of protein in wheat products is important with respect to avoiding the potential immunogenic effects of undigested peptides. Five modern US wheat classes (soft red winter, hard winter, hard red spring, club and durum) including 17 wheat varieties, as well as three ancient wheat classes (spelt, emmer and einkorn) including nine wheat varieties, were analyzed for kernel hardness (KH) and flour protein characteristics, in addition to in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of cooked flour, flour without albumins and globulins (FWOAG), gluten, albumins, and globulins, aiming to identify the factors influencing the protein digestibility of flour.RESULTSIVPDs of flour, FWOAG, gluten and albumins of wheat varieties ranged from 86.5% to 92.3%, 85.8% to 90.3%, 90.6% to 94.6% and 74.8% to 85.1%, respectively. The IVPD of gluten was significantly higher than the IVPDs of flour and FWOAG, indicating that non‐protein components substantially affect protein digestibility. Significant differences were observed in IVPDs of flour and albumins among eight wheat classes, but not in the IVPDs of FWOAG, gluten and globulins. There were apparent differences in undigested protein bands and intensities of wheat classes with low and high flour IVPDs. KH and albumin proportion exhibited negative and positive relationships, respectively, with flour IVPD.CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study demonstrate that KH, non‐protein components and albumin proportion have a major influence on protein digestion and need to be considered when developing wheat cultivars with higher protein digestibility.
Determination of the Carboxyl Dissociation Degree and pKa Value of Mono and Polyacid Solutions by FTIR Titration
Authors: Müller Martin , Wirth Luise , Urban Birgit 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDissociation degree α and pKa of two model carboxylic acid systems are determined by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) titration concept and compared to the classical potentiometric (POT) titration concept. pH dependence of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is studied in comparison to that of propionic acid (PA) being structurally related to PAA repeating units. Starting with the respective acid forms and increasing the pH value by adding NaOH portions FTIR spectra of PA and PAA show decrease of ν(CO) band due to carboxyl (COOH) groups and increase of νa(COO−) band due to carboxylate (COO−) groups. From the integrated band areas A the dissociation degree can be calculated with F taking different absorption coefficients of ν(CO) and νa(COO−) into account. pH is plotted versus αIR and this curve fitted by functions related to Henderson–Hasselbalch equation. As fit parameters pKa value for PA and PAA and optionally empirical cooperativity factor B are considered. pKa values found for PA and PAA by FTIR titration are in agreement to respective pKa values found by own and referenced POT titration data. The found pKa deviation between PA and PAA and PAA molecular weight trends are discussed based on the known two‐phase‐model including Gibbs–Donnan‐potential concept.
Biomass‐Derived Acetylenic Polymer Monoliths Prepared by High Internal Phase Emulsion Template Method and Used for Adsorbing Cationic Pollutants
Authors: Yang Shenghua , Yong Xueyong , Zhao Biao , Wu Youping , Deng Jianping 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA new type of biobased porous polymer monolith is prepared starting from biomass, ferulic acid (FA), via high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) template polymerization method. FA is transferred into an acetylenic monomer, which undergoes catalytic HIPE polymerization, eventually forming a porous monolith named as PolyHIPE. The phenolic hydroxyl groups in the monolith are functionalized with sodium hydroxide, forming PolyHIPE‐Na+ and meanwhile transforming the initial hydrophobic monolith into a hydrophilic one. The formation and structure of the monoliths are characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), NMR, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The adsorption capacity of the monoliths is further investigated. PolyHIPE‐Na+ exhibits high adsorption capacity toward methylene blue (MB) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) from simulated wastewater. The adsorption behavior of PolyHIPE‐Na+ is found to fit the pseudo second order kinetic model better. The adsorption isotherm can be well described by the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity for MB and CTAB are 1016 and 1390 mg g−1, respectively. The biobased FA derived monolithic adsorbent also shows desirable recycling usability and stability in adsorption−desorption cycles.
Quantification of disease progression in spinal muscular atrophy with muscle MRI—a pilot study
Authors: Otto Louise A.M. , Froeling Martijn , van Eijk Ruben P.A. , Asselman Fay‐Lynn , Wadman Renske , Cuppen Inge , Hendrikse Jeroen , van der Pol W‐Ludo 
Published: January 2021

ObjectivesQuantitative MRI (qMRI) of muscles is a promising tool to measure disease progression or to assess therapeutic effects in neuromuscular diseases. Longitudinal imaging studies are needed to show sensitivity of qMRI in detecting disease progression in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In this pilot study we therefore studied one‐year changes in quantitative MR parameters in relation to clinical scores.MethodsWe repeated quantitative 3 T MR analysis of thigh muscles and clinical testing one year after baseline in 10 treatment‐naïve patients with SMA, 5 with Type 2 (21.6 ± 7.0 years) and 5 with Type 3 (33.4 ± 11.9 years). MR protocol consisted of Dixon, T2 mapping and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The temporal relation of parameters was examined with a mixed model.ResultsWe detected a significant increase in fat fraction (baseline, 38.2% SE 0.6; follow‐up, 39.5% SE 0.6; +1.3%, p = 0.001) in all muscles. Muscles with moderate to high fat infiltration at baseline show a larger increase over time (+1.6%, p < 0.001). We did not find any changes in DTI parameters except for low fat‐infiltration muscles (m. adductor longus and m. biceps femoris (short head)). The T2 of muscles decreased from 28.2 ms to 28.0 ms (p = 0.07). Muscle strength and motor function scores were not significantly different between follow‐up and baseline.ConclusionLongitudinal imaging data show slow disease progression in skeletal muscle of the thigh of (young‐) adult patients with SMA despite stable strength and motor function scores. Quantitative muscle imaging demonstrates potential as a biomarker for disease activity and monitoring of therapy response.