bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insight into the role of dermal white adipose tissue loss in dermal fibrosis
Authors: Liu Si‐Yu , Wu Jun‐Jie , Chen Zhong‐Hua , Zou Ming‐Li , Teng Ying‐Ying , Zhang Kai‐Wen , Li Yue‐Yue , Guo Dang‐Yang , Yuan Feng‐Lai , Li Xia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe loss of dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) is vital to the formation of dermal fibrosis (DF), but the specific mechanism is not well understood. A few studies are reviewed to explore the role of dWAT in the formation of DF. Recent findings indicated that the adipocytes‐to‐myofibroblasts transition in dWAT reflects the direct contribution to the DF formation. While adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) contained in dWAT express antifibrotic cytokines, the loss of ADSCs leads to skin protection decreased, which indirectly exacerbates DF and tissue damage. Therefore, blocking or reversing the adipocytes‐to‐myofibroblasts transition or improving the survival of ADSCs in dWAT and the expression of antifibrotic cytokines may be an effective strategy for the treatment of DF.
Diagnosis of sarcopenia by evaluating skeletal muscle mass by adjusted bioimpedance analysis validated with dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry
Authors: Cheng Keith Yu‐Kin , Chow Simon Kwoon‐Ho , Hung Vivian Wing‐Yin , Wong Carissa Hing‐Wai , Wong Ronald Man‐Yeung , Tsang Charlotte Sau‐Lan , Kwok Timothy , Cheung Wing‐Hoi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to adjust and cross‐validate skeletal muscle mass measurements between bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) for the screening of sarcopenia in the community and to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia in Hong Kong.MethodsScreening of sarcopenia was provided to community‐dwelling older adults. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was evaluated by BIA (InBody 120 or 720) and/or DXA. Handgrip strength and/or gait speed were assessed. Diagnosis of sarcopenia was based on the 2019 revised Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia cut‐offs. Agreement analysis was performed to cross‐validate ASM measurements by BIA and DXA. Multiple regression was used to explore contribution of measured parameters in predicting DXA ASM from BIA.ResultsA total of 1587 participants (age = 72 ± 12 years) were recruited; 1065 participants were screened by BIA (InBody 120) with 18 followed up by DXA, while the remaining 522 participants were assessed by the BIA (InBody 720) and DXA. The appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) evaluated by BIA showed a mean difference of 2.89 ± 0.38 kg/m2 (InBody 120) and 2.97 ± 0.45 kg/m2 (InBody 720) against DXA gold standard. A significant overestimation of muscle mass was measured by BIA compared with DXA (P < 0.005). BIA data were adjusted using prediction equation and mean difference reduced to −0.02 ± 0.31 kg/m2 in cross‐validation. Prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults ≥65 ranged from 39.4% (based on ASMI by DXA) to 40.8% (based on predicted DXA ASMI from BIA). Low ASMI by DXA was found in 68.5% of the older adults screened. The percentage of older adults exhibited low handgrip strength ranged from 31.3% to 56%, while 49% showed low gait speed.ConclusionsBioimpedance analysis was found to overestimate skeletal muscle mass compared with DXA. With adjustment equations, BIA can be used as a quick and reliable tool for screening sarcopenia in community and clinical settings with limited access to better options.
Effect of Q‐Box size on liver stiffness measurement by two‐dimensional shear wave elastography
Authors: Wang Huipeng , Zheng Pengchao , Wang Xuemei , Sang Liang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the effect of the Q‐Box size on liver stiffness (LS) measurement by two‐dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE).MethodsNinety‐eight patients with chronic liver disease were enrolled. Each patient was continuously measured five times. The Q‐Box diameter was adjusted to 10, 20, and 30 mm each time. The liver stiffness values (LSVs) at different diameters were compared in the following groups: LSVs ≤6.2 kPa, 6.2 kPa < LSVs ≤11 kPa, LSVs >11 kPa. The reliability and repeatability of LS measurement at different diameters were evaluated.ResultsThe differences in LSVs at different Q‐Box diameters were statistically significant only when LSV ≤6.2 kPa (p = 0.004). There were no statistically significant differences in standard deviation (SD), SD/median, coefficient of variation (CV), and interquartile range (IQR)/median at different Q‐Box diameters (p > 0.05). There were statistical differences in minimum LSVs and percentage of minimum LSVs ≤0.2 kPa as well as in stability index (SI) and percentage of SI <90% at different Q‐Box diameters (p < 0.05). The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were up to 0.98 at Q‐Box diameters of 10, 20, and 30 mm.ConclusionsOur study showed that Q‐Box size may lead to significant differences in LSVs, especially when LSVs ≤6.2 kPa. The Q‐Box size had a large effect on the reliability of a single LS measurement but did not affect the repeatability of multiple measurements.
Gemella haemolysans as an emerging pathogen for bacteremia among the elderly
Authors: Kodaka Satoko , Uchida Takuro , Gomi Harumi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe report a patient of an 82‐year‐old woman with occult Gemella haemolysans bacteremia without a clear entry site. Gemella haemolysans is part of the normal human flora but can cause severe systemic infections such as infective endocarditis on rare occasions. In this patient, physical examination showed no localized symptoms, and a transthoracic echocardiogram showed no vegetation on the heart valves. The entry site for this pathogen was unclear. As the number of the elderly with asymptomatic infections has been increasing, clinicians should be aware of that this microorganism can cause occult bacteremia and infective endocarditis.
Risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in lean body mass population: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Alam Shahinul , Eslam Mohammad , SKM Hasan Nazmul , Anam Kamrul , Chowdhury Muhammad Abdul Baker , Khan Md Abdullah Saeed , Hasan Mohammad J , Mohamed Rosmawati 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe pathophysiology and risk factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among lean patients is poorly understood and therefore investigated. We performed a meta‐analysis of observational studies. Of 1175 articles found through searching from Medline/PubMed, Banglajol, and Google Scholar by two independent investigators, 22 were selected. Data from lean (n = 6768) and obese (n = 9253) patients with NAFLD were analyzed; lean (n = 43 398) and obese (n = 9619) subjects without NAFLD served as controls. Age, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) had significantly higher estimates in lean NAFLD patients than in lean non‐NAFLD controls. Fasting blood sugar [MD(mean difference) 5.17 mg/dl, 95% CI(confidence interval) 4.14–6.16], HbA1c [MD 0.29%, 95% CI 0.11–0.48], and insulin resistance [HOMA‐IR] [MD 0.49 U, 95% CI 0.29–0.68]) were higher in lean NAFLD patients than in lean non‐NAFLD controls. All components of the lipid profile were raised significantly in the former group except high‐density lipoprotein. An increased uric acid (UA) level was found to be associated with the presence of NAFLD among lean. Cardio‐metabolic profiles of nonlean NAFLD patients significantly differs from the counter group. However, the magnitude of the difference of lipid and glycemic profile barely reached statistical significance when subjects were grouped according to lean and nonlean NAFLD. But DBP (slope: 0.19, P < 0.037), HOMA‐IR (slope: 0.58, P < 0.001), and UA (slope: 0.36, P = 0.022) were significantly higher if NAFLD was present compared to that of non‐NAFLD group. Lean and nonlean NAFLD patients are metabolically similar and share common risk factors.
Spinal ganglia and peripheral nerves innervating the regenerating tail and muscles of lizards
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe present review summarizes available information on the contribution of regenerating nerves to the process of regeneration in the tail of lizards. From the last three segments of the spinal cord and ganglia proximal to the regenerating tail, motor, sensory somatic and autonomous nerves regenerate and richly innervate the growing blastema. However, experimental studies have indicated that peripheral nerves are not essential for stimulating the regeneration of the tail that instead is mainly sustained by the interaction of the apical ependyma with the wound epidermis. Ganglion neurons innervating the regenerating blastema increase their size and some satellite cells multiply but no ganglion neurons are regenerated. Numerous Schwann cells proliferate to keep pace with nerve regeneration, and they form myelin starting from 3 to 4 weeks of tail regeneration. The hypertrophic ganglion neurons synthesize growth factors and signaling proteins such as FGFs and Wnts that are transported into the regenerating blastema through the regenerating nerves. Nerves form synaptic‐like contacts with mesenchymal cells or fibroblasts at the tip of the regenerating blastema but not synaptic boutons. These terminals may discharge stimulating factors that favor cell proliferation but this is not experimentally demonstrated. Most of the innervation is directed to differentiating muscles where nerve endings form cholinergic motor‐plates. Transcriptome data on the regenerating blastema‐cone detect up‐regulation of various genes coding for ionic channels, neurotransmitter receptors and signaling proteins. The latter suggests that the neurotrophic stimulation may control cell proliferation but is most directed to the functionality of regenerating muscles.
The association between famotidine and in‐hospital mortality of patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Kuno Toshiki , So Matsuo , Takahashi Mai , Egorova Natalia N. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFamotidine has been considered to be a potential treatment for COVID‐19 but the current data is conflicting. This retrospective study was conducted by utilizing data of 9565 COVID‐19 hospitalized patients. Patients treated with and without famotidine were matched by propensity score using a 1:1 matching scheme. A total of 1593 patients (16.7%) received famotidine. In‐hospital mortality was similar in patients treated with and without famotidine in the propensity‐matched cohorts (28.3% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.97), which remains similar irrespective of severity or concomitant treatment by steroids. Famotidine treatment was not associated with a lower risk of in‐hospital mortality of COVID‐19 patients.
Modeling and analysis of all‐optical pressure sensor using photonic crystal based micro ring resonator
Authors: Biswas Uttara , Rakshit Jayanta Kumar , Suthar Bhuvneshwer , Kumar Deepak , Nayak Chittaranjan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe paper illustrates a photonic crystal micro ring resonator based pressure sensor utilizing the variation of refractive index of the material and the structural deformation. FEM is employed for reformed structure analysis. Structural deformation and change in refractive index are taken as input variables in FDTD simulation and the external pressure is measured by analyzing shift in resonance wavelength. A comparative study of the rod type and the hole type photonic crystal micro ring resonator based pressure sensor is reported in this paper. Both the structures are ultra compact and can be used for compact photonic integrated circuits.
An optimal second‐order sliding mode based inter‐area oscillation suppressor using chaotic whale optimization algorithm for doubly fed induction generator
Authors: Darvish Falehi Ali 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper suggests an inter‐area oscillation suppressor based on second‐order sliding mode controller (SOSMC) for doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) to suppress the inter‐area power system oscillations. SOSMC‐based suppressor targets at improving the reactive power control capability of DFIG to retrieve the stability of affected power system caused by fault occurrence into the stable condition. This controller has been initially designed for two‐area power system, after that it has been extended for multi‐area power systems. SOSMC‐based suppressor has no sensitivity to the uncertainty and variation of the parameter in all system operation conditions as compared with the conventional suppressors. Due to exploration and exploitation capability of chaotic whale optimization algorithm (CWOA), it is applied as main optimizer to optimally tune the suppressor's parameters and merge with the dynamic stability scheme. This optimization algorithm is beneficial for complex dynamic stability problem, because during the iterative procedure, it can enhance the exploration capability to find the best solution. The optimization scheme based on CWOA has been compared with the conventional whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The suppressor damping capability has been evaluated with consideration of some possible disturbance scenarios. Furthermore, the objective function has been carried out based on the prominent dynamic performance criteria such as integral of time multiplied absolute error (ITAE), integral of absolute error (IAE), integral of squared error (ISE), and integral of time multiplied squared error (ITSE). Considering the various operating points, the SOSMC‐based suppressor ameliorates the system robustness as compared to the conventional suppressor. At last, the simulation results extracted from both interconnected power systems confirm the enhancement of power system operability and performance in suppression of the inter‐area oscillations, and also validate the robustness of the suggested control strategy against the model uncertainties and unmodeled dynamics.
Synthesis and characterization of lotus seed protein‐based curcumin microcapsules with enhanced solubility, stability, and sustained release
Authors: Su Ya , Chen Ying , Zhang Li , Adhikari Benu , Xu Baoguo , Li Jianlin , Zheng Tiesong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDLotus seed protein (LSP) was extracted from lotus seed and used to encapsulate curcumin with or without complexing with pectin. The physicochemical properties of LSP‐based microcapsules, including solubility, stability, and in vitro sustained release, were determined. The mechanism of interaction between curcumin, LSP, and pectin was revealed.RESULTSThe encapsulation efficiency of curcumin was found to depend on LSP concentration and was highest (86.32%, w/w) at 50 mg mL−1. The curcumin in curcumin–LSP and curcumin–LSP–pectin powder particles achieved a solubility of 75.15% and 81.39%, respectively, which was a remarkable enhancement. The microencapsulation with LSP and LSP–pectin matrix showed a significant improvement in the antioxidant activity, photostability, thermostability, and storage stability of free curcumin. The microencapsulated curcumin showed sustained control release at the gastric stage and burst‐type release in the subsequent intestinal stage, presenting cumulative release rates of 64.3% and 72.4% from curcumin–LSP and curcumin–LSP–pectin particles after gastrointestinal digestion. The LSP–pectin complex produced microcapsules with higher solubility, smaller particle size, enhanced physicochemical stability, and increased bioaccessibility. Fourier transform infrared, circular dichroism spectra, and differential scanning calorimetry data indicated that the encapsulated curcumin interacted with LSP and pectin mainly through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, and electrostatic interactions.CONCLUSIONThis work shows that LSP can be an alternative encapsulant for the delivery of hydrophobic nutraceuticals with enhanced solubility, stability, and sustained release. The results may contribute to the design of novel food‐grade delivery systems based on LSP vehicles, thereby broadening the applications of LSP in the fields of functional food. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Removal of large viruses and their dispersal through fecal pellets of the appendicularianOikopleura dioicaduringEmiliania huxleyibloom conditions
Authors: Mayers Kyle Michael James , Lawrence Janice , Sandnes Skaar Katrine , Töpper Joachim Paul , Petelenz Elzbieta , Rydningen Saltvedt Marius , Sandaa Ruth‐Anne , Larsen Aud , Bratbak Gunnar , Ray Jessica Louise 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDespite their importance in shaping the structure and function of marine microbial food webs, little is known about factors regulating marine virus abundance. Previous work demonstrated clearance of laboratory‐culturedEmiliania huxleyivirus by the appendicularianOikopleura dioica; however, the applicability of this interaction to natural virus assemblages was not investigated. Here, we conducted controlled laboratory experiments usingO. dioicaand mesocosm water containing natural virus assemblages with high densities of virus, and measured removal of virus byO. dioicausing both flow cytometry and molecular methods. Bayesian models based on flow cytometry quantification of virus particles demonstrated efficient removal of viruses (mean 90.3 mL ind−1d−1), with a clearance efficiency of 42.6% relative to food algae. Molecular detection of virus removal by quantification of viralmcpgene copies revealed a mean clearance rate of 68.1 mL ind−1d−1. Fecal pellets from these experiments demonstrated that viruses in fecal pellets retain infectivity despite passage through theO. dioicagut. Shotgun metavirome analysis demonstratedO. dioicaremoval of large virus groups, notably the Phycodnaviridae. The results demonstrate the removal ofE. huxleyivirus from natural virus assemblages byO. dioicaand the maintenance of viral infectivity when incorporated into fecal pellets, prompting further investigation on the fate of fecal‐packaged viruses and their impact on host dynamics. Furthermore, our results indicate the generality of this interaction for other large algal viruses, raising questions about the implications of this mechanism of marine virus redistribution on the broader marine virus community.
Self‐Healing and Flexible Porous Nickel/Polyurethane Composite Based on Multihealing Systems and Applications
Authors: Zhou Xing , Wang Hao , Li Shaonan , Jiang Li , Liu Mengyue 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWith the development of science and technology, the need for high performance sensors is more and more urgent to deal with different needs and environments. In this study, a flexible strain sensor with performance of self‐healing is developed based on porous nickel as conductive filler and polyurethane (PU) with hydrogen bonding, disulfide bond, and metal coordination bond as polymer matrix. Porous nickel is prepared by a new biotemplates method, and the effects of reaction temperature and concentration of NiCl2·6H2O on the morphology of porous nickel are studied. Polyurethanes containing hydrogen bonding, disulfide bonds, and metal coordination bonds are prepared, and the mechanical properties and self‐healing properties of polyurethanes with different contents of hard and soft segments are studied. A strain sensor is prepared by mixing porous nickel and polyurethane. The effect of filler content on mechanical properties, self‐healing properties, and electrical self‐healing properties is studied. The sensor is attached to the joints of human limbs, and the peak diagram of time‐relative resistance changes is obtained through the cyclic and repeated movements of the limbs. The sensor has excellent sensitivity.
Fabrication of High Thermally Conductive and Electrical Insulating Composites by Boron Nitride‐Nanosheet‐Coated PEEK Fiber
Authors: Sun Youli , Dang Hongbo , Tan HaoYuan , Luan Jiashuang , Jiang Dong , Yang Yanhua 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe development of polyether ether ketone (PEEK)‐based thermally conductive insulating composites is required in miniaturized electronic devices with a high power density where heat needs to be evacuated. However, the low thermal conductivity (TC) remains a great challenge, significantly restricting the large‐scale applications of PEEK. Here, a novel class of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs)/PEEK composites with excellent heat dissipation properties through BNNS‐coated PEEK fiber is developed, through simple hot‐press sintering. A direct comparison of experimental measurements between the BNNSs/PEEK fiber composites and the BNNSs/PEEK powder composites indicates that the TC is greatly improved in the presence of the well‐orientated structure of BNNSs. In addition, the composite with high loading of BNNSs exhibits a combination of high tensile strength and significant electrical insulation (volume electrical resistivity beyond 109 Ω cm). The experimental data demonstrate that it has broad and bright prospects for application in a range of emerging electronic devices, which also provide great potential for enhancing the thermal management application of PEEK‐based composites.
Evaluating effects of primary defatting for flap thinning on the development of perfusion‐related complications in free perforator flap reconstruction
Authors: Mohammed Alfawzan , Lee Kyeong‐Tae , Mun Goo‐Hyun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrimary defatting is suggested as an effective and appealing technique for achieving flap thinning. There has been a long‐standing concern regarding its potential adverse effects on flap perfusion, for which limited clinical evidence exists. This study aimed to investigate whether primary defatting negatively influences the outcomes of free perforator flap reconstruction.MethodsPatients who underwent upper or lower extremity reconstruction using free perforator flaps between 2002 and 2020 were investigated. They were categorized into two groups according to whether they underwent primary defatting. The association of primary defatting with the development of perfusion‐related complications was evaluated.ResultsA total of 421 patients were included in the analysis. Perfusion‐related complications developed in 61 (14.5%) cases, including 12 cases (2.9%) of total flap loss. In total, 302 patients underwent primary defatting and 119 did not. The patients who underwent primary defatting had a higher body mass index (BMI), lower rate of comorbidities, and smaller harvested flaps than the controls. Both groups had similar rates of perfusion‐related complications (13.9% vs. 16.0%, p = .589), including total flap loss (3.0% vs. 2.5%, p = .799). In the multivariate analyses, primary defatting was not associated with the development of perfusion‐related complications (p = .957). In the subgroup analyses, the rate of perfusion‐related complications did not differ between the two groups regardless of the BMI (≥25 or <25 kg/m2), comorbidities, and flap size (≥200, 100–200, or <100 cm2).ConclusionsPrimary defatting does not appear to be associated with the development of perfusion‐related complications in free perforator flap extremity reconstruction.