bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal Connection Between Serum Levodopa Metabolic Profile and Medication in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chukyo Akiko , Fujimaki Motoki , Kaga Naoko , Taka Hikari , Li Yuanzhe , Ueno Shin-Ichi , Takeshige-Amano Haruka , Funayama Manabu , Ishimaru Tomohiro , Miyamoto Kengo , Teranishi Hirofumi , Hatano Taku , Ishikawa Kei-Ichi , Oji Yutaka , Mori Akio , Tsunemi Taiji , Ishiguro Yuta , Daida Kensuke , Imamichi Yoko , Sasazawa Yukiko , Kataura Tetsushi , Kitagawa Mitsuhiro , Nishikawa Noriko , Imoto Masaya , Ueno Takashi , Komori Osamu , Miura Yoshiki , Akamatsu Wado , Hattori Nobutaka , Saiki Shinji 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
No methods to assess efficacy of levodopa-associated therapy by blood sampling in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been established. In this study, we investigated levodopa associated metabolites to characterize their associations with medication and clinical symptoms in PD patients. Comprehensive metabolome analysis using plasma from PD and controls was performed in two independent cohorts (PD: 109, controls: 32; PD: 145, controls: 45). In another validation cohort [251 PD patients (16 de novo, 17 receiving only dopamine-receptor agonists, 218 receiving levodopa/benserazide or levodopa/carbidopa with/without other parkinsonian drugs) and 40 age-matched controls], serum levels of levodopa and its six metabolites were examined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The association of each metabolite with clinical parameters, medication, and enzymic genotypes was investigated. Significant increases in 3-methoxytyrosine and homovanillic acid were observed in PD patients administered levodopa/benserazide or levodopa/carbidopa. Serum levels of levodopa and five of its metabolites were significantly increased in PD patients administered levodopa and were related to the levodopa or entacapone dose but not to disease severity. Levodopa levels were more effectively preserved in PD patients given levodopa/benserazide than in those given levodopa/carbidopa, especially when taken with entacapone. Each dopamine or 3-methoxytyramine level was efficiently expressed with a numerical model using levodopa, entacapone, and selegiline doses as variables, indicative of its application for drug efficacy monitoring. Benserazide (25 mg) blocked AADC and preserved levodopa levels more effectively than carbidopa (10 mg), and entacapone provided a concomitant effect on levodopa level preservation. The drug efficacy of levodopa-associated medication could be monitored by dopamine or 3-methoxytyramine levels.
Screening lager yeast with higher ethyl-acetate production by adaptive laboratory evolution in high concentration of acetic acid
Authors: Xu Xin , Niu Chengtuo , Liu Chunfeng , Wang Jinjing , Zheng Feiyun , Li Qi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Ethyl-acetate is important for the flavor and aroma of the alcoholic beverages, therefore, there have been extensive efforts toward increasing its production by engineering yeast strains. In this study, we reported a new approach to breed non-genetic modified producing yeast strain with higher ethyl-acetate production for beer brewing. First, we demonstrated the positive effect of higher acetic acid concentration on inducing the expression of ACS. Then, we applied adaptive laboratory evolution method to evolve strain with higher expression level of ACS. As a result, we obtained several strains with increased ACS expression level as well as ethyl-acetate production. In 3 L scale fermentation, the optimal strain EA60 synthesized more ethyl-acetate than M14 at the same time point. At the end of fermentation, the ethyl-acetate production in EA60 was 21.4% higher than M14, while the other flavor components except for acetic acid were changed in a moderate degree, indicating this strain had a bright prospect in industrial application. Moreover, this study also indicated that ACS1 played a more important role in increasing the acetic acid tolerance of yeast, while ACS2 contributed to the synthesis of cytosol acetyl-CoA, thereby facilitating the production of ethyl-acetate during fermentation.
Change of Plasma Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Level Predicts Clinical Outcome at 90 Days for Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Sun Wenbo , Hou Duanlu , Wang Tianyao , Li Chen , Luo Yufan , Zhang Shufan , Shen Liwei , Liu Wenpeng , Wu Danhong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To investigate the relationship between change of plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) level and clinical outcomes in patients with acute atherosclerosis related ischemic stroke. Methods: We recruited acute ischemic stroke patients within 3 days after onset consecutively. Plasma oxLDL level were measured on the second day after admission and before discharge. Initial stroke severity was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) scores, and infarct volume was measured using diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) by ITK-SNAP software. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by neurological improvement at discharge and favorable functional prognosis at 90 days. Results: 207 patients were enrolled into this study. Compared with mild change of oxLDL level group, patients with significant change oxLDL level group were more likely to have higher ratio of neurological improvement at discharge(55.07% vs 14.49%) and favorable functional prognosis at 90 days(91.30% vs 55.07%). The DWI volumes in patients with different oxLDL level change groups were no statistical difference. In multivariable logistic regression, the degree of oxLDL level change was related with neurological improvement at discharge and favorable functional prognosis at 90 days. Compared to patients with mild change of oxLDL level, patients with significant change were more likely to have neurological improvement at discharge(OR=7.21,95%, 3.09-16.80, p <0.01) and favorable functional prognosis at 90 days (OR=6.67, 95%CI, 2.15-20.73, p <0.01).Conclusions: The degree of oxLDL level change is related to the neurological improvement at discharge and favorable functional prognosis at 90 days for patients with acute atherosclerosis related ischemic stroke, but not with infarct volume.
A Survey On Fragmentation In Distributed Database Systems
Authors: Taki Mohsen , Ardakani Mohammadreza Mollahoseini 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
One of the most critical aspects of distributed database design and management is fragmentation. If the fragmentation is done properly, we can expect to achieve better throughput from such systems. The primary concern of DBMS design is the fragmentation and allocation of the underlying database. The distribution of data across various sites of computer networks involves making proper fragmentation and placement decisions. The first phase in the process of distributing a database is fragmentation which clusters information into fragments. This process is followed by the allocation phase which distributes, and if necessary, replicates the generated fragments among the nodes of a computer network. The use of data fragmentation to improve performance is not new and commonly appears in file design and optimization literature. An efficient functionality of any distributed database system is highly dependent on its proper design in terms of adopted fragmentation and allocation methods. Fragmentations of large, global databases are performed by dividing the database horizontally, vertically or combination of both. In order to enable the distributed database systems to work efficiently, the fragments have to be allocated across the available sites in such a way that reduces communication cost of data.In this article, we have tried to describe the existing methods of database fragmentation and have an overview of the existing methods. Finally, we conclude with suggestions for using machine learning to solve the overlap problem in fragments.
Prevalence of anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANA) in the general Polish population - analysis of the influence of sex and age on the variability of ANA.
Authors: Krzemień Paweł , Kasperczyk Sławomir , Banach Maciej , Kasperczyk Aleksandra , Dobrakowski Michał , Tomasik Tomasz , Windak Adam , Mastej Mirosław , Catapano Alberico , Ray Kausik K , Mikhailidis Dimitri P , Toth Peter P , Howard George , Lip Gregory H , Tomaszewski Maciej , Charchar Fadi J , Sattar Naveed , Williams Bryan , MacDonald Thomas M , Penson Peter E , Jóźwiak Jacek J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Diagnosis of Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases using antinuclear autoantibodies (ANA) is dependent on many factors and varies between populations, such that the screening dilution used for indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIFA) should be defined locally for each population. The aim of the study was firstly, to assess the prevalence of ANA in the Polish adult population depending on age, sex and the cut-off threshold used for the results obtained. Second, we estimated the occurrence of individual types of ANA staining patterns.Methods: The tested material included serum samples from 1731 participants (1043 women and 688 men) that were tested with the commercially available IIFA using two cut-off thresholds 1:100 and 1:160.Results: We found ANA in 260 participants (15.0%), but the percentage of positive results strongly depended on the cut-off level. For a cut-off threshold 1:100, the positive population was 19.5% and for the 1:160 cut-off threshold, it was 11.7%. The most prevalent ANA staining pattern was AC-2 Dense Fine speckled (50%), followed by AC-21 Reticular/AMA (14.38%) ANA were more common in women (72%); 64% of ANA positive patients were over 50 years of age.Conclusion: ANA prevalence in the Polish population is at a level observed in other highly developed countries. ANA were more prevalent in women and elderly individuals. In order to reduce the number of positive results released, we suggest that Polish laboratories should set 1:160 as the cut-off threshold.
3D Numerical Investigation of Face Stability in Tunnels with Unsupported Face
Authors: GEORGIOU DIMITRIOS , KALOS ALEXANDROS , KAVVADAS MICHAEL 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The paper studies the stability of unsupported tunnel faces by analyzing the results of a large number of 3D numerical analyses of tunnel faces, in various ground conditions and overburden depths. The analyses calculate the average face extrusion (Uh) by averaging the axial displacement over the tunnel face. Limiting face stability occurs when the average face extrusion becomes very large and algorithmic convergence becomes problematic. Using the results of the analyses, a dimensionless “face stability parameter” is defined, which depends on a suitable combination of ground strength, overburden depth and tunnel width. The face stability parameter correlates very well with many critical tunnel face parameters, like the safety factor of the tunnel against face instability, the average face extrusion, the radial convergence of the tunnel wall at the excavation face, the volume loss and the deconfinement ratio at the tunnel face. Thus, semi-empirical formulae are proposed for the calculation of these parameters in terms of the face stability parameter. Since the face stability parameter can be easily calculated from basic tunnel and ground parameters, the above critical tunnel parameters can be calculated, and conclusions can be drawn about tunnel face stability, volume loss and the deconfinement ratio at the excavation face which can be useful in preliminary tunnel designs.
Characteristic Analysis and Optimization of a Four-bar Compliant Mechanism with Single Flexible Member
Authors: Liu Shanzeng , Sun Zhaopeng , Shen Gang , Li Yunwang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The characteristics and optimization analysis of a four-bar compliant mechanism with one flexible member (or flexible joint) are carried out. Firstly, based on the pseudo-rigid body model theory of the compliant mechanism, the kinematics relationship, system kinetic energy and potential energy of the general four-bar compliant mechanism are analyzed, and the dynamic model of the four-bar compliant mechanism is established by using Lagrange's equation. Secondly, through the creation of the energy equation of the four-bar compliant mechanism and the analysis of the first and second derivatives of the input variables, the parametric conditions for the existence of the bistable characteristics of the four-bar compliant mechanism with one flexible member are proposed. Then, taking the compliant bistable switch as an example, the internal relations between the driving characteristics of the four-bar compliant mechanism, the initial motion position of the mechanism and the parameters of the flexible member are explored. Finally, based on the improvement of the performance of the compliant bistable switch, the optimization analysis of the maximization of the motion range of the driving link and the maximization of the deformation energy of the flexible member are carried out. The research provides a theoretical basis for the product development and control of a bistable four-bar compliant mechanism.
IGF-2 modified by the m6A demethylation enzyme ALKBH5 in the ossification of the ligamentum flavum
Authors: Kuang Ming-jie , Wang Hai-feng , Qiu Jie , Wang An-bang , Wang Feng , Tan Bing-yi , Han Shi-jie , Li Xiao-ming , Wang Da-Chuan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Abstract
Background: Ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a pathological heterotopic ossification of the paravertebral ligament. However, the specific pathophysiology mechanism of this disease is still unknown. The m 6 A methylation and its potential functions in OLF remain to be unexplored.

Method: In this study, we performed a transcriptome-wide methylation analysis using the OLF and normal ligaments to explore the mechanism of OLF. Common and region-specific methylation have different preferences for methylation site selection and thereby different impacts on their biological functions. We screened out the methylase-ALKBH5, and by promoting or inhibiting its expression, observing the content of m 6 A, and measuring the ossification of ligaments, and then measuring IGF expression situation by alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, etc.

Result: MeRIP-seq and qPCR showed that the m6A methylation level of OLF group was usually higher than that of control group. In addition, we found that ALKBH5 is an important demethyltransferase in OLF, which promotes the expression of m 6 A. ALKBH5 promotes the expression of IGF-2, which in turn promotes osteogenesis in OLF.

Conclusion: Overall, we provided a region-specific map of m 6 A methylation and characterized the distinct features of specific and common methylation in OLF, and we proved that IGF-2 can be regulated by ALKBH5 to promote the process of OLF.
Digitalized Earth's most severe sea-level regression and extinction
Authors: Dong Mingxing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
End-Permian mass extinction is the largest bio-crises in the past 542 million years in Earth's history. Despite half a century of study, what caused the catastrophe remains equivocal. Fossil collections in the study area of Bayan Har, NW China, suggest a continuous Permian sequence, whereas most mid-to-upper Permian strata were missing. By correlating the Permian sequence reconstructed from reworked carbonate clasts with the measured Permian section, we corroborate a sea-level fall of at least 354 m caused by plume-induced uplift, resulted in the erosion of the last 15-Myr Permian carbonate strata, from Uppermost Permian to the fusulinid zone. The marine regression and resultant erosion occurred not only in China but also in Canadian Arctica[1], Oman[2], Canadian Rockies[3], Norway[3], North America[3] all over the world. New sections and digitalized sea-level regression demonstrate that the period of extinction falls within the hiatus, a break in deposition between the uppermost Permian carbonate strata and the clasts reworked from Permian platforms, representing a duration of sea-level drop 354 m. Carbonate clasts, Siberian Traps volcanism, global warming, anoxia, and ocean acidification are all post-extinction geological events. Why did the extinction occur during the falling stage? We will never know because we can't study a hiatus unrepresented by strata unless we associate the extinction with the sea-level drop.
Postpartum brief educational interventions for women who have had gestational diabetes: a qualitative study of of health care professionals’ views
Authors: Evans Josie MM , Ireland Aileen V , Cameron Dawn M , Clarke Kate M , Eades Claire E 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at very high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, but their understanding of the risks is often limited. In this study we explored the views of health care professionals regarding offering brief opportunistic advice to women after their pregnancy, during unrelated consultations in primary care, relating to reducing diabetes risk.
Methods

The study took place in three Health Boards in Scotland. We conducted semi-structured one-to-one interviews (either face-to-face or telephone) with three health visitors, three practice nurses, two GPs, two diabetes consultant and two obstetricians. A focus group with five health visitors was also held. A topic guide was followed, covering the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a brief educational intervention during a routine consultation, the optimal way to identify and recall women with previous gestational diabetes, and the possible content and timing of the intervention. A thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data generated.
Results

The interviews/discussion lasted from 15 to 66 minutes. There was widespread support for such an intervention from all participants and general consensus that health visitors would be best placed to offer educational advice and support as part of the Health Visiting Pathway in Scotland. Thematic analysis generated three significant points of discussion: implications for training of health visitors, the need for a systematic approach to identifying women with gestational diabetes, and the optimal timing of delivery. Despite an already demanding schedule of providing advice and education to women, health visitors were confident that they could offer educational advice, provided that they received appropriate training to do so. However, there would need to be a watertight system for identifying women in their care who had had gestational diabetes. In terms of timing, later visits around 6–8 months after delivery were considered most suitable.
Conclusions

There is support from health care professionals, and most pertinently from health visitors, that the frequency of routine visits with women during the Health Visiting Pathway programme in Scotland provides potential opportunities for education around future diabetes risk to women who have had gestational diabetes.
Patients’ Perspectives on the Experience of Absconding From a Psychiatric Hospital: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Kaggwa Mark Mohan , Acai Anita , Rukundo Godfrey Zari , Harms Sheila , Ashaba Scholastic 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Absconding (i.e., escaping) is common among patients with mental illness admitted to psychiatric hospitals. Patients use various strategies to make absconding successful due to the experiences faced during admission. We conducted a study to identify patients’ perspectives on the experience of absconding from the psychiatry facility. Methods: We conducted 10 in-depth interviews with patients with a history of absconding from the hospital who were accessing care at the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Mbarara city Uganda. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated when required, transcribed into English, and analyzed thematically to identify relevant themes. Results: Participants ranged in age from 18 to 55 and the majority (n = 9) were male. Most had absconded at least twice from a psychiatric facility. We identified different experiences that influenced patients’ engagement in absconding from the psychiatry hospital ward. These included: (1) stigma, (2) experiences with caregivers: mixed emotions, (3) poor resources and services, and (4) the influence of mental illness symptoms. The loneliness of stigma, negative emotions associated with the loss of important roles given the nature and framework of caregiving on the psychiatric ward, as well as the stress of limited resources as a salient part of the patient experience as it relates to absconding.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that absconding is a symptom of a larger problem with a mental health system that perpetuates stigma in its design, isolates patients and makes them feel lonely, and forces patients to rely on caregivers who infantilize them and take away all their freedom in a facility with no basic services. For many patients, this makes absconding the only option. Within such a system, all stakeholders (Policymakers, health care providers, caregivers, and patients) should be involved in rethinking how psychiatric facilities should be operated to make the journey of patient recovery more positive.
Wax-Oil Lubricants to Reduce the Shear Between Skin and PPE
Authors: Yap Kian Kun , Murali Manoj , Tan Zhengchu , Zhou Xue , Li Luli , Masen Marc 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Prolonged use of tight-fitting PPE, e.g., by COVID-19 healthcare workers leads to skin injuries. An important contributor is the shear exerted on the skin due to static friction at the skin-PPE interface. This study aims to develop an optimised wax-oil lubricant that reduces the friction, or shear, in the skin-PPE contact for up to four hours. Lubricants with different wax-oil combinations were prepared using beeswax, paraffin wax, olive oil, and mineral oil. In-vivo friction measurements involving seven participants were conducted by sliding a polydimethylsiloxane ball against the volar forearms to simulate the skin-PPE interface. The maximum static coefficient of friction was measured immediately and four hours after lubricant application. It was found that the coefficient of friction of wax-oil lubricants is mainly governed by the ratio of wax to oil and the thermal stability and morphology of the wax. To maintain long-term lubricity, it is crucial to consider the absorption of oil into the PPE material. The best performing lubricant is a mixture of 20 wt% beeswax, 40 wt% olive oil, and 40 wt% mineral oil, which compared to unlubricated skin, provides 87% (P = 0.0006) and 59% (P = 0.0015) reduction in instantaneous and 4-hour coefficient of friction, respectively.