bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Polyaniline Mass Composition on Electrochemical of Active Carbon/Polyaniline as Supercapacitor Electrode
Authors: Rohmawati Lydia , Anggraini Nuricha , SP Siti Holisa , Intifadhah Sahara Hamas , Setyarsih Woro 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSupercapacitor electrodes have been developed using natural materials from coconut shells (Cocos Nucifera) and polyaniline conductive polymers. This electrode fabrication uses the dry mixing method, with the addition of 10-20 wt% polyaniline to activated carbon. Electrochemical characterization of supercapacitor electrodes is examined using cyclic voltammetry at a scan rate of 100 mV/s. This result of characterization showed that the addition of mass of polyaniline affects the specific capacitance value of the supercapacitor electrode. Active carbon electrode/18 wt% polyaniline has a maximum specific capacitance value of 4.1 F/g. Furthermore, the activated carbon electrode/18wt% polyaniline was tested for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The addition of wt% polyaniline has an impact on the value of the electrical conductivity of the supercapacitor electrode when compared to the activated carbon electrode alone. The electrical conductivity of activated carbon electrodes/18 wt% polyaniline is 4.25 × 10−2S/cm, while the electrical conductivity of activated carbon electrodes is 1.04 × 10−2S/cm.
Design of Work System for Reducing Pollution and Forest Fire Smoke
Authors: Riandadari D , Gunawan S 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Air quality has an impact on human life. The incidence of forest and land fires has caused many casualties. On the other hand, poor air quality as a result of forest and land fires also threatens human life directly. Therefore a Pollution and Smoke Reduction Tool was designed as a solution to the problems of pollution and smoke due to forest fires. The purpose of writing this article is to describe the design and manufacture of Pollution and Smoke Reducers as well as its working principles. The writing method used is descriptive qualitative, with data collection techniques in the form of literature studies to strengthen ideas. Pollution and Smoke Reducers are tools that can convert particulate CO (PM) PM10 and PM2.5 into CO_2 and burn particulates PM10 and PM2.5 until they disappear. Pollution and Smoke Reducers are the development of research on catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters by utilizing a fan/blower as a smoke suction agent and a heater to heat the smoke until it burns completely. Pollution and Smoke Reducers are also equipped with wire mesh and fiber to trap particulates and hold them until they burn entirely. Pollution and Smoke Reducers are designed with several materials and tools specifically designed to reduce the direct impact of forest and land fires by burning PM 10 and PM2.5 and lowering CO emissions. The smoke reduction capability based on the designed design has smoke and particulate reduction capacity of ±43,4769880184/ft3. The capacity of the smoke and particulate suction rate is 21500ft3/minutes with the ability of the significant smoke suction rate so that smoke and particulates due to forest fires can enter the equipment and do not fly freely under the wind. Hence, the air that is inhaled by the community has better potential and safe for health.
A novel engineered vascular construct of stem cell-laden 3D-printed PGSA scaffold enhances tissue revascularization
Authors: Jiang Wei-Cheng , Hsu Wan-Yuan , Ao-Ieong Wai-Sam , Wang Chun-Yen , Wang Jane , yet Shaw-Fang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Development of transplantable engineered tissue has been hampered by lacking vascular network within the engineered tissue. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a new technology with great potential in fabrication and customization of geometric microstructure. In this study, utilizing digital light processing system, we manufactured a recently designed novel 3D architecture scaffold with poly(glycerol sebacate) acrylate (PGSA). Vascular construct was subsequently generated by seeding stem cells within this scaffold. PGSA provided inductive substrate in terms of supporting three-germ layer differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and also promoting ESCs-derived vascular progenitor cells (VPCs) differentiation into endothelial cells (ECs). Furthermore, the differentiation efficiency of VPCs into ECs on PGSA was much higher than that on collagen IV or fibronectin. The results from seeding VPCs in the rotating hexagonal PGSA scaffold suggest that this architectural framework is highly efficient for cell engraftment in 3D structures. After long-term suspension culture of the VPCs in scaffold under directed EC differentiation condition, VPC-differentiated ECs were populated in the scaffold and expressed EC markers. Transplantation of the vascular construct in mice resulted in formation of new vascular network and integration of the microvasculature within the scaffold into the existing vasculature of host tissue. Importantly, in a mouse model of wound healing, ECs from the transplanted vascular construct directly contributed to revascularization and enhanced blood perfusion at the injured site. Collectively, this transplantable vascular construct provides an innovative alternative therapeutic strategy for vascular tissue engineering.
D-MANOVA: fast distance-based multivariate analysis of variance for large-scale microbiome association studies
Authors: Chen Jun , Zhang Xianyang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Summary
PERMANOVA (permutational multivariate analysis of variance based on distances) has been widely used for testing the association between the microbiome and a covariate of interest. Statistical significance is established by permutation, which is computationally intensive for large sample sizes. As large-scale microbiome studies, such as American Gut Project (AGP), become increasingly popular, a computationally efficient version of PERMANOVA is much needed. To achieve this end, we derive the asymptotic distribution of the PERMANOVA pseudo-F statistic and provide analytical P-value calculation based on chi-square approximation. We show that the asymptotic P-value is close to the PERMANOVA P-value even under a moderate sample size. Moreover, it is more accurate and an order-of-magnitude faster than the permutation-free method MDMR. We demonstrated the use of our procedure D-MANOVA on the AGP dataset.

Availability and implementation
D-MANOVA is implemented by the dmanova function in the CRAN package GUniFrac.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Openness weighted association studies: leveraging personal genome information to prioritize non-coding variants
Authors: Song Shuang , Shan Nayang , Wang Geng , Yan Xiting , Liu Jun S , Hou Lin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMotivationIdentification and interpretation of non-coding variations that affect disease risk remain a paramount challenge in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of complex diseases. Experimental efforts have provided comprehensive annotations of functional elements in the human genome. On the other hand, advances in computational biology, especially machine learning approaches, have facilitated accurate predictions of cell-type-specific functional annotations. Integrating functional annotations with GWAS signals has advanced the understanding of disease mechanisms. In previous studies, functional annotations were treated as static of a genomic region, ignoring potential functional differences imposed by different genotypes across individuals.ResultsWe develop a computational approach, Openness Weighted Association Studies (OWAS), to leverage and aggregate predictions of chromosome accessibility in personal genomes for prioritizing GWAS signals. The approach relies on an analytical expression we derived for identifying disease associated genomic segments whose effects in the etiology of complex diseases are evaluated. In extensive simulations and real data analysis, OWAS identifies genes/segments that explain more heritability than existing methods, and has a better replication rate in independent cohorts than GWAS. Moreover, the identified genes/segments show tissue-specific patterns and are enriched in disease relevant pathways. We use rheumatic arthritis and asthma as examples to demonstrate how OWAS can be exploited to provide novel insights on complex diseases.Availability and implementationThe R package OWAS that implements our method is available at https://github.com/shuangsong0110/OWAS.Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Macrophage phagocytosis after spinal cord injury: when friends become foes
Authors: Van Broeckhoven Jana , Sommer Daniela , Dooley Dearbhaile , Hendrix Sven , Franssen Aimée J P M 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAfter spinal cord injury, macrophages can exert either beneficial or detrimental effects depending on their phenotype. Aside from their critical role in inflammatory responses, macrophages are also specialized in the recognition, engulfment, and degradation of pathogens, apoptotic cells, and tissue debris. They promote remyelination and axonal regeneration by removing inhibitory myelin components and cellular debris. However, excessive intracellular presence of lipids and dysregulated intracellular lipid homeostasis result in the formation of foamy macrophages. These develop a pro-inflammatory phenotype that may contribute to further neurological decline. Additionally, myelin-activated macrophages play a crucial role in axonal dieback and retraction.Here, we review the opposing functional consequences of phagocytosis by macrophages in spinal cord injury, including remyelination and regeneration versus demyelination, degeneration, and axonal dieback. Furthermore, we discuss how targeting the phagocytic ability of macrophages may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of spinal cord injury.
X-linked serotonin 2C receptor is associated with a non-canonical pathway for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Massey Cory A , Thompson Samantha J , Ostrom Ryan W , Drabek Janice , Sveinsson Olafur A , Tomson Torbjörn , Haas Elisabeth A , Mena Othon J , Goldman Alica M , Noebels Jeffrey L 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy is a leading cause of epilepsy-related mortality, and the analysis of mouse Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy models is steadily revealing a spectrum of inherited risk phenotypes based on distinct genetic mechanisms. Serotonin (5-HT) signalling enhances post-ictal cardiorespiratory drive and, when elevated in the brain, reduces death following evoked audiogenic brainstem seizures in inbred mouse models. However, no gene in this pathway has yet been linked to a spontaneous epilepsy phenotype, the defining criterion of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. Most monogenic models of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy invoke a failure of inhibitory synaptic drive as a critical pathogenic step. Accordingly, the G protein-coupled, membrane serotonin receptor 5-HT2C inhibits forebrain and brainstem networks by exciting GABAergic interneurons, and deletion of this gene lowers the threshold for lethal evoked audiogenic seizures. Here, we characterize epileptogenesis throughout the lifespan of mice lacking X-linked, 5-HT2C receptors (loxTB Htr2c). We find that loss of Htr2c generates a complex, adult-onset spontaneous epileptic phenotype with a novel progressive hyperexcitability pattern of absences, non-convulsive, and convulsive behavioural seizures culminating in late onset sudden mortality predominantly in male mice. RNAscope localized Htr2c mRNA in subsets of Gad2+ GABAergic neurons in forebrain and brainstem regions. To evaluate the contribution of 5-HT2C receptor-mediated inhibitory drive, we selectively spared their deletion in GAD2+ GABAergic neurons of pan-deleted loxTB Htr2c mice, yet unexpectedly found no amelioration of survival or epileptic phenotype, indicating that expression of 5-HT2C receptors in GAD2+ inhibitory neurons was not sufficient to prevent hyperexcitability and lethal seizures. Analysis of human Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy and epilepsy genetic databases identified an enrichment of HTR2C non-synonymous variants in Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy cases. Interestingly, while early lethality is not reflected in the mouse model, we also identified variants mainly among male Sudden Infant Death Syndrome patients. Our findings validate HTR2C as a novel, sex-linked candidate gene modifying Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy risk, and demonstrate that the complex epilepsy phenotype does not arise solely from 5-HT2C-mediated synaptic disinhibition. These results strengthen the evidence for the serotonin hypothesis of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy risk in humans, and advance current efforts to develop gene-guided interventions to mitigate premature mortality in epilepsy.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) P.1 Lineage in a Long-Term Care Home After Implementation of a Vaccination Program—Ontario, Canada, April–May 2021
Authors: Williams Chantal , Al-Bargash Dana , Macalintal Celeste , Stuart Rebecca , Seth Anu , Latham Julienne , Gitterman Leah , Fedsin Stephanie , Godoy Marion , Kozak Robert , Guthrie Jennifer L , Wood Heidi , McGeer Allison , Hota Susy , Rea Elizabeth 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn a P.1 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in a long-term care home, vaccine effectiveness against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was 52.5% (95% confidence interval: 26.9%–69.1%) in residents and 66.2% (2.3%–88.3%) in staff. Vaccine effectiveness against severe illness was 78.6% (47.9%–91.2%) in residents. Two of 19 vaccinated resident case patients died. Outbreak management required both vaccination and infection control measures.
Adalimumab, Infliximab, and Vedolizumab in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Long-Term Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Gagnon Ann-Lorie , Beauchesne William , Tessier Laurence , David Charles , Berbiche Djamal , Lavoie Alexandre , Michaud-Herbst Alban , Tremblay Karine 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Biological therapies have changed the landscape of pharmacological management of ulcerative colitis (UC). However, a large proportion of patients do not respond to biologics, lose their response over time, or present adverse drug events. This study aims to assess therapeutic response and treatment persistence to adalimumab, infliximab, and vedolizumab, 3 agents widely used in a tertiary referral center of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean (Quebec, Canada).

Methods
We conducted a retrospective population-based study with a thorough review of patients’ medical charts. Adults at UC diagnosis, with current or past use of adalimumab, infliximab, or vedolizumab, were included in the study. Clinical data were collected in order to assess response phenotypes and persistence to treatment. Kaplan–Meier curves were performed to assess treatment persistence, and predictors for discontinuation were assessed using Cox regression analyses.

Results
A total of 134 patients were included in this study. For the cases exposed to adalimumab, infliximab, and vedolizumab, 56.9%, 62.5%, and 47.5% were responders, respectively. Mean persistence rates (95% CI) were 5.5 (4.3–6.6), 10.1 (8.7–11.5), and 3.6 (2.9–4.2) years for adalimumab, infliximab, and vedolizumab, respectively. Increased persistence rates were observed in biologic-naïve patients treated with infliximab in comparison to those with the previous exposition to 2 biologics, but no such effect was observed for adalimumab or vedolizumab. Overall, 61.9% of cases had adverse drug events and of these, 6 led to treatment discontinuation.

Conclusion
This study presents long-term treatment persistence data with adalimumab, infliximab, and vedolizumab, showing that more than half of cases treated with these biologics remained on treatment at least 24 months after initiation.
Focus on the road to modelling cardiomyopathy in muscular dystrophy
Authors: Canonico Francesco , Chirivi Maila , Maiullari Fabio , Milan Marika , Rizzi Roberto , Arcudi Alessandra , Galli Mattia , Pane Marika , Gowran Aoife , Pompilio Giulio , Mercuri Eugenio , Crea Filippo , Bearzi Claudia , D’Amario Domenico 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Alterations in the DMD gene, which codes for the protein dystrophin, cause forms of dystrophinopathies such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, an X-linked disease. Cardiomyopathy linked to DMD mutations is becoming the leading cause of death in patients with dystrophinopathy. Since phenotypic pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood, the improvement and development of new disease models, considering their relative advantages and disadvantages, is essential. The application of genetic engineering approaches on induced pluripotent stem cells, such as gene-editing technology, enables the development of physiologically relevant human cell models for in vitro dystrophinopathy studies. The combination of induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiovascular cell types and 3D bioprinting technologies hold great promise for the study of dystrophin-linked cardiomyopathy. This combined approach enables the assessment of responses to physical or chemical stimuli, and the influence of pharmaceutical approaches. The critical objective of in vitro microphysiological systems is to more accurately reproduce the microenvironment observed in vivo. Ground-breaking methodology involving the connection of multiple microphysiological systems comprised of different tissues would represent a move toward precision body-on-chip disease modelling could lead to a critical expansion in what is known about inter-organ responses to disease and novel therapies that have the potential to replace animal models. In this review, we will focus on the generation, development, and application of current cellular, animal, and potential for bio-printed models, in the study of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying dystrophin-linked cardiomyopathy in the direction of personalized medicine.
Clinical impact of left atrial appendage filling defects in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Okuno Taishi , Lanz Jonas , Stortecky Stefan , Heg Dik , Bernhard Benedikt , Gräni Christoph , Huber Adrian , Praz Fabien , Räber Lorenz , Valgimigli Marco , Siontis George C M , Windecker Stephan , Pilgrim Thomas 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Aims
Incidental detection of left atrial appendage (LAA) filling defects is a common finding on multi-detector computed tomography in aortic stenosis patients under evaluation for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to investigate the incidence of LAA filling defects before TAVI and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods and results
In a prospective registry, LAA filling defects were retrospectively evaluated and categorized into one of four sub-types: thrombus-like, heterogeneous, horizontal, and Hounsfield Unit (HU)-run-off. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death or disabling stroke up to 1-year follow-up. Among 1621 patients undergoing TAVI between August 2007 and June 2018, LAA filling defects were present in 177 patients (11%), and categorized as thrombus-like in 22 (1.4%), heterogeneous in 37 (2.3%), horizontal in 80 (4.9%), and HU-run-off in 38 (2.4%). Compared to patients with normal LAA filling, patients with LAA filling defects had greater prevalence of atrial fibrillation (84.7% vs. 26.4%, P &lt; 0.001) and history of cerebrovascular events (16.4% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.045). The primary endpoint occurred in 131 patients (9.2%) with normal LAA filling and in 36 patients (21.2%) with LAA filling defects (P &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analysis suggested that the risk of disabling stroke was greatest in the thrombus-like pattern (23.0%), followed by the HU-run-off (8.0%), the heterogeneous (6.2%), and the horizontal pattern (1.2%).

Conclusion
LAA filling defects were observed in 11% of aortic stenosis patients undergoing TAVI and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and disabling stroke up to 1 year following TAVI.

Trial Registration
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. NCT01368250.
Association of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and congenital ventricular septal defect: a case series
Authors: Sarhan Hatem Hemdan Taha , Shawky Abdel Haleem , Anilkumar Smitha , Elmaghraby Ahmed , Sivadasan Praveen C , Omar Amr S , Al-Mulla Abdul Wahid 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSOVA) is rare, and it is more common in Asians. Typically, the patient presents with acute/subacute shortness of breath (SOB) and chest pain. Echocardiography is the gold standard for diagnosis in most of these cases. Surgery has remained the first line of management.

Case summary
We present two cases of RSOVA in which the patients presented to the emergency department with SOB. Their preoperative echocardiography results showed RSOVA into the right ventricle. During surgical repair, ventricular septal defect (VSD) was also found.

Discussion
RSOVA is frequently associated with other congenital anomalies, and most often with VSD. In our cases, we believe that VSDs were missed preoperatively because either the large aneurysmal sacs covered the VSD or there was overlap between the two shunts. Additionally, in the first case, right ventricular pressure was high approaching systemic pressure, which probably reduced the shunt across the VSD. Early intervention is recommended to prevent endocarditis or enlargement of the ruptured aneurysm; long-term results were excellent after surgical repair. Most patients undergo surgery between 20 and 40 years of age, and the reported survival rate is 95% at 20 years. If left untreated, patients typically die of heart failure or endocarditis within 1 year after onset of symptoms.
A case report of cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation in a patient with situs inversus abdominalis and levocardia
Authors: Anwar Omar , Espersen Tobias , Willems Stephan , Eickholt Christian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation (cbPVI) is a standardized treatment of atrial fibrillation. In complex anatomies, radiofrequency ablation (rfPVI) is usually preferred. We describe the first cbPVI in a rare patient with SI and levocardia.

Case summary
A 41-year-old male patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was referred to our clinic after a previous, unsuccessful cbPVI procedure. Observation of an atypical lead-wire position due to an abnormal anatomy of the inferior vena cava led to its initial termination. A subsequent thoraco-abdominal computed tomography revealed situs inversus abdominalis and levocardia and the procedure was re-attempted in our clinic. Transseptal puncture (TSP) was guided via transoesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy, using a SL0-Sheath and a standard BRK-needle. Advancement of the sheath initially failed but after additional dilatation with an Inoue® dilator, transseptal passage of the sheath was successful. Due to the unusual antero-cranial TSP, the septal pulmonary veins (PV) contrasted poorly. After repeat TSP, a steerable FlexCath Advance® sheath was introduced into the left atrium using an Amplatz Super Stiff® guidewire. Subsequently, all PV were intubated with the Achieve® catheter, over which a 2nd generation cryoballoon was introduced. Despite the practical challenges in this case, all PV were isolated.

Discussion
The main challenges include the achievement of transseptal access and manipulation of the cryoballoon to achieve a patent seal of the pulmonary veins. cbPVI eliminates the need for constant re-positioning of the ablation catheter and might facilitate the creation of durable lesions under such difficult anatomical conditions.