bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flow velocity quantification by exploiting the principles of the Doppler effect and magnetic particle imaging
Authors: Pantke Dennis , Mueller Florian , Reinartz Sebastian , Kiessling Fabian , Schulz Volkmar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractChanges in blood flow velocity play a crucial role during pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Imaging techniques capable of assessing flow velocities are clinically applied but are often not accurate, quantitative, and reliable enough to assess fine changes indicating the early onset of diseases and their conversion into a symptomatic stage. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) promises to overcome these limitations. Existing MPI-based techniques perform velocity estimation on the reconstructed images, which restricts the measurable velocity range. Therefore, we developed a novel velocity quantification method by adapting the Doppler principle to MPI. Our method exploits the velocity-dependent frequency shift caused by a tracer motion-induced modulation of the emitted signal. The fundamental theory of our method is deduced and validated by simulations and measurements of moving phantoms. Overall, our method enables robust velocity quantification within milliseconds, with high accuracy, no radiation risk, no depth-dependency, and extended range compared to existing MPI-based velocity quantification techniques, highlighting the potential of our method as future medical application.
A matched irrigation and obturation strategy for root canal therapy
Authors: Fernandes Zancan Rafaela , Hadis Mohammed , Burgess David , Zhang Zhenyu Jason , Di Maio Alessandro , Tomson Phillip , Hungaro Duarte Marco Antonio , Camilleri Josette 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn root canal therapy, irrigating solutions are employed to eliminate the bacterial load and also prepare dentin for sealer interaction. The aim of this research was to assess how irrigating solutions employed on their own or in sequence affected the tooth structure. The best way to prepare the tooth for obturation using hydraulic calcium silicate cement (HCSC) sealers and gutta-percha, thus guiding clinicians on a matched irrigation-obturation strategy for optimized root canal treatment was investigated. The effect of irrigating solutions on dentine was investigated by assessing changes in dentin microhardness, ultrastructure and mineral content, organic/inorganic matter, surface roughness and Young’s modulus. The interaction of four root canal sealers with the dentin was analysed by assessing the changes in microhardness of the dentin after sealer placement and also the sealer to dentin interface by scanning electron and confocal laser microscopy. The irrigating solutions damaged the dentin irreversibly both when used on their own and in combination. The best sequence involved sodium hypochlorite followed by chelator and a final rinse with sodium hypochlorite and obturation using HCSC sealers that enabled the restoration of dentin properties. The HCSC sealers did not rely on chelator irrigating solutions for a good material adaptation to dentin.
Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) impaired vasopressin-induced aquaporin-2 trafficking through the activation of the calcium-sensing receptor
Authors: Ranieri Marianna , Di Mise Annarita , Centrone Mariangela , D’Agostino Mariagrazia , Tingskov Stine Julie , Venneri Maria , Pellegrino Tommaso , Difonzo Graziana , Caponio Francesco , Norregaard Rikke , Valenti Giovanna , Tamma Grazia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVasopressin (AVP) increases water permeability in the renal collecting duct through the regulation of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) trafficking. Several disorders, including hypertension and inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), are associated with abnormalities in water homeostasis. It has been shown that certain phytocompounds are beneficial to human health. Here, the effects of the Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) have been evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models. Confocal studies showed that OLE prevents the vasopressin induced AQP2 translocation to the plasma membrane in MCD4 cells and rat kidneys. Incubation with OLE decreases the AVP-dependent increase of the osmotic water permeability coefficient (Pf). To elucidate the possible effectors of OLE, intracellular calcium was evaluated. OLE increases the intracellular calcium through the activation of the Calcium Sensing Receptor (CaSR). NPS2143, a selective CaSR inhibitor, abolished the inhibitory effect of OLE on AVP-dependent water permeability. In vivo experiments revealed that treatment with OLE increases the expression of the CaSR mRNA and decreases AQP2 mRNA paralleled by an increase of the AQP2-targeting miRNA-137. Together, these findings suggest that OLE antagonizes vasopressin action through stimulation of the CaSR indicating that this extract may be beneficial to attenuate disorders characterized by abnormal CaSR signaling and affecting renal water reabsorption.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals KRTAP1-1 as a novel genetic variant associated with antidepressant treatment outcomes
Authors: Park Jong-Ho , Lim Shinn-Won , Myung Woojae , Park Inho , Jang Hyeok-Jae , Kim Seonwoo , Lee Min-Soo , Chang Hun Soo , Yum DongHo , Suh Yeon-Lim , Kim Jong-Won , Kim Doh Kwan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAchieving remission following initial antidepressant therapy in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) is an important clinical result. Making predictions based on genetic markers holds promise for improving the remission rate. However, genetic variants found in previous genetic studies do not provide robust evidence to aid pharmacogenetic decision-making in clinical settings. Thus, the objective of this study was to perform whole-genome sequencing (WGS) using genomic DNA to identify genetic variants associated with the treatment outcomes of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). We performed WGS on 100 patients with MDD who were treated with escitalopram (discovery set: 36 remitted and 64 non-remitted). The findings were applied to an additional 553 patients with MDD who were treated with SSRIs (replication set: 185 remitted and 368 non-remitted). A novel loss-of-function variant (rs3213755) in keratin-associated protein 1–1 (KRTAP1-1) was identified in this study. This rs3213755 variant was significantly associated with remission following antidepressant treatment (p = 0.0184, OR 3.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–7.80 in the discovery set; p = 0.00269, OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.22–2.53 in the replication set). Moreover, the expression level of KRTAP1-1 in surgically resected human temporal lobe samples was significantly associated with the rs3213755 genotype. WGS studies on a larger sample size in various ethnic groups are needed to investigate genetic markers useful in the pharmacogenetic prediction of remission following antidepressant treatment.
Explainable AI reveals changes in skin microbiome composition linked to phenotypic differences
Authors: Carrieri Anna Paola , Haiminen Niina , Maudsley-Barton Sean , Gardiner Laura-Jayne , Murphy Barry , Mayes Andrew E. , Paterson Sarah , Grimshaw Sally , Winn Martyn , Shand Cameron , Hadjidoukas Panagiotis , Rowe Will P. M. , Hawkins Stacy , MacGuire-Flanagan Ashley , Tazzioli Jane , Kenny John G. , Parida Laxmi , Hoptroff Michael , Pyzer-Knapp Edward O. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlterations in the human microbiome have been observed in a variety of conditions such as asthma, gingivitis, dermatitis and cancer, and much remains to be learned about the links between the microbiome and human health. The fusion of artificial intelligence with rich microbiome datasets can offer an improved understanding of the microbiome’s role in human health. To gain actionable insights it is essential to consider both the predictive power and the transparency of the models by providing explanations for the predictions. We combine the collection of leg skin microbiome samples from two healthy cohorts of women with the application of anexplainable artificial intelligence (EAI)approach that provides accurate predictions of phenotypes with explanations. The explanations are expressed in terms of variations in the relative abundance of key microbes that drive the predictions. We predict skin hydration, subject's age, pre/post-menopausal status and smoking status from the leg skin microbiome. The changes in microbial composition linked to skin hydration can accelerate the development of personalized treatments for healthy skin, while those associated with age may offer insights into the skin aging process. The leg microbiome signatures associated with smoking and menopausal status are consistent with previous findings from oral/respiratory tract microbiomes and vaginal/gut microbiomes respectively. This suggests that easily accessible microbiome samples could be used to investigate health-related phenotypes, offering potential for non-invasive diagnosis and condition monitoring. Our EAI approach sets the stage for new work focused on understanding the complex relationships between microbial communities and phenotypes. Our approach can be applied to predict any condition from microbiome samples and has the potential to accelerate the development of microbiome-based personalized therapeutics and non-invasive diagnostics.
SPARC coordinates extracellular matrix remodeling and efficient recruitment to and migration of antigen-specific T cells in the brain following infection
Authors: McGovern Kathryn E. , Nance J. Philip , David Clément N. , Harrison Reed E. S. , Noor Shahani , Worth Danielle , Landrith Tyler A. , Obenaus Andre , Carson Monica J. , Morikis Dimitrios , Wilson Emma H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) injury and infection can result in profound tissue remodeling in the brain, the mechanism and purpose of which is poorly understood. Infection with the protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondiicauses chronic infection and inflammation in the brain parenchyma. Control of parasite replication requires the continuous presence of IFNγ-producing T cells to keepT. gondiiin its slowly replicating cyst form. During infection, a network of extracellular matrix fibers, revealed using multiphoton microscopy, forms in the brain. The origin and composition of these structures are unknown but the fibers have been observed to act as a substrate for migrating T cells. In this study, we show a critical regulator of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, Secreted Protein, Acidic, Rich in Cysteine (SPARC), is upregulated in the brain during the early phases of infection in the frontal cortex. In the absence of SPARC, a reduced and disordered fibrous network, increased parasite burden, and reduced antigen-specific T cell entry into the brain points to a role for SPARC in T cell recruitment to and migration within the brain. We also report SPARC can directly bind to CCR7 ligands CCL19 and CCL21 but not CXCL10, and enhance migration toward a chemokine gradient. Measurement of T cell behavior points to tissue remodeling being important for access of immune cells to the brain and facilitating cellular locomotion. Together, these data identify SPARC as an important regulatory component of immune cell trafficking and access to the inflamed CNS.
Small area variation in child undernutrition across 640 districts and 543 parliamentary constituencies in India
Authors: Rajpal Sunil , Kim Julie , Joe William , Kim Rockli , Subramanian S. V. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn India, districts serve as central policy unit for program development, administration and implementation. The one-size-fits-all approach based on average prevalence estimates at the district level fails to capture the substantial small area variation. In addition to district average, heterogeneity within districts should be considered in policy design. The objective of this study was to quantify the extent of small area variation in child stunting, underweight and wasting across 36 states/Union Territories (UTs), 640 districts (and 543 PCs), and villages/blocks in India. We utilized the 4th round of Indian National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted in 2015–2016. The study population included 225,002 children aged 0–59 months whose height and weight information were available. Stunting was defined as height-for-age z-score below 2 SD from the World Health Organization child growth reference standards. Similarly, underweight and wasting were each defined as weight-for-age < -2 SD and weight-for-height < -2 SD from the age- and sex-specific medians. We adopted a four-level logistic regression model to partition the total variation in stunting, underweight and wasting. We computed precision-weighted prevalence of child anthropometric failures across districts and PCs as well as within-district/PC variation using standard deviation (SD) measures. For stunting, 56.4% (var: 0.237; SE: 0.008) of the total variation was attributed to villages/blocks, followed by 25.8% (var: 0.109; SE: 0.030) to states/UTs, and 17.7% (Var: 0.074; SE: 0.006) to districts. For underweight and wasting, villages/blocks accounted for 38.4% (var: 0.224; SE: 0.007) and 50% (var: 0.285; SE: 0.009), respectively, of the total contextual variance in India. Similar findings were shown in multilevel models incorporating PC as a geographical unit instead of districts. We found high positive correlations between mean prevalence and SD for stunting (r = 0.780, p < 0.001), underweight (r = 0.860, p < 0.001), and wasting (r = 0.857, p < 0.001) across all districts in India. A similar pattern of correlation was found for PCs. Within-district and within-PC variation are the primary source of variation for child malnutrition in India. Our results suggest the importance of considering heterogeneity within districts and PCs when planning and administering child nutrition policies.
Capital-income breeding in wild boar: a comparison between two sexes
Authors: Brogi Rudy , Chirichella Roberta , Brivio Francesca , Merli Enrico , Bottero Elisa , Apollonio Marco 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOrganisms differ in the strategy adopted to fuel reproduction by using resources either previously acquired and stored in body reserves (capital breeding) or, conversely, acquired during their reproductive activity (income breeding). The choice of one or the other strategy is related to several internal and external factors which are counteractive in wild boar. Based on a large dataset of culled wild boar, we investigated individual body weight variability throughout the period of 1st September–31st January, which included the main part of the mating season, among different sex and age classes to determine their position along the capital-income breeding continuum. Though food resources were abundant during the rut, adult males lost body weight suggesting they adopted a predominantly capital breeding strategy, likely owing to the high intra-sexual competition entailed by the peculiar mating system of the species. On the contrary, subadult males seemed to behave as income breeders, likely enhancing the reproductive flexibility of wild boar populations. During the rut, females stored reserves, thus suggesting that they substantially relied on them to cover future reproductive costs.
Fibrinogen and hemoglobin predict near future cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals
Authors: Lassé Moritz , Pilbrow Anna P. , Kleffmann Torsten , Andersson Överström Elin , von Zychlinski Anne , Frampton Christopher M. A. , Poppe Katrina K. , Troughton Richard W. , Lewis Lynley K. , Prickett Timothy C. R. , Pemberton Christopher J. , Richards Arthur M. , Cameron Vicky A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo identify circulating proteins predictive of acute cardiovascular disease events in the general population, we performed a proteomic screen in plasma from asymptomatic individuals. A “Discovery cohort” of 25 individuals who subsequently incurred a cardiovascular event within 3 years (median age = 70 years, 80% male) was matched to 25 controls remaining event-free for > 5 years (median age = 72 years, 80% male). Plasma proteins were assessed by data independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS). Associations with cardiovascular events were tested using Cox regression, adjusted for the New Zealand Cardiovascular Risk Score. Concentrations of leading protein candidates were subsequently measured with ELISAs in a larger (n = 151) independent subset. In the Discovery cohort, 76 plasma proteins were robustly quantified by DIA-MS, with 8 independently associated with cardiovascular events. These included (HR = hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] above vs below median): fibrinogen alpha chain (HR = 1.84 [1.19–2.84]); alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (also called fetuin A) (HR = 1.86 [1.19–2.93]); clusterin isoform 2 (HR = 1.59 [1.06–2.38]); fibrinogen beta chain (HR = 1.55 [1.04–2.30]); hemoglobin subunit beta (HR = 1.49 [1.04–2.15]); complement component C9 (HR = 1.62 [1.01–2.59]), fibronectin isoform 3 (HR = 0.60 [0.37–0.99]); and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (HR = 1.58 [1.00–2.49]). The proteins for which DIA-MS and ELISA data were correlated, fibrinogen and hemoglobin, were analyzed in an Extended cohort, with broader inclusion criteria and longer time to events, in which these two proteins were not associated with incident cardiovascular events. We have identified eight candidate proteins that may independently predict cardiovascular events occurring within three years in asymptomatic, low-to-moderate risk individuals, although these appear not to predict events beyond three years.
High optical enhancement in Au/Ag alloys and porous Au using Surface-Enhanced Raman spectroscopy technique
Authors: Awada C. , Dab C. , Grimaldi M. G. , Alshoaibi A. , Ruffino F. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe report high optical enhancement in Ag/Au alloys and porous gold nanostructures using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) technique. Scanning electron microscopy investigation shows the formation of Ag/Au alloys particles during irradiation of Ag–Au bilayer deposited on FTO (SnO2:F) substrate by laser fluency equal to 0.5 J/cm2 or 1.0 J/cm2 with 12 ns laser pulse duration. The dealloying process of these Au–Ag alloy particles leads to the formation of Au nanoporous particles. The obtained nanostructures were studied with SERS and revealed a promising enhancement factor in porous Au nanostructure and tunability of localized surface plasmon resonance. The highly dense strong hot spots and large specific area in porous structure of gold nanostructures is the origin of the highly enhancement factor observed experimentally and theoretically. A very good agreement between simulation and experimental results was found confirming the potential of Au/Ag alloys and particularly porous gold nanostructure in SERS application.
Environmental impact of the cultivation of energy willow in Poland
Authors: Kowalczyk Zbigniew , Kwaśniewski Dariusz 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe purpose of the work is to analyze the structure of the environmental impact of energy willow cultivation (Salix spp.) on plantations of various sizes, divided per materials and processes. The research covered 15 willow plantations, ranging from 0.31 ha to 12 ha, located in southern Poland. It was found, among others, that the so-called processes, i.e. the use of technical means of production, dominate the structure of the environmental impact (EI) related to the cultivation of energy willow, and that the cultivation of energy willow on larger plantations has a much lower environmental impact compared to cultivation on smaller plantations. Also, in the case of the environmental impact of processes, the largest environmental impact was recorded in the human health category, which is mainly associated with the consumption of fuel, i.e. diesel. It was determined, e.g., that the cultivation of energetic willow on larger plantations is characterized by a much lower environmental impact (as per the cultivation area), at approx. 108 Pt, compared to the cultivation on smaller plantations, where the value of the environmental impact is 168 Pt. A decisively dominant position in the structure of the environmental impact (EI), related to the cultivation of energy willow, is held by the so-called processes, i.e. the use of technical means of production. Their share in the total environmental impact decreases from 148.5 Pt in the group of the smallest plantations to 77.9 Pt in the group of the largest plantations.
Prepulse inhibition vs cognitive modulation of the hand-blink reflex
Authors: Versace Viviana , Campostrini Stefania , Sebastianelli Luca , Saltuari Leopold , Valls-Solé Josep , Kofler Markus 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe excitability of brainstem circuitries mediating defensive blinking in response to abrupt sensory inputs is continuously modulated by cortical areas, e.g., the hand-blink reflex (HBR), elicited by intense electrical median nerve stimulation, is enhanced when the stimulated hand is close to the face, with the behavioural purpose to optimize self-protection from increased threat. Here we investigated whether such cortically mediated HBR facilitation can be influenced by prepulse inhibition (PPI), which is known to occur entirely at the subcortical level. Twenty healthy volunteers underwent HBR recordings in five experimental conditions. In conditions 1 and 2, the stimulated hand was held either near (1) or far (2) from the face, respectively. In conditions 3 and 4, stimulation of the hand near the face was preceded by a peri-liminal prepulse to the index finger of the contralateral hand held either near (3) or far from the face (4). In condition 5, participants self-triggered the stimulus eliciting the HBR. We observed a reproducible HBR in 14 out of 20 participants and measured onset latency and area of the HBR in orbicularis oculi muscles bilaterally. HBR area decreased and latency increased in condition 2 relative to condition 1; HBR area decreased and latency increased markedly in condition 3, and somewhat less in condition 4, relative to conditions 1 and 2; self-stimulation (condition 5) also suppressed HBRs, but less than prepulses. These findings indicate that PPI of the HBR is more robust than the cognitive modulation exerted by top-down cortical projections. Possibly, an attentional shift to a prepulse may serve to reduce blinking in response to perturbation when it is convenient, in a given situation, not to interrupt ongoing visual processing.
Cohnella 1759 cysteine protease shows significant long term half-life and impressive increased activity in presence of some chemical reagents
Authors: Saghian Rayan , Mokhtari Elham , Aminzadeh Saeed 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThermostability and substrate specificity of proteases are major factors in their industrial applications. rEla is a novel recombinant cysteine protease obtained from a thermophilic bacterium,Cohnellasp.A01 (PTCC No: 1921). Herein, we were interested in recombinant production and characterization of the enzyme and finding the novel features in comparison with other well-studied cysteine proteases. The bioinformatics analysis showed that rEla is allosteric cysteine protease from DJ-1/ThiJ/PfpI superfamily. The enzyme was heterologously expressed and characterized and the recombinant enzyme molecular mass was 19.38 kD which seems to be smaller than most of the cysteine proteases. rEla exhibited acceptable activity in broad pH and temperature ranges. The optimum activity was observed at 50℃ and pH 8 and the enzyme showed remarkable stability by keeping 50% of residual activity after 100 days storage at room temperature. The enzyme Kmand Vmaxvalues were 21.93 mM, 8 U/ml, respectively. To the best of our knowledge,in comparison with the other characterized cysteine proteases, rEla is the only reported cysteine protease with collagen specificity. The enzymes activity increases up to 1.4 times in the presence of calcium ion (2 mM) suggesting it as the enzyme’s co-factor. When exposed to surfactants including Tween20, Tween80, Triton X-100 and SDS (1% and 4% v/v) the enzyme activity surprisingly increased up to 5 times.