bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The immunoregulatory role of p21 in the development of the temporomandibular joint‐osteoarthritis
Authors: Khurel‐Ochir Tsendsuren , Izawa Takashi , Iwasa Akihiko , Kano Fumiya , Yamamoto Akihito , Tanaka Eiji 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to identify the immunoregulatory role of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21 in the homeostasis of mandibular condylar cartilage affected by mechanical stress.Materials and methodsTen C57BL/6 wild‐type (WT) and ten p21−/− mice aged 8 weeks were divided into the untreated and treated groups. In the treated groups, mechanical stress was applied to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) through forced mouth opening for 3 hr/day for 7 days. The dissected TMJs were assessed using micro‐CT, histology, and immunohistochemistry.ResultsTreated p21−/− condyles with mechanical stress revealed more severe subchondral bone destruction, with thinner cartilage layers and smaller proteoglycan area relative to treated WT condyles; untreated WT and p21−/− condyles had smoother surfaces. Immunohistochemistry revealed significant increases in the numbers of caspase‐3, interleukin‐1β, matrix metalloprotease (MMP)‐9, and MMP‐13 positive cells, and few aggrecan positive cells, in treated p21−/− than in treated WT samples. Moreover, the number of TUNEL positive cells markedly increased in p21−/− condyles affected by mechanical stress.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that p21 in chondrocytes contributes to regulate matrix synthesis via the control ofm aggrecan and MMP‐13 expression under mechanical stress. Thus, p21 might regulate the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis in the TMJ.
Genetic analysis of grain yield and resistance of extra‐early‐maturing maize inbreds to northern corn leaf blight
Authors: Badu‐Apraku Baffour , Bankole Faith A. , Fakorede Morakinyo A. B. , Ayinde Olalekan , Ortega‐Beltran Alejandro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) is a food security crop in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Incidence of northern corn leaf blight (NCLB), caused by Exserohilum turcicum, in lowlands of SSA during the past decade has caused 30–70% reduction in maize yield. This study (a) examined the combining abilities of extra‐early maize (EEM) inbreds and classified them into heterotic groups; (b) elucidated gene action controlling resistance to NCLB; (c) assessed grain yield (GYLD) and yield stability of EEM hybrids under NCLB infection; and (d) identified testers. One hundred and fifty EEM hybrids, obtained by crossing 15 inbreds each of white‐ and yellow‐endosperm maize using the North Carolina Design II, plus six checks, were evaluated in nine environments, six of which were inoculated with an isolate of E. turcicum and three of which were non‐inoculated in 2018 and 2019. The white and yellow inbreds were placed in three heterotic groups using the heterotic grouping based on general combining ability (GCA) of multiple traits and stability of GYLD using the genotype plus genotype × environment (GGE) biplot analysis. The GCA, specific combining ability (SCA) and genotype × environment (G×E) interactions were significant for GYLD, disease severity, and other measured traits. The GCA effects were more important than the SCA effects for GYLD and NCLB severity scores across environments, implying that recurrent selection could facilitate improvement for GYLD and NCLB resistance. Three inbred testers and four single‐cross testers were identified for developing high‐yielding NCLB‐resistant hybrids. Four white and five yellow single‐cross hybrids were identified for on‐farm testing and possible commercialization.
Co‐design implementation of High Efficiency Video Coding standard encoder on Zynq MPSoC
Authors: Touzani Hajar , Mansouri Anass , Errahimi Fatima , Ahaitouf Ali 
Published: February 2021

SummaryStatistical analysis of High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) encoder reveals that in the motion compensation block, the interpolation filter consumes more than 30% in the encoder time in comparison with other blocks. In this paper, we start with an optimized hardware implementation of the interpolation filter on field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) based on Xilinx setup environment. In a second step, a Hardware/Software (HW/SW) co‐design implementation of HM16.7 encoder is performed on Zynq MPSoC platform to evaluate the proposed interpolation filter IP in terms of total encoder run‐time, taking advantages of both processing units (quad‐core ARM Cortex TM‐A53 processor and Programmable Logic FPGA component) available on the Zynq MPSoC. The proposed architecture of luma and chroma filters was simulated and synthesized on Xilinx XCZU7EV‐2FFVC1156 FPGA at 250‐MHz clock frequency. The synthesis results present an optimized power consumption of 3.308 mW for higher resolutions (2560 × 1600 and 1920 × 1080) at 50 fps with the use of just 1% of the FPGA resources. The experimental results of the co‐design implementation of HEVC encoder present a speedup of 2 times (41% in PeopleOnStreet sequence) in terms of processing time compared to the software alone implementation, with a an increase of 0.51% of bit rate and a very small degradation of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) (0.01%).
Potential of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitors for the treatment of SWI/SNF mutant cancers and tumor microenvironment modulation
Authors: Pyziak Karolina , Sroka‐Porada Agnieszka , Rzymski Tomasz , Dulak Józef , Łoboda Agnieszka 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEnhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a catalytic component of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), is commonly overexpressed or mutated in many cancer types, both of hematological and solid nature. Till now, plenty of EZH2 small molecule inhibitors have been developed and some of them have already been tested in clinical trials. Most of these inhibitors, however, are effective only in limited cases in the context of EZH2 gain‐of‐function mutated tumors such as lymphomas. Other cancer types with aberrant EZH2 expression and function require alternative approaches for successful treatment. One possibility is to exploit synthetic lethal strategy, which is based on the phenomenon that concurrent loss of two genes is detrimental but the deletion of either of them leaves cell viable. In the context of EZH2/PRC2, the most promising synthetic lethal target seems to be SWItch/Sucrose Non‐Fermentable chromatin remodeling complex (SWI/SNF), which is known to counteract PRC2 functions. SWI/SNF is heavily involved in carcinogenesis and its subunits have been found mutated in approximately 20% of tumors of different kinds. In the current review, we summarize the existing knowledge of synthetic lethal relationships between EZH2/PRC2 and components of the SWI/SNF complex and discuss in detail the potential application of existing EZH2 inhibitors in cancer patients harboring mutations in SWI/SNF proteins. We also highlight recent discoveries of EZH2 involvement in tumor microenvironment regulation and consequences for future therapies. Although clinical studies are limited, the fundamental research might help to understand which patients are most likely to benefit from therapies using EZH2 inhibitors.
Genetic studies of various Prosopis species (Leguminosae, Section Algarobia) co‐occurring in oases of the Atacama Desert (northern Chile)
Authors: Bessega Cecilia , Pometti Carolina , Fortunato Reneé , Greene Francisca , Santoro Calogero M. , McRostie Virginia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn the Atacama Desert from northern Chile (19–24°S), Prosopis (Leguminosae) individuals are restricted to oases that are unevenly distributed and isolated from each other by large stretches of barren landscape constituting an interesting study model as the degree of connectivity between natural populations depends on their dispersal capacity and the barriers imposed by the landscape. Our goal was to assess the genetic diversity and the degree of differentiation among groups of Prosopis individuals of different species from Section Algarobia and putative hybrids (hereafter populations) co‐occurring in these isolated oases from the Atacama Desert and determine whether genetic patterns are associated with dispersal barriers. Thirteen populations were sampled from oases located on three hydrographic basins (Pampa del Tamarugal, Rio Loa, and Salar de Atacama; northern, central, and southern basins, respectively). Individuals genotyped by eight SSRs show high levels of genetic diversity (HO = 0.61, Ar = 3.5) and low but significant genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0.128, FST‐ENA = 0.129, DJOST = 0.238). The AMOVA indicates that most of the variation occurs within individuals (79%) and from the variance among individuals (21%); almost, the same variation can be found between basins and between populations within basins. Differentiation and structure results were not associated with the basins, retrieving up to four genetic clusters and certain admixture in the central populations. Pairwise differentiation comparisons among populations showed inconsistencies considering their distribution throughout the basins. Genetic and geographic distances were significantly correlated at global and within the basins considered (p < .02), but low correlation indices were obtained (r < .37). These results are discussed in relation to the fragmented landscape, considering both natural and non‐natural (humans) dispersal agents that may be moving Prosopis in the Atacama Desert.
A novel echocardiographic method for estimation of pulmonary artery wedge pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance
Authors: Chubuchny Vladislav , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Taddei Claudia , Poggianti Elisa , Spini Valentina , Barison Andrea , Formichi Bruno , Airò Edoardo , Bauleo Carolina , Prediletto Renato , Pastormerlo Luigi Emilio , Coceani Michele , Ciardetti Marco , Petersen Christina , Pasanisi Emilio , Lombardi Carlo , Emdin Michele , Giannoni Alberto 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to evaluate a novel echocardiographic algorithm for quantitative estimation of pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients with heart failure and pulmonary hypertension (PH) scheduled to right heart catheterization (RHC).Methods and resultsIn this monocentric study, 795 consecutive patients (427 men; age 68.4 ± 12.1 years) undergoing echocardiography and RHC were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify echocardiographic predictors of PAWP and PVR measured by RHC in the derivation group (the first 200 patients). The diagnostic accuracy of the model was then tested in the validation group (the remaining 595 patients). PH was confirmed by RHC in 507 (63.8%) patients, with 192 (24.2%) cases of precapillary PH, 248 (31.2%) of postcapillary PH, and 67 (8.4%) of combined PH. At regression analysis, tricuspid regurgitation maximal velocity, mitral E/e′ ratio, left ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular fractional area change, inferior vena cava diameter, and left atrial volume index were included in the model (R = 0.8, P < 0.001). The model showed a high diagnostic accuracy in estimating elevated PAWP (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.97, 92% sensitivity, and 93% specificity, P < 0.001) and PVR (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.96, 89% sensitivity, and 92% specificity, P < 0.001), outperforming 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging recommendations (P < 0.001) and Abbas' equation (P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis showed satisfactory limits of agreement between echocardiography and RHC for PAWP (bias 0.7, 95% confidence interval −7.3 to 8.7) and PVR (bias −0.1, 95% confidence interval −2.2 to 1.9 Wood units), without indeterminate cases.ConclusionsA novel quantitative echocardiographic approach for the estimation of PAWP and PVR has high diagnostic accuracy in patients with heart failure and PH.
Pump thrombosis and dynamic outflow graft compression: complications in left ventricular assist device therapy
Authors: Dobner Stephan , Gräni Christoph , Hugi‐Mayr Beate , Mihalj Maks , Rhyner Daniel , Wieser Monika , Martinelli Michele , Hunziker Lukas , Reineke David 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOver the past decade, left ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy has become more prevalent and increasingly safe. Severe complications, such as VAD pump thrombosis and outflow graft obstruction, are rare, yet still associated with high morbidity and mortality. Clinical presentation, VAD alarm and log files, laboratory analysis, and non‐invasive cardiac imaging are crucial for establishing the correct diagnosis and determining clinical management. Early intervention is critical to prevent adverse cardiac remodelling or VAD pump failure.
Dynamic changes in cardiovascular and systemic parameters prior to sudden cardiac death in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a PARADIGM‐HF analysis
Authors: Rohde Luis E. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Claggett Brian L. , Polanczyk Carisi A. , Dorbala Pranav , Packer Milton , Desai Akshay S. , Zile Michael , Rouleau Jean , Swedberg Karl , Lefkowitz Martin , Shi Victor , McMurray John J.V. , Solomon Scott D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsPrognostic models of sudden cardiac death (SCD) typically incorporate data at only a single time‐point. We investigated independent predictors of SCD addressing the impact of integrating time‐varying covariates to improve prediction assessment.Methods and resultsWe studied 8399 patients enrolled in the PARADIGM‐HF trial and identified independent predictors of SCD (n = 561, 36% of total deaths) using time‐updated multivariable‐adjusted Cox models, classification and regression tree (CART), and logistic regression analysis. Compared with patients who were alive or died from non‐sudden cardiovascular deaths, patients who suffered a SCD displayed a distinct temporal profile of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, heart rate and levels of three biomarkers (albumin, uric acid and total bilirubin), with significant differences observed more than 1 year prior to the event (Pinteraction < 0.001). In multivariable models adjusted for baseline covariates, seven time‐updated variables independently contributed to SCD risk (incremental likelihood chi‐square = 46.2). CART analysis identified that baseline variables (implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator use and N‐terminal prohormone of B‐type natriuretic peptide levels) and time‐updated covariates (NYHA class, total bilirubin, and total cholesterol) improved risk stratification. CART‐defined subgroup of highest risk had nearly an eightfold increment in SCD hazard (hazard ratio 7.7, 95% confidence interval 3.6–16.5; P < 0.001). Finally, changes over time in heart rate, NYHA class, blood urea nitrogen and albumin levels were associated with differential risk of sudden vs. non‐sudden cardiovascular deaths (P < 0.05).ConclusionsBeyond single time‐point assessments, distinct changes in multiple cardiac‐specific and systemic variables improved SCD risk prediction and were helpful in differentiating mode of death in chronic heart failure.
Ghosting flame mechanism under different extinctions modes in ceiling vent cabin
Authors: Cong Lixin , Lu Mingfei , Xu Chaoyi 
Published: February 2021

SummaryIn this paper, large eddy simulation coupled with a low Mach number compressible thermal‐drive flow model had been utilized to investigate the development of large‐scale engine room fire, and the characteristics of engine room fire were analyzed through based upon the distinctive fire extinction behavior. Results indicated that extinction modes of engine room fire could be divided into oxygen control type and fuel control type. And the flame morphology could be divided into four stages: conical flame, pulsating flame, column flame, and ghosting flame. The appearance of the ghosting flame was affected by the extinction mode, but there were obvious differences in the causes of ghosting flame between the two modes. The cause of ghosting flame was related to the distribution of temperature field under the fuel control type, while the occurrence of ghosting flame in oxygen control type was mainly affected by oxygen concentration. Deflagration should be avoided when extinguishing fire by sealing the cabin.
Functional foods with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitory potential and management of type 2 diabetes: A review
Authors: Kazeem Mutiu , Bankole Habeeb , Ogunrinola Olabisi , Wusu Adedoja , Kappo Abidemi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe global high prevalence of diabetes mellitus has resulted into the development of several oral hypoglycemic agents. However, these drugs have limited efficacy and harmful side effects, which call for the search for alternatives from natural sources. The inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) activity increases the level of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, which in turn reduces hyperglycemia by activating insulin secretion and inhibiting glucagon secretion. Some studies have reported the in vitro DPP‐4 inhibitory potential of functional foods, but there is no repository of information on these reports. This article is an attempt to present in concise form, reports of functional foods with DPP‐4 inhibitory potentials in vitro. This will guide the use of these foods as well as in antidiabetic drug development.
The Emerging Hazard of AI‐Related Health Care Discrimination
Authors: Hoffman Sharona 
Published: February 2021

AbstractArtificial intelligence holds great promise for improved health‐care outcomes. But it also poses substantial new hazards, including algorithmic discrimination. For example, an algorithm used to identify candidates for beneficial “high risk care management” programs routinely failed to select racial minorities. Furthermore, some algorithms deliberately adjust for race in ways that divert resources away from minority patients. To illustrate, algorithms have underestimated African Americans’ risks of kidney stones and death from heart failure.Algorithmic discrimination can violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act when it unjustifiably disadvantages underserved populations. This article urges that both legal and technical tools be deployed to promote AI fairness. Plaintiffs should be able to assert disparate impact claims in health‐care litigation, and Congress should enact an Algorithmic Accountability Act. In addition, fairness should be a key element in designing, implementing, validating, and employing AI.
Can Genetic Nondiscrimination Laws Save Lives?
Authors: Rothstein Mark A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNumerous state laws and the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) have been enacted to prevent or redress genetic discrimination in employment and health insurance, but laws protecting against genetic discrimination in life insurance have been less common and weak. Consequently, some individuals with a genetic risk of a serious illness have declined presymptomatic genetic testing, thereby decreasing their prevention and treatment options and increasing their mortality risk. In 2020, Florida became the first state to prohibit life insurance companies from using the results of presymptomatic genetic tests in underwriting. Although the law was “only” intended to prevent genetic discrimination, a possible or even likely consequence of the law will be to encourage timely genetic testing by at‐rick individuals and thereby save lives.
When Is Age Choosing Ageist Discrimination?
Authors: Brown Teneille R. , Francis Leslie P. , Tabery James 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWhen the Covid‐19 pandemic reached the United States in spring 2020, many states and hospitals announced crisis standards of care plans that used age as a categorical exclusion criterion. Such age choosing was quickly flagged as discriminatory, and so some states and hospitals shifted to embedding age as a tiebreaker deeper in their plans. Different rationales were given for using age as a tiebreaker: that younger patients were more likely to survive than older patients, that saving younger patients would save more life years, and that younger patients deserved a chance to live through life's stages. We provide a critical analysis of these three rationales, noting the differences between them, and then questioning the ethical and legal justifications for such age choosing.
Sample restrictions and the elicitation of a constant willingness to pay per quality adjusted life year
Authors: Nielsen Jytte Seested , Gyrd‐Hansen Dorte , Kjær Trine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIt is well established that the underlying theoretical assumptions needed to obtain a constant proportional trade‐off between a quality adjusted life year (QALY) and willingness to pay (WTP) are restrictive and often empirically violated. In this paper, we set out to investigate whether the proportionality conditions (in terms of scope insensitivity and severity independence) can be satisfied when data is restricted to include only respondents who pass certain consistency criteria. We hypothesize that the more we restrict the data, the better the compliance with the requirement of constant proportional trade‐off between WTP and QALY. We revisit the Danish data from the European Value of a QALY survey eliciting individual WTP for a QALY (WTP‐Q). Using a “chained approach” respondents were first asked to value a specified health state using the standard gamble (SG) or the time‐trade‐off (TTO) approach and subsequently asked their WTP for QALY gains of 0.05 and 0.1 (tailored according to the respondent's SG/TTO valuation). Analyzing the impact of the different exclusion criteria on the two proportionality conditions, we find strong evidence against a constant WTP‐Q. Restricting our data to include only respondents who pass the most stringent consistency criteria does not impact on the performance of the proportionality conditions for WTP‐Q.