bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence and countermeasure of obesity in laparoscopic colorectal resection
Authors: Kashihara Hideya , Shimada Mitsuo , Yoshikawa Kozo , Higashijima Jun , Tokunaga Takuya , Nishi Masaaki , Takasu Chie , Yoshimoto Toshiaki 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of obesity and the usefulness of a preoperative weight loss program (PWLP) for obese patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection (LCR).MethodsStudy 1: 392 patients who underwent LCR for colorectal cancer were divided into two groups: those with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 (n = 113) and those with a BMI <25 kg/m2 (n = 279). The influence of BMI on LCR was investigated. Study 2: Patients with a BMI ≥28 kg/m2 who were scheduled to undergo LCR (n = 7, mean body weight 87.0 kg, mean BMI 33.9 kg/m2) undertook a PWLP including caloric restriction and exercise for 29.6 (15–70) days. The effects of this program were evaluated.ResultsStudy 1: The BMI ≥25 kg/m2 group had a prolongation of operation time and hospital stay than the BMI <25 kg/m2 group. Study 2: The patients achieved a mean weight loss of 6.9% (−6.0 kg). The mean visceral fat area was significantly decreased by 18.0%, whereas the skeletal muscle mass was unaffected. The PWLP group had a significantly lower prevalence of postoperative complications compared with the BMI ≥25 kg/m2 group.ConclusionObesity affected the surgical outcomes in LCR. A PWLP may be useful for obese patients undergoing LCR.
The portrayal of people with dwarfism in Chinese art
Authors: Wu Liuyin , Zhou Ying , Zhang Dan , Shen Yiping , Liu Aixia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDwarfism has been depicted in various Chinese art forms including literature, sculpture, and painting. This article examines several representative Chinese works of art from different ages of Chinese history, in order to glimpse the living situations of people with dwarfism, their professions and social status, as well as the social attitude toward them in China. We highlight “山海经” (Shan Hai Jing, translated as the Classic of Mountains and Seas), a remarkable collection of myths and illustrations which documented the existence of dwarf communities where the residents were capable of producing high‐quality grains. Representations from sculptures and paintings frequently captured the images of individuals with dwarfism in royal courts, which showed their remarkable performance skills and social ability. There are also works of art associating dwarfism with rituals. In addition to portraying ordinary individuals with humble social status, there was one particular individual with dwarfism named Yan Zi (晏子) who was highly regarded as a figure of wisdom. Throughout the long Chinese history, dwarfism had been portrayed in art as either positive, neutral or derogatory, which reflected the fact that people with dwarfism, while short in stature, are usually intellectually normal, generally skillful, and often talented, in short, like the general population.
Teaching healthcare professionals to see
Authors: Ganske Ingrid , Khoshbin Shahram , Katz Joel T. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPrerequisite to establishing a diagnosis, healthcare providers must detect and appreciate subtle cues to dysfunction, disease and dysmorphology. A medical school course designed to connect art observation and diagnosis addresses the ongoing erosion of careful looking, which is at the core of detecting malformations and dysmorphologies, among other medical conditions. We present an example from within the field of medical genetics of how the skill of deep looking can be taught.
Manipulation of Polarizations with Crystalline Orientation for an Elliptically Polarized Passively Q‐Switched Raman Laser
Authors: An Yinming , Yang Haolin , Lin Bohan , Bi Jiaxiang , Dong Jun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPolarization control of dual‐wavelength high peak power Raman lasers based on passively Q‐switched technology and yttrium vanadate (YVO4) crystal are widely used for generating novel laser sources, terahertz wave, material processing, and manipulating microparticles. However, the Raman lasers are usually linear polarization. Here, elliptical polarizations with controllable ellipticity and azimuthal angle are manipulated by adjusting the crystalline orientation of a‐cut YVO4 crystal in a passively Q‐switched Raman laser constructed with a Cr4+,Nd3+:Y3Al5O12 (Cr,Nd:YAG) crystal and a a‐cut YVO4 crystal. The ellipticity of the elliptically polarized dual‐wavelength Raman laser varies in a sinusoid modulation as a‐cut YVO4 crystal rotates with respect to the major axis of the intracavity fundamental laser and increases with applied pump power. The azimuthal angle varies in the same speed as a‐cut YVO4 crystal rotates. Anisotropic behavior of sinusoidal modulation of output power, pulse energy, and peak power is observed as a‐cut YVO4 crystal rotates. There are four peaks and four troughs for ellipticity, output power, pulse energy, and peak power within a 360° rotation of a‐cut YVO4 crystal. This work provides a solid and simple method for developing elliptical polarization controllable dual‐wavelength passively Q‐switched Raman laser with high peak power for various potential applications.
Chemical Identification of Catalytically Active Sites on Oxygen‐doped Carbon Nanosheet to Decipher the High Activity for Electro‐synthesis Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Chen Shanyong , Luo Tao , Chen Kejun , Lin Yiyang , Fu Junwei , Liu Kang , Cai Chao , Wang Qiyou , Li Huangjingwei , Li Xiaoqing , Hu Junhua , Li Hongmei , Zhu Mingshan , Liu Min 
Published: May 2021

AbstractElectrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through two‐electron (2 e−) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an on‐site and clean route. Oxygen‐doped carbon materials with high ORR activity and H2O2 selectivity have been considered as the promising catalysts, however, there is still a lack of direct experimental evidence to identify true active sites at the complex carbon surface. Herein, we propose a chemical titration strategy to decipher the oxygen‐doped carbon nanosheet (OCNS900) catalyst for 2 e− ORR. The OCNS900 exhibits outstanding 2 e− ORR performances with onset potential of 0.825 V (vs. RHE), mass activity of 14.5 A g−1 at 0.75 V (vs. RHE) and H2O2 production rate of 770 mmol g−1 h−1 in flow cell, surpassing most reported carbon catalysts. Through selective chemical titration of C=O, C−OH, and COOH groups, we found that C=O species contributed to the most electrocatalytic activity and were the most active sites for 2 e− ORR, which were corroborated by theoretical calculations.
Effect of long‐chain branching molar fraction on scratch behavior of polypropylene
Authors: Tsai Chia‐Ying , Chang Chao‐Shun , Zhao Mingzhen , Sue Hung‐Jue 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPolymers containing a certain amount of long‐chain‐branching (LCB) structure are expected to possess improved mechanical properties over those of the linear structure counterpart. However, fundamental knowledge on the structure–property relationship in LCB containing polypropylene (PP) is still illusive. In the present study, a set of model PP systems containing an increasing molar fraction of LCB (5–19 mol%) were prepared by reactive extrusion to determine how LCB content may influence the scratch behavior of PP. It is shown that with only 5 mol% of LCB content in PP can improve resistance against scratch‐induced fish‐scale formation by over 25%. The improvement of scratch resistance is attributed to the increases in entanglement density in LCB‐containing PPs, which is evidenced by their creep‐recovery behavior. The present study demonstrates that the incorporation of LCB in PP leads to higher viscoelastic recovery and increased tensile strength, which account for the observed improvement in scratch performance. The usefulness of LCB in polymers for improving scratch performance is discussed.
Dynamic evaluation of swallowing in pediatric patients with dysphagia: The Brazilian perspective
Authors: Gonçalves Maria Ines R. , Lederman Henrique M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDynamic Evaluation of Swallowing (DES) is an exam which provides invaluable information on the swallowing function. This review describes the requirements, protocols and processes for DES in regions of Brazil. Dysphagia is a swallowing abnormality, in one or more swallowing phases, with risk and/or occurrence of aspiration, damage regarding nutrition and/or hydration and possible need of nonoral feeding methods. DES is performed in an armored room, using fluoroscopy, with the patient in lateral and anteroposterior views, in an orthostatic position. Different consistencies and volumes are tested, depending on the patient's age, complaint and clinical conditions. Its main objective is to determine if the patient can safely eat orally, is able to meet his basic nutritional and hydration needs, or if alternative means of feeding are necessary. It allows anatomical observation of structures, and the dynamics of swallowing during oral, pharyngeal and esophageal phases, in real time. The DES is used worldwide for pediatric patients, from newborns to adolescents, for a complete assessment. In Brazil, the exam is the state of the art in the functional evaluation of swallowing, however it is only available to a fraction of the population, mostly in the largest, and economically developed cities, and usually restricted to major health centers and teaching hospitals. Implementing DES in healthcare units requires radiological equipment, infrastructure standards, availability and training of personnel, as well as specialized physicians, and speech‐language pathologists. For these reasons, our services face daily challenges while managing long scheduling waiting lists.
Augmentation of Stimulator of Interferon Genes–Induced Type I Interferon Production in COPA Syndrome
Authors: Kato Takashi , Yamamoto Masaki , Honda Yoshitaka , Orimo Takashi , Sasaki Izumi , Murakami Kohei , Hemmi Hiroaki , Fukuda‐Ohta Yuri , Isono Kyoichi , Takayama Saki , Nakamura Hidenori , Otsuki Yoshiro , Miyamoto Toshiaki , Takita Junko , Yasumi Takahiro , Nishikomori Ryuta , Matsubayashi Tadashi , Izawa Kazushi , Kaisho Tsuneyasu 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveCoatomer subunit alpha (COPA) syndrome, also known as autoinflammatory interstitial lung, joint, and kidney disease, is caused by heterozygous mutations in COPA. We identified a novel COPA variant in 4 patients in one family. We undertook this study to elucidate whether and how the variant causes manifestations of COPA syndrome by studying these 4 patients and by analyzing results from a gene‐targeted mouse model.MethodsWe performed whole‐exome sequencing in 7 family members and measured the type I interferon (IFN) signature of the peripheral blood cells. We analyzed the effects of COPA variants in in vitro experiments and in Copa mutant mice that were generated.ResultsWe identified a heterozygous variant of COPA (c.725T>G, p.Val242Gly) in the 4 affected members of the family. The IFN score was high in the members carrying the variant. In vitro analysis revealed that COPA V242G, as well as the previously reported disease‐causing variants, augmented stimulator of interferon genes (STING)–induced type I IFN promoter activities. CopaV242G/+ mice manifested interstitial lung disease and STING‐dependent elevation of IFN‐stimulated gene expression. In CopaV242G/+ dendritic cells, the STING pathway was not constitutively activated but was hyperactivated upon stimulation, leading to increased type I IFN production.ConclusionV242G, a novel COPA variant, was found in 4 patients from one family. In gene‐targeted mice with the V242G variant, interstitial lung disease was recapitulated and augmented responses of the STING pathway, leading to an increase in type I IFN production, were demonstrated.
Amelioration of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis in Mice Using Intraarticular Silencing of Periostin via Nanoparticle‐Based Small Interfering RNA
Authors: Duan Xin , Cai Lei , Pham Christine T. N. , Abu‐Amer Yousef , Pan Hua , Brophy Robert H. , Wickline Samuel A. , Rai Muhammad Farooq 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveRecent evidence delineates an emerging role of periostin in osteoarthritis (OA), since its expression after knee injury is detrimental to the articular cartilage. We undertook this study to examine whether intraarticular (IA) knockdown of periostin would ameliorate posttraumatic OA in a murine model.MethodsPosttraumatic OA was induced in 10‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice (n = 24) by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM), and mice were analyzed 8 weeks after surgery. Periostin expression was inhibited by small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivered IA using a novel peptide–nucleotide polyplex. Following histologic assessment of the mouse knee cartilage, the extent of cartilage degeneration was determined using Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) cartilage damage score, and severity of synovitis was also assessed. Bone changes were measured using micro–computed tomography. The effect and mechanism of periostin silencing were investigated in human chondrocytes that had been stimulated with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) with or without the IκB kinase 2 inhibitor SC‐514.ResultsPeriostin expression in mice with posttraumatic OA was significantly abolished using IA delivery of a peptide–siRNA nanoplatform. OARSI cartilage damage scores were significantly lower in mice receiving periostin siRNA (mean ± SEM 10.94 ± 0.66) compared to untreated mice (22.38 ± 1.30) and mice treated with scrambled siRNA (22.69 ± 0.87) (each P = 0.002). No differences in the severity of synovitis were observed. Subchondral bone sclerosis, bone volume/total volume, volumetric bone mineral density, and heterotopic ossification were significantly lower in mice that had received periostin siRNA treatment. Immunostaining of cartilage revealed that periostin knockdown reduced the intensity of DMM‐induced matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) expression and also diminished the phosphorylation of p65 and immunoreactivity of the aggrecan neoepitope DIPEN. Periostin knockdown also suppressed IL‐1β–induced MMP‐13 and ADAMTS‐4 expression in chondrocytes. Mechanistically, periostin‐induced MMP‐13 expression was abrogated by SC‐514, demonstrating a link between periostin and NF‐κB.ConclusionIA delivery of the periostin–siRNA nanocomplex represents a promising clinical approach to mitigate the severity of joint degeneration in OA. Our findings may thus provide an unequivocal scientific rationale for longitudinal studies of this approach. Utilizing a cartilage‐specific gene‐knockout strategy will further illuminate the functional role of periostin in OA.
Lupus Susceptibility Region Containing CDKN1B rs34330 Mechanistically Influences Expression and Function of Multiple Target Genes, Also Linked to Proliferation and Apoptosis
Authors: Singh Bhupinder , Maiti Guru P. , Zhou Xujie , Fazel‐Najafabadi Mehdi , Bae Sang‐Cheol , Sun Celi , Terao Chikashi , Okada Yukinori , Heng Chua Kek , Kochi Yuta , Guthridge Joel M. , Zhang Hong , Weirauch Matthew , James Judith A. , Harley John B. , Varshney Gaurav K. , Looger Loren L. , Nath Swapan K. 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveIn a recent genome‐wide association study, a significant genetic association between rs34330 of CDKN1B and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Han Chinese was identified. This study was undertaken to validate the reported association and elucidate the biochemical mechanisms underlying the effect of the variant.MethodsWe performed an allelic association analysis in patients with SLE, followed by a meta‐analysis assessing genome‐wide association data across 11 independent cohorts (n = 28,872). In silico bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation in SLE‐relevant cell lines were applied to determine the functional consequences of rs34330.ResultsWe replicated a genetic association between SLE and rs34330 (meta‐analysis P = 5.29 × 10−22, odds ratio 0.84 [95% confidence interval 0.81–0.87]). Follow‐up bioinformatics and expression quantitative trait locus analysis suggested that rs34330 is located in active chromatin and potentially regulates several target genes. Using luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation–real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrated substantial allele‐specific promoter and enhancer activity, and allele‐specific binding of 3 histone marks (H3K27ac, H3K4me3, and H3K4me1), RNA polymerase II (Pol II), CCCTC‐binding factor, and a critical immune transcription factor (interferon regulatory factor 1 [IRF‐1]). Chromosome conformation capture revealed long‐range chromatin interactions between rs34330 and the promoters of neighboring genes APOLD1 and DDX47, and effects on CDKN1B and the other target genes were directly validated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)–based genome editing. Finally, CRISPR/dead CRISPR‐associated protein 9–based epigenetic activation/silencing confirmed these results. Gene‐edited cell lines also showed higher levels of proliferation and apoptosis.ConclusionCollectively, these findings suggest a mechanism whereby the rs34330 risk allele (C) influences the presence of histone marks, RNA Pol II, and IRF‐1 transcription factor to regulate expression of several target genes linked to proliferation and apoptosis. This process could potentially underlie the association of rs34330 with SLE.
Cancer progression as a sequence of atavistic reversions
Authors: Lineweaver Charles H. , Bussey Kimberly J. , Blackburn Anneke C. , Davies Paul C. W. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIt has long been recognized that cancer onset and progression represent a type of reversion to an ancestral quasi‐unicellular phenotype. This general concept has been refined into the atavistic model of cancer that attempts to provide a quantitative analysis and testable predictions based on genomic data. Over the past decade, support for the multicellular‐to‐unicellular reversion predicted by the atavism model has come from phylostratigraphy. Here, we propose that cancer onset and progression involve more than a one‐off multicellular‐to‐unicellular reversion, and are better described as a series of reversionary transitions. We make new predictions based on the chronology of the unicellular‐eukaryote‐to‐multicellular‐eukaryote transition. We also make new predictions based on three other evolutionary transitions that occurred in our lineage: eukaryogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation and the transition to adaptive immunity. We propose several modifications to current phylostratigraphy to improve age resolution to test these predictions. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/3unEu5JYJrQ
Neuronal circuits on a chip for biological network monitoring
Authors: Herreros Pedro , Ballesteros‐Esteban Luis M. , Laguna María Fe , Leyva Inmaculada , Sendiña‐Nadal Irene , Holgado Miguel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCultured neuronal networks (CNNs) are a robust model to closely investigate neuronal circuits’ formation and monitor their structural properties evolution. Typically, neurons are cultured in plastic plates or, more recently, in microfluidic platforms with potentially a wide variety of neuroscience applications. As a biological protocol, cell culture integration with a microfluidic system provides benefits such as accurate control of cell seeding area, culture medium renewal, or lower exposure to contamination. The objective of this report is to present a novel neuronal network on a chip device, including a chamber, fabricated from PDMS, vinyl and glass connected to a microfluidic platform to perfuse the continuous flow of culture medium. Network growth is compared in chips and traditional Petri dishes to validate the microfluidic chip performance. The network assessment is performed by computing relevant topological measures like the number of connected neurons, the clustering coefficient, and the shortest path between any pair of neurons throughout the culture's life. The results demonstrate that neuronal circuits on a chip have a more stable network structure and lifespan than developing in conventional settings, and therefore this setup is an advantageous alternative to current culture methods. This technology could lead to challenging applications such as batch drug testing of in vitro cell culture models. From the engineering perspective, a device's advantage is the chance to develop custom designs more efficiently than other microfluidic systems.
Microfluidic encapsulation of nanoparticles in alginate microgels gelled via competitive ligand exchange crosslinking
Authors: Cinel Victor Dal Posolo , Taketa Thiago Bezerra , de Carvalho Bruna Gregatti , de la Torre Lucimara Gaziola , de Mello Lucas Rodrigues , da Silva Emerson Rodrigo , Han Sang Won 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEfficient delivery of nanometric vectors complexed with nanoparticles at a target tissue without spreading to other tissues is one of the main challenges in gene therapy. One means to overcome this problem is to confine such vectors within microgels that can be placed in a target tissue to be released slowly and locally. Herein, a conventional optical microscope coupled to a common smartphone was employed to monitor the microfluidic production of monodisperse alginate microgels containing nanoparticles as a model for the encapsulation of vectors. Alginate microgels (1.2%) exhibited an average diameter of 125 ± 3 μm, which decreased to 106 ± 5 μm after encapsulating 30 nm fluorescent nanoparticles. The encapsulation efficiency was 70.9 ± 18.9%. In a 0.1 M NaCl solution, 55 ± 5% and 92 ± 4.7% of nanoparticles were released in 30 minutes and 48 hours, respectively. Microgel topography assessment by atomic force microscopy revealed that incorporation of nanoparticles into the alginate matrix changes the scaffold's interfacial morphology and induces crystallization with the appearance of oriented domains. The high encapsulation rate of nanoparticles, alongside their continuous release of nanoparticles over time, makes these microgels and the production unit a valuable system for vector encapsulation for gene therapy research.
Development of an HPLC–MS method for the determination of four terpene trilactones in Ginkgo biloba leaf extract via quality by design
Authors: Zhang Sijie , Wu Linlin , Wang Xiaoping , Gong Xingchu , Qu Haibin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPreviously reported HPLC–evaporative light scattering detection methods for terpene trilactone determination in Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGBL) have complicated sample preparation steps and are time‐consuming. Thus, in this work, an HPLC–MS method for the determination of terpene trilactones in EGBL was developed with a novel analytical quality by design approach to provide robust and simple measurements. For this purpose, analytical target profiles and systematic risk analyses were performed to identify potential critical method attributes and critical method parameters. After screening experiments, a Box–Behnken design approach was utilized to investigate the relationships between critical method attributes and critical method parameters. A hypercube design space obtained by a Monte Carlo method was used for choosing the analytical control strategy. Then, verification experiments were performed within the design space, and the models were found to be accurate. After that, the optimized method was verified and successfully used for quality control analysis of EGBL from different manufacturers, and the results were almost the same as those determined by HPLC–evaporative light scattering detection. To our knowledge, this is the first study to establish a robust HPLC–MS method for determination of terpene trilactones in EGBL based on a novel analytical quality by design concept, which can improve the quality control of commercial EGBL.