bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic interaction of Pax3 mutation and canonical Wnt signaling modulates neural tube defects and neural crest abnormalities
Authors: Palmer Alexandra J. , Savery Dawn , Massa Valentina , Copp Andrew J. , Greene Nicholas D. E. 
Published: September 2021

SummaryMouse models provide opportunities to investigate genetic interactions that cause or modify the frequency of neural tube defects (NTDs). Mutation of the PAX3 transcription factor prevents neural tube closure, leading to cranial and spinal NTDs whose frequency is responsive to folate status. Canonical Wnt signalling is implicated both in regulation of Pax3 expression and as a target of PAX3. This study investigated potential interactions of Pax3 mutation and canonical Wnt signalling using conditional gain‐ and loss‐of‐function models of β‐catenin. We found an additive effect of β‐catenin gain of function and Pax3 loss of function on NTDs and neural crest defects. β‐catenin gain of function in the Pax3 expression domain led to significantly increased frequency of cranial but not spinal NTDs in embryos that are heterozygous for Pax3 mutation, while both cranial and spinal neural tube closure were exacerbated in Pax3 homozygotes. Similarly, deficits of migrating neural crest cells were exacerbated by β‐catenin gain of function, with almost complete ablation of spinal neural crest cells and derivatives in Pax3 homozygous mutants. Pax3 expression was not affected by β‐catenin gain of function, while we confirmed that loss of function led to reduced Pax3 transcription. In contrast to gain of function, β‐catenin knockout in the Pax3 expression domain lowered the frequency of cranial NTDs in Pax3 null embryos. However, loss of function of β‐catenin and Pax3 resulted in spinal NTDs, suggesting differential regulation of cranial and spinal neural tube closure. In summary, β‐catenin function modulates the frequency of PAX3‐related NTDs in the mouse.
Micro‐stromatolitic laminations and the origins of engraved, oxalate‐rich accretions from Australian rock art shelters
Authors: Green Helen , Gleadow Andrew , Finch Damien , Myers Cecilia , McGovern Jenna 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDistinctive, dark‐coloured, glaze‐like mineral accretions are common on low‐angle surfaces in sandstone rock shelters in the Kimberley region of north‐western Australia, where they provide an attractive medium for the production of deep engravings, and occasionally, are associated with painted rock art. These accretions form within the shelter dripline and are similar to those reported from other sites around the world, where they have been used for radiocarbon dating of associated rock art. This study uses extensive field observations and mineralogical analysis of 77 such oxalate‐rich accretions collected at 41 different sites across a wide area of the north Kimberley region. The mineralogy of these accretions is dominated by well‐crystallised calcium oxalate and sulphate minerals, most commonly whewellite and gypsum, with significant occurrences of phosphates in some samples. The accretions are typically several millimetres thick and characterised by distinctive internal laminations that show regular stacked undulations, giving a stromatolitic appearance under the microscope. Together with other apparently microbial features observed under the scanning electron microscope, these features provide strong support for a microbiological origin for these oxalate‐rich accretions. The well‐crystallised nature of the oxalates and the preservation of fine laminar features within the accretions supports their use for radiocarbon dating.
The impact of dementia daycare service cessation due to COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Wong Bel Pui‐sze , Kwok Timothy Chi‐yui , Chui Kenny Chi‐man , Cheng Tobi Sum‐to , Ho Florence Kwai‐ying , Woo Jean 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed at revealing the caregiving challenges of the caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) during the COVID‐19 pandemic when daycare service was stopped as an infection control measure, and discussed ways to help PwD and their family caregivers to maintain their well‐being in the era of the pandemic.MethodsBetween April and May 2020, a cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 152 family caregivers of PwD who were clients of daycare service prior to the pandemic. The survey examined caregivers' stress and challenges faced during daycare service cessation, their perceived needs for continuation of daycare service, and observed changes in functional status of PwD. Regression analyses were performed to explore the associated factors of caregiving stress and preference for continuation of daycare service.ResultsFamily caregivers of PwD experienced greater caregiving stress after cessation of daycare service. Infection was their main challenge in caregiving, and their physical and emotional health was adversely affected by the longer time commitment with PwD under the stay‐home policy. Older age of caregivers, greater emotional and communication problems of PwD, and more time spent with PwD were associated with greater caregiving stress. More than one‐third of the participants preferred the continuation of daycare service during the pandemic.ConclusionsPolicy makers should consider the well‐being of PwD and their caregivers when planning infection control measures. Daycare service with enhanced infection controlled measures should remain available to PwD during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Scorpio‐Ligand: Synthesis of Biphenyl‐Dihydroazepine Phosphoramidite Ligands for Asymmetric Hydrogenation
Authors: Auras Stefanie , Trapp Oliver 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA novel dihydroazepine‐bridged BIPHEP phosphoramidite ligand with an amino acid moiety in the backbone was synthesized and evaluated in the Rh‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation. The scorpion tail‐like amino acid backbone is capable of hydrogen bond formation and able to shift the rotamer composition of the biphenyl axis with the two scissor‐like arms. Pivaloyl‐l‐valine was studied as chiral selector unit and compared with pivaloylglycine as the achiral reference substance. The enantiomerization barrier of the pivaloylglycine‐modified biphenylamide was determined to be ΔG≠=110 kJ/mol. In the case of pivaloyl‐l‐valine, the (Sax) isomer is thermodynamically favored. Due to the relatively high barrier, the ligand is atropisomeric at room temperature and allows the preparative separation of the stereoisomers. The obtained phosphoramidite ligands were separated by chiral HPLC. For the first eluting rotamer, Rh complex ([Rh(cod)(L)2]BF4) was generated in situ and examined in the enantioselective hydrogenation of 2‐acetamidoacrylate and methyl 2‐acetamido‐3‐phenylacrylate, achieving enantiomeric excesses of up to 94 %.
The COVID‐19 pandemic in Australia: Public health responses, opportunities and challenges
Authors: Van Nguyen Huy , Lan Nguyen Hoa , Thi Minh Dao An , Van Nguyen Tien , The Nguyen Phuong , Mai Le Phuong , Duy Vu Kien , Thi Ngoc Tran Anh , Kim Dao Phuong , Thi Nguyen Cham , Debattista Joseph 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic, each country is presented with both opportunities and challenges, some unique and some shared with the global community. It is important to not only recognize, but to embrace them as drivers of the public to the current pandemic success. In this commentary, we discuss the opportunities and challenges that may affect ongoing public health programming in Australia within the current context of epidemiology. COVID‐19 within Australia has to date been effectively suppressed through the implementation of nationally coordinated, in which the state delivered public policy, guidelines and practice, and successful establishment of a comprehensive testing, contact tracing, patient isolation and contact quarantine regime combined with national and state social distancing, hygiene etiquette and movement restrictions. However, despite its success to date great challenges lay ahead for future public health policy with the threat of a second wave, or more likely, multiple smaller outbreaks across various population centres. Therefore, policies that aim to balance the twin socioeconomic and health impacts are crucial. The experience of Australia in managing its COVID‐19 response can provide a case study for other countries to reshape or adapt their policies and actions in the context of emerging global health crises.
Toddler word learning is robust to changes in emotional context
Authors: Ogren Marissa , Sandhofer Catherine M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWord learning is a crucial aspect of early social and cognitive development, and previous research indicates that children's word learning is influenced by the context in which the word is spoken. However, the role of emotions as contextual cues to word learning remains less clear. This study investigated word learning among 2.5‐year‐old children in angry, happy, sad, and variable emotional contexts. Fifty‐six children (30 female; mean age = 2.49 years) participated in a novel noun generalization task in which children observed an experimenter labelling objects in either a consistently angry, consistently happy, consistently sad, or variable (one exemplar per emotion) context. The children were then asked to identify the label–object association. The results revealed that children's performance was above chance levels for all four conditions (all t's > 3.68, all p's < .01), but performance did not significantly differ by condition (F[3,52] = 0.51, p = .677). These results provide valuable information regarding potential boundaries for when contextual information may versus may not influence children's word learning.
In vivo evaluation of the levator ani muscle in primiparous women using diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography
Authors: Cui Can , Zhao Yujiao , Cui Dawei , Li Na , Pan Jiangfeng , Shen Wen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the levator ani muscle (LAM) injury after first vaginal delivery and investigate the clinical application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fiber tractography in evaluating the LAM.MethodsFifty‐eight primiparous women at 6 weeks after vaginal delivery and 27 nulliparous women as controls underwent T2‐weighted sequence and DTI sequence of the pelvic floor. A LAM scoring system was used to characterize the morphological changes. Fiber tractography of each major subdivision of LAM was performed, followed by assessment of the quality of fiber tracking. Fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fiber volume, and length were calculated.ResultsPuborectalis and iliococcygeus injuries were observed in 30/58 (51.7%) and 10/58 (17.2%) primiparae, respectively. No LAM defects were identified in the control group. For the puborectalis, the FA values were lower (P = 0.010) and ADC values were higher (P = 0.024) in the primiparous group than in the control group. For the iliococcygeus, the fiber volume values were lower in the primiparous group than in the control group (P = 0.004).ConclusionVaginal delivery can result in LAM injury at the puborectalis. DTI parameters can assist in the quantitative diagnosis of the LAM injury.
Enhancement of the anticoagulant capacity of polyvinyl chloride tubing for cardiopulmonary bypass circuit using aluminum oxide nanoscale coating applied through atomic layer deposition
Authors: Wang Chen‐Chie , Wang Li‐Chun , Yang Kai‐Chiang , Chen Miin‐Jang , Lin Hsin‐Chih , Han Yin‐Yi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractFor cardiopulmonary bypass, the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) circuit which can initiate the activation of platelets and the coagulation cascade after blood cell contacting is the possible detrimental effect. Surface coating of the PVC tubing system can be an effective approach to enhance circuit's hemocompatibility. In this study, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) thin films were deposited through thermal atomic layer deposition (T‐ALD) or plasma‐enhanced ALD (PE‐ALD) on PVC samples, and the anticoagulation of the Al2O3‐coated PVC samples was demonstrated. The results revealed that Al2O3 deposition through ALD increased surface roughness, whereas T‐ALD had a relative hydrophilicity compared with blank PVC and PE‐ALD. Whole blood immersion tests showed that blood clots formed on blank PVC and that a large amount of red blood cells was found on PE‐ALD substrates, whereas less blood cells were noted in T‐ALD samples. Both T‐ALD and PE‐ALD Al2O3 films did not cause activation of blood cells, as evidenced in CD3+/CD4+/CD8+, CD61+/CD62P+, and CD45+/CD42b+ populations. Analysis of serum coagulation factors showed that a lower amount of prothrombin was absorbed on T‐ALD Al2O3 samples than that on blank PVC. For albumin and fibrinogen immersion tests, immunostaining and scanning electron microscopy further revealed that a thin albumin layer was absorbed on T‐ALD Al2O3 substrates but not on PVC samples. This study revealed that deposition of Al2O3 films by T‐ALD can improve anticoagulation of the PVC tubing system.
Patterns of Teriparatide and Sequential Antiresorptive Agent Treatment Among Elderly Female Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Liu Jiannong , Laster Andrew , Xu Xiaoqing , Guo Haifeng , Oates Mary , Gandra Shravanthi R. 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
The 2020 American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists guidelines for assessing osteoporosis among postmenopausal women stratified postmenopausal women with osteoporosis to “high” and “very-high” fracture risk categories and recommended anabolic agents as initial therapy followed by an antiresorptive agent. Switching the order can blunt the effect of anabolic agents, and failing to follow with an antiresorptive can lead to loss of bone generated by the anabolic agent. It would be helpful to understand the real-world prescribing patterns of anabolic agents. Using the 2010–2015 Medicare 100% osteoporosis database, we assessed patient profiles, teriparatide prescribers, persistence of teriparatide therapy, and antiresorptive agent use after teriparatide discontinuation among elderly women who initiated teriparatide from 2011 to 2013. This study included 14,786 patients. In the year before teriparatide initiation, 30.0% of them had a fracture, 67.6% had a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan, 74.4% had a diagnosis of osteoporosis, and 47.9% used antiresorptive agents (non-naïve teriparatide users). Among those who had fractures, 49.4% initiated teriparatide within 3 months postfracture. Teriparatide was prescribed for 37% of users by primary care doctors, 19% by rheumatologists, 13% by endocrinologists, and 7.0% by orthopedists. Median time of teriparatide use was 7.2 months. After teriparatide discontinuation, 40.8% switched to antiresorptive agents (31.9% among naïve teriparatide users, 50.5% among non-naïve users). Among switchers, 42.5% switched within 60 days, 50.5% switched to denosumab, and 31.6% switched to oral bisphosphonates. This study of real-world prescribing data found that about half of teriparatide users switched from an antiresorptive agent, and less than half switched to antiresorptive agents after teriparatide discontinuation. Persistence of teriparatide use was suboptimal. In the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis, increasing the persistence of teriparatide use and improving the appropriate treatment sequence of anabolic and antiresorptive drugs are critical to maximizing gains in bone mass, providing the greatest protection against fractures. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Meta‐analysis of the diagnostic value of exosomal miR‐21 as a biomarker for the prediction of cancer
Authors: Liu Fanglan , Mao Haifei , Chai Shiquan , Mao Haifeng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundEarly diagnosis of cancer is still the most effective method to increase survival and therapeutically effective patient management. Accumulating studies had exploited exosomes as an indicator for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. In addition to exosomes, exosome‐derived miRs are widely investigated as a novel biomarker for diagnosis in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to clarify the diagnostic value of ex‐miR‐21 in cancer.MethodsDatabases were searched for eligible studies up to June, 2021. Studies included in this meta‐analysis were reviewed and selected independently by two authors. The data of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROC) of exosomal miR‐21 as a diagnostic biomarker were extracted and calculated. Quality assessment was conducted by using the QUADAS‐2 tool.ResultsA total of 26 studies were included in the systematic analysis and meta‐analysis. The pooled results of sensitivity, specificity, PLR/NLR, DOR, and area under the curve were 76% (95%CI, 0.70–0.81), 82% (0.77–0.87), 4.3 (3.1–6.0), 0.29 (0.22–0.38), 15 (8–26), and 0.86 (0.83–0.89), respectively. Sensitivity analysis and Deeks' funnel plot indicated that results remained unchanged and had no publication bias. For the subgroup analysis, it was showed that ex‐miR‐21 had a superior diagnostic accuracy on identifying PC.ConclusionExosomal microRNA‐21 can serve as an effective and widely used diagnostic biomarker for cancer, especially in PC. The using field of exosomes and exosome‐derived miR can further extend the prognosis and therapeutic management. Standardized isolation of exosomes and miRNA‐21 should be developed.
Evaluation of the serum levels of Mannose binding lectin‐2, tenascin‐C, and total antioxidant capacity in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Mehri Hamed , Aslanabadi Naser , Nourazarian Alireza , Shademan Behrouz , khaki‐khatibi Fatemeh 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) develops as a result of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to clogged arteries and can be caused by a variety of factors. Several studies have shown that various factors contribute to the development and progression of CAD. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of MBL‐2, TNC and TAC in patients with CAD and the relationship between these biochemical parameters and the progression of CAD.MethodsIn this study, 60 serum samples were obtained from CAD patients as the case group and 20 healthy serum samples as the control group. Serum levels of MBL‐2 and TNC were measured by the ELISA method. Serum TAC level was determined by calorimetry (spectrophotometry). In addition, MDA serum level was measured by reaction with thiobarbituric acid (TBA).ResultsThe mean age in the case and control groups was 58.4 ± 9.5 years and 85 ± 9.8 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in age, sex and family history in patients with CAD (p > 0.05), but there was a significant difference in blood pressure and smoking history (p > 0.05). Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels were significantly increased in the case group compared to the control group, while serum HDL‐C levels were significantly decreased in the case group. Serum levels of MBL‐2, TNC, and MDA were significantly increased in the case group compared to the control group. The serum level of TAC was significantly lower in the case group than in the control group.ConclusionThis study suggests that it is possible to diagnose patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) in the early stages of their disease and take preventive measures by measuring these parameters in serum. However, more research is needed before these serum parameters can be considered diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Adoptability and accuracy of point‐of‐care ultrasound in screening for valvular heart disease in the primary care setting
Authors: Chugh Yashasvi , Lohese Opema , Sorajja Paul , Garberich Ross , Stanberry Larissa , Cavalcante João , Gossl Mario 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeDespite continued efforts, a majority of patients with valvular heart disease (VHD) remain undiagnosed and untreated. This study aimed to assess the adoptability and accuracy of point‐of‐care handheld echocardiographic assessments (POCE) in the primary care setting.MethodsEleven previously untrained primary care providers were trained to use the Vscan Extend (GE, WI) POCE to assess VHD, left ventricular function (LVEF), and major extra‐cardiac findings. Their assessments were compared to those of three blinded expert readers. A total of 175 patients underwent POCE assessments which were evaluated using Kappa statistics (κ) together with their estimated standard error, p value, and 95% CI bounds.ResultsEach patient had a mean of 3.3 ± 1.1 (±SD) assessments performed. Identical or nearly identical agreement between previously untrained primary providers and expert readers was evident for the diagnosis of tricuspid regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, pericardial effusion, and volume status. These agreements were strongest in apical long axis (κ = 1, p < 0.001) and parasternal long and short axis views (κ > =0.82 p < 0.001), though agreement remained robust in apical 4‐chamber views (κ ≥ 0.76). The agreements in LVEF assessment were identical in the apical long axis view (κ = 1, p < 0.001) and robust in the remaining 3 views (κ > =0.66, p < 0.001). The assessments of aortic stenosis (parasternal/long, κ = 0.42, and parasternal/short, κ = 0.47, both p < 0.001) were weak in their agreement.ConclusionCompared to expert echocardiography readers, the untrained providers' use of POCE for VHD shows high user adoptability and diagnostic accuracies in the primary care setting.
Occurrence of COVID‐19 in priority groups receiving ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 coronavirus vaccine (recombinant): A preliminary analysis from north India
Authors: Kaur Upinder , Bala Sapna , Ojha Bisweswar , Jaiswal Sumit , Kansal Sangeeta , Chakrabarti Sankha S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19 vaccine (Oxford University‐Astra Zeneca) has demonstrated nearly 70% efficacy against symptomatic COVID‐19 in trials and some real‐world studies. The vaccine was the first to be approved in India in early January 2021 and is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. Favorable short‐term safety data of the vaccine in India in a real‐world setting has been recently demonstrated. Here, we report secondary objective (COVID‐19 occurrence) measures of the same ongoing prospective observational study in prioritized recipients of the vaccine. The findings are based on participants who could complete at least 2 months of follow‐up (n = 1500; female/male: 472/1028; mean age: 38.8 years). Laboratory confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was observed in 27/65 participants (41%) who received a single dose and 271/1435 (19%) who received both doses. Specifically, among doctors, 18/27 (66.7%) one dose recipients and 131/377 (34.7%) fully vaccinated developed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The majority of the cases were mild in all groups, and most were breakthrough infections. The occurrence of “severe” COVID‐19 was 7.7 times lower (0.4%) in fully vaccinated participants compared to partially vaccinated (3.1%). Four deaths were observed in the study. One of the four deaths was due to sepsis, two due to unspecified cardiac events, and one due to unspecified post‐COVID‐19 complications. The results of this preliminary analysis necessitate vigorous research on the performance of vaccines against variants, optimal timing of vaccination, and also optimal timings of effectiveness studies to guide future vaccination policy.