bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of Aspergillus nidulans polo-like kinase PlkA in microtubule-organizing center control
Authors: Gao Xiaolei , Herrero Saturnino , Wernet Valentin , Erhardt Sylvia , Valerius Oliver , Braus Gerhard H. , Fischer Reinhard 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
Centrosomes are important microtubule-organizing centers (MTOC) in animal cells. In addition, non-centrosomal MTOCs (ncMTOCs) have been described in many cell types. The functional analogs of centrosomes in fungi are the spindle pole bodies (SPBs). In Aspergillus nidulans, additional MTOCs have been discovered at septa (sMTOC). Although the core components are conserved in both MTOCs, their composition and organization are different and dynamic. Here, we show that the polo-like kinase PlkA binds the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) receptor protein ApsB and contributes to targeting ApsB to both MTOCs. PlkA coordinates the activities of the SPB outer plaque and the sMTOC. PlkA kinase activity was required for astral MT formation involving ApsB recruitment. PlkA also interacted with the γ-TuRC inner plaque receptor protein PcpA. Mitosis was delayed without PlkA, and the PlkA protein was required for proper mitotic spindle morphology, although this function was independent of its catalytic activity. Our results suggest that the polo-like kinase is a regulator of MTOC activities and acts as a scaffolding unit through interaction with γ-TuRC receptors.
Distinct temporal expression of the GW182 paralog TNRC6A in neurons regulates dendritic arborization
Authors: Nawalpuri Bharti , Sharma Arpita , Chattarji Sumantra , Muddashetty Ravi S. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
Precise development of the dendritic architecture is a critical determinant of mature neuronal circuitry. MicroRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation of protein synthesis plays a crucial role in dendritic morphogenesis, but the role of miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC) protein components in this process is less studied. Here, we show an important role of a key miRISC protein, the GW182 paralog TNRC6A, in the regulation of dendritic growth. We identified a distinct brain region-specific spatiotemporal expression pattern of GW182 during rat postnatal development. We found that the window of peak GW182 expression coincides with the period of extensive dendritic growth, both in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Perturbation of GW182 function during a specific temporal window resulted in reduced dendritic growth of cultured hippocampal neurons. Mechanistically, we show that GW182 modulates dendritic growth by regulating global somatodendritic translation and actin cytoskeletal dynamics of developing neurons. Furthermore, we found that GW182 affects dendritic architecture by regulating the expression of actin modulator LIMK1. Taken together, our data reveal a previously undescribed neurodevelopmental expression pattern of GW182 and its role in dendritic morphogenesis, which involves both translational control and actin cytoskeletal rearrangement.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Method for evaluating spectral resolution based on a single-lens spectrometer
Authors: He Peidong , Yuan Yan , Lv Qunbo , Xiangli Bin 
Published: July 2021

Spectral resolution is a key parameter of a spectrometer. Typically, the Rayleigh
criterion is used to evaluate spectral resolution; however, it is not
applicable to a single-lens-based spectrometer, as its principle is
different from that using a prism or grating. Therefore, this work
proposes that a method resolution is a key parameter to evaluate
spectral resolution by exploiting the concept of focus depth.
Accordingly, the spectral resolution is determined using three
factors, namely, aperture factor

F

of the lens, pixel size

p

of the charge-coupled device, and the
derivative of the rate of change of focal length with respect to
wavelength

f
′

(
λ
)

. The proposed method is verified by
simulations with the following lens parameters: a diameter of 50.8 mm,
focal length of 200 mm at 587.6 nm, and

F

=

3.94

. The calculated and simulated
spectral resolution values are, respectively, 1.7 nm and 1.2 nm at
480 nm. Based on an analysis of the influences of

F

,

p

, and

f
′

(
λ
)

on the spectral resolution,
increasing

f
′

(
λ
)

or decreasing both

F

and

p

might improve the spectral
resolution. Finally, the proposed method is validated via experiments
for lenses with different

F

values as well as materials, and we
determine their spectral resolutions; these results are observed to be
similar to the calculated values.
800  nm femtosecond pulses for direct inscription of FBGs in CYTOP polymer optical fiber
Authors: Chah Karima , Chapalo Ivan , Nan Ying-Gang , Kinet Damien , Mégret Patrice , Caucheteur Christophe 
Published: July 2021

We report the inscription of highly reflective fiber Bragg gratings in perfluorinated polymer (CYTOP) optical fibers using 800 nm femtosecond pulses and a line-by-line inscription method. We demonstrate that the energy for grating inscription without damage is below 27 nJ. After the writing process, we show that the grating reflectivity continues to rise for several hours. The obtained gratings show reflectivity degradation with temperature increase, while the Bragg wavelength undergoes a linear temperature dependence of 37.7 pm/°C when the humidity is controlled and the heating/cooling rate is relatively low (

≤

0.14

∘

C

/

m
i
n

). The humidity sensitivity at a fixed temperature (25°C) is 22.3 pm/%RH. Finally, the axial strain sensitivity is determined to be 1.35 pm/µɛ.
The exploratory value of cross-sectional partial correlation networks: Predicting relationships between change trajectories in borderline personality disorder
Authors: von Klipstein Lino , Borsboom Denny , Arntz Arnoud 
Published: July 2021

Objective
Within the network approach to psychopathology, cross-sectional partial correlation networks have frequently been used to estimate relationships between symptoms. The resulting relationships have been used to generate hypotheses about causal links between symptoms. In order to justify such exploratory use of partial correlation networks, one needs to assume that the between-subjects relationships in the network approximate systematic within-subjects relationships, which are in turn the results of some within-subjects causal mechanism. If this assumption holds, relationships in the network should be mirrored by relationships between symptom changes; if links in networks approximate systematic within-subject relationships, change in a symptom should relate to change in connected symptoms.

Method
To investigate this implication, we combined longitudinal data on the Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index from four samples of borderline personality disorder patients (N = 683). We related parameters from baseline partial correlation networks of symptoms to relationships between change trajectories of these symptoms.

Results
Across multiple levels of analysis, our results showed that parameters from baseline partial correlation networks are strongly predictive of relationships between change trajectories.

Conclusions
By confirming its implication, our results support the idea that cross-sectional partial correlation networks hold a relevant amount of information about systematic within-subjects relationships and thereby have exploratory value to generate hypotheses about the causal dynamics between symptoms.
Endothelial glycocalyx and cardio-renal risk factors in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Stougaard Elisabeth Buur , Winther Signe Abitz , Amadid Hanan , Frimodt-Møller Marie , Persson Frederik , Hansen Tine Willum , Rossing Peter 
Published: July 2021

Background
Glycocalyx lines the inner surface of the capillary endothelium. Capillaroscopy enables visualization of the sublingual capillaries and measurement of the Perfused Boundary Region (PBR) as an estimate of the glycocalyx. Novel software enables assessment of the PBR estimated at a fixed high flow level (PBR-hf) and an overall microvascular assessment by the MicroVascular Health Score (MVHS). Damaged glycocalyx may represent microvascular damage in diabetes and assessment of its dimension might improve early cardio-renal risk stratification.

Aim
To assess the associations between PBR, PBR-hf and MVHS and cardio-renal risk factors in persons with type 1 diabetes (T1D); and to compare these dimensions in persons with T1D and controls.

Methods
Cross-sectional study including 161 persons with T1D stratified according to level of albuminuria and 50 healthy controls. The PBR, PBR-hf and MVHS were assessed by the GlycoCheck device (valid measurements were available in 136 (84.5%) with T1D and in all the controls). Higher PBR and PBR-hf indicate smaller glycocalyx width. Lower MVHS represents a worse microvascular health.

Results
There were no associations between PBR, PBR-hf or MVHS and the cardio-renal risk factors in persons with T1D, except for higher PBR-hf and lower MVHS in females (p = 0.01 for both). There was no difference in PBR, PBR-hf or MVHS in persons with normo-, micro- or macroalbuminuria. The PBR was higher (2.20±0.30 vs. 2.03±0.18μm; p<0.001) and MVHS lower (3.15±1.25 vs. 3.53±0.86μm; p = 0.02) in persons with T1D compared to controls (p≤0.02). After adjustment for cardio-renal risk factors the difference in PBR remained significant (p = 0.001).

Conclusions
The endothelial glycocalyx dimension was impaired in persons with T1D compared to controls. We found no association between the endothelial glycocalyx dimension and the level of albuminuria or cardio-renal risk factors among persons with T1D. The use of the GlycoCheck device in T1D may not contribute to cardio-renal risk stratification.
Three-dimensional printing educational anatomical model of the patellar luxation in dogs
Authors: Ribeiro Gaspar Beatriz , de Assis Neto Antonio Chaves 
Published: July 2021

Background
Few studies are available for assessing the current situation of 3D printing in veterinary medicine, due to the recent popularization of this technology. This study aimed to simulate a 3D model of the femorotibiopatellar joint of dogs based on the medial patellar luxation. The scanning, editing and printing of the femur, tibia, fibula and patella of a dog from the Laboratory of Anatomy of FMVZ USP were performed.

Results
Three femorotibiopatellar joint models were printed: one representing a healthy join without alterations; the second one with the medially deviated tibial tuberosity; and a last one representing the shifted tibial tuberosity and the trochlear sulcus flattened as consequence. The 3D edition consisted of medial rotation of the tibia and tibial tuberosity (22° against the healthy tibia), and the flatten of the medial femoral condyle (0.2 cm) and femoral trochlear groove. After printing, the corresponding measurements were taken with the alterations and the bone models were made with elastics to represent the anatomical components of the dog joint. Finally, the measurements corresponding to the distance from the patellar ligament to the lateral femoral condyle were taken in each specimen, in order to observe the change in position of the ligament according to the occurrence of the bone alterations.

Conclusion
We printed 3D articular anatomical components of the femurotibiopatellar joint that could be valuable educational tools for the study of medial patellar luxation in dogs.
Couple oriented counselling improves male partner involvement in sexual and reproductive health of a couple: Evidence from the ANRS PRENAHTEST randomized trial
Authors: Kengne-Nde Cyprien , Tejiokem Mathurin Cyrille , Orne-Gliemann Joanna , Melingui Bernard , Koki Ndombo Paul , Essounga Ngo A. , Bissek Anne Cécile , Cauchemez Simon , Tchendjou Patrice T. 
Published: July 2021

Background
Male partner involvement (MPI) has been recognized as a priority area to be strengthened in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. We explored the impact of Couple Oriented Counselling (COC) in MPI in sexual and reproductive health and associated factors.

Method
From February 2009 to October 2011, pregnant women were enrolled at their first antenatal care visit (ANC-1) and followed up until 6 months after delivery in the Mother and Child Center of the Chantal Biya Foundation within the randomized prenahtest multicentric trial. The MPI index was defined using sexual and reproductive health behaviour variables by using multiple correspondence analysis followed by mixed classification. Men were considered as highly involved if they had shared their HIV test results with their partner, had discussed on HIV or condom used, had contributed financially to ANC, had accompanied their wife to ANC or had practiced safe sex. Factors associated to MPI were investigated by the logistic model with GEE estimation approach.

Results
A total of 484 pregnant women were enrolled. The median age of the women was 27 years (IQR: 23–31) and 55.23% had a gestational age greater than 16 weeks at ANC-1. Among them, HIV prevalence was 11.9% (95% CI: 9.0–15.4). The median duration of the women’s relationship with their partner was 84 months (IQR: 48–120). MPI index at 6 months after delivery was significantly greater in the COC group than the classical counselling group (14.8% vs 8,82%; p = 0,043; Fig 1). The partners of the women who participated in the COC were more likely to be involved during follow up than others (aOR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.00–2.10). Partners with no incoming activity (aOR = 2.90; 95% CI = 1.96–4.29), who did not used violence within the couple (aOR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.07–2.68), and whose partner came early for ANC-1 (aOR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.00–1.89) were more likely to be involved than others.

Conclusion
MPI remains low in stable couples and COC improves partner involvement. Our findings also support the need of strengthening outreach towards "stable" couples and addressing barriers. This could go a long way to improve PMTCT outcomes in Cameroon.

Trial registration
PRENAHTEST, NCT01494961. Registered 15 December 2011—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01494961.
Association between blood pressure categories and cardiovascular disease mortality in China
Authors: Guo Jie , Lv Jun , Guo Yu , Bian Zheng , Zheng Bang , Wu Man , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Su Jian , Zhang Jianqiang , Yao Jvying , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Yu Canqing , Li Liming ,   on behalf of the China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: July 2021

Background
Blood pressure (BP) categories are useful to simplify preventions in public health, and diagnostic and treatment approaches in clinical practice. Updated evidence about the associations of BP categories with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and its subtypes is warranted.

Methods and findings
About 0.5 million adults aged 30 to 79 years were recruited from 10 areas in China during 2004–2008. The present study included 430 977 participants without antihypertension treatment, cancer, or CVD at baseline. BP was measured at least twice in a single visit at baseline and CVD deaths during follow-up were collected via registries and the national health insurance databases. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate the associations between BP categories and CVD mortality.
Overall, 16.3% had prehypertension-low, 25.1% had prehypertension-high, 14.1% had isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), 1.9% had isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), and 9.1% had systolic-diastolic hypertension (SDH). During a median 10-year follow-up, 9660 CVD deaths were documented. Compared with normal, the hazard ratios (95% CI) of prehypertension-low, prehypertension-high, ISH, IDH, SDH for CVD were 1.10 (1.01–1.19), 1.32 (1.23–1.42), 2.04 (1.91–2.19), 2.20 (1.85–2.61), and 3.81 (3.54–4.09), respectively. All hypertension subtypes were related to the increased risk of CVD subtypes, with a stronger association for hemorrhagic stroke than for ischemic heart disease. The associations were stronger in younger than older adults.

Conclusions
Prehypertension-high should be considered in CVD primary prevention given its high prevalence and increased CVD risk. All hypertension subtypes were independently associated with CVD and its subtypes mortality, though the strength of associations varied substantially.
The Changing Epidemiology of Liver Disease Among US Children and Adolescents From 1999 to 2016
Authors: Li Jie , Le Michael H. , Barakat Monique T. , Cheung Ramsey C. , Nguyen Mindie H. 
Published: July 2021

INTRODUCTION:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major causes of liver disease in adults. However, data for children and adolescents are limited. Our study aimed to characterize the prevalence, trend, and risk factors of infection of HBV and HCV and possible NAFLD for this population.

METHODS:
We analyzed 6,647 children and adolescents (aged 6–21 years) from the 1999–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

RESULTS:
Among individuals aged 6–21 years, HBV prevalence decreased after 2011, from 0.72% in 1999–2004 and 0.85% in 2005–2010 to 0.27% in 2011–2016 (P < 0.001), whereas HCV prevalence increased to 0.26% in 2011–2016 after an initial decline from 0.15% in 1999–2004 to 0.02% in 2005–2010 (P = 0.01). Possible NAFLD prevalence also increased by approximately 40% in individuals aged 12–21 years, from 8.54% in 1999–2004 to 10.1% in 2005–2010 and then 11.8% in 2011–2016 (P = 0.033), with most possible NAFLD individuals being male, being obese, or having higher glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, liver enzymes, lipids, and uric acid (all P < 0.01). On multivariate logistic regression, hypertension (odds ratio 4.79, 95% confidence interval 1.44–15.9) and dyslipidemia (odds ratio 11.6, 95% confidence interval 5.65–23.9) increased risk for possible NAFLD but not income:poverty ratio, hours spent on computer use, or added sugars.

DISCUSSION:
Although HBV prevalence has decreased in recent years among US children and adolescents, HCV and possible NAFLD have increased. Public health efforts must seek further understanding of the driving factors of this increase so that age-appropriate interventions can be developed and implemented.
Factors that influence the preceptor role: a comparative study of Saudi and expatriate nurses
Authors: Al Harbi Aishah , Donnelly Francis , Page Tamara , Edwards Suzanne , Davies Ellen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare expatriate and Saudi nursing staff’s perceptions of factors that influence their role as preceptors of nursing students.MethodsDescriptive comparative study using a self-administered survey was completed by a convenience sample of eligible nurses (n=285). It was conducted in five different hospitals within the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.ResultsMost preceptors were expatriate nurses (70.5%), while Saudi preceptors represented only 29.5%. The findings show that there is a difference between Saudi and expatriate nurses in their perception of the role, that cultural factors influence the role of expatriate preceptors and that organisational factors influence both groups.ConclusionsExpatriate preceptors felt that there were cultural obstacles that hindered their role. These findings will contribute to the development of a more contemporary and culturally sensitive preceptorship model.
Measurement of Pull-Through Resistance of Substrate Boards for Commercial Roofing Using Different Techniques
Authors: Jandaghian Zahra , Saragosa James , Yew Helen , Shyti Flonja , Baskaran Bas A. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The substrate boards of commercial roofs are secured with mechanical fasteners and plates. The pull-through resistance (PTR) of the substrates depends on the material composition and fastener/plate configuration. Three different testing apparatuses are available for determining the PTR: universal testing machine Instron pull-through (IP), automated pull-through (AP), and manual pull-through (MP). To quantify the accuracy of these three test apparatuses, the National Research Council Canada completed an experimental program. The test matrix consisted of four types of substrate boards: gypsum-based board (GB), perlite-based board (PB), wood-fiber based board (WB), and polyisocyanurate insulation based (IB), two fastener plate geometries (round and hexagonal), and two types of fasteners (#12 and #14). In addition, the effect of operator ability and loading mechanisms were respectively examined for the MP and IP by employing three different operators and two different loading mechanisms, respectively. Experimental error, deviation error, and total deviation values are calculated. The findings are, respectively summarized as follows: (1) Data obtained using IP and AP showed no significant difference in the PTR values. However, the MP results varied with operators. (2) Similarly, neither the size of the specimen, the type of fasteners, nor the fastener plates resulted in significant variation in the PTR values obtained from the three apparatuses. (3) Failure analysis of the substrate boards confirmed that larger specimens absorbed energy elastically by deflecting across the board's longer span whereas smaller specimens dissipated energy by cracking across the board.
Oral Vancomycin as Secondary Prophylaxis for Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Bao Hongkai , Lighter Jennifer , Dubrovskaya Yanina , Merchan Cristian , Siegfried Justin , Papadopoulos John , Jen Shin-Pung 
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES
Secondary oral vancomycin prophylaxis (OVP) has been used in adults with a history of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) while receiving systemic antibiotics to prevent CDI recurrence. However, this practice has not been studied in pediatric patients. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of secondary OVP in pediatric patients with previous CDI who received subsequent antibiotic exposure.

METHODS
A multicampus, retrospective cohort evaluation was conducted among patients aged ≤18 years with any history of clinical CDI and receiving systemic antibiotics in a subsequent encounter from 2013–2019. Patients who received concomitant OVP with antibiotics were compared with unexposed patients. The primary outcome was CDI recurrence within 8 weeks after antibiotic exposure. Infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococci and risk factors for CDI recurrence were assessed.

RESULTS
A total of 148 patients were screened, of which 30 and 44 patients received OVP and no OVP, respectively. Patients who received OVP had greater antibiotic use and hospital lengths of stay. The incidence of CDI recurrence within 8 weeks of antibiotic exposure was significantly lower in patients who received OVP (3% vs 25%; P = .02) despite this group having notably more risk factors for recurrence. There were no vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections in any patients within either group. After adjustment in a multivariable analysis, secondary OVP was associated with less risk of recurrence (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.86; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS
Secondary OVP while receiving systemic antibiotics reduces the risk of recurrent CDI in pediatric patients with a history of CDI.