bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Alterations of Anti-S-Protein Igg Subclasses and of Th1/Th2 Responses are Hallmarks of Acute Severe COVID-19 Disease
Authors: Goh Yun Shan , Fong Siew-Wai , Amrun Siti Naqiah , Lee Cheryl , Hor Pei Xiang , Young Barnaby , Chia Po Ying , Tambyah Paul , Kalimuddin Shirin , Pada Surinder , Tan Seow-Yen , Sun Louisa , Chen Mark , Leo Yee-Sin , Lye David , Ng Lisa , Renia Laurent 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
PurposeCOVID-19, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has a wide disease spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe. While it is widely accepted that specific humoral immune responses are critical in controlling the infection, the relationship between the humoral immune response and disease severity is currently unclear.MethodsUsing a flow cytometry-based assay to detect specific antibodies against full length S protein, we compared the antibody levels between patients from different severity groups. We also analysed the cytokine profiles of patients from different severity groups by multiplex microbead-based immunoassay.ResultsWe found an association between specific IgM, IgA and IgG against the spike protein and disease severity. By comparing the ratio of Th1 IgG1 and IgG3 to Th2 IgG2 and IgG4, we observed that all severity groups exhibited a ratio that was skewed towards a stronger Th1 response over Th2 response. In addition to the strong Th1 response, patients with severe disease also developed a Th2 response, as exemplified by the smaller ratio of IgG1 and IgG3 over IgG2 and IgG4 and the smaller Th1/Th2 cytokine ratios, compared to patients with mild disease severity. ConclusionThe results suggest that acute severity or disease resolution is associated with a specific immunological phenotype. A smaller skew towards a Th1 response over Th2 response, during infection, may contribute to disease progression, while a greater skew towards a Th1 response over Th2 response may contribute to a better disease outcome. This may suggest potential therapeutic approaches to COVID-19 disease management.
Telemedicine-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in alcohol use disorder (AUD): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arnedt J.Todd , Hobson Libby , Conroy Deirdre A. , Graham Mandilyn , Amin Sajni , Bohnert Kipling M. , Krystal Andy , Ilgen Mark 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, but relapse rates are high even with available treatments. Insomnia is a robust predictor of relapse and pilot studies have shown that CBT for insomnia improves insomnia and daytime functioning in adults with AUD and insomnia. The impact of CBT for insomnia on relapse, however, is unclear. This trial will compare telemedicine-delivered CBT for insomnia (CBT-TM) with sleep hygiene education (SHE-TM) on improving insomnia/sleep, daytime symptom, and drinking outcomes in treatment-seeking AUD adults with insomnia. The study will also determine the effects of treatment on sleep mechanisms and their association with clinical outcomes. Methods: This is a single-site randomized controlled trial with planned enrollment of 150 adults meeting criteria for both AUD and chronic insomnia. Eligible participants will be randomized 1:1 to 6 weeks of telemedicine-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-TM) or Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE-TM) with clinical assessments conducted at pre-treatment, post- treatment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-treatment. Overnight polysomnography will be conducted before and after treatment. Primary clinical outcomes will include post-treatment scores on the Insomnia Severity Index and the General Fatigue subscale of the Multidisciplinary Fatigue Inventory, and the percent of days abstinent (PDA) on the interview-administered Time Line Follow Back. EEG delta activity, derived from overnight polysomnography, will be the primary endpoint to assess the sleep homeostasis mechanism. Discussion: This adequately powered randomized controlled trial will provide clinically-relevant information about whether targeting insomnia is effective for improving treatment outcomes among treatment-seeking adults with AUD. Additionally, the study will offer new scientific insights on the impact of an evidence-based non-medication treatment for insomnia on a candidate mechanism of sleep dysfunction in this population - sleep homeostasis.Registration: NCT, NCT # 04457674. Registered 07 July 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04457674?cond=alcohol+use&cntry=US&state=US%3AMI&draw=2&rank=1
Geodiversity Increases Biodiversity of Plants in a Semi-arid Region
Authors: Falco Natalie , Tal-Berger Reut , Yizhaq Hezi , Stavi Ilan , Rachmilevitch Shimon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Geodiversity refers to the variety of geological and physical elements as well as to geomorphological processes of the earth surface. Heterogeneity of the physical environment has an impact on plant diversity. In recent years, the relations between geodiversity and biodiversity has gained attention in conservation biology, especially in the context of climate change. In this study, we assessed the effect of hillslope geodiversity – as expressed by stoniness and depth of the soil profile – on plant’s community structure. The study was conducted in the Sayeret Shaked LTER station in the semi-arid north-western Negev of Israel. Vegetation survey was conducted for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017), of which the second year was a drier and hotter than the first year. The results show that (1) geodiversity increases vegetation biodiversity, and that (2) the effect of geodiversity on plants’ community structure and species richness is greater in the drier year than that in a wetter year. The main insight is that in drylands, hillslopes with higher geodiversity better buffer the effect of drier years, and supported a more diverse plant community than lower geodiversity hillslopes.
Observation of Nonlinear Optical Phenomenon in Vacuum by Four Waves Mixing
Authors: Shukla Pramila , Prakash Ranjana 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the present paper, we studied possibility of observation and detection of nonlinear optical effects in free space. We studied four wave mixing process in which signal is generated opposite to the direction of probe beam. We observed that large number of photons are generated in signal beam, which should be detectable.
Acute Limb Ischemia in a Cancer Patient Has High Morbidity, High Mortality, and Atypical Presentation: A Tertiary Cancer Center’s Retrospective Study
Authors: Bryce Yolanda , Amoateng Emmanuel Jnr , Agrusa Christopher , Ziv Etay , Harnain Christopher , Huq Samantha , Martin Ernesto Santos 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Acute Limb Ischemia (ALI) carries a high morbidity and mortality rate that is compounded in the cancer patient. Though it is a relatively uncommon event, it is of extremely high adverse impact and carries poor awareness among clinicians.
Methods
Cancer patients presenting with acute limb ischemia (ALI) to the tertiary cancer center’s urgent care center or as inpatient between January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2020 were reviewed.
Results
Out of the 29 cancer patients with ALI, 12 (41%) died within 3 month and 9 (31%) patients died within 1 months of ALI diagnosis. 65% had long term adverse outcome after ALI – 31% with death in 1 month, 2 (7%) with an amputation, 5 (17%) with lifestyle-limiting claudication, and 3 (10%) with subsequent wound ulceration or gangrene. Patients not eligible for standard of care (12 patients, 41%) (RR 2.3333 95% CI [1.2743–4.2724], p = 0.0022) and heparin administration ≥ 6 hours from presentation (19 patients, 65%) (RR 2.8070 [1.0677–7.3795], p = 0.0364) were at increased risk of adverse outcome. Atypical/confounded presentation of ALI (13 patients, 45%) (RR 1.8367 95% CI [1.0266–3.2862], p = 0.0405), pulse exam not documented (12 patients, 41.4%) (RR 1.9479 [95% CI [1.1439–3.3169], p = 0.0141), and patients with services other than a vascular specialist initially consulted (8 patients, 27.6%) (RR 1.9091 95% CI [1.2698–2.8703], p = 0.0019) were significant risk factors for heparin administered ≥ 6 hours from presentation.
Conclusions
ALI is devastating in cancer patients, with a high number presenting with atypical/confounded signs and symptoms which delays treatment. Heparin administered ≥ 6 hours from presentation is associated with adverse outcome.
Application of Nomogram Based on Radiomics Label in Prediction of Treatment Scheme for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Yu Gang , Yang Wenlong , Zhang Jingkun , Zhang Qi , Zhou Jian , Hong Yuan , Luo Jiaojiao , Zhang Kangyu , Yang Zhidan , Tu Hong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective: To investigate and verify the efficiency and effectiveness the the value of nomogram based on radiomics label in predicting the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods: The clinical medical records and imaging data of 200 patients with LDH diagnosed in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the past 3 years have been analyzed retrospectively. The collected cases are randomly divided into a training group (n=140) and a test group (n=60) with ratio of 7:3. Two radiologists with experience in reading orthopaedics images are independently segmented ROI, the whole intervertebral disc with the most obvious protrusion in the sagittal plane T2WI of lumbar MRI as a mask (ROI) are sketched. The LASSO algorithm is used to filter the features after extracting the radiomics features. The multivariate Logistic regression model is used to construct a quantitative imaging Rad‑Score for the selected features with non-zero coefficients. The radiomics labels and nomogram were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC). The calibration curve is used to evaluate the consistency between the nomogram prediction and the actual treatment plan. The DCA decision curve is used to evaluate the clinical applicability of nomogram. Result: Following the feature extraction, 11 radiomics features are used to construct the radiomics label for predicting the treatment plan of LDH, The nomogram was then constructed. The AUC was 0.930 (95%CI:0.865-0.995) with a sensitivity of 96.8% and a specificity of 90%. The calibration curve shows that there is a good consistency between the prediction and the actual observation. The DCA decision curve analysis shows that the nomogram of imaging group has a great potential for clinical application when the risk threshold is over 10%. Conclusion: The nomogram based on radiomics label has a good predictive value for the treatment of LDH and therefore can be used as a reference for clinical decision-making.
Pharmacological Modulation of Neurite Outgrowth in Human Neural Progenitor Cells by Inhibiting Non-Muscle Myosin II
Authors: Lilienberg Julianna , Hegyi Zoltán , Szabó Eszter , Hathy Edit , Málnási-Csizmadia András , Réthelyi János M. , Apáti Ágota , Homolya László 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Studies on neural development and neuronal regeneration are mainly based on animal models. The establishment of pluripotent stem cell technology, however, opened new perspectives for better understanding these processes in humans by providing unlimited cell source for hard-to-obtain human tissues. Here, we aimed at identifying the molecular factors that confine and modulate an early step of neural regeneration, the formation of neurites in human neural progenitor cells (NPCs). eGFP was stably expressed in NPCs differentiated from human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell lines, and the neurite outgrowth was investigated under permissive and restrictive conditions using a high-content screening system. We found that the non-muscle myosin II (NMII) inhibitor blebbistatin and its novel, non-toxic derivatives initiate extensive neurite outgrowth in human NPCs. We observed that the extracellular matrix components greatly influence the rate of neurite formation, but NMII inhibitors are able to override the inhibitory effect of the restrictive environment. Similar, non-additive stimulatory effect on neurite generation was detected by the inhibition of ROCK1 kinase, the upstream regulator of NMII, whereas inhibition of JNKs had negligible effect, suggesting that ROCK1 signal is dominantly manifested by the actomyosin activity. In addition to providing a reliable cell-based in vitro model for identifying intrinsic mechanisms and environmental factors responsible for impeded axonal regeneration in humans, our results demonstrate that NMII and ROCK1 are important pharmacological targets for the augmentation of neural regeneration at the progenitor level, and may open novel perspectives in to development of more effective pharmacological and cell therapies for various neurodegenerative disorders.
Two new species of Chalciporus (Boletaceae, Boletales) from tropical China
Authors: Xu Chang , Liang Zhi-Qun , Xie Hui-Jing , Jiang Shuai , Fu Xin-Hua , Zeng Nian-Kai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Two new species of Chalciporus (Boletaceae, Boletales), viz. C. nigrofuscus and C. vulparius, are described based on morphological and molecular data. Detailed descriptions, color photographs of fresh basidiomata, and line drawings of microscopic features of the two new taxa are presented. In addition, a key to all known species of Chalciporus in China is provided.
Hidden blood loss and its influencing factors after minimally invasive percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation in thoracolumbar fracture
Authors: Yue Xin , Mao Kaige , Yang Ming , Zhang Wentao , Li Zhonghai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the amount of hidden blood loss (HBL) and its influencing factors after minimally invasive percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation (MIPTSF) in thoracolumbar fracture.Summary of Background Data: MIPTSF is generally accepted as a minimally invasive treatment for thoracolumbar fracture. However, HBL caused by this procedure is usually disregarded.Materials and Methods: Between October 2017 and December 2020, a total of 146 patients (106 males and 40 females, age range 21–59 years) were retrospectively examined, and their clinical and radiological data were recorded and analyzed. The Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate an association between patient’s characteristics and HBL. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to elucidate the related clinical or radiological factors of HBL.Results: A substantial amount of HBL (164.00 ±112.02 ml, 40.65% of TBL) occurred after transpedicular screw internal fixation. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that HBL was positively associated with total blood loss (TBL) (P=.000), percentage of vertebral height loss (VHL) (P=.000), percentage of vertebral height restoration (VHR) (P=.000), numbers of fractured vertebrae (P=.013), and numbers of fixed vertebral segments (P=.002).Conclusion: A large amount of HBL was incurred in patients undergoing MIPTSF in thoracolumbar fracture. More importantly, TBL, percentage of VHL, percentage of VHR, the numbers of fractured vertebrae and fixed vertebral segments were independent risk factors for HBL.
Material- and Size-selective Separation Mechanism of Micro Particles in Frequency-modulated Dielectrophoretic Particle Chromatography
Authors: Giesler Jasper , Weirauch Laura , Thöming Jorg , Baune Michael , Pesch Georg R. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Separation of (biological) particles (<< 10 µm) according to size or other properties is an ongoing challenge in a variety of technical relevant fields. Dielectrophoresis is one method to separate particles according to a diversity of properties, and within the last decades a pool of dielectrophoretic separation techniques has been developed. However, many of them either suffer selectivity or throughput. We use simulation and experiments to investigate retention mechanisms in a novel DEP scheme, namely, frequency-modulated DEP. Results from experiments and simulation show a good agreement for the separation of binary PS particles mixtures with respect to size and more importantly, for the challenging task of separating equally sized microparticles according to surface functionalization alone. The separation with respect to size was performed using 2 µm and 3 µm sized particles, whereas separation with respect to surface functionalization was performed with 2 µm particles. The results from this study can be used to solve challenging separation tasks, for example to separate particles with distributed properties.
Patient Perceptions of the Challenges to Recruitment Into a Renal Rct Registry : A Pilot Questionnaire Based Study
Authors: Murphy Ellen , Shea Niamh O , Long Eva , Eustace Joseph A , Shiely Frances 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for demonstrating the efficacy of new therapies. Despite this, nephrology trials, especially of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are much fewer in number than other medical subspecialties. Recruitment difficulties are cited as a particular challenge. Using registries to conduct RCTs is a reasonably new practice but is appealing as it combines the benefits of both observational studies and clinical trials. There is limited literature on patient motivators, barriers, and consent to these registries. The purpose of our study was to establish the factors that motivate and/or inhibit patients from joining a registry for randomised controlled trial, and to determine what information matters to patients when making an enrolment decision to participate in such a registry. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study at a dialysis centre in Southwest Ireland representing a catchment patient population of approximately 430,000. Quantitative data were coded and analysed in SPSS (v16). Descriptive statistics were produced, and open-ended questions were analysed by thematic analysis. Results 87 patients completed the questionnaire. Reasons for participation in the registry included personal and altruistic benefits. Barriers were time and travel requirements associated with registry participation, data safety concerns, risks, and side effects, along with concerns that registry participation would impact their current treatment. Although 29.8% of patients expressed, that they would have concerns regarding their data being stored in a registry, 79.3% of patients were still willing to consent to have their data uploaded and stored in a registry for conducting RCTs. It was important to patients to have their GP (general practitioner) involved in the decision to participate, despite little day-to-day contact with their GP for renal dialysis management. ConclusionChallenges to recruitment to registries for RCTs exist but addressing the identified concerns of potential participants may improve recruitment to registries, and by extension, to RCTs conducted using the registry.
Optimized procedures for diagnostic testing for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Pamporaki Christina , Prejbisz Aleksander , Małecki Robert , Pistrosch Frank , Peitzsch Mirko , Bishoff Steffen , Mueller Petra , Meyer Iris , Reimann Doreen , Hanus Katarzyna , Januszewicz Andrzej , Bornstein Stefan , Parmentier Simon , Kunath Carola , Lenders Jacques , Eisenhofer Graeme , Passauer Jens 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Diagnosis of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in patients receiving hemodialysis is troublesome.
Aim
To establish optimal conditions for blood sampling for mass spectrometric measurements of normetanephrine, metanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine in patients on hemodialysis and specific reference intervals for plasma metanephrines under the most optimal sampling conditions.
Methods
Blood was sampled before and near the end of dialysis, including different sampling sites in 170 patients on hemodialysis.
Results
Plasma normetanephrine concentrations were lower (P < 0.0001) and metanephrine concentrations higher (P < 0.0001) in shunt than in venous blood, with no differences for 3-methyxytyramine. Normetanephrine, metanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine concentrations in shunt and venous blood were lower (P < 0.0001) near the end than before hemodialysis. Upper cut-offs for normetanephrine were 34% lower when the blood was drawn from the shunt and near the end of hemodialysis compared to blood drawn before hemodialysis.
Conclusion
This study establishes optimal sampling conditions using blood from the dialysis shunt near the end of hemodialysis with optimal reference intervals for plasma metanephrines for the diagnosis of pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas among patients on hemodialysis.
Neighborhood matters: high phylogenetic diversity of experimental plant assemblages improves community performance
Authors: Chaves Rocío , Ferrandis Pablo , Escudero Adrián , Luzuriaga Arantzazu L. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background and AimsAlthough the role played by phylogeny in the assembly of plant communities remains as a priority to complete the theory of species coexistence, experimental evidence is lacking. It is still unclear to what extent phylogenetic diversity is a driver or a consequence of species assembly processes. We experimentally explored how phylogenetic diversity can drive the community level responses to drought conditions in annual plant communities. To this end, we manipulated the phylogenetic diversity of the species assemblages and the water availability in a common garden experiment with two treatments: average natural rainfall and drought.MethodsWe recorded plant survival and the numbers of flowering and fruiting plants per species in each assemblage. High phylogenetic diversity favored species coexistence over time with higher plant survival and more flowering and fruiting plants, especially under severe drought.Key Results. Our results demonstrate the existence of niche complementarity and the convergence of water economy strategies as major mechanisms for promoting species coexistence in plant assemblages in semiarid Mediterranean habitats.ConclusionsOur findings point to high phylogenetic diversity among neighboring plants as a plausible feature underpinning the recent “united we stand” framework, which states that diffuse positive interactions may promote mechanisms for the persistence of rare species in the community. We suggest that the large species number in the regional species pool may be the consequence of assembly processes occurring at small spatial scales, because the success of each species in terms of surviving and producing offspring was greater when the phylogenetic diversity was higher. Our study is a step forward to understand how phylogenetic relatedness is connected to the mechanisms determining the maintenance of biodiversity.