bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulse arrival time as a surrogate of blood pressure
Authors: Finnegan Eoin , Davidson Shaun , Harford Mirae , Jorge João , Watkinson Peter , Young Duncan , Tarassenko Lionel , Villarroel Mauricio 
Published: November 2021

AbstractVarious models have been proposed for the estimation of blood pressure (BP) from pulse transit time (PTT). PTT is defined as the time delay of the pressure wave, produced by left ventricular contraction, measured between a proximal and a distal site along the arterial tree. Most researchers, when they measure the time difference between the peak of the R-wave in the electrocardiogram signal (corresponding to left ventricular depolarisation) and a fiducial point in the photoplethysmogram waveform (as measured by a pulse oximeter attached to the fingertip), describe this erroneously as the PTT. In fact, this is the pulse arrival time (PAT), which includes not only PTT, but also the time delay between the electrical depolarisation of the heart’s left ventricle and the opening of the aortic valve, known as pre-ejection period (PEP). PEP has been suggested to present a significant limitation to BP estimation using PAT. This work investigates the impact of PEP on PAT, leading to a discussion on the best models for BP estimation using PAT or PTT. We conducted a clinical study involving 30 healthy volunteers (53.3% female, 30.9 ± 9.35 years old, with a body mass index of 22.7 ± 3.2 kg/m$$^{2}$$

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). Each session lasted on average 27.9 ± 0.6 min and BP was varied by an infusion of phenylephrine (a medication that causes venous and arterial vasoconstriction). We introduced new processing steps for the analysis of PAT and PEP signals. Various population-based models (Poon, Gesche and Fung) and a posteriori models (inverse linear, inverse squared and logarithm) for estimation of BP from PTT or PAT were evaluated. Across the cohort, PEP was found to increase by 5.5 ms ± 4.5 ms from its baseline value. Variations in PTT were significantly larger in amplitude, − 16.8 ms ± 7.5 ms. We suggest, therefore, that for infusions of phenylephrine, the contribution of PEP on PAT can be neglected. All population-based models produced large BP estimation errors, suggesting that they are insufficient for modelling the complex pathways relating changes in PTT or PAT to changes in BP. Although PAT is inversely correlated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), the gradient of this relationship varies significantly from individual to individual, from − 2946 to − 470.64 mmHg/s in our dataset. For the a posteriori inverse squared model, the root mean squared errors (RMSE) for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) estimation from PAT were 5.49 mmHg and 3.82 mmHg, respectively. The RMSEs for SBP and DBP estimation by PTT were 4.51 mmHg and 3.53 mmHg, respectively. These models take into account individual calibration curves required for accurate blood pressure estimation. The best performing population-based model (Poon) reported error values around double that of the a posteriori inverse squared model, and so the use of population-based models is not justified.
Network analysis of trauma in patients with early-stage psychosis
Authors: Chung Young-Chul , Yun Je-Yeon , Nguyen Thong Ba , Rami Fatima Zahra , Piao Yan Hong , Li Ling , Lee Bomi , Kim Woo-Sung , Sui Jing , Kim Sung-Wan , Lee Bong Ju , Kim Jung Jin , Yu Je-Chun , Lee Kyu Young , Won Seung-Hee , Lee Seung-Hwan , Kim Seung-Hyun , Kang Shi Hyun , Kim Eui Tae 
Published: November 2021

AbstractChildhood trauma (ChT) is a risk factor for psychosis. Negative lifestyle factors such as rumination, negative schemas, and poor diet and exercise are common in psychosis. The present study aimed to perform a network analysis of interactions between ChT and negative lifestyle in patients and controls. We used data of patients with early-stage psychosis (n = 500) and healthy controls (n = 202). Networks were constructed using 12 nodes from five scales: the Brief Core Schema Scale (BCSS), Brooding Scale (BS), Dietary Habits Questionnaire, Physical Activity Rating, and Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form (ETI). Graph metrics were calculated. The nodes with the highest predictability and expected influence in both patients and controls were cognitive and emotional components of the BS and emotional abuse of the ETI. The emotional abuse was a mediator in the shortest pathway connecting the ETI and negative lifestyle for both groups. The negative others and negative self of the BCSS mediated emotional abuse to other BCSS or BS for patients and controls, respectively. Our findings suggest that rumination and emotional abuse were central symptoms in both groups and that negative others and negative self played important mediating roles for patients and controls, respectively.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: CUH201411002.
RNA G-quadruplex structures control ribosomal protein production
Authors: Varshney Dhaval , Cuesta Sergio Martinez , Herdy Barbara , Abdullah Ummi Binti , Tannahill David , Balasubramanian Shankar 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFour-stranded G-quadruplex (G4) structures form from guanine-rich tracts, but the extent of their formation in cellular RNA and details of their role in RNA biology remain poorly defined. Herein, we first delineate the presence of endogenous RNA G4s in the human cytoplasmic transcriptome via the binding sites of G4-interacting proteins, DDX3X (previously published), DHX36 and GRSF1. We demonstrate that a sub-population of these RNA G4s are reliably detected as folded structures in cross-linked cellular lysates using the G4 structure-specific antibody BG4. The 5′ UTRs of protein coding mRNAs show significant enrichment in folded RNA G4s, particularly those for ribosomal proteins. Mutational disruption of G4s in ribosomal protein UTRs alleviates translation in vitro, whereas in cells, depletion of G4-resolving helicases or treatment with G4-stabilising small molecules inhibit the translation of ribosomal protein mRNAs. Our findings point to a common mode for translational co-regulation mediated by G4 structures. The results reveal a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention in diseases with dysregulated translation, such as cancer.
Effect of initial switch-on within 24 hours of cochlear implantation using slim modiolar electrodes
Authors: Sunwoo Woongsang , Jeon Hyoung Won , Choi Byung Yoon 
Published: November 2021

AbstractReducing electrode impedance is an important factor in improving the functional benefits of cochlear implants (CIs). The immediate effect of early switch-on within 24 h of surgery on impedance among CI recipients with various types of electrodes has been reported previously; however, the immediate change and the evolution of electrode impedances of slim modiolar electrodes after early switch-on within 24 h of implantation has not. Therefore, the focus of this retrospective cohort study of CI patients was to compare the effect of early switch-on (n = 36) and conventional switch-on (n = 72) 2–4 weeks post-operation on impedance. Compared with impedance measured intraoperatively, our results demonstrate a significant decrease in impedance from 11.5 to 8.9 kΩ (p < 0.001) at 2–4 weeks after implantation in the early switch-on group, which sharply contrasted with elevated impedance values for conventional switch-on 2–4 weeks after implantation (from 10.7 to 14.2 kΩ, p = 0.001). Notably, a comparatively lower impedance than the conventional switch-on protocol was observed for up to 2 months post-operation. Most importantly, a much earlier stabilization of impedance can be achieved with the early switch-on protocol coupled with the slim modiolar electrode array compared to the conventional switch-on protocol, offering the advantage of reducing the number of required mapping sessions in the early stages of rehabilitation.
A novel comparative case study of entropy generation for natural convection flow of proportional-Caputo hybrid and Atangana baleanu fractional derivative
Authors: khan Dolat , Kumam Poom , Watthayu Wiboonsak 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis article focused on the comparative study of entropy generation for natural convection flow of the newly proportional Caputo hybrid and Atangana baleanu fractional derivative. The governing equation is formed as the set of partial differential equations with the physical boundary conditions. The report of entropy generation is investigated for the first time for proportional–Caputo hybrid model and comparison are sorts out with generalized Atangana baleanu fractional derivative. The Bejan number is also compared for the mention fractional derivatives. Graphs show the impact of various factors on the minimization and maximizing of entropy production. The newly proportional Caputo hybrid operator has a good memory effect rather than Atangana baleanu fractional operator.
A 3D primary human cell-based in vitro model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis for efficacy testing of clinical drug candidates
Authors: Ströbel Simon , Kostadinova Radina , Fiaschetti-Egli Katia , Rupp Jana , Bieri Manuela , Pawlowska Agnieszka , Busler Donna , Hofstetter Thomas , Sanchez Katarzyna , Grepper Sue , Thoma Eva 
Published: November 2021

AbstractNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive and severe liver disease, characterized by lipid accumulation, inflammation, and downstream fibrosis. Despite its increasing prevalence, there is no approved treatment yet available for patients. This has been at least partially due to the lack of predictive preclinical models for studying this complex disease. Here, we present a 3D in vitro microtissue model that uses spheroidal, scaffold free co-culture of primary human hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, liver endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells. Upon exposure to defined and clinically relevant lipotoxic and inflammatory stimuli, these microtissues develop key pathophysiological features of NASH within 10 days, including an increase of intracellular triglyceride content and lipids, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, fibrosis was evident through release of procollagen type I, and increased deposition of extracellular collagen fibers. Whole transcriptome analysis revealed changes in the regulation of pathways associated with NASH, such as lipid metabolism, inflammation and collagen processing. Importantly, treatment with anti-NASH drug candidates (Selonsertib and Firsocostat) decreased the measured specific disease parameter, in accordance with clinical observations. These drug treatments also significantly changed the gene expression patterns of the microtissues, thus providing mechanisms of action and revealing therapeutic potential. In summary, this human NASH model represents a promising drug discovery tool for understanding the underlying complex mechanisms in NASH, evaluating efficacy of anti-NASH drug candidates and identifying new approaches for therapeutic interventions.
Low-frequency exercise training improves cardiovascular fitness and strength during treatment for breast cancer: a single-arm intervention study
Authors: Bell Kirsten E. , Pfeiffer Amanda G. , Schmidt Schuyler , Bos Lisa , Russell Caryl , Barnes Tyler , Di Sebastiano Katie M. , Avrutin Egor , Gibson Marielle , Dubin Joel A. , Mourtzakis Marina 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAerobic and resistance exercise during and after cancer treatment are important for health-related outcomes, however treatment-specific barriers may inhibit adherence. We explored the effect of lower-frequency exercise training on fitness, body composition, and metabolic markers (i.e. glucose and lipids) in a group of recently diagnosed breast cancer patients. Fifty-two females ≥ 18 years with stage I–IIIB breast cancer were instructed to attend 2 cardiovascular and strength training sessions/week over 12 weeks, but program length was expanded as needed to accommodate missed sessions. Pre- and post-intervention, we measured: (1) cardiovascular fitness, (2) isometric strength, (3) body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), and (4) fasting glucose, insulin, c-peptide, and lipids. Pre-intervention, participants were 53 ± 10 years old (mean ± SD) and overweight (BMI: 27.5 ± 5.4 kg m−2, 40.1 ± 6.5% body fat). Forty participants completed the program over a median 20 weeks (range: 13–32 weeks, median frequency: 1.2 sessions/week), over which predicted VO2peak improved by 7% (2.2[0.1–4.4] mL/kg/min) (delta[95% CI]), and strength increased by 7–9% (right arm: 2.3[0.1–4.5] N m; right leg: 7.9[2.1–13.7] N m; left leg: 7.8[1.9–13.7] N m). Body composition and metabolic markers were unchanged. An exercise frequency of 1.2 sessions/week stimulated significant improvements in fitness, and may represent a practical target for patients during active treatment.
A novel role for vaping in mitochondrial gene dysregulation and inflammation fundamental to disease development
Authors: Tommasi Stella , Pabustan Niccolo , Li Meng , Chen Yibu , Siegmund Kimberly D. , Besaratinia Ahmad 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe constructed and analyzed the whole transcriptome in leukocytes of healthy adult vapers (with/without a history of smoking), ‘exclusive’ cigarette smokers, and controls (non-users of any tobacco products). Furthermore, we performed single-gene validation of expression data, and biochemical validation of vaping/smoking status by plasma cotinine measurement. Computational modeling, combining primary analysis (age- and sex-adjusted limmaVoom) and sensitivity analysis (cumulative e-liquid- and pack-year modeling), revealed that ‘current’ vaping, but not ‘past’ smoking, is significantly associated with gene dysregulation in vapers. Comparative analysis of the gene networks and canonical pathways dysregulated in vapers and smokers showed strikingly similar patterns in the two groups, although the extent of transcriptomic changes was more pronounced in smokers than vapers. Of significance is the preferential targeting of mitochondrial genes in both vapers and smokers, concurrent with impaired functional networks, which drive mitochondrial DNA-related disorders. Equally significant is the dysregulation of immune response genes in vapers and smokers, modulated by upstream cytokines, including members of the interleukin and interferon family, which play a crucial role in inflammation. Our findings accord with the growing evidence on the central role of mitochondria as signaling organelles involved in immunity and inflammatory response, which are fundamental to disease development.
Unique pattern of histogenesis of the parakeratinized epithelium on lingual prominence in the domestic goose embryos (Anser anser f. domestica)
Authors: Skieresz-Szewczyk Kinga , Jackowiak Hanna , Ratajczak Marlena 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA triangular lingual prominence (LP) is a characteristic part of the tongue in Anseriformes containing adipose tissue. The parakeratinized epithelium (PEp) covers the LP. Studies aimed to describe the histogenesis of PEp during the process of the intensive formation of the LP in domestic goose during embryonic period and to determine the structural readiness to perform a protective function. The study were conducted by using LM, SEM and TEM technique. The results revealed that on day 16th the undifferentiated epithelium of LP transformed into the typical avian multilayered epithelium. Contrary to pattern of histogenesis of parakeratinized epithelium on the lingual body, on the medial and lateral areas of the elongating and bulging LP were formed epithelial furrows. Which around 20th day, on lateral areas of LP deepened up to half of epithelium, whereas on the medial area began to fade. The ultrastructure of cells lying in furrows indicated progressive apoptosis-like degeneration. On the 25th day, shallow furrows were only present on lateral areas, where bulging of LP was continued. Whereas the epithelium on medial area started cornification by the accumulation of cytokeratin fibers. Lack of the periderm during the development of the PEp of the LP indicated its endodermal origin.
Contact calls in woodpeckers are individually distinctive, show significant sex differences and enable mate recognition
Authors: Węgrzyn Ewa , Węgrzyn Wiktor , Leniowski Konrad 
Published: November 2021

AbstractVocal communication of woodpeckers has been relatively little studied so far, mostly because majority of species use drumming to communicate. Our recent study on the Middle Spotted Woodpecker revealed that a call which is specific for floaters is individually distinctive and functions as a vocal signature of unpaired individuals. The aim of the current study is to investigate whether a contact call of paired territory owners of the same species enables discrimination of individuals and their sex. Acoustic analyses revealed that the call is individually distinctive and experimental approach confirmed that woodpeckers are able to distinguish between a contact call of their partner and a stranger. We also found that the contact call shows significant sex differences. Interestingly, the acoustic parameter enabling sex identification is different than the parameters coding individual variability of the call. The design of a call so that its first part would code the identity of an individual and the second part would code its sex presents an effective and fine-tuned communication system. The results of our study also suggest that the contact call of paired Middle Spotted Woodpeckers may be useful for conservation biologists as a tool supporting other census methods.
Quantum computational speed of a nanowires system with Rashba interaction in the presence of a magnetic field
Authors: Mohamed Rabie I. , Eldin Manal G. , Farouk Ahmed , Ramadan A. A. , Abdel-Aty M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe present research is designed to examine the dynamic of the quantum computational speed in a nanowire system through the orthogonality speed when three distinct types of magnetic fields are applied: the strong magnetic field, the weak magnetic field, and no magnetic field. Moreover, we investigate the action of the magnetic fields, the spin-orbit coupling, and the system’s initial states on the orthogonality speed. The observed results reveal that a substantial correlation between the intensity of the spin-orbit coupling and the dynamics of the orthogonality speed, where the orthogonality speed decreasing as the spin-orbit coupling increases. Furthermore, the initial states of the nanowire system are critical for regulating the speed of transmuting the information and computations.
Design and analysis of Maxwell fisheye lens based beamformer
Authors: Abbasi Muhammad Ali Babar , Ansari Rafay I. , Machado Gabriel G. , Fusco Vincent F. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAntenna arrays and multi-antenna systems are essential in beyond 5G wireless networks for providing wireless connectivity, especially in the context of Internet-of-Everything. To facilitate this requirement, beamforming technology is emerging as a key enabling solution for adaptive on-demand wireless coverage. Despite digital beamforming being the primary choice for adaptive wireless coverage, a set of applications rely on pure analogue beamforming approaches, e.g., in point-to-multi point and physical-layer secure communication links. In this work, we present a novel scalable analogue beamforming hardware architecture that is capable of adaptive 2.5-dimensional beam steering and beam shaping to fulfil the coverage requirements. Beamformer hardware comprises of a finite size Maxwell fisheye lens used as a scalable feed network solution for a semi-circular array of monopole antennas. This unique hardware architecture enables a flexibility of using 2 to 8 antenna elements. Beamformer development stages are presented while experimental beam steering and beam shaping results show good agreement with the estimated performance.
Stiffening the human foot with a biomimetic exotendon
Authors: Riddick Ryan C. , Farris Dominic J. , Brown Nicholas A. T. , Kelly Luke A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractShoes are generally designed protect the feet against repetitive collisions with the ground, often using thick viscoelastic midsoles to add in-series compliance under the human. Recent footwear design developments have shown that this approach may also produce metabolic energy savings. Here we test an alternative approach to modify the foot–ground interface by adding additional stiffness in parallel to the plantar aponeurosis, targeting the windlass mechanism. Stiffening the windlass mechanism by about 9% led to decreases in peak activation of the ankle plantarflexors soleus (~ 5%, p < 0.001) and medial gastrocnemius (~ 4%, p < 0.001), as well as a ~ 6% decrease in positive ankle work (p < 0.001) during fixed-frequency bilateral hopping (2.33 Hz). These results suggest that stiffening the foot may reduce cost in dynamic tasks primarily by reducing the effort required to plantarflex the ankle, since peak activation of the intrinsic foot muscle abductor hallucis was unchanged (p = 0.31). Because the novel exotendon design does not operate via the compression or bending of a bulky midsole, the device is light (55 g) and its profile is low enough that it can be worn within an existing shoe.
Staphylococcus aureus iron-regulated surface determinant B (IsdB) protein interacts with von Willebrand factor and promotes adherence to endothelial cells
Authors: Alfeo Mariangela J. , Pagotto Anna , Barbieri Giulia , Foster Timothy J. , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , De Filippis Vincenzo , Speziale Pietro , Pietrocola Giampiero 
Published: November 2021

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is the cause of a spectrum of diseases in humans and animals. The molecular basis of this pathogenicity lies in the expression of a variety of virulence factors, including proteins that mediate adherence to the host plasma and extracellular matrix proteins. In this study, we discovered that the iron-regulated surface determinant B (IsdB) protein, besides being involved in iron transport and vitronectin binding, interacts with von Willebrand Factor (vWF). IsdB-expressing bacteria bound to both soluble and immobilized vWF. The binding of recombinant IsdB to vWF was blocked by heparin and reduced at high ionic strength. Furthermore, treatment with ristocetin, an allosteric agent that promotes the exposure of the A1 domain of vWF, potentiates the binding of IsdB to vWF. Both near-iron transporter motifs NEAT1 and NEAT2 of IsdB individually bound recombinant A1 domain with KD values in the micromolar range. The binding of IsdB and adhesion of S. aureus expressing IsdB to monolayers of activated endothelial cells was significantly inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against the A1 domain and by IsdB reactive IgG from patients with staphylococcal endocarditis. This suggests the importance of IsdB in adherence of S. aureus to the endothelium colonization and as potential therapeutic target.