bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new approach to improve the hemodynamic assessment of cardiac function independent of respiratory influence
Authors: Ogilvie Leslie M. , Edgett Brittany A. , Gray Simon , Al-Mufty Sally , Huber Jason S. , Brunt Keith R. , Simpson Jeremy A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCardiovascular and respiratory systems are anatomically and functionally linked; inspiration produces negative intrathoracic pressures that act on the heart and alter cardiac function. Inspiratory pressures increase with heart failure and can exceed the magnitude of ventricular pressure during diastole. Accordingly, respiratory pressures may be a confounding factor to assessing cardiac function. While the interaction between respiration and the heart is well characterized, the extent to which systolic and diastolic indices are affected by inspiration is unknown. Our objective was to understand how inspiratory pressure affects the hemodynamic assessment of cardiac function. To do this, we developed custom software to assess and separate indices of systolic and diastolic function into inspiratory, early expiratory, and late expiratory phases of respiration. We then compared cardiac parameters during normal breathing and with various respiratory loads. Variations in inspiratory pressure had a small impact on systolic pressure and function. Conversely, diastolic pressure strongly correlated with negative inspiratory pressure. Cardiac pressures were less affected by respiration during expiration; late expiration was the most stable respiratory phase. In conclusion, inspiration is a large confounding influence on diastolic pressure, but minimally affects systolic pressure. Performing cardiac hemodynamic analysis by accounting for respiratory phase yields more accuracy and analytic confidence to the assessment of diastolic function.
Engineering and functional characterization of a proton-driven β-lactam antibiotic translocation module for bionanotechnological applications
Authors: Stauffer Mirko , Ucurum Zöhre , Harder Daniel , Fotiadis Dimitrios 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNovel approaches in synthetic biology focus on the bottom-up modular assembly of natural, modified natural or artificial components into molecular systems with functionalities not found in nature. A possible application for such techniques is the bioremediation of natural water sources contaminated with small organic molecules (e.g., drugs and pesticides). A simple molecular system to actively accumulate and degrade pollutants could be a bionanoreactor composed of a liposome or polymersome scaffold combined with energizing- (e.g., light-driven proton pump), transporting- (e.g., proton-driven transporter) and degrading modules (e.g., enzyme). This work focuses on the engineering of a transport module specific for β-lactam antibiotics. We previously solved the crystal structure of a bacterial peptide transporter, which allowed us to improve the affinity for certain β-lactam antibiotics using structure-based mutagenesis combined with a bacterial uptake assay. We were able to identify specific mutations, which enhanced the affinity of the transporter for antibiotics containing certain structural features. Screening of potential compounds allowed for the identification of a β-lactam antibiotic ligand with relatively high affinity. Transport of antibiotics was evaluated using a solid-supported membrane electrophysiology assay. In summary, we have engineered a proton-driven β-lactam antibiotic translocation module, contributing to the growing toolset for bionanotechnological applications.
Acacia hydaspica R. Parker ethyl-acetate extract abrogates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by targeting ROS and inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Afsar Tayyaba , Razak Suhail , Aldisi Dara , Shabbir Maria , Almajwal Ali , Al Kheraif Abdulaziz Abdullah , Arshad Mohammed 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCisplatin (CisPT) is a chemotherapeutic drug that outcomes in adverse effects. In this study, we examined the effect ofA. hydaspicaethyl acetate extract (AHE) in an animal model of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). 36 male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the AKI rat model, and CisPT (7.5 mg/kg BW, i.p) single dose was given. In the pretreatment module, AHE (400 mg/kgBW/day, p.o) was given for 7 days before and after CisPT injection. While in the post-treatment group AHE was administered for 7 days after a single CisPT shot. The standard group received silymarin (100 mg/kg BW, p.o) for 7 days before and after CisPT injection. In HCT 116 tumor xenografts (n = 32) two groups of mice were pretreated with 400 mg/kg AHE orally for 7 days and two groups were treated with distilled water. On day 7 of pretreatment one distilled water and one AHE pretreated group were injected i.p with 15 mg/kg bw dose followed by another dose of CisPT 2 wk later. AHE groups were additionally treated with 400 mg/kg AHE for 3 days/week for 2 weeks. CisPT significantly deteriorated renal function parameters, i.e., PH, specific gravity, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, globulin and blood urea nitrogen. CisPT treatment increased oxidative stress markers, while lower renal antioxidant enzymes. AHE pretreatment ameliorates significantly (p < 0.0001) CisPT-induced alterations in serum and urine markers for kidney function. Furthermore, AHE pretreatment more efficiently (p < 0.001) decreases oxidative stress markers, attenuate NF-κB, and IL-6 protein and mRNA expression by augmenting antioxidant enzyme levels compared to post-treatment. The histological observations verified the protective effect of AHE. In tumor xenograft mice, AHE treatment significantly reduced CisPT induced oxidative stress while it did not interfere with the anticancer efficacy of cisplatin as shown by significance (p < 0.001) decrease in tumor size after treatment.A. hydaspicaAHE might provide a prospective adjuvant that precludes CisPT-induced nephrotoxicity without compromising its antitumor potential.
Quantification of energy input required for chitin nanocrystal aggregate size reduction through ultrasound
Authors: Colijn Ivanna , Fokkink Remco , Schroën Karin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNanoparticles have been claimed to contribute efficiently to e.g. the mechanical strength of composite materials when present as individual particles. However, these particles tend to aggregate. In this paper we prepare nanocrystals from chitin, a product with high potential added value for application in bio-based materials, and investigate the effect of ultrasound on de-aggregation. Chitin nanocrystals with a length ~ 200 nm and a diameter ~ 15 nm, were obtained via acid hydrolysis of crude chitin powder. Freeze drying resulted in severe aggregation and after redispersion sizes up to ~ 200 µm were found. Ultrasound treatment was applied and break up behaviour was investigated using static light scattering, dynamic light scattering, and laser diffraction. Our results suggest that the cumulative energy input was the dominant factor for chitin nanocrystal aggregate breakup. When a critical energy barrier of ~ 100 kJ/g chitin nanocrystals was exceeded, the chitin nanocrystal aggregates broke down to nanometre range. The break up was mostly a result of fragmentation: the aggregation energy of chitin nanocrystal aggregates was quantified to be ~ 370 kJ/g chitin nanocrystals and we hypothesize that mainly van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds are responsible for aggregation.
Neurofeedback training improves episodic and semantic long-term memory performance
Authors: Tseng Yu-Hsuan , Tamura Kaori , Okamoto Tsuyoshi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractUnderstanding and improving memory are vital to enhance human life. Theta rhythm is associated with memory consolidation and coding, but the trainability and effects on long-term memory of theta rhythm are unknown. This study investigated the ability to improve long-term memory using a neurofeedback (NFB) technique reflecting the theta/low-beta power ratio on an electroencephalogram (EEG). Our study consisted of three stages. First, the long-term memory of participants was measured. In the second stage, the participants in the NFB group received 3 days of theta/low-beta NFB training. In the third stage, the long-term memory was measured again. The NFB group had better episodic and semantic long-term memory than the control group and significant differences in brain activity between episodic and semantic memory during the recall tests were revealed. These findings suggest that it is possible to improve episodic and semantic long-term memory abilities through theta/low-beta NFB training.
Predicting postoperative pain following root canal treatment by using artificial neural network evaluation
Authors: Gao Xin , Xin Xing , Li Zhi , Zhang Wei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of back propagation (BP) artificial neural network model for predicting postoperative pain following root canal treatment (RCT). The BP neural network model was developed using MATLAB 7.0 neural network toolbox, and the functional projective relationship was established between the 13 parameters (including the personal, inflammatory reaction, operative procedure factors) and postoperative pain of the patient after RCT. This neural network model was trained and tested based on data from 300 patients who underwent RCT. Among these cases, 210, 45 and 45 were allocated as the training, data validation and test samples, respectively, to assess the accuracy of prediction. In this present study, the accuracy of this BP neural network model was 95.60% for the prediction of postoperative pain following RCT. To conclude, the BP network model could be used to predict postoperative pain following RCT and showed clinical feasibility and application value.
Mediation effects of mean Hounsfield unit on relationship between hemoglobin and expansion of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Kim Yong Soo , Jeong Han-Gil , Chae Hee-Yun , Kim Beom Joon , Kang Jihoon , Kim Jun Yup , Kim Tackeun , Bang Jae Seung , Bae Hee-Joon , Oh Chang Wan , Han Moon-Ku 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLow hemoglobin levels are known to be associated with hematoma expansion (HE) and poor functional outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, it is not yet known whether low hemoglobin itself causes HE directly or is merely a confounder. Thus, we investigated the mediation effect of the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) of hematoma on the relationship between low hemoglobin and expansion of ICH. Overall, 232 consecutive patients with ICH who underwent non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) within 12 h since onset were included. The mean HU and hematoma volume on NCCT were investigated using semi-automated planimetry. HE was defined as an increase in hematoma volume > 33% or 6 mL. The respective associations among the hemoglobin level, mean HU, and HE were analyzed using multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, and known HE predictors. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the potential causal association among the three. HE occurred in 34.5% of patients; hemoglobin levels were inversely associated with HE occurrence (adjusted odds ratio, 0.90; p = 0.03). The mean HU of the hematoma was lower in patients with HE than in patients without HE (58.5 ± 3.3 vs. 56.8 ± 3.0; p < 0.01). Hemoglobin levels on admission were linearly related to the mean HU (adjusted β, 0.33; p < 0.01) after adjusting for known HE predictors (time from onset to CT, antithrombotic use, hematoma volume). Causal mediation analysis showed a significant mediation effect of the mean HU on the association between hemoglobin levels and HE (p = 0.04). The proportion of indirect effect through the mean HU among the total effect was 19% (p = 0.05). The mediation effect became nonsignificant in the when the multivariable model was adjusted with additional covariates (baseline systolic blood pressure and hematoma location). The mean HU of the hematoma mediated the association between hemoglobin levels and HE occurrence. Therefore, the mean HU of the hematoma may be a potential marker of impaired hemostasis in patients with ICH.
In vitro testing of silver-containing spacer in periprosthetic infection management
Authors: Krassnig Renate , Hohenberger Gloria , Schwarz Angelika , Goessler Walter , Feierl Gebhard , Wildburger Renate , Windhager Reinhard 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDeep infection is a serious complication in endoprosthetic surgery. In correlation to the patient local or systemic compromising factors conservative and surgical proceedings has to be evaluated. Systemic antibiotic therapy is the gold standard in infection management. Implanted silver-coated or silver-containing medical devices have been proven to their antimicrobial effectiveness since the 1990s by several investigators. The outcomes showed that long time implantation could cause damaging of the surrounding tissues, especially of adjacent nerves. The aim of our study was to evaluate the release of silver (I) ions from bone cement mixed with either nanosilver particles (AgNPs), different concentrations of silver sulfate (Ag2SO4) or from pure metallic silver strips. Therefore, we choose two methods: the first, called “static model”, was chosen to evaluate the maximal accumulative concentration of silver (I) ions, with the second, called “dynamic model”, we simulated a continuous reduction of the ions. In an additional test design, the different materials were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity using an agar gel diffusion assay. The outcome showed that neither the addition of 1% (w/w) nanosilver nor 0.1% silver sulfate (w/w) to polymethylmethacrylat bone cement has the ability to release silver (I) ions in a bactericidal/antifungal concentration. However, the results also showed that the addition of 0.5% (w/w) and 1% (w/w) silver sulfate (Ag2SO4) to bone cement is an effective amount of silver for use as a temporary spacer.
Association between serum α1-antitrypsin levels and all-cause mortality in the general population: the Nagahama study
Authors: Tabara Yasuharu , Setoh Kazuya , Kawaguchi Takahisa , Kosugi Shinji , Nakayama Takeo , Matsuda Fumihiko 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCirculating levels of inflammatory proteins have to be prognostic markers of all-cause mortality. α1-Antitrypsin (AAT) is a major inflammatory plasma protein, but its association with all-cause mortality is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of AAT levels for all-cause mortality. Study participants comprised 9682 community residents (53.5 ± 13.3 years old). During the 9.8-year follow-up period, 313 participants died from any cause. The mortality rate increased linearly with AAT quintiles (Q1, 18.2; Q2, 24.7; Q3, 23.8; Q4, 31.9; Q5, 64.6 per 10,000 person-years). There were significant correlations between AAT and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels (correlation coefficient, 0.331; P < 0.001). However, the Cox model analysis, when adjusted for possible covariates including hsCRP, identified the fifth AAT quintile as a risk factor for all-cause death (hazard ratio, 2.12 [95% confidence interval, 1.41–3.18]; P < 0.001). An analysis of participants older than 50 years (hazard ratio, 1.98, P < 0.001) yielded similar results. The hazard ratio increased proportionately in combination with high AAT and high hsCRP levels, and the highest hazard ratio reached 4.51 (95% confidence interval, 3.14–6.54, P < 0.001). High AAT levels were determined to be an independent risk factor for mortality in the general population.
Neutrophil azurophilic granule glycoproteins are distinctively decorated by atypical pauci- and phosphomannose glycans
Authors: Reiding Karli R. , Lin Yu-Hsien , van Alphen Floris P. J. , Meijer Alexander B. , Heck Albert J. R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWhile neutrophils are critical first-responders of the immune system, they also cause tissue damage and act in a variety of autoimmune diseases. Many neutrophil proteins are N-glycosylated, a post-translational modification that may affect, among others, enzymatic activity, receptor interaction, and protein backbone accessibility. So far, a handful neutrophil proteins were reported to be decorated with atypical small glycans (paucimannose and smaller) and phosphomannosylated glycans. To elucidate the occurrence of these atypical glycoforms across the neutrophil proteome, we performed LC-MS/MS-based (glyco)proteomics of pooled neutrophils from healthy donors, obtaining site-specific N-glycan characterisation of >200 glycoproteins. We found that glycoproteins that are typically membrane-bound to be mostly decorated with high-mannose/complex N-glycans, while secreted proteins mainly harboured complex N-glycans. In contrast, proteins inferred to originate from azurophilic granules carried distinct and abundant paucimannosylation, asymmetric/hybrid glycans, and glycan phosphomannosylation. As these same proteins are often autoantigenic, uncovering their atypical glycosylation characteristics is an important step towards understanding autoimmune disease and improving treatment.
A sustainable strategy for Open Streets in (post)pandemic cities
Authors: Rhoads Daniel , Solé-Ribalta Albert , González Marta C. , Borge-Holthoefer Javier 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCities world-wide have taken the opportunity presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to improve and expand pedestrian infrastructure, providing residents with a sense of relief and pursuing long-standing goals to decrease automobile dependence and increase walkability. So far, due to a scarcity of data and methodological shortcomings, these efforts have lacked the system-level view of treating sidewalks as a network. Here, we leverage sidewalk data from ten cities in three continents, to first analyse the distribution of sidewalk and roadbed geometries, and find that cities present an unbalanced distribution of public space, favouring automobiles at the expense of pedestrians. Next, we connect these geometries to build a sidewalk network –adjacent, but irreducible to the road network. Finally, we compare a no-intervention scenario with a shared-effort heuristic, in relation to the performance of sidewalk infrastructures to guarantee physical distancing. The heuristic prevents the sidewalk connectivity breakdown, while preserving the road network’s functionality.
Functional heterogeneity of IFN-γ–licensed mesenchymal stromal cell immunosuppressive capacity on biomaterials
Authors: Kwee Brian J. , Lam Johnny , Akue Adovi , KuKuruga Mark A. , Zhang Kunyu , Gu Luo , Sung Kyung E. 
Published: August 2021

Significance
Although mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapies, with and without biomaterials, have shown success in preclinical models of inflammatory diseases, they have not shown consistent efficacy in clinical trials for these diseases. This is potentially due to variations in the therapeutic properties of MSCs from different donor patients and amongst different MSC subpopulations. Here, we show that the immunosuppressive function of MSCs stimulated with interferon-gamma depends on specific integrin engagement with the biomaterials they are cultured on. Furthermore, the amount of integrin expression on the cells can predict the magnitude of immunosuppressive function of the MSCs on the biomaterials. This may lead to methods to enrich for MSC subpopulations within each donor that have high immunosuppressive function on biomaterials.
A Sustainable Model of Urban Public Mobility in Uzbekistan
Authors: Berdiyorov A , Berdiyorov T , Nasritdinov J , Qarshiboev S , Ergashkxodjaeva S 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
New mobility technologies and solutions are revolutionizing the way people and goods move around cities. However, due to their lack of maturity, they are not able to respond to the growing needs and challenges of urban public mobility and are adding even more pressure. As a result, the urban mobility model remains under stress, with increasing levels of congestion, pollution and accidents. This stress will be further increased by increased urban concentration and economic activity resulting from new consumption patterns. In this article, solutions and initiatives are proposed that will enable Uzbekistan cities to be equipped with an integral model of social and sustainable mobility.
Investigative study of Periodic Thermal and Mechanical Characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Malagavelli Venu , Siva Rama Krishna S , Jagadish Babu A , Bala Krishna Ch 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Concrete is a key basic material in the mankind’s history. lt is a compound made by blending concrete which is a coupling material with fine, coarse aggregates and water in required extents. Concrete is great in strength. The investigation of submission to fire concrete incredibly expanded after 9-11 attack on the World Trade Centre. The Zeal towards structures for fire expanded rapidly. A portion of the limited component models of auxiliary made in deciding the temperatures in a segment by heat examination have been utilized by certain specialists. This paper gives a synopsis of conduct of cement concrete in fire. Concrete has high compressive quality, yet in addition essentially lower elasticity. The compressive quality is commonly controlled with the water, concrete proportion, while framing the solid. In this investigation three different grades of concrete i.e. M20, M25 and M30 used for the experiments. The specimens of all the grades are prepared with and without fibers. All the concrete samples are tested for the compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength. The samples of concrete exposed to 200°C, 400°C and 600°C after 28 days of curing. The results show the reduction in hardened properties of concrete.
Managing Road Traffic Accidents: A Review on Its Contributing Factors
Authors: Dela Cruz Orlean G. , Padilla Juland A. , Victoria Armando N. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Traffic accidents contribute to any loss of life and property and loss of services. It occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle or objects. Some factors will establish, leading to injuries and even related accidents that can be avoided or minimized by employing appropriate measures. These damages resulted from the costs of recovery and reduced productivity. The Traffic Management Systems (TMS) for this analysis will base on a compilation of previous studies, and it will index the following crucial areas: (a) traffic accidents and their factors, and (b) safety models. Some of the gaps to be addressed include 1) unavailability of data for essential factors, 2) variation of the parameter used, and 3) complexity of the method used. This paper will help to the detailed analysis of the traffic management systems, outlining the fundamental problems and limitations of current systems and providing several avenues for enhancing the performance of traffic management systems.