bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The pharmacokinetics of [18F]UCB-H revisited in the healthy non-human primate brain
Authors: Goutal Sébastien , Guillermier Martine , Becker Guillaume , Gaudin Mylène , Bramoullé Yann , Luxen André , Lemaire Christian , Plenevaux Alain , Salmon Eric , Hantraye Philippe , Barret Olivier , Van Camp Nadja 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging of the Synaptic Vesicle glycoprotein (SV) 2A is a new tool to quantify synaptic density. [18F]UCB-H was one of the first promising SV2A-ligands to be labelled and used in vivo in rodent and human, while limited information on its pharmacokinetic properties is available in the non-human primate. Here, we evaluate the reliability of the three most commonly used modelling approaches for [18F]UCB-H in the non-human cynomolgus primate, adding the coupled fit of the non-displaceable distribution volume (VND) as an alternative approach to improve unstable fit. The results are discussed in the light of the current state of SV2A PET ligands.

Results
[18F]UCB-H pharmacokinetic data was optimally fitted with a two-compartment model (2TCM), although the model did not always converge (large total volume of distribution (VT) or large uncertainty of the estimate). 2TCM with coupled fit K1/k2 across brain regions stabilized the quantification, and confirmed a lower specific signal of [18F]UCB-H compared to the newest SV2A-ligands. However, the measures of VND and the influx parameter (K1) are similar to what has been reported for other SV2A ligands. These data were reinforced by displacement studies using [19F]UCB-H, demonstrating only 50% displacement of the total [18F]UCB-H signal at maximal occupancy of SV2A. As previously demonstrated in clinical studies, the graphical method of Logan provided a more robust estimate of VT with only a small bias compared to 2TCM.

Conclusions
Modeling issues with a 2TCM due to a slow component have previously been reported for other SV2A ligands with low specific binding, or after blocking of specific binding. As all SV2A ligands share chemical structural similarities, we hypothesize that this slow binding component is common for all SV2A ligands, but only hampers quantification when specific binding is low.
Straw mulching and nitrogen application altered ammonia oxidizers communities and improved soil quality in the alkaline purple soil of southwest China
Authors: Chen Songhe , Gao Rencai , Xiang Xiaoling , Yang Hongkun , Ma Hongliang , Zheng Ting , Xiao Yun , Zhang Xue , Li Han , Fan Gaoqiong , Yu Yang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMicrobe-mediated ammonia oxidation is a key process in soil nitrogen cycle. However, the effect of maize straw mulching on the ammonia oxidizers in the alkaline purple soil remains largely unknown. A three-year positioning experiment was designed as follows: straw mulching measures as the main-plot treatment and three kinds of nitrogen application as the sub-plot treatment. We found the contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available potassium (AK), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and NH4+-N were increased after straw mulching and nitrogen application in alkaline purple soil, so did theamoAgenes abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaeal (AOA) and bacterial (AOB). Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis revealed thatThaumarchaeote(448-bp T-RF) was dominated the AOA communities, whereasNitrosospirasp (111-bp T-RF) dominated the AOB communities. The community compositions of both AOA and AOB were altered by straw mulching and nitrogen application in alkaline purple soil, however, the AOB communities was more responsive than AOA communities to the straw mulching and nitrogen application. Further analysis indicated that SOC and AP were the main factors affecting the abundance and community compositions of AOA and AOB in alkaline purple soil. The present study reported that straw mulching and nitrogen strategies differently shape the soil ammonia oxidizers community structure and abundance, which should be considered when evaluating agricultural management strategies regarding their sustainability and soil quality.
EIF5A2 controls ovarian tumor growth and metastasis by promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition via the TGFβ pathway
Authors: Zhao Guannan , Zhang Wenjing , Dong Peixin , Watari Hidemichi , Guo Yuqi , Pfeffer Lawrence M. , Tigyi Gabor , Yue Junming 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundEpithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to tumor metastasis and chemoresistance. Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2) is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers but rarely expressed in normal tissues. While EIF5A2 has oncogenic activity in several cancers and contributes to tumor metastasis, its role in ovarian cancer is unknown. In this study, we investigate whether EIF5A2 contributes to ovarian tumor metastasis by promoting EMT.MethodsTo investigate the role of EIF5A2, we knocked out (KO) EIF5A2 using lentiviral CRISPR/Cas9 nickase in high invasive SKOV3 and OVCAR8 cells and overexpressed EIF5A2 in low invasive OVCAR3 cells using lentiviral vector. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion was examined in vitro ovarian cancer cells and tumor metastasis was evaluated in vivo using orthotopic ovarian cancer mouse models.ResultsHere we report that EIF5A2 is highly expressed in ovarian cancers and associated with patient poor survival. Lentiviral CRISPR/Cas9 nickase vector mediated knockout (KO) of EIF5A2 inhibits epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in SKOV3 and OVCAR8 ovarian cancer cells that express high levels of EIF5A2. In contrast, overexpression of EIF5A2 promotes EMT in OVCAR3 epithelial adenocarcinoma cells that express relatively low EIF5A2 levels. KO of EIF5A2 in SKOV3 and OVCAR8 cells inhibits ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion, while its overexpression promotes cell migration and invasion in OVCAR3 adenocarcinoma cells. We further demonstrate that EIF5A2 promotes EMT by activating the TGFβ pathway and KO of EIF5A2 inhibits ovarian tumor growth and metastasis in orthotopic ovarian cancer mouse models.ConclusionOur results indicate that EIF5A2 is an important controller of ovarian tumor growth and metastasis by promoting EMT and activating the TGFβ pathway.
A survey: applications of blockchain in the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Wang Chao , Cheng Xiaoman , Li Jitong , He Yunhua , Xiao Ke 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBlockchain technology has completely changed the area of cryptocurrency with a Peer-to-Peer system named Bitcoin. It can provide a distributed, transparent and highly confidential database by recording immutable transactions. Currently, the technique has obtained great research interest on other areas, including the Internet of vehicles (IoVs). In order to solve some centralized problems and improve the architecture of the IoVs, the blockchain technology is utilized to build a decentralized and secure vehicular environment. In this survey, we aim to construct a comprehensive analysis on the applications of blockchain in the IoV. This paper starts with the introduction of the IoVs and the blockchain. Additionally, some existing surveys on the blockchain enabled IoVs are reviewed. Besides, the combination of the blockchain technology and the IoVs is analyzed from seven aspects to describe how the blockchain is implemented in the IoVs. Finally, the future research directions related to the integration are highlighted.
An oscillation theorem for the nonlinear degenerate elliptic equation in the Heisenberg group
Authors: Wu Duan , Niu Pengcheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to study the oscillation of solutions of the nonlinear degenerate elliptic equation in the Heisenberg group$H^{n}$Hn. We first derive a critical inequality in$H^{n}$Hn. Based on it, we establish a Picone-type differential inequality and a Sturm-type comparison principle. Then we obtain an oscillation theorem. Our result generalizes the related conclusions for the nonlinear elliptic equations in$R^{n}$Rn.
Translation and validation of the STOP-Bang questionnaire into Slovene
Authors: Pangerc Andrej , Petek Šter Marija , Dolenc Grošelj Leja 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To translate, culturally adapt and evaluate the Slovene version of the STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) for use in the sleep clinic.

Methods
Standard forward–backward translation and harmonisation of the Slovene translation of the SBQ were performed. Test–retest reliability was performed on a sample of healthy subjects. A cross-sectional study was performed with patients referred for a sleep study. Patients filled out the Slovene translation of the SBQ before undergoing sleep study.

Results
The validation group consisted of 256 patients, of which 237 (92.6%) were included. Mean age was 52.5 ± 14.6, 63.3% of patients were male. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) (apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 5) was present in 69.6% of patients, of whom 22.4% had mild (AHI ≥ 5 and < 15), 21.9% moderate (AHI ≥ 15 and < 30), and 25.3% severe (AHI ≥ 30) OSA. A SBQ score of 3 had a sensitivity of 92.1 (86.9–95.7), specificity of 44.4 (32.7–56.6), PPV of 79.2 (75.5–82.4) and AUC of 0.757 (95% CI 0.692–0.823; p < 0.001) for all OSA (AHI ≥ 5). Each increase in the SBQ score was associated with an increase in the probability of OSA.

Conclusion
This study shows that the Slovene version of the SBQ is a valid tool for evaluating the risk of OSA in a sleep clinic.
Impact of micro-environmental factors on survival, reproduction and distribution of Oncomelania hupensis snails
Authors: Liu Mao-Mao , Feng Yun , Yang Kun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Schistosomiasis japonica is a chronic parasitic disease that seriously harms people's health. Oncomelania hupensis is the only intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum. The micro-environmental factors surrounding the snail have a great impact on the survival, growth and reproduction of O. hupensis, but there are few relevant systematic analyses until the present. This scoping review aims to identify and summarize the micro-environmental factors that greatly affect O. hupensis, and to find gaps in research thus to provide directions for future in-depth studies.

Main body
This scoping review searched databases with search terms of the combinations of “Micro(-)environment”, “Oncomelania” and their expanded aspects. A total of 133 original articles were recruited. Predefined data fields were extracted including research methods, influencing factors, and their effects on O. hupensis. Most studies focused on vegetation factors (54.1%), and other factors noted were soil composition (27.8%), water environmental factors (24.1%), and predator (3.0%), respectively. The factors with positive impacts included water level, pH value, soil temperature, soil humidity, the coverage and height of vegetation at suitable levels. This could provide more detailed information for O. hupensis habitat identification and prediction. The factors with negative impacts included plant extracts, snail control and disease prevention forests, and microorganisms with molluscicidal activities. It revealed a potential application as ecological molluscicides in the future. Factors such as physico-chemical properties of water, soil chemistry showed a gap in scientific studies, thus required further extensive research.

Conclusions
Micro-environmental factors including water quality, soil composition as well as the technology and application of biomolluscicides (plant extracts and microorganisms) deserve more attention. Relative study findings on micro-environment have good potentials in snail control applications. Further studies should be implemented to investigate the impact of micro-environmental factors on snails and close the research gaps.
The perception of COVID-19 among Italian dental patients: an orthodontic point of view
Authors: Martina Stefano , Amato Alessandra , Faccioni Paolo , Iandolo Alfredo , Amato Massimo , Rongo Roberto 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to investigate the patients’ perception of the dental practice during the COVID-19 outbreak, and whether the pandemic will affect the attendance of orthodontic patients at the dental practice. An online questionnaire, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), was submitted to Italian dental patients with items about their perceived risks when going to the dentist, concerns about continuing orthodontic treatment, and the onset of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Data were analyzed with a chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. The level of significance was set atP< 0.05.ResultsA total of 1566 subjects completed the survey, including 486 who were under orthodontic treatment or who had a child in orthodontic treatment. A total of 866 participants (55.3%) thought the risk of contracting the COVID-19 infection was higher in a dental practice; this perception was associated with gender (women more than man), age (over 60 years old) and high levels of distress (P<0.001). However, 894 patients (57.1%) felt comfortable going back to the dentist. Most of the orthodontic patients (84%) would continue their treatment. After the lockdown, there was a slight increase in the frequency of TMD pain (356 versus 334).ConclusionsMost of the participants believed that the dental practice is a place at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, even if they continue to go to the dentist. Gender, age, and the level of distress were associated with the increase in the fear of going to the dentist due to COVID-19. Because of the pandemic, 16% of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment would not return to the dental practice to continue their orthodontic treatment after the lockdown. The prevalence of TMD pain in the population increased due to the pandemic.
Internet use at and outside of school in relation to low- and high-stakes mathematics test scores across 3 years
Authors: Rozgonjuk Dmitri , Täht Karin , Vassil Kristjan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The excessive use of Internet-based technologies has received a considerable attention over the past years. Despite this, there is relatively little research on how general Internet usage patterns at and outside of school as well as on weekends may be associated with mathematics achievement. Moreover, only a handful of studies have implemented a longitudinal or repeated-measures approach on this research question. The aim of the current study was to fill that gap. Specifically, we investigated the potential associations of Internet use at and outside of school as well as on weekends with mathematics test performance in both high- and low-stakes testing conditions over a period of 3 years in a representative sample of Estonian teenagers.

Methods
PISA 2015 survey data in conjunction with national educational registry data were used for the current study. Specifically, Internet use at and outside of school as well as on weekends were queried during the PISA 2015 survey. In addition, the data set included PISA mathematics test results from 4113 Estonian 9th-grade students. Furthermore, 3758 of these students also had a 9th-grade national mathematics exam score from a couple of months after the PISA survey. Finally, of these students, the results of 12th-grade mathematics national exam scores were available for 1612 and 1174 students for “wide” (comprehensive) and “narrow” (less comprehensive) mathematics exams, respectively.

Results
The results showed that the rather low-stakes PISA mathematics test scores correlated well with the high-stakes national mathematics exam scores obtained from the 9th (completed a couple of months after the PISA survey) and 12th grade (completed approximately 3 years after the PISA survey), with correlation values ranging from r = .438 to .557. Furthermore, socioeconomic status index was positively correlated with all mathematics scores (ranging from r = .162 to .305). Controlled for age and gender, the results also showed that students who reported using Internet the longest tended to have, on average, the lowest mathematics scores in all tests across 3 years. Although effect sizes were generally small, they seemed to be more pronounced in Internet use at school.

Conclusions
Based on these results, one may notice that significantly longer time spent on Internet use at and outside of school as well as on weekends may be associated with poorer mathematics performance. These results are somewhat in line with research outlining the potentially negative associations between longer time spent on digital technology use and daily life outcomes.
l-Lactic acid production from fructose by chitosan film-coated sodium alginate-polyvinyl alcohol immobilized Lactobacillus pentosus cells and its kinetic analysis
Authors: Wang Jianfei , Guo Huanyu , Huang Jiaqi , Jiang Shaoming , Hou Shibo , Chen Xingyu , Lv Hujie , Bi Xudong , Hou Maolin , Lin Hebei , Lu Yuming , Qiao Jinyue , Yang Ruiyi , Liu Shijie 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUnder the optimal conditions of immobilization and fermentation, the highest LA yield of 0.966 ± 0.006 g/g fructose and production rate of 2.426 ± 0.018 g/(L × h) with an error of -0.5% and -0.2% to the predicted results were obtained from batch fermentation by the CS film-coated SA-PVA immobilized L. pentosus cells. The LA yield and production rate of these immobilized cells were 2.7% and 10.1% higher than that of normal SA-PVA immobilized cells respectively, and they were 5.7% and 48.4% higher than that of free cells, respectively. The effect of temperature on different types of immobilized cells and free cells was significantly different, but the effect of pH on different types of cells was not much different. The kinetic models could effectively describe the different fermentation performances of three types of cells. The immobilized cells have excellent reusability to conduct 9 runs of repeated batch fermentation.
Ultrasound-guided non-invasive retraction for strangulated obturator hernia allows elective radical surgery: analysis of 12 cases
Authors: Maeda Yuto , Nakahara Osamu , Saito Seiya , Nasu Jiro , Baba Hideo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Obturator hernia is a life-threatening condition, requiring emergency intervention due to strangulation, if non-invasive repair for strangulation cannot be complete. Change from emergency surgery to elective surgery using minimal non-invasive options can greatly contribute to perioperative safety and curability of the underlying disease.

Case presentation
12 cases of strangulated obturator hernia from April 2013 to February 2020 with male:female patient ratio of 0:12. Reduction under ultrasound guidance was possible amongst 10 out of 12 cases. The average age was 85.3 years (74–97) and average BMI was 17.4 (15.0–20.1). Based on physical findings and CT examination, diagnosis of obturator hernia was made using echo guided non-invasive reduction. Prevention in the intestinal ischemia and perforation was observed in the treated cases. Upon request, elective radical surgery was performed in 7 of these patients after their condition improved and monitored other organs for any signs.

Conclusion
Attempt to improve the strangulation of obturator hernia under an echo-guided approach could enable elective and safe surgery and is believed to be a diagnostic treatment worth attempting.
Investigation of the effectiveness of a new portable ‘cryopen’ probe for cryotherapy (CryoTreq®)
Authors: Stalmans Peter , Vander Mijnsbrugge Joris , D’Hollander Filip , Van Ginderdeuren Rita 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
To test the effectiveness of a new, innovative, single-use handheld ‘cryopen’ (CryoTreq®), which has been developed and marketed by Vitreq.

Methods
Animal testing of cryopexy using the Cryotreq ® in two pig eyes was performed.

Results
The biological effects of cryopexy were observed.

Conclusions
During the surgery, the handheld device was comfortable to use and offers the surgeon more freedom to move. The cryotherapy caused severe atrophy and thinning of retinal layers, pigment epithelium and choroidea in a relatively uniform thickness. The cryopen is effective and offers advantages over non-handheld cryotherapy devices.
Can we use non-invasive parameters to predict the development of gastroesophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with and without portal vein thrombosis? An observational study from the western region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khayyat Yasir M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The prevention of portal hypertensive complications, including upper gastrointestinal bleeding, is critically important and achieved only through the use of upper endoscopy for the management of oesophageal gastric varices (EGVs). There is a paucity of data and limited utilization of non-invasive predictive parameters to guide the selection of patients who may benefit from endoscopic surveillance, especially in cirrhotic patients with coexistent portal vein thrombosis.

Results
The study was conducted in eight hospitals in the western region of Saudi Arabia over the period of 2015–2017. Among 1349 chronic liver disease patients, eighty-five patients with complete endoscopic findings were included in the study. Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with non-malignant PVT. Twenty-five patients (89%) developed oesophageal varices, compared with 57 patients with cirrhosis without PVT. A predictive factor for the development of oesophageal varices of statistical significance was hypoalbuminemia in PVT patients (p=0.04). No statistically significant differences were found in other biochemical markers (p<0.05) between the PVT and non-PVT groups.

Conclusions
The prevalence of oesophageal varices is increased in PVT patients. Serum albumin can be utilized as a predictor of varices development in cirrhosis patients.
Successful Delivery in 17,20-Lyase Deficiency
Authors: Blumenfeld Zeev , Koren Ilana 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Context
Pregnancy achievement in an infertile patient with 17,20-lyase deficiency.

Objective
To study and describe the achievement of successful pregnancy and delivery in a patient with 17,20-lyase deficiency.

Method
Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), cryopreservation of embryos and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (ET). Controlled ovarian stimulation, follicular aspiration egg retrieval, IVF, embryo cryopreservation, thawed ET. A 24-year-old, infertile patient with 17,20-lase deficiency.

Results
Isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency is caused by mutations in the CYP17A1 gene (coding for cytochrome P450c17), POR (coding for cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase), and CYB5A (coding for microsomal cytochrome b5) genes. A 24-year-old patient with 17,20-lyase deficiency had undergone IVF with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) protocol, prednisone, and gonadotropins. After the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger, 37 oocytes were retrieved, 25 ova fertilized, and 17 embryos cryopreserved. After menstrual bleeding, the endometrium was stimulated with oral estradiol, under progesterone suppression with long acting GnRHa and prednisone. When endometrial width of 8.5 mm was reached, vaginal progesterone was added, while gradually decreasing prednisone. On the fourth day of progesterone supplement, 2 thawed embryos were transferred. After 11 days of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), estradiol concentration moderately increased, but progesterone levels remained high; therefore, no fresh ET was performed. Twelve days after thawed ET, hCG was positive, and 7 days later, an intrauterine gestational sac was detected, but the pregnancy ended in missed abortion. After 2 months, another frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) was performed, generating a normal gestation, which ended in successful delivery.

Conclusion
Pregnancy can be achieved in patients with 17,20-lyase deficiency, by IVF, freezing all embryos, and ET in a subsequent cycle, while suppressing endogenous ovarian progesterone with a GnRHa and adrenal suppression with high-dose glucocorticoids.