bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human archetypal pluripotent stem cells differentiate into trophoblast stem cells via endogenous BMP5/7 induction without transitioning through naive state
Authors: Tietze Ethan , Barbosa Andre Rocha , Araujo Bruno , Euclydes Veronica , Spiegelberg Bailey , Cho Hyeon Jin , Lee Yong Kyu , Wang Yanhong , McCord Alejandra , Lorenzetti Alan , Feltrin Arthur , van de Leemput Joyce , Di Carlo Pasquale , Ursini Gianluca , Benjamin Kynon J. , Brentani Helena , Kleinman Joel E. , Hyde Thomas M. , Weinberger Daniel R. , McKay Ronald , Shin Joo Heon , Sawada Tomoyo , Paquola Apua C. M. , Erwin Jennifer A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrimary human trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and TSCs derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can potentially model placental processes in vitro. Yet, the pluripotent states and factors involved in the differentiation of hPSCs to TSCs remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that the primed pluripotent state can generate TSCs by activating pathways such as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Wingless-related integration site (WNT), and by suppressing tumor growth factor beta (TGFβ), histone deacetylases (HDAC), and Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathways, all without the addition of exogenous Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4)—a condition we refer to as the TS condition. We characterized this process using temporal single-cell RNA sequencing to compare TS conditions with differentiation protocols involving BMP4 activation alone or BMP4 activation in conjunction with WNT inhibition. The TS condition consistently produced a stable, proliferative cell type that closely mimics first-trimester placental cytotrophoblasts, marked by the activation of endogenous retroviral genes and the absence of amnion expression. This was observed across multiple cell lines, including various primed induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and embryonic stem cell (ESC) lines. Primed-derived TSCs can proliferate for over 30 passages and further specify into multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblast cells. Our research establishes that the differentiation of primed hPSCs to TSC under TS conditions triggers the induction of TMSB4X, BMP5/7, GATA3, and TFAP2A without progressing through a naive state. These findings propose that the primed hPSC state is part of a continuum of potency with the capacity to differentiate into TSCs through multiple routes.
Collagenase-based wound debridement agent induces extracellular matrix supporting phenotype in macrophages
Authors: Banerjee Pradipta , Das Amitava , Singh Kanhaiya , Khanna Savita , Sen Chandan K. , Roy Sashwati 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMacrophages assume diverse phenotypes and functions in response to cues from the microenvironment. Earlier we reported an anti-inflammatory effect of Collagenase Santyl® Ointment (CSO) and the active constituent of CSO (CS-API) on wound macrophages in resolving wound inflammation indicating roles beyond debridement in wound healing. Building upon our prior finding, this study aimed to understand the phenotypes and subsets of macrophages following treatment with CS-API. scRNA-sequencing was performed on human blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) following treatment with CS-API for 24 h. Unbiased data analysis resulted in the identification of discrete macrophage subsets based on their gene expression profiles. Following CS-API treatment, clusters 3 and 4 displayed enrichment of macrophages with high expression of genes supporting extracellular matrix (ECM) function. IPA analysis identified the TGFβ-1 pathway as a key hub for the CS-API-mediated ECM-supportive phenotype of macrophages. Earlier we reported the physiological conversion of wound-site macrophages to fibroblasts in granulation tissue and impairment of such response in diabetic wounds, leading to compromised ECM and tensile strength. The findings that CSO can augment the physiological conversion of macrophages to fibroblast-like cells carry significant clinical implications. This existing clinical intervention, already employed for wound care, can be readily repurposed to improve the ECM response in chronic wounds.
Relationship between team ranking and physical fitness in elite male handball players in different playing positions
Authors: Wei Xiaobin , Zhang Ji , Wu Jian , Chen Chong , Chmura Paweł , Krustrup Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify the key physical indicators that affect game performance of male team handball athletes in national team handball tournaments and explore them further in relation to playing positions. A total of 150 male handball athletes were tested before a national tournament, using squat, bench press, 30-m sprint, vertical jump, pull-ups and abdominal endurance testing. Correlation analysis was used to examine the potential relationship between fitness level and tournament ranking. The results revealed significant differences in fitness variables among different playing positions (p < 0.05), excepted abdominal endurance and vertical jump (p > 0.05). 1RM squad performance was associated with team rankings (r = 0.289, p < 0.05). For individual playing positions, bench press of backs correlate with rankings (r = 0.354, p < 0.05). For goalkeepers, ranking was significantly positively correlated with 30-m sprinting (r = 0.604, p < 0.05). No other correlations were found (p > 0.05). To conclude, fitness level is to some extent related to team ranking with higher ranked teams having better scores in some of the fitness tests for all playing positions. The key predictors of performance in sport vary from position to position and practitioners need to differentiate between them to organize strength and conditioning training more precisely. More specialized fitness tests are also needed to assess athletes' competition ability.
Life cycle environmental impact assessment of natural gas distributed energy system
Authors: Wang Yakun , Ni Ting , He Bing , Xu Jiuping 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNatural gas distributed energy is recognized as a pivotal means to enhance energy efficiency and mitigate carbon dioxide emissions through localized energy cascading. Positioned as a key option for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, this system optimizes energy utilization near end-users. While maximizing energy efficiency, it is imperative to address potential environmental challenges. A thorough, comprehensive environmental assessment, facilitated by the life cycle assessment method, proves instrumental in meeting this standard. Employing this method enables an intuitive grasp of the environmental strengths and weaknesses inherent in natural gas distributed energy within the power structure. This insight serves as a foundation for informed project decision-making, fostering the growth of the industry. We selected six environmental impact assessment categories based on the CML 2001 method, and conducted the life cycle analysis across four stages. China's inaugural natural gas distributed energy demonstration project was chosen as a model case, and an environmental impact assessment inventory was established, utilizing survey data and literature for comprehensive data collection and analysis. Results from case testing yield environmental impact assessment outcomes, with a specific sensitivity analysis for stages with notable environmental impact factors. The study underscores that the operation phase has the highest environmental impact, comprising 78.37% of the total combined environmental impact, followed by the fuel production phase. Comparative analyses with coal-fired and conventional natural gas power generation, based on dimensionless literature data, reveal that abiotic resources depletion potential is the primary contributor to the environmental impact of 1 kWh of electricity product, constituting 52.76% of the total impact value, followed by global warming potential. Concrete strategies have been outlined for decision-making in both the operational and planning phases of natural gas distributed energy projects. The strengthening of policies is pinpointed towards grid connection and scale expansion.
Veterinary students’ proximity to and interpretation of a simulated “aggressive” dog before and after training
Authors: Oxley James A. , Meyer Georg , Butcher Matthew , Bellantuono Giuseppe , Levers Andrew , Westgarth Carri 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDog “aggression” in the veterinary practice is commonplace. Therefore, student knowledge and education about dog behaviour and the ability to interpret “aggressive” behaviour is important from a human injury prevention and dog welfare perspective. The study aimed to compare first-year veterinary students’ perceived safest proximity to both an “aggressive” and non-reactive simulated dog, both before and after a teaching intervention about canine behaviour and a handling practical. It also examined student confidence and their ability to identify “aggressive” behaviours. Forty first year veterinary students took part in two surveys. Each survey included two videos: one of a simulated dog displaying “aggressive” behaviour, based on the ‘Canine Ladder of Aggression’; and another displaying non-reactive (passive behaviours without reaction to the participants) behaviours. Each video depicted the slow and consistent approach towards the virtual dog within a virtual indoor environment, and participants were asked to press stop if or when they would stop approaching the dog. In the “aggressive” scenario, there was a reduction in the approach-stop time from survey 1 (median = 17.8 s) to survey 2 (median = 15.2 s) in the intervention group (p = 0.018) but not in the control group (p = 0.147). Regarding confidence, there was a significant increase in the self-reported confidence rating relating to a participant’s ability to interpret canine behaviour in both the control (p = 0.011) and intervention (p = 0.003). In conclusion, these results indicate that students using approach-stop videos stayed further away from an “aggressive” virtual dog model if they had undertaken a canine behaviour educational intervention. This novel approach has the potential for further use in teaching and assessment of student knowledge and behaviour which may otherwise be difficult to demonstrate.
Predictors for viral load suppression among HIV positive adults under ART treatment in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Muhie Nurye Seid 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHIV continues to be a serious global public health concern, having 40.4 million lives up to now and continuing to spread throughout all countries. The objective of this study was to identify predictors for viral load suppression among HIV positive adults under ART treatment in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. An institution based retrospective cohort study design was carry out from 30th March 2017–30th March 2022.Accelerated failure time model were employed to get wide-ranging information about adult HIV positive patients. In this study out of 378 study participants, about 77.8% were suppressed viral load count and the rest were censored. The Weibull AFT model results revealed that predictors were older age (φ = 0.774, 95% CI 0.602–0.793), primary educators (φ = 0.931, 95% CI 0.809–0.964), patients disclosed the disease to family member (φ = 1.093, 95% CI 1.001–1.457), viral load < 10,000 copies/mL (φ = 1.153, 95% CI 1.015–1.309), hemoglobin level ≥ 11g/dL (φ = 1.145, 95% CI 1.028–1.275), CD4 cell count ≥ 200 per mm3 (φ = 1.147, 95% CI 1.019–1.290), weight ≥ 50 kg (φ = 1.151, 95% CI 1.033–1.275), BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m3 (φ = 1.143, 95% CI 1.007–1.296), fair treatment adherence (φ = 1.867, 95% CI 1.778–1.967), good treatment adherence (φ = 1.200, 95% CI 1.046–1.377), advanced WHO clinical stages (φ = 0.923, 95% CI 0.899–0.946), patients with OCC (φ = 0.821, 95% CI 0.720–0.936) and substance use (φ = 0.876, 95% CI 0.773–0.993) statistically significant predictors for viral load suppression at 5% level of significance. Then, near intensive care of adult patients’ whose ages between 25 and 34 years, primary educational level, advanced WHO clinical stage, patients with OCC, and substance users can help them improve their health and live longer. Lastly, further studies should be done on HIV positive adult patients by considering other important independent variables that were not included in this study.
Automated design of nighttime braces for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with global shape optimization using a patient-specific finite element model
Authors: Guy Aymeric , Coulombe Maxence , Labelle Hubert , Barchi Soraya , Aubin Carl-Éric 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a complex three-dimensional deformity of the spine, the moderate forms of which require treatment with an orthopedic brace. Existing brace design approaches rely mainly on empirical manual processes, vary considerably depending on the training and expertise of the orthotist, and do not always guarantee biomechanical effectiveness. To address these issues, we propose a new automated design method for creating bespoke nighttime braces requiring virtually no user input in the process. From standard biplanar radiographs and a surface topography torso scan, a personalized finite element model of the patient is created to simulate bracing and the resulting spine growth over the treatment period. Then, the topography of an automatically generated brace is modified and simulated over hundreds of iterations by a clinically driven optimization algorithm aiming to improve brace immediate and long-term effectiveness while respecting safety thresholds. This method was clinically tested on 17 patients prospectively recruited. The optimized braces showed a highly effective immediate correction of the thoracic and lumbar curves (70% and 90% respectively), with no modifications needed to fit the braces onto the patients. In addition, the simulated lumbar lordosis and thoracic apical rotation were improved by 5° ± 3° and 2° ± 3° respectively. Our approach distinguishes from traditional brace design as it relies solely on biomechanically validated models of the patient’s digital twin and a design strategy that is entirely abstracted from empirical knowledge. It provides clinicians with an efficient way to create effective braces without relying on lengthy manual processes and variable orthotist expertise to ensure a proper correction of scoliosis.
Impact of material supply chain on the productivity optimization for the construction of roads projects
Authors: Awaad Shrouk , Mansour Dina M. , Mahdi Ibrahim , Abdelrasheed Ibrahim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMaterials require special consideration when developing a project plan because they make up such a sizable chunk of the overall budget. Materials supply and delivery are crucial especially in road construction projects as they are required for the daily construction process. Lack of materials is a major source of jobsite productivity loss. This is due to the lack of structured communication and clearly defined tasks in the current materials management methods. The divergence between design and construction, the failure to coordinate and integrate multiple functional specializations, and poor communication lead to excessive fragmentation. All of these contribute to performance issues like late material ordering and delivery, low productivity, and budget overruns. This research develops a material supply chain (MSC) framework for best practices in road construction projects at all phases. This ensures that contractors receive the supplies they need at the optimum time, with the required quantities, and at the lowest possible cost. Contractors can enhance output, save money, and stay competitive. A questionnaire was designed to investigate current practices in MSC, identify the most common obstacles that faced contractors throughout the project phases, and identify the most important contributors to the integration of supply chain in construction. The developed framework was then evaluated by road construction experts; 90% stated that the proposed framework promotes project participants to share information and data. 80% assured that the framework promotes completing the project with desired quality and encourages problem solving before it even occurs.
Establishment of African pygmy mouse induced pluripotent stem cells using defined doxycycline inducible transcription factors
Authors: Matsuya Sumito , Fujino Kaoru , Imai Hiroyuki , Kusakabe Ken Takeshi , Fujii Wataru , Kano Kiyoshi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMus minutoides is one of the smallest mammals worldwide; however, the regulatory mechanisms underlying its dwarfism have not been examined. Therefore, we aimed to establish M. minutoides induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using the PiggyBac transposon system for applications in developmental engineering. The established M. minutoides iPSCs were found to express pluripotency markers and could differentiate into neurons. Based on in vitro differentiation analysis, M. minutoides iPSCs formed embryoid bodies expressing marker genes in all three germ layers. Moreover, according to the in vivo analysis, these cells contributed to the formation of teratoma and development of chimeric mice with Mus musculus. Overall, the M. minutoides iPSCs generated in this study possess properties that are comparable to or closely resemble those of naïve pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). These findings suggest these iPSCs have potential utility in various analytical applications, including methods for blastocyst completion.
Encoding scheme design for gradient-free, nonlinear projection imaging using Bloch-Siegert RF spatial encoding in a low-field, open MRI system
Authors: Selvaganesan Kartiga , Ha Yonghyun , Sun Heng , Zhang Zhehong , Sun Chenhao , Samardzija Anja , Galiana Gigi , Constable R. Todd 
Published: February 2024

AbstractEliminating conventional pulsed B0-gradient coils for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can significantly reduce the cost of and increase access to these devices. Phase shifts induced by the Bloch-Siegert shift effect have been proposed as a means for gradient-free, RF spatial encoding for low-field MR imaging. However, nonlinear phasor patterns like those generated from loop coils have not been systematically studied in the context of 2D spatial encoding. This work presents an optimization algorithm to select an efficient encoding trajectory among the nonlinear patterns achievable with a given hardware setup. Performance of encoding trajectories or projections was evaluated through simulated and experimental image reconstructions. Results show that the encodings schemes designed by this algorithm provide more efficient spatial encoding than comparison encoding sets, and the method produces images with the predicted spatial resolution and minimal artifacts. Overall, the work demonstrates the feasibility of performing 2D gradient-free, low-field imaging using the Bloch-Siegert shift which is an important step towards creating low-cost, point-of-care MR systems.
Design and optimization of metamaterial-based highly-isolated MIMO antenna with high gain and beam tilting ability for 5G millimeter wave applications
Authors: Esmail Bashar A. F. , Koziel Slawomir 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a wideband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with high gain and isolation, as well as beam tilting capability, for 5G millimeter wave (MMW) applications. A single bow-tie antenna fed by a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) is proposed to cover the 28 GHz band (26.5–29.5 GHz) with a maximum gain of 6.35 dB. To enhance the gain, H-shaped metamaterial (MM)-based components are incorporated into the antenna substrate. The trust-region (TR) gradient-based search algorithm is employed to optimize the H-shape dimensions and to achieve a maximum gain of 11.2 dB at 29.2 GHz. The MM structure offers zero index refraction at the desired range. Subsequently, the MIMO system is constructed with two vertically arranged radiators. Another MM, a modified square resonator (MSR), is embedded between the two radiators to reduce the mutual coupling and to tilt the antenna main beam. Herein, the TR algorithm is again used to optimize the MSR dimensions, and to enhance the isolation to a maximum of 75 dB at 28.6 GHz. Further, the MSR can tilt the E-plane radiation by ± 20° with respect to the end-fire direction when alternating between the two ports' excitation. The developed system is validated experimentally with a good matching between the simulated and measured data.
Links between the genetic determinants of morning plasma cortisol and body shape: a two-sample Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Christakoudi Sofia , Asimakopoulos Alexandros-Georgios , Riboli Elio , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHigh cortisol production in Cushing’s syndrome leads to fat centralisation. The influence of modest cortisol variations on body shape, however, is less clear. We examined potentially causal associations between morning plasma cortisol and body shape and obesity with inverse-variance weighted random-effects models in a two-sample Mendelian randomisation analysis. We used publicly available summary statistics from the CORtisol NETwork (CORNET) consortium, UK Biobank, and the Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium. Only in women, morning plasma cortisol (proxied by ten genetic polymorphisms) was associated positively with waist size reflected in waist-to-hip index (WHI, 0.035 standard deviation (SD) units change per one SD cortisol increase; 95% confidence interval (0.002–0.067); p = 0.036) and “a body shape index” (ABSI; 0.039 (0.006–0.071); p = 0.021). There was no evidence for associations with hip index (HI) or body mass index (BMI). Among individual polymorphisms, rs7450600 stood out (chromosome 6; Long Intergenic Non-Protein-Coding RNA 473 gene, LINC00473). Morning plasma cortisol proxied by rs7450600 was associated positively with WHI and inversely with HI and BMI in women and men. Our findings support a causal association of higher morning plasma cortisol with larger waist size in women and highlight LINC00473 as a genetic link between morning plasma cortisol and body shape.
Comparison of accuracy and early outcomes in robotic total knee arthroplasty using NAVIO and ROSA
Authors: Hasegawa Masahiro , Tone Shine , Naito Yohei , Sudo Akihiro 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to compare the cutting and component placement accuracies and early outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between an image-free handheld robotic system (NAVIO) and a radiography-based robotic system (ROSA). This retrospective study included 88 patients (88 knees) who underwent TKA using the NAVIO (40 patients) or ROSA (48 patients) robotic systems. The accuracies of the robotic systems were compared. Clinical scores were evaluated using the Knee Society Score 2011 (KSS 2011) and the forgotten joint score (FJS)-12 at 1 year postoperatively. The femoral sagittal cutting error was smaller in the NAVIO group than in the ROSA group. The other cutting errors were not statistically different in both groups. Implantation errors did not differ between the groups. Regarding the clinical outcomes of the KSS 2011 subscales, the symptoms score was higher in knees operated using ROSA than in those using NAVIO. The other KSS 2011 subscales and the FJS-12 showed no differences between the two groups. In conclusion, the femoral sagittal cutting error was smaller in the NAVIO group than in the ROSA group, and the KSS 2011 symptom score subsection at one year was higher in the knees operated using ROSA than in those using NAVIO.