bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current observer-based critical conduction mode control of a bidirectional DC–DC converter in battery charging/discharging applications
Authors: Wan Dai , Li Jinliang , Zhang Lulin , Xu Jingtao 
Published: August 2023

A current observer-based digital critical conduction mode control of a bidirectional DC–DC converter with full-range soft switching for battery charging/discharging applications is proposed in this paper. Under the proposed control method, the bidirectional DC/DC converter operates in the critical continuous mode (CRM), the full-range zero-voltage switching (ZVS) can be achieved, and the inductor current ripple can be optimized. The CRM control is achieved by the proposed current observer, and the zero-crossing detection (ZCD) analog circuit or current sampling circuit can be eliminated. Therefore, compared with existing methods, the design complexity of the hardware circuit can be simplified. In addition, the proposed current observer can estimate the inductor current over a wide range of load and voltage variations. Therefore, the proposed control method can be applied to a wide range of charging and discharging applications. Finally, a prototype with 30–60 V input voltage, 24 V output voltage, and 75–150 kHz switching frequency is built. The experimental data and waveforms prove the correctness and advantages of the solutions proposed in this paper.
Crossing the Rift valley: using complete mitogenomes to infer the diversification and biogeographic history of ethiopian highlands Ptychadena (anura: Ptychadenidae)
Authors: Lyra M. L. , Kirchhof S. , Goutte S. , Kassie A. , Boissinot S. 
Published: August 2023

The Ethiopian Highlands are considered a biodiversity hotspot, harboring a high number of endemic species. Some of the endemic species probably diversified in situ; this is, for example, the case of a monophyletic clade containing 12 known species of grass frogs of the genus Ptychadena. The different species occur at elevations ranging from 1,500 to above 3,400 m and constitute excellent models to study the process of diversification in the highlands as well as adaptations to high elevations. In this study, we sampled 294 specimens across the distribution of this clade and used complete mitogenomes and genome-wide SNP data to better understand how landscape features influenced the population structure and dispersal of these grass frogs across time and space. Using phylogenetic inference, population structure analyses, and biogeographic reconstructions, we found that the species complex probably first diversified on the south-east side of the Great Rift Valley. Later on, species dispersed to the north-west side, where more recent diversification occurred. We further demonstrate that Ptychadena species have dispersed across the Great Rift Valley at different times. Our analyses allowed for a more complete understanding of the contribution of geological events, biogeographic barriers and climatic changes as drivers of species diversification and adaptation in this important biogeographic region.
RabGAP AS160/TBC1D4 deficiency increases long-chain fatty acid transport but has little additional effect on obesity and metabolic syndrome in ADMSCs-derived adipocytes of morbidly obese women
Authors: Mikłosz Agnieszka , Łukaszuk Bartłomiej , Supruniuk Elżbieta , Grubczak Kamil , Kusaczuk Magdalena , Chabowski Adrian 
Published: August 2023

The Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160), also known as TBC1 domain family member 4 (TBC1D4), represents a crucial regulator of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Recent evidence suggests that AS160/TBC1D4 may also control the cellular entry of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), resulting in changes to the lipid profile of muscles and fat cells in lean subjects. However, there are virtually no data on AS160/TBC1D4 expression and its modulatory role in lipid metabolism in the adipocytes from morbidly obese individuals of different metabolic status. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the three main factors, i.e., AS160 silencing, obesity, and metabolic syndrome on lipid uptake and profile in fully differentiated adipocytes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) of lean and obese (with/without metabolic syndrome) postmenopausal women. Additionally, we tested possible interactions between the explanatory variables. In general, obesity translated into a greater content of fatty acid transporters (especially CD36/SR-B2 and SLC27A4/FATP4) and boosted accumulation of all the examined lipid fractions, i.e., triacylglycerols (TAGs), diacylglycerols (DAGs), and free fatty acids (FFAs). The aforementioned were further enhanced by metabolic syndrome. Moreover, AS160 deficiency also increased the abundance of SLC27A4/FATP4 and CD36/SR-B2, especially on the cell surface of the adipocytes derived from ADMSCs of subcutaneous deposit. This was further accompanied by increased LCFA (palmitic acid) uptake. Despite the aforementioned, AS160 silencing seemed unable to significantly affect the phenotype of the adipocytes stemming from obese patients with respect to their cellular lipid profile as we observed virtually no changes in TAG, DAG, and FFA contents when compared to cells with the reference level of proteins. Nevertheless, knockdown of AS160 stimulated fatty acid oxidation, which may indicate that adaptive mechanisms counteract excessive lipid accumulation. At the same time, adipocytes of visceral origin were rather insensitive to the applied intervention.
Case report: Central alveolar hypoventilation in a survivor of cardiopulmonary arrest
Authors: Wang Fajun , Darby Joseph 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionOndine’s curse is a rare respiratory disorder that is characterized by central alveolar hypoventilation (CAH) during sleep. It is most commonly congenital. However, it can also be acquired very rarely. Herein, we report a young survivor who developed CAH following cardiopulmonary arrest.Case presentationA 35-year-old man was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit following unwitnessed cardiopulmonary arrest. Following resuscitative interventions, he remained comatose. Early diagnostic testing showed elevated neuronal specific enolase (28.7 ng/ml), absent cortical responses on evoked potential testing and MRI evidence of restricted diffusion in the cerebellum, hippocampi, juxtacortical white matter, superior cerebellar peduncles, dorsal pons, dorsolateral medulla, and upper cervical spinal cord. Ten days following admission, the patient remained comatose and underwent tracheostomy. He subsequently began to emerge from coma but had persistent unexplained hypotension and bradypnea necessitating ongoing vasopressor and respiratory support. Repeat MRI on hospital day 40 revealed residual FLAIR hyperintensities in the medulla within the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). After being discharged to long-term acute care facility, he was successfully liberated from mechanical ventilation 70 days post arrest.ConclusionWe report the first survivor of cardiopulmonary arrest who was complicated by CAH and hypotension with MRI verified ischemic injury to the bilateral NTS regions. Despite this injury, ventilator and vasopressor dependency resolved over a period of 10 weeks. Our case highlighted the essential functions of NTS in regulating the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Type A personality, sleep quality, and cerebral small vessel disease: investigating the mediating role of sleep in a community-based study
Authors: Zhou Xirui , Huang Hao , Qu Wensheng , Yu Zhiyuan , Zhao Jing , Wu Lingshan , Zhang Yi , Kong Qianqian , Wang Ziyue , Luo Xiang 
Published: August 2023

PurposeType A behavior pattern (TABP) is a personality type characterized by rapid speech, impatience, competition, and hostility. Asymptomatic cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is often endemic in older adults. Individuals with TABP commonly experience suboptimal sleep quality, and a correlation exists between sleep disturbances and CSVD. We investigated the relationship between TABP and CSVD markers and further explored the mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between TABP and CSVD.MethodsA cross-sectional survey included 764 community-dwelling adults aged 55–85 years. The TABP Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to assess personality and sleep quality, respectively. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine relationships between variables of interest. In addition, mediation analyses with bootstrapping were used to test whether sleep quality mediated the relationship between TABP and CSVD.ResultsOf the 764 participants [median age 65 (61–69) years, 59.9% female], the population with type A personality accounted for 44.8%. After adjusting for covariates, TABP scores (p = 0.03) and PSQI scores (p &lt; 0.001) were significantly correlated with CSVD. In addition, sleep quality partially mediated the association between type A behavior and CSVD, and the mediating effect was 10.67%.ConclusionThis study showed that type A behavior was a risk factor for CSVD among older community-dwelling adults and that sleep quality mediated the relationship between type A behavior and CSVD. Changing type A behavior may help improve sleep quality, which may in turn reduce the prevalence of CSVD.
Up-regulated serum lactate dehydrogenase could become a poor prognostic marker in patients with bladder cancer by an evidence-based analysis of 2,182 patients
Authors: Wei Xiaoyu , Chai Yumeng , Li Zhouyue , Che Xuanyan , Zhang Yong , Zhou Zhongbao , Wang Xiang 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundA growing number of studies have considered serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as an indicator of bladder cancer (BC) prognosis. However, a meta-analysis of the serum LDH’s influence on BC prognosis is still missing.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were exhaustively searched for studies comparing oncological outcomes between high-LDH and low-LDH patients. Standard cumulative analyses using hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed using Review Manager (version 5.3) for overall survival (OS) in patients with BC.ResultsSix studies involving 2,182 patients were selected according to predefined eligibility criteria. The results showed that serum LDH level was significantly associated with OS (HR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.54-2.25, p&lt;0.0001) in BC. Sensitivity analysis showed the stability of the results. Subgroup analysis revealed that the levels of serum LDH had a significant impact on the OS of BC patients among different groups including publication time, research country, sample size, tumor stage, LDH cut-off value, therapy and follow-up time (all HR&gt;1 and p&lt;0.05), revealing that the ability of serum LDH is not affected by other factors.ConclusionOur findings indicated that a high level of serum LDH was associated with inferior OS in patients with BC. However, caution must be taken before recommendations are given because this interpretation is based upon very few clinical studies and a small sample.
Word usage as measured by parental checklists and language samples: trends, comparisons, and implications
Authors: Gatt Daniela , Camilleri Liberato , Grech Chloe 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundAlthough parental checklists are well-known for their potential in indexing young children’s lexicon size, they can also be used to track children’s acquisition of individual words. Word-level data can be used to identify the checklist words most and least commonly employed across groups of children. Like parent-completed vocabulary checklists, samples of spontaneous language use collected from multiple children can also generate measures of word commonality, concerned with the numbers of children producing individual words. To our knowledge, comparisons of word usage as determined by parental checklist and language sample data obtained in parallel from the same children have not been carried out. Also scarce in the empirical literature are item-level analyses of early bilingual lexicons that explore word usage across two emerging languages. The present study aimed to contribute toward bridging both gaps through the analysis of data generated by a bilingual Maltese-English adaptation of the vocabulary checklist of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories: Words and Sentences (CDI: WS) and spontaneous language samples for the same children. An additional objective was to derive implications for revising the current version of the vocabulary checklist, in preparation for its eventual standardization.Materials and methodsFor 44 Maltese children aged 12, 18, 24, and 30 months, the words reported by their main caregivers on the vocabulary checklist were identified, along with their respective semantic categories. For the same children, 20-min language samples obtained during free play with the caregiver were transcribed orthographically. Words identified through parental report and language sampling were analyzed for commonality, i.e., the number of children producing each word.ResultsComparison of the word usage patterns obtained through both methods indicated differences in the words most commonly sampled and those most commonly reported, particularly in relation to grammatical categories. Notwithstanding these differences, positive and significant correlations emerged when considering all grammatical categories and languages across commonality levels.DiscussionThe commonality scores based on parental checklist data have implications for reconsidering the length and language balance of the Maltese-English adaptation of the CDI: WS vocabulary checklist. Sampled word usage patterns can contribute additional objectivity in updating the reporting instrument in preparation for its eventual standardization.
Prediabetes in rural adolescent girls from DERVAN cohort: data from the KONKAN region of the state of Maharashtra, India (DERVAN-4)
Authors: Patil Suvarna , Patil Netaji , Hardikar-Bhat Pallavi , Dervankar Omkar , Joglekar Charudatta , Bhat Rohit , Nandoskar Ajit , Yadav Arvind , Nilawar Anup 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundIndia is witnessing an epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Overweight/obesity, overnutrition, physical inactivity, and family history are well-known risk factors for diabetes. We investigated the role of undernutrition in the development of diabetes among rural adolescent girls.MethodsDERVAN cohort study was set up in the KONKAN region of the western Indian state of Maharashtra. It enrolled 1,520 adolescent girls (16–18 years old at the time of enrollment). We measured glycemic parameters (glucose, insulin, and HbA1C) and body size using anthropometry and body composition using bioimpedance. Prediabetes was diagnosed using the American Diabetic Association (ADA) criteria. We also calculated various HOMA indices for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), β-cell function (HOMA-β), insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S), and compensatory β-cell response using a homeostasis model. BMI, body fat%, and waist circumferences were treated as exposures and all the glycemic parameters and indices as outcomes.ResultsThe median age of the subjects was 16.6 years. The median weight, height, and BMI were 40.7 kg, 151.7 cm, and 17.5 kg/m2, respectively. Prevalence of underweight was 28.8%, and stunting was observed in 30.4%. Thinness and obesity using BMI were observed in 58.4% and 4.2%, respectively. The median body fat% was 22.5, and excess body fat (&gt;35%) was observed in 5.7%. The prevalence of prediabetes was 39.4%. Fasting insulin concentrations, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-β showed a positive trend across body composition quartiles (p &lt; 0.001). HOMA-S and compensatory β-cell response showed an inverse trend (p &lt; 0.001). Compared with prediabetic girls in the overweight/obese group, girls most undernourished group had lower median insulin concentrations (8.1 μIU/ml vs. 17.1 μIU/ml), lower HOMA-IR (1.1 vs. 2.3), and lower HOMA-β (75.6 vs. 129.2) but higher sensitivity (87.4 vs. 43.7) (p &lt; 0.001) for all.ConclusionWe have reported a high prevalence of prediabetes among rural adolescent girls with a very low prevalence of obesity. Prediabetes in obesity is driven by hyperinsulinemia and overworking of the pancreas while poor β-cell function and poor insulin secretion are major drivers in the undernourished group. The high-risk diabetes screening programs are much needed for the undernourished populations. Caution should be exercised for planning the interventions as overfeeding (or overnutrition) is likely to put the populations at risk of development of obesity and insulin resistance.
Case report: Anti-ARHGAP26 autoantibodies in atypical dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Hansen Niels , Rentzsch Kristin , Hirschel Sina , Wiltfang Jens , Schott Björn Hendrik , Bartels Claudia , Lange Claudia , Bouter Caroline 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundDementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common type of neurodegenerative dementia. Here, we report a case of dementia associated with anti-Rho-GTPase-activating protein 26 (ARHGAP26) autoantibodies, which have never been previously linked to DLB.MethodsWe describe the case of a 78-year-old man who underwent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 18F-fluorodesoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and a detailed neuropsychological evaluation.ResultsThe patient presented with mild dementia syndrome associated with extrapyramidal symptoms. Neuropsychological testing revealed impaired cognitive flexibility, figural memory, and verbal memory. Fluctuating cognitive abilities with deficits in attention-executive dysfunction and visuoconstruction also developed over time. A brain MRI showed reduced biparietal and cerebellar brain volume with generalized accentuation of the outer CSF spaces. The patient's CSF revealed anti-ARHGAP26 autoantibodies, which were also detectable in serum. In the differential complementary imaging diagnosis at 2 years, an FDG-PET revealed decreased occupancy of the posterior cingulum and precuneus. Although the FDG-PET, MRI, and clinical findings were potentially consistent with Alzheimer's disease, negative amyloid biomarkers in the CSF made an AD diagnosis highly unlikely. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with [(123)I] N-omega-fluoropropyl-2beta-carbomethoxy-3beta-{4-iodophenyl}nortropane ([(123)I]FP-CIT) showed right-sided predominance, reduced dopamine transporter uptake in the putamen, consistent with a positive indicative biomarker finding typical of DLB. Considering the clinically probable DLB associated with the two core features of Parkinsonism and fluctuating cognition with deficits in attention, supported by an abundant tracer uptake in the right putamen and lower uptake in the left putamen on 123I-FP-CIT-SPECT as an indicative biomarker, we started an antidementia drug using a cholinesterase inhibitor.ConclusionsOur report shows that atypical DLB may be associated with anti-ARHGAP26 autoantibodies, although their role and significance in the pathogenesis of DLB are unknown. However, it has to be mentioned that it is also possible that antibody-specific synthesis of anti-ARHGAP26 autoantibodies is a hallmark of a rare autoimmune disease that may cause the clinical and laboratory features involving altered dopamine transporter uptake on 123I-FP-CIT-SPECT, dementia, and mild Parkinson's symptoms rather than idiopathic DLB with only two core DLB features and inconsistent cognitive and imaging findings. Further research is needed to investigate the role of these autoantibodies in different dementias, particularly in DLB and mixed DLB-AD types.
Early hospital readmission following stroke: the Florida Stroke Registry
Authors: Gardener Hannah , Romano Jose G. , Derias Terry , Gutierrez Carolina , Asdaghi Negar , Johnson Karlon , Gordon Perue Gillian , Marulanda Erika , Brown Scott C. , Foster Dianne , Rundek Tatjana 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundHospital readmission is an important indicator of poor transition of care post-stroke. Data on characteristics of patients at highest risk for readmission is limited and necessary to inform effective interventions. The goal is to identify risk factors at hospital discharge that predict 30-day readmission in the Florida Stroke Registry (FSR).MethodsThe study population included 45,877 patients discharged home or to rehabilitation with an ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage in the FSR between 2017 and 2019. The FSR is a voluntary statewide registry of stroke patients from 167 hospitals using data from Get With the Guideline-Stroke. Readmissions were ascertained by propensity matching FSR with the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration dataset, which includes all hospital admissions in Florida. The primary outcome was 30-day hospital readmission for any cause, and secondary outcomes were vascular-related and stroke readmissions specifically. Multivariable logistic regression models identified patient characteristics that independently predicted 30-day readmissions, including sociodemographics, stroke clinical characteristics, in-hospital treatment, medical history, discharge status, and hospital characteristics.ResultsA hospital readmission within 30 days was experienced in 12% of cases; 6% had a vascular-related readmission, and 3% a recurrent stroke. The following characteristics were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause readmission: Medicare or Medicaid insurance, large artery atherosclerosis as the stroke mechanism, increased stroke severity, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, prior stroke, chronic renal insufficiency, and depression. The following characteristics were independently associated with a decreased risk of all-cause readmission: ambulation, treated dyslipidemia, tPA treatment, discharge mRS 0–2, and treatment at a comprehensive stroke center.ConclusionsThe risk of 30-day hospital readmission was substantial, modifiable, and impacted by insurance status, medical history, stroke etiology and severity, stroke care, and functional status at discharge. These findings can inform strategies to target high-risk patients who can benefit from interventions to improve transitions of care post-stroke.
microRNA-203 inhibits migration and invasion of canine tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting SLUG
Authors: Noguchi Shunsuke , Matsui Asuka 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) occurring in the tonsils (TSCC) has a poorer prognosis than SCC occurring in other regions of the oral cavity (non-tonsillar SCC [NTSCC]) because it easily metastasizes to distant organs. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the migration and invasion of TSCC cells in vitro.Materials and methodsThis study focused on differential microRNA (miRNA) expression using microRNA microarrays and quantitative polymerase chain reaction in canine TSCC and NTSCC tissues and cell lines. A target gene of the miRNA involved in cell migration and invasion was validated by wound healing, transwell, and luciferase assays.ResultsmiR-203 expression was lower in TSCC tissues than in the normal oral mucosa and NTSCC tissues. Transfection of the miR-203 mimic resulted in the downregulation of mesenchymal marker protein expression and attenuation of cell migration and invasion in TSCC cells, but not in NTSCC cells. A dual-luciferase assay revealed that miR-203 directly targeted the mesenchymal transcription factor SLUG. SLUG overexpression enhances the migration of TSCC cells.ConclusionOur study indicates that the miR-203/SLUG axis may be involved in the metastatic mechanisms of TSCC.