bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin regulates microglial polarization to M2 cell via RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in epilepsy
Authors: Li Pingping , Ji Xuefei , Shan Ming , Wang Yi , Dai Xingliang , Yin Mengyuan , Liu Yunlong , Guan Liao , Ye Lei , Cheng Hongwei 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundMelatonin (MEL), an endogenous hormone, has been widely investigated in neurological diseases. Microglia (MG), a resident immunocyte localizing in central nervous system is reported to play important functions in the animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Some evidence showed that MEL influenced activation of MG, but the detailed model of action that MEL plays in remains uncertain.MethodsIn this study, we established a model of TLE in mice by stereotactic injection of kainic acid (KA). We treated the mice with MEL. Lipopolysaccharide, ROCK2‐knockdown (ROCK‐KD) and ‐overexpression (ROCK‐OE) of lentivirus‐treated cells were used in cell experiments to simulate an in vitro inflammatory model.ResultsThe results of electrophysiological tests showed that MEL reduced frequency and severity of seizure. The results of behavioral tests indicated MEL improved cognition, learning, and memory ability. Histological evidences demonstrated a significant reduction of neuronal death in the hippocampus. In vivo study showed that MEL changed the polarization status of MG from a proinflammatory M1 phenotype to an anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype by inversely regulating the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. In cytological study, we found that MEL had a significant protective effect in LPS‐treated BV‐2 cells and ROCK‐KD cells, while the protective effect of MEL was significantly attenuated in ROCK‐OE cells.ConclusionMEL played an antiepileptic role in the KA‐induced TLE modeling mice both in behavioral and histological levels, and changed MG polarization status by regulating the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.
Characterization of SARS‐CoV‐2 humoral immune response in a subject with unique sampling: A case report
Authors: Walker Melanie R. , Idorn Manja , Bennett Anja , Søgaard Max , Salanti Ali , Ditlev Sisse B. , Barfod Lea 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe development of vaccine candidates for COVID‐19, and the administration of booster vaccines, has meant a significant reduction in COVID‐19 related deaths world‐wide and the easing of global restrictions. However, new variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 have emerged with less susceptibility to vaccine induced immunity leading to breakthrough infections among vaccinated people. It is generally acknowledged that immunoglobulins play the major role in immune‐protection, primarily through binding to the SARS‐COV‐2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and thereby inhibiting viral binding to the ACE2 receptor. However, there are limited investigations of anti‐RBD isotypes (IgM, IgG, IgA) and IgG subclasses (IgG1–4) over the course of vaccination and breakthrough infection.MethodIn this study, SARS‐CoV‐2 humoral immunity is examined in a single subject with unique longitudinal sampling. Over a two year period, the subject received three doses of vaccine, had two active breakthrough infections and 22 blood samples collected. Serological testing included anti‐nucleocapsid total antibodies, anti‐RBD total antibodies, IgG, IgA, IgM and IgG subclasses, neutralization and ACE2 inhibition against the wildtype (WT), Delta and Omicron variants.ResultsVaccination and breakthrough infections induced IgG, specifically IgG1 and IgG4 as well as IgM and IgA. IgG1 and IgG4 responses were cross reactive and associated with broad inhibition.ConclusionThe findings here provide novel insights into humoral immune response characteristics associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 breakthrough infections.
A balancing act: Non‐directive communication, risk perceptions, and meeting patient needs in genetic counseling: A South African case study
Authors: Scott Megan , Watermeyer Jennifer , Wessels Tina‐Marie 
Published: June 2023

AbstractGenetic counseling (GC) traditionally follows a non‐directive counseling approach. Although a cornerstone of GC teaching and theory, there has been debate on whether GC is, can be, or should be a patient‐led service due to challenges in practice, as well as the advancement and complexity of genetic testing. Personal risk perceptions and patient expectations within particular contexts may further affect how genetic counselors discuss risk information, even while attempting to remain neutral. Less is known about the process of GC communication in non‐Western settings. This paper presents empirical evidence from a South African prenatal GC consultation where tensions become apparent due to differing risk perceptions and expectations between a genetic counselor and a patient, which ultimately impacts non‐directive communication practice. The case study forms part of a larger qualitative study focusing on risk and uncertainty communication within GC consultations in Cape Town, South Africa. A blended sociolinguistic approach drawing on principles of conversation analysis (CA) and theme‐orientated discourse analysis (TODA) provides evidence of the complexity of imparting risk information and challenging patients to reflect on their decision‐making, whilst refraining from sharing personal risk perceptions during everyday practice. The case study demonstrates how a genetic counselor may become implicitly and explicitly directive in their communication approach within the same consult which may reveal their personal risk perceptions on the matter discussed. In addition, the case study reveals how a genetic counselor may grapple with the dilemma of honoring the non‐directive guidelines of the profession, whilst simultaneously supporting a patient who requests advice. The ongoing debate on non‐directive counseling, decision‐making, and patient care in GC is important for the reflection and development of the profession to understand how to assist and support patients facing sensitive and difficult decisions, in a meaningful, and contextually‐tailored manner.
Diffusion‐Weighted MRI of the Fetal Brain in Fetal Growth Restriction With Maternal Preeclampsia or Gestational Hypertension
Authors: Zheng Weizeng , Yan Guohui , Jiang Ying , Bao Zhongkun , Li Kui , Deng Meixiang , Li Baohua , Zou Yu 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundThe fetal neurodevelopmental microstructural alterations of intrauterine exposure to preeclampsia (PE) or gestational hypertension (GH) remain unknown.PurposeTo evaluate the differences in diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of the fetal brain between normotensive pregnancies and PE/GH pregnancies, with a focus on PE/GH pregnancies with fetal growth restriction (FGR).Study TypeRetrospective matched case–control study.Population40 singleton pregnancies with PE/GH complicated by FGR, and 3 paired control groups (PE/GH without FGR, normotensive FGR, normotensive pregnancies) (28–38 gestational weeks).Field Strength/SequenceDWI with single‐shot echo‐planar imaging at 1.5 Tesla.AssessmentThe apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated in the centrum semi‐ovale (CSO), parietal white matter (PWM), frontal white matter (FWM), occipital white matter (OWM), temporal white matter (TWM), basal ganglia, thalamus (THAL), pons, and cerebellar hemisphere.Statistical TestsStudent t test or Wilcoxon matched test was used to reveal the difference of ADC values among the investigated brain regions. A correlation between gestational age (GA) and ADC values was determined by linear regression analysis.ResultsCompared with fetuses in PE/GH without FGR and those with normotensive pregnancies, fetuses in the PE/GH with FGR group had significantly lower average ADC measurements of supratentorial regions (1.65 ± 0.09 vs. 1.71 ± 0.10 10−3 mm2/sec; vs. 1.73 ± 0.11 10−3 mm2/sec, respectively). Regions of significantly decreased ADC values in the fetal brain included CSO, FWM, PWM, OWM, TWM and THAL in cases of PE/GH with FGR. ADC values from supratentorial regions in PE/GH pregnancies were not significantly correlated with GA (P = 0.12, 0.26); however, this trend was statistically significant in the normotensive groups.Data ConclusionADC values may indicate fetal brain developmental alterations in PE/GH with FGR fetuses but more microscopic and morphological studies are necessary to provide additional evidence to offer a different interpretation of this trend in fetal brain.Level of Evidence4Technical Efficacy Stage3
Broadband PA design using Bayesian algorithms with different covariance functions
Authors: Huang Jiajun , Qu Yan , Hao Zefang , Cai Jialin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis article examines the effects of Bayesian optimization (BO) with different covariance functions on the optimization of a radio frequency power amplifier (RFPA). An initial PA is designed based on a Chebyshev low‐pass topology using a 10 W Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistor. The objective function is established in a novel manner. The performance of the initially designed PA was optimized by using various BO algorithms, including two different acquisition functions and five different covariance functions. Both simulation and measurement results indicate that the kernel squared exponential (KSE) and Matérn32 covariance functions provide the best option for optimizing PA by BO. A broadband power amplifier (PA) operating at a frequency range from 2.5 GHz to 3.5 GHz has been developed with an output power (Pout) greater than 40.8 dBm and a power‐added efficiency (PAE) greater than 65%.
Performance assessment of charge plasma based hetero‐structure VTFET biosensor for linearity enhancement
Authors: Theja A. , Panchore Meena 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis paper examines a charge plasma‐based hetero‐structure full gate vertical tunnel field effect transistor (CP‐FG‐VTFET) as a dielectrically modulated biosensor. It is also compared with a charge plasma‐based short gate vertical TFET (CP‐SG‐VTFET) biosensor and a charge plasma‐based asymmetrical vertical TFET (CP‐AS‐VTFET) biosensor with identical dimensions. We examine the basic physics of these biosensors and compare their ability to recognize charged and neutral molecules. It has been noted that these designs, which use GaSb as the n‐type TFET source material, are suitable for supply voltages lower than 1.2 V. The short gate device has a lower miller capacitance and a higher drive current because it has a narrow bandgap source material. Additionally, the left and right gate alignment of asymmetrical gate architectures has a considerable impact on the sensitivity of the device. Therefore, a simulation is conducted to assess the effects of gate misalignment on biosensor surface potential and drain current sensitivity. In addition, various figures of merits (FOMs) are computed for the device utilizing the dielectric constant range of 1–12, including linearity, sensitivity, and evaluation of noise characteristics. The widely available Silvaco TCAD was employed to simulate the proposed VTFET biosensors. A comprehensive evaluation of the FOM values showed that the CP‐FG‐VTFET is a promising device in terms of linearity and sensitivity.
Impact of raising the upper extremity siding cardiac implantable electrical devices on postoperative safety
Authors: Takeda Tomonori , Tsubaki Atsuhiro , Ikeda Yoshifumi , Kato Ritsushi , Kojima Sho , Makita Shigeru 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe upper extremity siding cardiac implantable electrical device tends to have a limited range of motion during the perioperative period; however, the underlying reason lacks scientific evidence. This study aimed to investigate the safety of the two methods (stepwise or early) of postoperative early upper extremity rehabilitation.MethodsWe retrospectively investigated 650 consecutive patients with a new implantable pacemaker (PM), implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), or generator exchange between March 2017 and December 2020.The limitation program was conducted from March 2017 to March 2018. The intervention program started as a stepwise protocol in April 2018 and was switched to an early protocol in December 2019.ResultsThis study analyzed 591 patients, excluding 59 who met the exclusion criteria. The mean age was 76.0 (69.0–82.0) years; 412 (69.7%) patients had a PM, 79 (13.4%) had an ICD, and 100 (16.9%) utilized CRT. There were 155 patients in the limitation protocol, 251 in the stepwise protocol, and 185 patients in the early protocol groups. Postoperative complications occurred in 53 (9.0%) patients. There was no significant difference in the incidence of all complications between the three groups (16 patients [10.3%] vs. 26 patients [10.4%] vs. 11 patients [5.9%]). Shoulder exercise‐related complications were defined as hematoma (p = .94), lead dislodgement (p = .16), and increased pacing threshold (p = .23). General complications included wound infection (p = .51), pneumothorax (p = .27), tamponade (p = .07), and deep venous thrombosis (p = .26).ConclusionRaising of the upper extremity siding cardiac implantable electrical devices above the head did not compromise postoperative safety.
Characterization, variability and long‐term trends on local climate in a Mexican tropical dry forest
Authors: Takano‐Rojas Harumi , Murray‐Tortarolo Guillermo , Maass Manuel , Castillo Alicia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBased on 40 years of meteorological data, we characterized and analysed long‐term climatic trends in the Chamela‐Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve on the Pacific coast of central Mexico. The region is still covered by a large proportion of well‐preserved tropical dry forest, characterized by a short period of rain and a dry season of around 8 months. We found a sustained temperature increase which is likely driven by global climate change. An increasing trend in rainfall was also found, but the trend was detected only during the wet season. Correspondingly, an increase in runoff during the rainfall season was also detected; this seems to be linked with an increasing number of intense rainfall events, rather than an increase in the total number of rainy days. El Niño years are likely to present below average precipitation during the wet season and above average precipitation during the dry season. The opposite is expected during La Niña years, when tropical cyclones are likely to come closer to the coast and cause intense rainfall events during the hurricane season. As many of the studied variables are likely to change under climate change scenarios, our results highlight the need to understand the expected impacts of global climate change on tropical dry forests. In particular, it is necessary to monitor changes in water availability to anticipate its consequences for the forest and the human communities that depend on it.
Guidelines for ex vivo mechanical testing of tendon
Authors: Lake Spencer P. , Snedeker Jess G. , Wang Vincent M. , Awad Hani , Screen Hazel R. C. , Thomopoulos Stavros 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTendons are critical for the biomechanical function of joints. Tendons connect muscles to bones and allow for the transmission of muscle forces to facilitate joint motion. Therefore, characterizing the tensile mechanical properties of tendons is important for the assessment of functional tendon health and efficacy of treatments for acute and chronic injuries. In this guidelines paper, we review methodological considerations, testing protocols, and key outcome measures for mechanical testing of tendons. The goal of the paper is to present a simple set of guidelines to the nonexpert seeking to perform tendon mechanical tests. The suggested approaches provide rigorous and consistent methodologies for standardized biomechanical characterization of tendon and reporting requirements across laboratories.
Postglacial environmental change inferred from carbonate‐ and organic‐rich sediments of groundwater‐fed Kelly Lake, Kenai Peninsula, south‐central Alaska
Authors: Wrobleski Emmy A. , Broadman Ellie , Werner Al , Rodbell Donald T. , Kaufman Darrell S. 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTMajor shifts in hydroclimate have been documented during the last deglacial period and the Holocene in south‐central Alaska. Rare freshwater calcium carbonate (marl) deposits in lakes on the Kenai Peninsula can be used to reconstruct past changes in hydroclimate, including the influence of groundwater inflow to lakes. Here, the postglacial sediment sequence from groundwater‐fed Kelly Lake (60.514°N, 150.374°W) was analyzed for multiple proxies including isotopes of carbon and oxygen in marl calcite (δ13Cmarl and δ18Omarl), and isotopes of carbon (ẟ13COM) and abundances of C and N in organic matter. Bulk sediment analyses include organic matter and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) contents, visual stratigraphy and sediment flux. These analyses extend those of a previous paleoenvironmental reconstruction from Kelly Lake, which focused on sedimentary diatom oxygen isotopes and mass balance modeling over the past 10 000 years. Here, we show that Kelly Lake was deglaciated prior to 14.6 ka, and that by 14.0 ka marl dominated the sediments, with CaCO3 precipitation probably driven by groundwater input and mediated by shallow‐water charophytes. Marl accumulation decreased as organic and clastic inputs increased between ~12.2 and 11.5 ka. This shift, together with an increase in both δ13Cmarl and δ18Omarl values and a decrease in CaCO3 content, indicates an increase in the influence of meteoric water on the hydrologic budget under wet conditions, possibly driven by a strengthened Aleutian Low atmospheric pressure cell. A shift to lower δ13Cmarl and δ18Omarl values at ~11.5 ka is interpreted as an increase in the proportion of groundwater relative to meteoric water in the lake. Beginning around 9 ka, the proportion of meteoric water input continued to increase, the surrounding coniferous forest was established, and by 8 ka, CaCO3 accumulation ended. Our results elucidate the environmental conditions under which marl was deposited during the Lateglacial and early Holocene in this part of Alaska, and demonstrate how a variety of synoptic‐ and local‐scale climatic variables can converge to influence sedimentation in a groundwater‐fed lake.
A comprehensive evaluation of serum tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer
Authors: Li Xun , Zhang Yu , Li Yang , Gu Xinliang , Ju Shaoqing 
Published: June 2023

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is a common malignant digestive system tumor. Since the early symptoms of GC are usually vague and the positive rate of common biomarkers of GC is low, it is of urgent need to find new biomarkers with good sensitivity and specificity to screen and diagnose GC patients. The tRNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) are emerging small noncoding RNAs that play an essential role in cancer progression. In this study, we explored whether novel tsRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for GC. Three tsRNAs significantly upregulated in GC were screened by the tsRFun database. The expression level of tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP was detected by real‐time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Agarose gel electrophoresis and Sanger sequencing were used to verify the characteristics of tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP. The χ2 test was used to analyze the correlation between tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP expression level and clinicopathological parameters. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to analyze the correlation between tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP expression levels and survival time of GC patients. In this study, the expression level of tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP was significantly increased in GC tissues. The expression level of tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP was considerably higher in the serum of GC patients than in the serum of gastritis patients and in the serum of healthy donors, and the expression level of tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP was significantly decreased in the serum of GC patients after surgery. In addition, the χ2 test showed that the expression level of tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP in GC serum was correlated with differentiation grade, T‐stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor node metastasis stage, and neurological/vascular invasion. The results of the survival curve showed that the high expression of serum tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP was associated with a low survival rate. ROC analysis showed that serum tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP had higher diagnostic efficiency than common GC biomarkers, and the diagnostic efficiency was further improved by combining them. At the end of the study, we predicted the downstream of tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP. The expression level of tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP in the serum of GC patients can effectively identify GC patients and has higher efficacy than conventional biomarkers. In addition, serum tRF‐29‐R9J8909NF5JP can monitor the postoperative condition of GC patients, suggesting that it has the potential to become a biomarker for GC.
Free‐style propeller ulnar artery perforator flaps for radial forearm flap donor site repair
Authors: Marchesi Andrea , Gatto Arianna , Cavalli Erica M. , Del Bene Massimo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIntroductionThe radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is still one of the most used free flaps to repair soft tissue defects of the head and neck. Among its main drawbacks, it presents severe donor site complications. We report our experience about the use of free‐style propeller ulnar artery perforator flaps (UAP) to repair RFFF donor site.Patients and MethodsFrom February 2010 to June 2020, six patients who underwent immediate tongue reconstruction with RFFF after cancer excision, had the donor site at the forearm reconstructed with a free‐style propeller UAP flap. The indication for a UAP flap was based on defect size and the presence of tendons or radial nerve exposure. Ulnar artery perforators were identified intra‐operatively with a handheld Doppler. The UAP flaps were harvested and rotated to cover donor site defects. The patients' mean age was 59, ranging from 49 to 65 years old. The defects size ranged from 8–12 cm × 5–7 cm with a mean size of 10.5 × 6.7 cm.ResultsThe UAP flap harvested ranged from 8–11 cm × 5–7 cm with a mean size of 10.5 × 5.5 cm. The perforators, identified with a power Doppler, were located at the middle third of the forearm. Flaps' rotation varied from 90 to 160° with a mean rotation of 122°. Mean operating time was 60 min ranging from 40 to 75 min for UAP flap elevation. No flap necrosis or tendon exposure occurred. One case of wound dehiscence was reported. Two out of six patients suffered from tendon adhesions to the flap. UAP flap donor site was primarily closed in four out of six patients, whereas two cases required a split‐thickness skin grafts. Mean donor site healing time was about 20 days (19.8 days) ranging from 14 to 30 days. Follow‐up ranged from 12 to 31 months with a mean follow up time of 19 months (18.6 months). At 6 months follow‐up only one patient experienced a functional limitation of wrist and finger joints extension of 20° which required tenolysis. At the end of the patient's follow up that is 22 months, the range of movement was within normal limits. In our casuistry neuropathic pain was absent.ConclusionsRFF is still a paramount tool in reconstructive surgery but its donor site is still burdened by a high complication rate. Free‐style UAP flaps can provide a local and safe solution.