bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C/EBPβ/AEP is age-dependently activated in Parkinson’s disease and mediates α-synuclein in the gut and brain
Authors: Wang Hualong , Chen Guiqin , Ahn Eun Hee , Xia Yiyuan , Kang Seong Su , Liu Xia , Liu Chang , Han Ming-Hu , Chen Shengdi , Ye Keqiang 
Published: January 2023

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative motor disorder, and its pathologic hallmarks include extensive dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in the Substantia nigra associated with Lewy bodies, predominantly consisting of phosphorylated and truncated α-Synuclein (α-Syn). Asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) cleaves human α-Syn at N103 residue and promotes its aggregation, contributing to PD pathogenesis. However, how AEP mediates Lewy body pathologies during aging and elicits PD onset remains incompletely understood. Knockout of AEP or C/EBPβ from α-SNCA mice, and their chronic rotenone exposure models were used, and the mechanism of α-Syn from the gut that spread to the brain was observed. Here we report that C/EBPβ/AEP pathway, aggravated by oxidative stress, is age-dependently activated and cleaves α-Syn N103 and regulates Lewy body-like pathologies spreading from the gut into the brain in human α-SNCA transgenic mice. Deletion of C/EBPβ or AEP substantially diminished the oxidative stress, neuro-inflammation, and PD pathologies, attenuating motor dysfunctions in aged α-SNCA mice. Noticeably, PD pathologies initiate in the gut and progressively spread into the brain. Chronic gastric exposure to a low dose of rotenone initiates Lewy body-like pathologies in the gut that propagate into the brain in a C/EBPβ/AEP-dependent manner. Hence, our studies demonstrate that C/EBPβ/AEP pathway is critical for mediating Lewy body pathology progression in PD.
In-situ forming injectable GFOGER-conjugated BMSCs-laden hydrogels for osteochondral regeneration
Authors: Ha Mi Yeon , Yang Dae Hyeok , You Su Jung , Kim Hyun Joo , Chun Heung Jae 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe collagen-mimetic peptide GFOGER possesses the chondrogenic potential and has been used as a cell adhesion peptide or chondrogenic inducer. Here, we prepared an injectable in situ forming composite hydrogel system comprising methoxy polyethylene glycol-b-polycaprolactone (MPEG-PCL) and GFOGER-conjugated PEG-PCL (GFOGER-PEG-PCL) with various GFOGER concentrations based on our recently patented technology. The conjugation of GFOGER to PEG-PCL was confirmed by 1H NMR, and the particle size distribution and rheological properties for the sol-gel transition behavior of the samples with respect to the GFOGER content were evaluated systemically. In vitro experiments using rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) revealed that the GFOGER-PEG-PCL hydrogel significantly enhanced expression of integrins (β1, α2, and α11), increased expression of FAK, and induced downstream signaling of ERK and p38. Overexpression of chondrogenic markers suggested that BMSCs have the potential to differentiate into chondrogenic lineages within GFOGER-PEG-PCL samples. In vivo studies using a rat osteochondral defect model revealed that transplanted BMSCs with GFOGER0.8-PEG-PCL survived at the defect with strong chondrogenic expression after 4 weeks. The stem cell-laden GFOGER0.8-PEG-PCL hydrogel produced remarkable osteochondral regeneration at 8 weeks of transplantation, as determined by histological findings and micro-CT analysis. The histomorphological score in the GFOGER0.8-PEG-PCL + BMSCs group was ~1.7-, 2.6-, and 5.3-fold higher than that in the GFOGER0.8-PEG-PCL, MPEG-PCL, and defect groups, respectively. Taken together, these results provide an important platform for further advanced GFOGER-based stem cell research for osteochondral repair.
On lightmyography based muscle-machine interfaces for the efficient decoding of human gestures and forces
Authors: Shahmohammadi Mojtaba , Guan Bonnie , Godoy Ricardo V. , Dwivedi Anany , Nielsen Poul , Liarokapis Minas 
Published: January 2023

AbstractConventional muscle-machine interfaces like Electromyography (EMG), have significant drawbacks, such as crosstalk, a non-linear relationship between the signal and the corresponding motion, and increased signal processing requirements. In this work, we introduce a new muscle-machine interfacing technique called lightmyography (LMG), that can be used to efficiently decode human hand gestures, motion, and forces from the detected contractions of the human muscles. LMG utilizes light propagation through elastic media and human tissue, measuring changes in light luminosity to detect muscle movement. Similar to forcemyography, LMG infers muscular contractions through tissue deformation and skin displacements. In this study, we look at how different characteristics of the light source and silicone medium affect the performance of LMG and we compare LMG and EMG based gesture decoding using various machine learning techniques. To do that, we design an armband equipped with five LMG modules, and we use it to collect the required LMG data. Three different machine learning methods are employed: Random Forests, Convolutional Neural Networks, and Temporal Multi-Channel Vision Transformers. The system has also been efficiently used in decoding the forces exerted during power grasping. The results demonstrate that LMG outperforms EMG for most methods and subjects.
Impact of high myopia on inner retinal layer thickness in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Kim Jung-Tae , Na Yong-Jin , Lee Sung-Chul , Lee Min-Woo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTo investigate the impact of the combination of type 2 diabetes (DM) and high myopia on inner retinal layer thickness of the macular area. The patients were divided into four groups: control (group 1), patients with DM without high myopia (group 2), patients with high myopia without DM (group 3), and patients with DM and high myopia (group 4). Ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness was compared among the groups. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with GCC thickness. A total of 194 eyes were enrolled: 59 in group 1, 52 in group 2, 49 in group 3, and 34 in group 4. The average parafovea GCC thicknesses were 113.9 ± 10.4, 112.4 ± 11.2, 112.2 ± 7.8, and 102.6 ± 15.1 μm (P < 0.001), and the average perifovea GCC thicknesses were 104.8 ± 13.2, 103.5 ± 10.8, 103.6 ± 8.8, and 93.9 ± 15.5 μm in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (P = 0.001). In multivariate analyses, age (β = − 0.20, P = 0.007), DM duration (β = − 0.34, P = 0.023), and axial length (β = − 1.64, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with parafoveal GCC thickness. The GCC was significantly thinner when high myopia and DM were combined, compared to either condition alone. Additionally, age, DM duration, and axial length were significant factors associated with GCC thickness. The combination of mechanical stretching and neurodegeneration would accelerate neural damage to the retina, resulting in greater inner retinal layer thinning.
Multiplication of photonic band gaps in one-dimensional photonic crystals by using hyperbolic metamaterial in IR range
Authors: Mohamed Aliaa G. , Sabra Walied , Mehaney Ahmed , Aly Arafa H. , Elsayed Hussein A. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe light-slowing effect near band endpoints is frequently exploited in photonic crystals to enhance the optical transmittance. In a one-dimensional binary photonic crystal (1DPC) made of hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs), we theoretically examined the angle-dependent omnidirectional photonic bandgap (PBG) for TM polarization. Using the transfer matrix approach, the optical characteristics of the 1DPC structure having dielectric and HMM layers were examined at the infrared range (IR). As such, we observed the existing of numerous PBGs in this operating wavelength range (IR). Meanwhile, the HMM layer is engineered by the subwavelength dielectric- nanocomposite multilayers. The filling fraction of nanoparticles have been explored to show how they affect the effective permittivity of the HMM layer. Furthermore, the transmittance properties of the suggested structure are investigated at various incident angles for transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric polarizations. Other parameters such as, the permittivity of the host material, the filling fraction of nanoparticles, and the thickness of the second layer (HMM) are also taken into account. Finally, we investigated the effect of these parameters on the number and the width of the (PBGs). With the optimum values of the optical parameters of the nanocomposite (NC) layer, this research could open the way for better multi-channel filter photonic crystals.
Reference values for bone mass in young athletes: a cross-sectional study in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Fagundes Ulysses , Vancini Rodrigo Luiz , de Almeida Alexandre Aparecido , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theo , Weiss Katja , Knechtle Beat , Andrade Marilia Santos , de Lira Claudio Andre Barbosa 
Published: January 2023

AbstractReference values for bone mass in young athletes need to be used for screening purposes, and country/regional reference values should be used to improve precision of comparisons. The aim of the present study was to develop reference values for bone health variables in Brazilian young athletes. The bone mass content (BMC), bone mass density (BMD), and total body less head (TBLH) BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry were measured in 702 young athletes (327 men and 375 women) aged 8.5–18.5 years, divided into 5 groups, according to their age: group 1 (8.5–10.5 years), group 2 (10.6–12.5 years), group 3 (12.6–14.5 years), group 4 (14.6–16.5 years), and group 5 (16.6–18.5 years). Comparisons between the sexes and ages were performed and age-sex-smoothed reference values were constructed. Male athletes presented high BMC and BMD than female athletes in age groups 3, 4, and 5 (p < 0.005) and high TBLH BMD than female athletes in age groups 4 and 5 (p < 0.005). Reference values, including the percentiles are presented for the bone health variables of each sex and age group. The age-, sex-, and ethnic-specific reference data for bone variables presented in this study enabled more precise reference data for young Brazilian athletes. These data may assist in monitoring changes during an athletes’ growth and different phases of athletic training.
Cross-talk between cancer and Pseudomonas aeruginosa mediates tumor suppression
Authors: Choi Juliana K. , Naffouje Samer A. , Goto Masahide , Wang Jing , Christov Konstantin , Rademacher David J. , Green Albert , Stecenko Arlene A. , Chakrabarty Ananda M. , Das Gupta Tapas K. , Yamada Tohru 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMicroorganisms living at many sites in the human body compose a complex and dynamic community. Accumulating evidence suggests a significant role for microorganisms in cancer, and therapies that incorporate bacteria have been tried in various types of cancer. We previously demonstrated that cupredoxin azurin secreted by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enters human cancer cells and induces apoptotic death1–4. However, the physiological interactions between P. aeruginosa and humans and their role in tumor homeostasis are largely unknown. Here, we show that P. aeruginosa upregulated azurin secretion in response to increasing numbers of and proximity to cancer cells. Conversely, cancer cells upregulated aldolase A secretion in response to increasing proximity to P. aeruginosa, which also correlated with enhanced P. aeruginosa adherence to cancer cells. Additionally, we show that cancer patients had detectable P. aeruginosa and azurin in their tumors and exhibited increased overall survival when they did, and that azurin administration reduced tumor growth in transgenic mice. Our results suggest host–bacterial symbiotic mutualism acting as a diverse adjunct to the host defense system via inter-kingdom communication mediated by the evolutionarily conserved proteins azurin and human aldolase A. This improved understanding of the symbiotic relationship of bacteria with humans indicates the potential contribution to tumor homeostasis.
Exploring the phase stability in interpenetrated diamondoid covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Borgmans Sander , Rogge Sven M. J. , De Vos Juul S. , Van Der Voort Pascal , Van Speybroeck Veronique 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSoft porous crystals, which are responsive to external stimuli such as temperature, pressure, or gas adsorption, are being extensively investigated for various technological applications. However, while substantial research has been devoted to stimuli-responsive metal-organic frameworks, structural flexibility in 3D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) remains ill-understood, and is almost exclusively found in COFs exhibiting the diamondoid (dia) topology. Herein, we systemically investigate how the structural decoration of these 3DdiaCOFs—their specific building blocks and degree of interpenetration—as well as external triggers such as temperature and guest adsorption may promote or suppress their phase transformations, as captured by a collection of 2D free energy landscapes. Together, these provide a comprehensive understanding of the necessary conditions to design flexible diamondoid COFs. This study reveals how their flexibility originates from the balance between steric hindrance and dispersive interactions of the structural decoration, thereby providing insight into how new flexible 3D COFs can be designed.
Aufklärung von Eltern zu Fieber im Kindesalter Evaluation der
Wirkung einer Informationsbroschüre
Authors: Himbert Christina , Jenetzky Ekkehart , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Kerdar Sara Hamideh , Schwarz Silke , Martin David 
Published: January 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Fieber gilt als wichtige Abwehrreaktion des Körpers
bei Infekten und spielt im Kindesalter eine große Rolle. Unter Eltern
sind immer noch Angst und Unsicherheit im Umgang mit Fieber weit verbreitet. Als
Aufklärungsinstrument für Eltern können
Informationsbroschüren zum Wissen und Umgang mit Fieber im Kindesalter
dienen. Es wurde bisher noch nicht untersucht, ob diese Art der
Informationsvermittlung ein geeignetes Werkzeug zur Aufklärung von
Eltern darstellt.
Methode 16 Krippen und Kindergärten im Saarland wurden aufgesucht.
481 Elternteile von mindestens einem Kind zwischen 1 und 7 Jahren beantworteten
einen Fragebogen zu Wissen, Umgang und Vorgehen bei Fieber im Rahmen von
Infekten. Im Anschluss wurde eine Informationsbroschüre zu Fieber
ausgehändigt. Am Folgetag wurde der Fragebogen erneut von denjenigen 190
Eltern beantwortet, welche die Informationsbroschüre gelesen hatten. Die
Änderung durch Lektüre der Informationsbroschüre wurde
analysiert.
Ergebnisse 40% der Teilnehmenden lasen die
Informationsbroschüre. An der Nacherhebung nahmen 87%
Mütter und 13% Väter teil. 10% der Nachbefragten
hatten Hauptschulabschluss und 34% einen Universitätsabschluss.
Nach der Lektüre wurde Fieber signifikant häufiger als
nützlich angesehen und als Grund für eine Fiebersenkung wurden
signifikant seltener Fieberkrämpfe und Folgeschäden genannt.
Schlussfolgerung Informationsbroschüren zu Fieber können
ein ergänzendes Werkzeug zur Aufklärung darstellen, die
kurzfristige Wirkung wird bestätigt, die Nachhaltigkeit muss weiter
evaluiert werden. Es besteht zudem die Notwendigkeit die Mehrheit zu
erreichen.
Preterm Birth Rates and Racial Disparities during the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Single Institution in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Cate Jennifer J. M. , Craig Amanda M. , Hughes Brenna L. , Dotters-Katz Sarah K. , Wheeler Sarahn M. 
Published: January 2023

Objective The COVID pandemic has been associated with varied effects on preterm birth (PTB). We sought to compare rates of PTB during the pre- and post vaccination COVID periods with pre-pandemic PTB rates, stratified by race and ethnicity.
Study Design Retrospective cohort comparing all deliveries over 20 weeks at a single tertiary center during “early” (March 2020–June 2020) versus “late” COVID (March 2021–June 2021), and “late” COVID versus pre-COVID (March to June 2014–2019). PTBs <37, <34, and <28 weeks were compared and stratified by race/ethnicity.
Results A total of 16,483 deliveries occurred including 2,068 “early” COVID, 2,115 “late” COVID, and 12,300 pre-COVID. The PTB rate during “late” COVID was lower compared to “early” COVID (12.1 vs. 14.6%, p = 0.02). Rate of PTB <34 was also lower during “late” COVID (4.4 vs. 5.7%, p = 0.05). PTB <28 did not differ. When controlling for prior PTB, “late” COVID remained associated with a decreased risk of PTB compared to “early” COVID, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68, 0.98). Although there was no difference in PTB among Hispanic individuals when comparing “late” COVID versus pre-COVID, when further subdivided, a small number of Hispanic Puerto Rican individuals had higher odds of PTB < 37 during “late” COVID versus pre-COVID (aOR = 4.29 [95% CI: 1.12, 16.4]). Additionally, White individuals had reduced odds of PTB <37 (aOR = 0.80 [95% CI: 0.65, 0.98]) during “late” COVID versus pre-COVID while the PTB rate was unchanged when comparing “late” COVID versus pre-COVID in all other racial and ethnic groups.
Conclusion During 2021, PTB rates decreased from rates observed in 2020 at the height of COVID restrictions. Among White birthing individuals, PTB decreased in 2021 compared to pre-COVID rates. This decrease was not observed in Black and Hispanic birthing individuals. These data highlight the continued racially disparate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PTB rates.
Key Points
Pregnancy-Associated Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the United States
Authors: Varvoutis Megan S. , Wein Lauren E. , Sugrue Ronan , Darwin Kristin C. , Vaught Arthur J. , Meng Marie-Louise , Hughes Brenna L. , Grotegut Chad A. , Federspiel Jerome J. 
Published: January 2023

Objective The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy has increased in the adult population. Studies from the H1N1 influenza pandemic suggest that ECMO deployment in pregnancy is associated with favorable outcomes. With increasing numbers of pregnant women affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) and potentially requiring this life-saving therapy, we sought to compare comorbidities, costs, and outcomes between pregnancy- and nonpregnancy-associated ECMO therapy among reproductive-aged female patients.
Study Design We used the 2013 to 2019 National Readmissions Database. Diagnosis and procedural coding were used to identify ECMO deployment, potential indications, comorbid conditions, and pregnancy outcomes. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality during the patient's initial ECMO stay. Secondary outcomes included length of stay and hospital charges/costs, occurrence of thromboembolic or bleeding complications during ECMO hospitalization, and mortality and readmissions up to 330 days following ECMO stay. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to model the associations between pregnancy status and outcomes.
Results The sample included 324 pregnancy-associated hospitalizations and 3,805 nonpregnancy-associated hospitalizations, corresponding to national estimates of 665 and 7,653 over the study period, respectively. Pregnancy-associated ECMO had lower incidence of in-hospital death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41–0.75) and bleeding complications (aOR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49–0.93). Length of stay was significantly shorter (adjusted rate ratio (aRR): 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.96) and total hospital costs were less (aRR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75–0.93). Differences in the incidence of thromboembolic events (aOR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.78–1.38) were not statistically significant.
Conclusion Pregnancy-associated ECMO therapy had lower incidence of in-hospital death, bleeding complications, total inpatient cost, and length of stay when compared with nonpregnancy-associated ECMO therapy without increased thromboembolic complications. Pregnancy-associated ECMO therapy should be offered to eligible patients.
Key Points
The Application of a Standard Risk Threshold for the Stratification of Maternal Morbidity among Population Subgroups
Authors: Clapp Mark A. , James Kaitlyn E. , Mccoy Thomas H. , Perlis Roy H. , Kaimal Anjali J. 
Published: January 2023

Objective The aim of this study was to determine if a universally applied risk score threshold for severe maternal morbidity (SMM) resulted in different performance characteristics among subgroups of the population.
Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of deliveries that occurred between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2020, in a single health system. We examined the performance of a validated comorbidity score to stratify SMM risk in our cohort. We considered the risk score that was associated with the highest decile of predicted risk as a “screen positive” for morbidity. We then used this same threshold to calculate the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of this “highest risk” designation among subgroups of the overall cohort based on the following characteristics: age, race/ethnicity, parity, gestational age, and planned mode of delivery.
Results In the overall cohort of 53,982 women, the C-statistic was 0.755 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.741–0.769) and calibration plot demonstrated that the risk score was well calibrated. The model performed less well in the following groups: non-White or Hispanic (C-statistic, 0.734; 95% CI, 0.712–0.755), nulliparas (C-statistic, 0.735; 95% CI, 0.716–0.754), term deliveries (C-statistic, 0.712; 95% CI, 0.694–0.729), and planned vaginal delivery (C-statistic, 0.728; 95% CI, 0.709–0.747). There were differences in the PPVs by gestational age (7.8% term and 29.7% preterm) and by planned mode of delivery (8.7% vaginal and 17.7% cesarean delivery). Sensitivities were lower in women who were <35 years (36.6%), non-White or Hispanic (40.7%), nulliparous (38.9%), and those having a planned vaginal delivery (40.9%) than their counterparts.
Conclusion The performance of a risk score for SMM can vary by population subgroups when using standard thresholds derived from the overall cohort. If applied without such considerations, such thresholds may be less likely to identify certain subgroups of the population that may be at increased risk of SMM.
Key Points
An Efficient Catalyst-Free Direct Approach to 5-Polyfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones
Authors: Slivka Mikhailo V. , Holovko-Kamoshenkova Oksana M. , Hrdina Radim , Baumer Vyacheslav N. , Korol Nataliya I. , Sokolenko Liubov V. , Lendel Vasil G. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAn easy to handle high-efficient approach to 5-polyfluoroalkyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones (11 examples, up to 91% yield) is reported. The tautomerism of thione and thiol forms for the obtained products is discussed. A one step procedure for 6,6-dimethyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6-dihydro[1,3]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazole formation from trifluoroacetic acid and 4-methallylthiosemicarbazide has been developed. The structures of the products were unambiguously determined by complex NMR investigation and by single crystal X-ray diffraction.
Epilepsy in Joubert Syndrome: A Still Few Explored Matter
Authors: Prato Adriana , Scuderi Anna , Amore Greta , Spoto Giulia , Salpietro Vincenzo , Ceravolo Antonio , Farello Giovanni , Iapadre Giulia , Pironti Erica , Dicanio Daniela , Rosa Gabriella Di 
Published: January 2023

AbstractEpilepsy is rarely associated with Joubert's syndrome and related disorders (JSRD), being reported only in 3% of cases. Few patients have been described, moreover, with poor evidences of specific seizures' semiology or standard of practice for pharmacological treatment. Epilepsy is likely to be related to brain malformations in ciliopathies. Beyond the typical hindbrain malformation, the molar tooth sign, other cerebral anomalies variably reported in JSRD, such as generalized polymicrogyria, hamartomas, periventricular nodular heterotopia, and hippocampal defects, have been described. Herein, we aimed to revise the main clinical and etiopathogenetic characteristics of epilepsy associated with JSRD.