bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A portable system for economical nucleic acid amplification testing
Authors: Dong Hui , Mo Jin , Yu Yongjian , Xie Wantao , Zheng Jianping , Jia Chao 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Regular and rapid large-scale screening for pathogens is crucial for controlling pandemics like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we present the development of a digital point-of-care testing (POCT) system utilizing microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments. The system incorporates temperature tuning and fluorescent detection components, along with intelligent and autonomous image acquisition and self-recognition programs.Methods: The developed POCT system is based on the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), a well-established molecular biology technique for detecting and amplifying nucleic acids. We successfully detected artificially synthesized SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments, namely ORF1ab gene, N gene, and E gene, with minimal reagent consumption of only 2.2 μL per readout, representing a mere 11% of the requirements of conventional in-tube methods. The power dissipation of the system was low, at 6.4 W.Results: Our testing results demonstrated that the proposed approach achieved a limit of detection of 1000 copies/mL, which is equivalent to detecting 1 copy or a single RNA template per reaction. By employing standard curve analysis, the quantity of the target templates can be accurately determined.Conclusion: The developed digital POCT system shows great promise for rapid and reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for controlling pandemics. Its compatibility with other diagnostic techniques and low reagent consumption make it a viable option to enhance healthcare in resource-limited areas.
Synergistic graphene-MnOx/honeycomb activated carbon (G-MnOx/HAC) and plasma technology for eradication of pathogenic microorganisms
Authors: Zhang Jiqing , Jia Ying , Lv Xiaomeng , Xiong Tiedan , Su Jun , Huang Yuanzheng , Shen Keke 
Published: August 2023

This paper addresses the risk for environmental transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in confined spaces and the serious health hazards for personnel, and research on efficient eradication methods for the pathogenic microorganisms was carried out to provide technical support for ensuring the health of personnel in confined spaces. A series of graphene-MnO2 (G-MnO2) catalytic materials was prepared by hydrothermal and precipitation methods, and processing parameters such as the graphene doping method, the raw material ratio and the plasma action time were optimized. It was shown that G-MnOX-P/HAC prepared by a one-step precipitation method and with a graphene doping ratio of 10% had the best bactericidal effect in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor after 4 min of reaction. The eradication rates for Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), coronavirus and Aspergillus niger were all greater than 99.9%. The characterization techniques TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS, BET and FT-IR showed that the G-MnOX-P samples prepared by the one-step precipitation method had larger specific surface areas with more oxygen vacancies and functional groups on the surfaces, which was conducive to decomposition of the ozone generated by the dissociated plasma and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for the microbial eradication process. Finally, by comparing the ozone-decomposition activity with the plasma co-catalytic performance, it was verified that efficient decomposition of the ozone facilitated the eradication of microorganisms. Based on this, an analysis of the mechanism for efficient eradication was carried out.
Meta-analysis of the effect of probiotics or synbiotics on the risk factors in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Lei Yunzhen , Xu Min , Huang Nanqu , Yuan Zhengqiang 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to study the effect of probiotics or synbiotics on the risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in the context of conventional drug therapy for CAD.MethodsThe literature on probiotics or synbiotics for the treatment of CAD was collected from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The search period was conducted on November 5, 2022, and the search covered all literature before November 5, 2022. The included literature consisted of randomized controlled trials of probiotics or synbiotics for CAD, and a meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14 software and RevMan 5.4 software.ResultsThe meta-analysis explored the effect of probiotics or synbiotics on the risk factors for coronary artery lesions in a treatment setting with conventional medications for CAD. After a rigorous literature screening process, 10 studies were finally included for data consolidation to objectively evaluate the effect of probiotics or synbiotics on coronary lesions. The results of this study showed that the addition of probiotics or synbiotics to conventional medications for CAD reduced the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [weighted mean difference (WMD) −9.13 (−13.17, −5.09)], fasting glucose (FPG) [WMD −13.60 (−23.57, −3.62)], and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) [standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.60 (−0.83, −0.37)] and increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [WMD 1.94 (0.32, 3.57)], nitric oxide (NO) [WMD 5.38 (3.23, 7.54)] but did not affect the triglyceride (TG) level [WMD −13.41 (−28.03, 1.21)], systolic blood pressure (SBP) [WMD −0.88 (−3.72, 1.96)], or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [WMD −0.21 (−2.19, 1.76)].ConclusionAdding probiotics or synbiotics to conventional medications for CAD may improve patient prognosis.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022362711.
Study on the structural characteristics of the Yangdachengzi oil layer in the Quantou Formation, ZY block, central depression, Songliao Basin
Authors: He Chunyu , Lin Yani , Zhang Tianze , Ma Jisheng , Li Yunfei , Cheng Jiaju , Zhang Yinde 
Published: August 2023

The Songliao Basin is a large Mesozoic–Cenozoic continental basin with multiple sedimentary cycles. It has experienced the influence of multidirectional and different structural stresses in the peripheral structural belt, resulting in a complex geological structure. The continental clastic deposits at the depression of the Quantou Formation in the shallow part of the basin, including the Fuyu oil layer and the Yangdachengzi oil layer, are the primary exploration and development target. The structure and faults are the dominant factors controlling the hydrocarbon accumulation in the upper member of the Quantou Formation in the central Songliao Basin. In this study, we finely interpret the three-dimensional structure of the third member of Quantou Formation in the ZY block by the integration of well logging and seismic data and then analyze the stratigraphic distribution and fracture characteristic and the tectonic development history of the Yangdachengzi oil layer. The results show that the Yangdachengzi oil layer is a monoclinic structure from the southeast to northwest. It has four third-level structural units, the Mofantun nose structure, Yumin nose structure, Zhaoyuan nose structure, and Zhaoyuan western nose structure, which form the structure-lithostratigraphic trap zones in the study area, in which a total of 80 traps for the Yangdachengzi oil layer has been identified with the total area of about 58.06 km2. Faults are highly developed in the central depression of the Songliao Basin. The ZY block is dominated by the extensional-strike-slip faults. The main fault direction is mostly north–northeast, and the secondary fault direction is mostly north–northwest. The complex tectonic activities determine the formation mechanism and the evolution of faults. The faults in this block can be classified as early-stage, middle-stage, late-stage, and long-term faults. The long-term fault is the major fault type of the five fault bundles, and it acts as the main channel for oil and gas migration. In addition, the reservoir is an above-generation and below-storage model. This study provides evidence for the hydrocarbon accumulation model of the Quantou Formation.
Seismic microzonation mapping of Greater Vancouver based on various site classification metrics
Authors: Adhikari Sujan Raj , Molnar Sheri , Wang Jinfei 
Published: August 2023

The goal of the multi-year seismic microzonation mapping project for Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is to produce seismic hazard maps inclusive of local site effects, in particular seismic hazard specific to one-dimensional site response and three-dimensional Georgia sedimentary basin amplification, as well as liquefaction and landslide hazard potential. We explore the variability in key seismic site characterization measures most often used for seismic microzonation mapping to evaluate the impact on mapping and communication of seismic microzonation of Greater Vancouver. This study focuses on the comparison of seismic microzonation maps of Greater Vancouver based on up to three seismic site term parameters and their associated classification schemes: 1) the time-averaged shear-wave velocity (Vs) of the upper 30 m (Vs30) and associated Canadian National Building Code (NBC) site class; 2) Vs30-based site classification proposed for the updated Eurocode 8; 3) site period (T0) determined from microtremor site amplification spectra; and 4) a hybrid site classification based on T0 and the average Vs and thickness of soil. 810 Vs30 and 2,200 T0 values are determined to evaluate sub-regional differences in these important seismic site parameters in Greater Vancouver. We find that the seismic microzonation of Greater Vancouver depends on the chosen seismic site parameter (Vs30, T0, or a combination of parameters) and that classification schemes with greater class divisions are beneficial to communicating the great variability in seismic site conditions in Greater Vancouver. We recommend that either one hybrid classification map or two classification maps of Vs30 and T0 together are required for effective communication of the seismic microzonation of Greater Vancouver.
Aberrant phenotype of circulating antigen presenting cells in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Reitsema Rosanne D. , Hesselink Bernd-Cornèl , Abdulahad Wayel H. , van der Geest Kornelis S. M. , Brouwer Elisabeth , Heeringa Peter , van Sleen Yannick 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundGiant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) are overlapping inflammatory diseases. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), are main contributors to the immunopathology of GCA and PMR. However, little is known about APC phenotypes in the peripheral blood at the time of GCA/PMR diagnosis.MethodsAPCs among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of treatment-naive GCA and PMR patients were compared to those in age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) using flow cytometry (n=15 in each group). We identified three monocyte subsets, and three DC subsets: plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), CD141+ conventional DCs (cDC1) and CD1c+ conventional DCs (cDC2). Each of these subsets was analyzed for expression of pattern recognition receptors (TLR2, TLR4), immune checkpoints (CD86, PDL1, CD40) and activation markers (HLA-DR, CD11c).Resultst-SNE plots revealed a differential clustering of APCs between GCA/PMR and HCs. Further analyses showed shifts in monocyte subsets and a lower proportion of the small population of cDC1 cells in GCA/PMR, whereas cDC2 proportions correlated negatively with CRP (r=-0.52). Classical monocytes of GCA/PMR patients show reduced expression of TLR2, HLA-DR, CD11c, which was in contrast to non-classical monocytes that showed higher marker expression. Additionally, single cell RNA sequencing in GCA patients identified a number of differentially expressed genes related to inflammation and metabolism in APCs.ConclusionCirculating non-classical monocytes display an activated phenotype in GCA/PMR patients at diagnosis, whereas classical monocytes show reduced expression of activation markers. Whether these findings reflect APC migration patterns or the effects of long-term inflammation remains to be investigated.
Determining the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis based on the discordance between egg counts and haematuria in populations from northern Tanzania
Authors: Nordin Per , Nyale Edwin , Kalambo Clement , Ahlberg Beth Maina , Feldmeier Hermann , Krantz Ingela 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesThe presence of schistosomal eggs in the urine is a sufficient but not necessary condition for an individual to be diagnosed with urogenital schistosomiasis. The absence of eggs does not prove that a person is disease-free. Thus, when examining populations using egg occurrence, there is a real risk of underestimating the prevalence. The aim is to develop an easy to use model for improved prevalence estimates of urogenital schistosomiasis.Design and methodsUrine samples were taken from 161 schoolchildren and 124 adults on three different days for each individual. The probands were recruited from two areas in northern Tanzania with varying prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis. The presence of eggs by microscopy and haematuria by dipstick were recorded for each sample and the measurements combined using the discordance of the outcomes.ResultAs a consequence of applying the developed model, a substantial increase in the prevalence estimate was noted for groups displaying a low egg occurrence.ConclusionBy using the biological relationship that exists between the presence of eggs and blood in urine of an infected individual, we provide a way of adjusting the prevalence estimates of urogenital schistosomiasis, using the observed prevalence of haematuria, in the absence of competing causes.
Relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Zheng-ming , Xiang Si-cheng , Jin Zhao-kai , Zhang Jing-jing , Zeng Ji-cheng , Tong Pei-jian , Lv Shuai-jie 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveIn order to examine the relationship between 25-hydroxyl vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) publications was hereby performed.MethodsFor the purpose of finding pertinent research, the databases of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched. Factors including tibial cartilage volume, joint space width (JSW), synovial fluid volume, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) were correspondingly evaluated, and the results were expressed using SMD and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsThe present meta-analysis evaluated the effects of vitamin D supplementation in patients with knee osteoarthritis, with 3,077 patients included. The results showed that vitamin D administration had a statistically significant impact on the amount of synovial fluid, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and tibial cartilage. The pain and function scales of the WOMAC scale presented a statistically significant difference, and there was no discernible difference between the vitamin D and placebo groups in the stiffness scale. Additionally, bone marrow lesions and alterations in the diameter of the joint space were not influenced by the administration of vitamin D, and according to a subgroup study, a daily vitamin D supplement containing more than 2,000 IU significantly slowed the development of synovial tissue.ConclusionVitamin D supplementation did benefit those suffering from knee discomfort and knee dysfunction.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022332033, identifier: CRD42022332033.
Leukotriene signaling as molecular correlate for cognitive heterogeneity in aging: an exploratory study
Authors: Mrowetz Heike , Kotob Mohamed H. , Forster Jennifer , Aydin Iren , Unger Michael Stefan , Lubec Jana , Hussein Ahmed M. , Malikovic Jovana , Feyissa Daniel Daba , Korz Volker , Höger Harald , Lubec Gert , Aigner Ludwig 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionAging is in general associated with a decline in cognitive functions. Looking more closely, there is a huge heterogeneity in the extent of cognitive (dys-)abilities in the aged population. It ranges from the population of resistant, resilient, cognitively unimpaired individuals to patients with severe forms of dementias. Besides the known genetic, environmental and life style factors that shape the cognitive (dys-)abilities in aging, the underlying molecular mechanisms and signals related to cognitive heterogeneity are completely unknown. One putative mechanism underlying cognitive heterogeneity might be neuroinflammation, exerted through microglia, the brain’s innate immune cells, as neuroinflammation is central to brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, leukotrienes (LTs), i.e., small lipid mediators of inflammation produced by microglia along aging and neurodegeneration, got in the focus of geroscience as they might determine cognitive dysfunctions in aging.MethodsHere, we analyzed the brain’s expression of key components of the LT synthesis pathway, i.e., the expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-Lox), the key enzyme in LT production, and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) in young and aged rats. More specifically, we used a cohort of rats, which, although grown up and housed under identical conditions, developed into aged cognitively unimpaired and aged cognitively impaired traits.ResultsExpression of 5-Lox was increased within the brain of aged rats with the highest levels detected in cognitively impaired animals. The number of microglia cells was higher in the aged compared to the young brains with, again, the highest numbers of 5-Lox expressing microglia in the aged cognitively impaired rats. Remarkably, lower cognitive scores in the aged rats associated with higher numbers of 5-Lox positive microglia in the animals. Similar data were obtained for FLAP, at least in the cortex. Our data indicate elevated levels of the LT system in the brain of cognitively impaired animals.DiscussionWe conclude that 5-Lox expressing microglia potentially contribute to the age-related cognitive decline in the brain, while low levels of the LT system might indicate and foster higher cognitive functions and eventually cognitive reserve and resilience in aging.
Synthesis of diffusion-weighted MRI scalar maps from FLAIR volumes using generative adversarial networks
Authors: Chan Karissa , Maralani Pejman Jabehdar , Moody Alan R. , Khademi April 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionAcquisition and pre-processing pipelines for diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) volumes are resource- and time-consuming. Generating synthetic DWI scalar maps from commonly acquired brain MRI sequences such as fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) could be useful for supplementing datasets. In this work we design and compare GAN-based image translation models for generating DWI scalar maps from FLAIR MRI for the first time.MethodsWe evaluate a pix2pix model, two modified CycleGANs using paired and unpaired data, and a convolutional autoencoder in synthesizing DWI fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) from whole FLAIR volumes. In total, 420 FLAIR and DWI volumes (11,957 images) from multi-center dementia and vascular disease cohorts were used for training/testing. Generated images were evaluated using two groups of metrics: (1) human perception metrics including peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM), (2) structural metrics including a newly proposed histogram similarity (Hist-KL) metric and mean squared error (MSE).ResultsPix2pix demonstrated the best performance both quantitatively and qualitatively with mean PSNR, SSIM, and MSE metrics of 23.41 dB, 0.8, 0.004, respectively for MD generation, and 24.05 dB, 0.78, 0.004, respectively for FA generation. The new histogram similarity metric demonstrated sensitivity to differences in fine details between generated and real images with mean pix2pix MD and FA Hist-KL metrics of 11.73 and 3.74, respectively. Detailed analysis of clinically relevant regions of white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM) in the pix2pix images also showed strong significant (p &lt; 0.001) correlations between real and synthetic FA values in both tissue types (R = 0.714 for GM, R = 0.877 for WM).Discussion/conclusionOur results show that pix2pix’s FA and MD models had significantly better structural similarity of tissue structures and fine details than other models, including WM tracts and CSF spaces, between real and generated images. Regional analysis of synthetic volumes showed that synthetic DWI images can not only be used to supplement clinical datasets, but demonstrates potential utility in bypassing or correcting registration in data pre-processing.
Association of select psychiatric disorders with incident brain aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage among veterans
Authors: Cooke Daniel L. , Shen Hui , Duvvuri Madhavi , Thompson Daniel , Neylan Thomas , Wolfe William , Hetts Steven , Ovbiagele Bruce , Whooley Mary , Cohen Beth 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundBrain aneurysms represent a significant cause of hemorrhagic stroke. Prior research has demonstrated links between stress and stroke, including brain aneurysms. We aimed to determine relationships between select psychiatric disorders and aneurysms and aneurysmal SAH.MethodsWe performed retrospective, case-control study of a National Veterans Affairs population with two experimental groups (aneurysm-only and aneurysmal SAH) and 10-fold controls per group matched by age, date, and clinical data source. The studied the presence of 4 psychiatric disorders: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and other mood disorders. Our main outcomes Unadjusted and multivariable adjusted ORs of PTSD, MDD, GAD, and mood disorders within aneurysm-only and aSAH groups.ResultsIn 6,320,789 US Veterans who were enrolled for at least 5 years in Medicare and/or the Veterans Health Administration, we identified 35,094 cases of aneurysm without SAH and 5,749 cases of aneurysm with SAH between 1/2005 and 12/2019. In analyses adjusted for sex, hypertension, and tobacco use, patients with aneurysm were more likely than matched controls to have a history of PTSD (OR 1.48), MDD (OR 1.33), GAD (OR 1.26), and other mood disorders (OR 1.34) (all p-values &lt; 0.0001). Similarly, patients with aSAH were more likely than controls to have a history of PTSD (OR 1.35), MDD (OR 1.38), GAD (OR 1.18), and other mood disorders (OR 1.30) (all p-values &lt; 0.0001).ConclusionThe study, the largest of its kind, further suggests links between psychiatric disorders and stroke. This is important as patients with aneurysms are not routinely screened for such psychiatric risk factors. Additional research on this topic could lead to novel strategies to improve stroke prevention.