bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Remote Ischemic Conditioning Alleviates Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology in Female TgF344 Rats
Authors: Ma Yuxuan , Sun Wuxiang , Bai Jing , Gao Fujia , Liu Huiyu , Huang Yuanyuan , Hu Jiewei , Xu Chao , Ma Haoran , Yuan Tao , Zhang Xin , Sun Chenxu , Liu Zixuan , Wang Ruimin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a global public health crisis and research is urgently needed to explore strategies to prevent, and slow AD progression and improve cognitive function. Growing evidence suggests that blood vessels play a key role in physiological Aβ clearance, and blood biomarkers might hold promise for future diagnosis of AD. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC), a noninvasive intervention by performing sub-lethal ischemic-reperfusion cycles on limbs, has been reported to exert beneficial effects after stroke, including increasing cerebral blood flow (CBF), anti-inflammation, and capillary remodeling. However, whether and how chronic RIC can prevent AD pathogenesis is largely unclear. In this study, female wild-type (WT) and TgF344 AD rats aged 3 months (young), 12 months (middle-age), and 19 months ± 3 weeks (old) were used to investigate the physical and pathological alterations of CBF and blood-brain barrier (BBB) in frontal parietal cortex. Furthermore, we selected middle-aged animals for RIC intervention five times each week for 4 weeks. Depression and cognitive function were measured using force swimming and Barnes maze tests. We also assessed the effects of aging and RIC intervention on BBB integrity; vascular-associated inflammatory factors VCAM1; dynamic alteration of astrocytes; production and clearance of Aβ; and changes in synaptic-associated proteins. The results revealed that CBF was initially high in young AD rats, followed by a significant decline in both middle- and old-age AD animals. Correspondingly, astrocytes presented reactive astrogliosis in young AD rats, followed by tightly vascular-wrapped hypertrophy in middle-aged AD rats, and degenerative or atrophic morphology in old-age AD rats. Likewise, BBB integrity was significantly impaired with aging in AD rats, as evidenced by loss of tight junction proteins ZO-1, and occludin. RIC intervention elevated CBF and protected capillary integrity, as evidenced by increased expression of TJ proteins and pericyte marker PDGFR1β, and decreases in VCAM1 protein. RIC also reversed degenerative morphology of astrocytes and upregulated A2 astrocyte phenotype markers PTX3, S100A10, and PAN marker GFAP, vimentin, while downregulating A1 astrocyte phenotype marker C3. Furthermore, RIC intervention significantly increased vascular endothelial glucose transporter (GLUT) 1 level and decreased BACE1 and Aβ1–42 levels. Finally, RIC intervention enhanced memory-related protein expression and rescued depressive-like behavior and cognitive decline in middle-aged AD rats. These results demonstrated that BBB impairment and abnormal alteration of astrocytes occur at the early stage of AD. Chronic RIC intervention exerts vascular- and neuroprotective roles, suggesting that RIC may be a promising intervention targeting the BBB to prevent, and slow AD progression.
Dietary protein intake and all-cause mortality: results from the Kawasaki Aging and Wellbeing Project
Authors: Kurata Hideaki , Meguro Shu , Abe Yukiko , Sasaki Takashi , Asakura Keiko , Arai Yasumichi , Itoh Hiroshi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Increased protein intake has been recommended to prevent sarcopenia/frailty, but there are limited reports on the quantity and quality of protein intake needed and the associated prognosis, especially in much older individuals in Asia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between protein intake and prognosis in Japanese subjects, aged 85 years and older.
Objectives: The data were obtained from The Kawasaki Aging and Wellbeing Project, which is a prospective cohort study of older adults aged between 85 and 89 with no physical disability at baseline. Of the 1026 adults in the cohort, 833 individuals were included in the analysis, excluding those who had not completed the brief self-administered diet history questionnaire or those who scored less than 24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination. The participants were grouped into quartiles based on protein intake: Q1 (protein < 14.7, %Energy), Q2 (14.7 ≤ protein < 16.7, %Energy), Q3 (16.7 ≤ protein < 19.1, %E), and Q4 (19.1 ≤, %Energy). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to evaluate the association between protein intake and all-cause mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were employed to investigate the relationship between protein intake and mortality.
Results: The mean protein intake of our study population was 17.0% of total energy. Animal protein intake, especially fish intake, increased significantly along with total protein intake. The study had an average observation period of 1,218 days and recorded 89 deaths. After adjusting for age, sex, skeletal muscle mass index, medical history, and education, a lower risk of all-cause mortality was observed in the group with the highest protein intake (Q4) than in the group with the lowest protein intake (Q1) (hazard ratio: 0.45, p-value: 0.017, 95% confidence interval: 0.22–0.93). This association between protein intake and prognosis remained robust even after adjusting for serum albumin and other nutrients, in addition to the aforementioned covariates.
Conclusion: Protein intake is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality in older adults aged ≥85 years who engage in independent activities of daily living. This association may impact prognosis via a mechanism that differs from muscle mass maintenance.
AFM kymographs can provide robust conformational transition detection for pharmaceutically relevant membrane proteins in lipid bilayers
Authors: Schaefer Katherine G. , Roberts Arthur G. , King Gavin M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Membrane proteins play critical roles in disease and in the disposition of many pharmaceuticals. A prime example is P-glycoprotein (Pgp) which moves a diverse range of drugs across membranes and out of the cell before a therapeutic payload can be delivered. Conventional structural biology methods have provided a valuable framework for comprehending the complex conformational changes underlying Pgp function, which also includes ATPase activity, but the lack of real-time information hinders understanding. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a single-molecule technique that is well-suited for studying active membrane proteins in bilayers and is poised to advance the field beyond static snapshots. After verifying Pgp activity in surface-support bilayers, we used kymograph analysis in conjunction with AFM imaging and simulations to study structural transitions at the 100 ms timescale. Though kymographs are frequently employed to boost temporal resolution, the limitations of the method have not been well characterized, especially for sparse non-crystalline distributions of pharmaceutically relevant membrane proteins like Pgp. Common experimental challenges are analyzed, including protein orientation, instrument noise, and drift. Surprisingly, a lateral drift of 75% of the protein dimension leads to only a 12% probability of erroneous state transition detection; average dwell time error achieves a maximum value of 6%. Rotational drift of proteins like Pgp, with azimuthally-dependent maximum heights, can lead to artifactual transitions. This pitfall may be alleviated by torsional constraints. Confidence in detected transitions may be increased by using conformation-altering ligands such as non-hydrolysable analogs. Overall, the data indicate that AFM kymographs are a viable method to access conformational dynamics for Pgp, but generalizations of the method should be made with caution.
The impact of mutational clonality in predicting the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Boll Lilian Marie , Perera-Bel Júlia , Rodriguez-Vida Alejo , Arpi Oriol , Rovira Ana , Juanpere Núria , de Oca Sergio Vázquez Montes , Hernández-Llodrà Silvia , Lloreta Josep , Albà M. Mar , Bellmunt Joaquim 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized cancer treatment and can result in complete remissions even at advanced stages of the disease. However, only a small fraction of patients respond to the treatment. To better understand which factors drive clinical benefit, we have generated whole exome and RNA sequencing data from 27 advanced urothelial carcinoma patients treated with anti-PD-(L)1 monoclonal antibodies. We assessed the influence on the response of non-synonymous mutations (tumor mutational burden or TMB), clonal and subclonal mutations, neoantigen load and various gene expression markers. We found that although TMB is significantly associated with response, this effect can be mostly explained by clonal mutations, present in all cancer cells. Our findings were validated in an additional cohort. Thus, using clonal TMB over total TMB could increase prediction accuracy. They also show that responders with few clonal mutations had abnormally high levels of T and B cell immune markers, suggesting a high immune cell infiltration signature could be an added predictive biomarker for this subset of patients. Our results support the idea that highly clonal cancers are more likely to respond to ICI and suggest that non-additive effects of different immune signatures should be considered for predictive models.
Alkaline-based aqueous sodium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage
Authors: Qiao Shizhang , Wu Han , Hao Junnan , Jiang Yunling , Jiao Yiran , Liu Jiahao , Xu Xin , Davey Kenneth , Wang Chunsheng 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Aqueous sodium-ion batteries (ASIBs) are practically promising for large-scale energy storage, but their energy density and lifespan are hindered by water decomposition. Current strategies to enhance the water stability include using expensive fluorine-containing salts to create a solid electrolyte interface or adding potentially-flammable organic co-solvents in the electrolyte to reduce water activity. However, these methods have significantly increased cost and safety risk. Shifting electrolytes from near neutrality to alkalinity can fundamentally suppress hydrogen evolution, but trigger oxygen evolution and cathode dissolution. Here, we present an alkaline-type ASIB with Mn-based Prussian blue analogue cathode, which exhibits a record lifespan of 13,000 cycles at 10 C together with high energy density of 90 Wh kg−1 at 0.5 C. This is achieved by building a nickel/carbon layer to induce a H3O+-rich local environment near the cathode surface, thereby suppressing oxygen evolution and cathode dissolution. Simultaneously, Ni atoms can be in-situ embedded into the cathode to enable its durability. At an industry-level mass loading > 30 mg cm−1, the pouch cell exhibits excellent stability with a capacity retention of ~ 100% following 200 cycles at 300 mA g−1, outperforming previously reported aqueous batteries.
A Database for Oncological Research and Quality Assurance: Implementation and first Experiences with the University Clinical Cancer Registry Regensburg
Authors: Saibold Anna , Koller Michael , Mueller Karolina , Koelbl Oliver , Vielsmeier Veronika , Pukrop Tobias , Spies Oliver , Eilers Vivian , Brese Cathleen , Amann Denise , Maurer Julia 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Legal requirements, certification specifications, as well as the demand for real world data on cancer research and treatment led to the decision to establish the University Clinical Cancer Registry Regensburg. The first organizational step in the implementation process of this oncological data registry was the evaluation and acquisition of suitable tumor documentation and database software. For this purpose, an evaluation matrix comprising required database software criteria was designed and consented to by a multidisciplinary group of experts. Next, a yearly report of the Institute for Cancer Center Certification (OnkoZert 2019) was considered to identify database software already in use. The identified systems were rated according to the established criteria matrix and other relevant aspects. Onkostar was the system considered most suited for building up an oncological data repository. In the second step, the central IT department implemented Onkostar on-premise and migrated digitally available data after an adaptation and verification process. In parallel, a uniformed process for handling emerging oncological research questions was established. For research requirements, three documents were introduced into the clinical workflow: a proposal for data extraction, procedural instructions, and statistical training materials. In the final step, the implemented software and the process for handling research requirements in practice were evaluated by using two exemplary use cases with the focus on clinic-wide analyses and currently relevant scientific topics. A two-month test phase conducted by various user groups showed a preference for Onkostar tumor documentation software from IT-Choice, mainly because of its adjustability to support research and treatment. Newly added and migrated data can be used for certification and research purposes. This software also provides support in current tumor documentation by displaying the course of cancer disease for individual patients over time. Such oncological data registries can be a powerful tool for legally required cancer registration, the certification of medical centers, as well as for additional oncological research. Tumor databases can be helpful in projects on cancer treatment and scientific aims. The experiences made at the University Hospital Regensburg may be used as a guidance for implementing clinical databases in similar settings with interdisciplinary responsibilities.
Phase angle and extracellular water/total body water ratio predict postoperative acute nutritional and inflammatory status in cancer patients
Authors: Meng Liping , Cai Bin , Luo Lan , Chen Sue , Shen Qing , Fu Yafei , Zhu Chenping 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objectives To identify the difference of body composition between cancer patients and those non-malignant tumor patients and analyze changes in body composition after surgical treatment for cancer, as well as estimate the relationship of preoperative body composition on postoperative systemic nutritional status and inflammation.Methods 92 patients diagnosed with different type of cancer and 91 non-malignant tumor patients were assessment body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and compared the changes between two groups. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the correlation and relationship between preoperative body composition and postoperative length of stay, albumin (Alb), prealbumin (PreAlb) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in cancer patients, respectively.Results Compared to the normal group, patients with gastric cancer have lower PA (P < 0.1), fat mass index (FMI) and higher extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) ratio (P < 0.05). Regarding patients with prostatic cancer, findings similar to lower PA (male comparison patients 5.91° vs. prostatic cancer patients 5.51°, P < 0.1) in gastric cancer patients in the test cohort were observed. And body cell mass (BCM) in prostatic cancer patients also decreased (male comparison patients 33.43kg vs. prostatic cancer patients 33.21kg, P < 0.1). No significant differences were found in body composition between lung, breast and colorectal cancers and patients in comparison group (P > 0.1). A negative association between preoperative ECW/TBW level and postoperative Alb were observed (β=-125.05, P = 0.0403) in fully adjusted model. We found positive associations between preoperative PA level and postoperative Alb (β = 1.52, P = 0.0593) and preoperative BMI and postoperative CRP (β = 2.54, P = 0.0690). And the preoperative FFM, FFMI, FMI, BCM, HGS level were not associated with length of hospital stay, postoperative Alb, PreAlb and CRP for cancer patients in maximally adjusted models (P > 0.10).Conclusions In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that preoperative body composition, especially PA and ECW/TBW ratio, were significantly associated with the Alb, PreAlb and CRP of early stage after operation for cancer patients.
Evaluation of Cardiac Fibrosis and Subclinical Cardiac Changes in Sickle Cell Children by Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Echocardiography and Serum Galectin-3
Authors: Wagdy Reham , Fathy Alaa , Elnekidy Abdelaziz , Salaheldin Geylan , Nazir Hanan , Fahmy Rana , Elkafrawy Hagar , Elkafrawy Fatma 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCardiovascular complications account for about one third of the premature mortality rate in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Underlying this cardiac risk is a progressive cardiomyopathy which is multifactorial. Recently myocardial fibrosis is assumed to be a novel mechanism for cardiac dysfunction. This study aimed to detect cardiac fibrosis and subclinical cardiac changes in sickle cell children by; cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), Tissue Doppler Echocardiography (TDE) and Galectin-3. Children with SCD were subjected to assessment of cardiac function by TDE and had estimated serum level of Gal-3. Cardiac MRI was used to assess volumes and function by cine sequence, LGE for detection of focal myocardial fibrosis, native T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) for quantification of diffuse myocardial fibrosis as well as CMR T2* for myocardial iron load. Thirty-four childrenwith SCD (mean age 13.32 ± 3.24 years) were enrolled in our study, another thirty-four healthy children served as controls. Although myocardial iron load by T2* was normal, ECV was increased among all cases with mean level 35.41 ± 5.02 %. The mean of ECV was significantly associated with the frequency of VOCs (P= 0.017) and negatively correlated to hemoglobin level (P=0.005). In consistent with ECV, Galectin-3 level was significantly higher among cases when compared to controls (7.75 ± 1.86 ng/ml versus 6.04 ±1.64 ng/ml, p<0.001) with cutoff value over the ROC curve 6.5ng/ml, sensitivity; 82.5 %, specificity; 72.8%. ECV were significantly higher for cases with Tie index > 0.4 by TDI subgroup when compared to ECV of subgroup with Tie index < 0.4 (38.17 ± 4.25 versus 34.43 ± 5.02, P: 0.03*).In conclusion:ECV is a validated CMR parameter to detect and quantify diffuse interstitial myocardial fibrosis in asymptomatic children with SCD. Cardiac fibrosis in SCD children is associated with frequent attacks of ischemic re-perfusion injury and correlated to the severity of anemia rather than myocardial iron load. Tie index by TDE and serum Gal-3 are recommended screening tools.
Fault-Tree Based Seismic Risk Evaluation and Retrofitting Strategy of Structures
Authors: Alinejad Majid , Ghafory-Ashtiany Mohsen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This paper provides a new methodology for seismic performance evaluation and retrofitting of structures using the combination of fault tree and incremental dynamic analysis to cover some of the limitation of the existing methods. These limitations include the qualitative consideration of performance objectives, the consideration of uncertainties, and the lack of a systematic method for determining the retrofitting strategy. In this method, first, the fault tree model of the structure's intended performance is drawn, considering possible failure modes. Then, using incremental dynamic analysis, the seismic fragility curves for all failure modes are derived. In the next step, having these fragility curves and using the fault tree analysis of the structure, the fragility curve of the whole structure is determined. By integrating the fragility curve of the structure and the seismic hazard curve of the site, the intended performance risk is calculated. This risk is a quantitative performance goal that can consider uncertainties. By using importance analysis and minimal cut sets of the fault tree, the risk-based retrofitting options are determined. To show the applicability of the proposed methodology, it is applied on a benchmark reinforced concrete structure in Europe that was designed and built without observing the new seismic standards. The collapse fragility curve and annual risk of collapse of this structure are determined. Using minimal cut sets and importance analysis of the structure’s fault tree, two retrofitting options are identified. The first retrofitting option is decreased collapse risk by 43% and the second one decreased it by 60%.
The difference of the stroke effect between two types of new material seamed plastic table tennis ball: a case study of Nittaku and DHS
Authors: Tian Jiajie , Wang Zerong , Zeng Yuxuan , Zhou Yiheng , Xiao Yi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Nittaku 40 + and DHS D40 + are new material seamed plastic table tennis balls, both of which are designated as official match balls and widely used. Due to the change of material and diameter of the new seamed plastic ball, its hardness and elasticity also change accordingly. The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference of the stroke effect between the two types of new material seamed plastic table tennis balls, taking Nittaku 40 + ball and DHS D40 + ball as an example. Table tennis players (N = 18) were randomly selected from the China Table Tennis College (M age = 15.16 ± 2.41; M height = 1.59 ± 0.32 m; M weight = 45.72 ± 5.17 kg). Each participant was all righthand shake-hands grip. The high-speed camera was used to measure ball speed and spin speed. Data normality was tested by using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. An Independent-Samples T test was conducted to assess the difference of the stroke effect between two types of new material seamed plastic table tennis balls (Nittaku 40 + and DHS D40+). Results showed that there was a significant difference between the two types of new material seamed plastic table tennis ball in the ball speed and spin speed during the backhand backspin loop stroke (p = 0.041, p = 0.022, respectively), and the ball speed and spin speed of DHS D40 + were higher than that of Nittaku 40 + ball. Compared with the DHS D40 + ball, when hitting the Nittaku 40 + ball, players need to increase the swing distance and hit the ball with more strength to improve the ball speed and rotation speed.
DNA Dynamic Coding-based Encryption Algorithm for Vector Map Considering Global Objects
Authors: Qingbo Yan , Haowen Yan , Liming Zhang , Xiaolong Wang , Pengbo Li , Xiaojing Yan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
With the rapid development of digitalization and networking, copying and sharing vector map data has become convenient, but it also brings security risks such as data interception and tampering. Current encryption methods focus on partially encrypting objects, which may leave some sensitive and confidential objects unencrypted. Additionally, the encryption effect for the point layers is not satisfactory. This paper proposes an algorithm for encrypting vector maps based on DNA dynamic encoding. Initially, global scrambling is performed on all object coordinates using double random position permutation, and a four-dimensional hyperchaotic system is selected to ensure the complexity of the chaotic sequence. Next, DNA dynamic coding operations are applied to whole layers of the vector map to encrypt all data. Finally, the encrypted data can be decrypted and restored according to the DNA coding rules and the double random position permutation mapping relationship, with the decrypted data being consistent with the original. Experimental results and theoretical analysis show that the proposed algorithm could be applied to the protection of various map objects, especially in improving the performance of encrypting point layer data. The encryption enhances the security of vector data in the process of storage and share.