bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Movement of the superior mesenteric artery in patients with superior mesenteric artery syndrome: A case‐reference study
Authors: Miyata Jun , Eshak Ehab Salah , Yoshioka Tetsuya , Iso Hiroyasu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSuperior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is related to the reduction of the aortomesenteric angle on detailed imaging studies; i.e., an expert's ultrasonography or angiography. We aimed to test a simpler imaging finding of SMA syndrome. This cross‐sectional case‐reference study examined whether right movement of the SMA on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) is useful for the diagnosis of SMA syndrome. We reviewed hospital records of patients admitted in 2008–2018. Each case was matched to one non‐case patient of the same age and sex. On unenhanced CT scans, we identified the shortest distance between the parallel line that passes through the center of the aorta to the line that bisects the spine and SMA. A negative number of the distance means that the SMA is on the left side of the above‐described parallel line. There was a total of 14 cases and 14 non‐cases (men, 57.1%) with mean age 78.7 years. Mean body mass index of cases and non‐cases were 19.2 and 22.2 kg/m2, respectively. The more prevalent side of the SMA was the right side. The mean shortest distance was 10.5 mm in cases and 0.7 mm in non‐cases (p for independent t test = 0.043). For comparing the observations in SMA cases at several time points, the mean shortest distance at pre‐onset was −2.7 mm, with a significant difference from that at onset (p for paired t test = 0.030). In conclusion, right movement of the SMA diagnosed by unenhanced CT is associated with SMA syndrome.
Pan‐cancer analysis of mutations in open chromatin regions and their possible association with cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Kikutake Chie , Suyama Mikita 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundOpen chromatin is associated with gene transcription. Previous studies have shown that the density of mutations in open chromatin regions is lower than that in flanking regions because of the higher accessibility of DNA repair machinery. However, in several cancer types, open chromatin regions show an increased local density of mutations in activated regulatory regions. Although the mutation distribution within open chromatin regions in cancer cells has been investigated, only few studies have focused on their functional implications in cancer. To reveal the impact of highly mutated open chromatin regions on cancer, we investigated the association between mutations in open chromatin regions and their possible functions.MethodsWhole‐genome sequencing data of 18 cancer types were downloaded from the PanCancer Analysis of Whole Genomes and Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer. We quantified the mutations located in open chromatin regions defined by The Cancer Genome Atlas and classified open chromatin regions into three categories based on the number of mutations. Then, we investigated the chromatin state, amplification, and possible target genes of the open chromatin regions with a high number of mutations. We also analyzed the association between the number of mutations in open chromatin regions and patient prognosis.ResultsIn some cancer types, the proportion of promoter or enhancer chromatin state in open chromatin regions with a high number of mutations was significantly higher than that in the regions with a low number of mutations. The possible target genes of open chromatin regions with a high number of mutations were more strongly associated with cancer than those of other open chromatin regions. Moreover, a high number of mutations in open chromatin regions was significantly associated with a poor prognosis in some cancer types.ConclusionsThese results suggest that highly mutated open chromatin regions play an important role in cancer pathogenesis and can be effectively used to predict patient prognosis.
Chemical Modifications for a Next Generation of Nucleic Acid Aptamers
Authors: Chan Kwing Yeung , Kinghorn Andrew Brian , Hollenstein Marcel , Tanner Julian Alexander 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn the past three decades, in vitro systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) has yielded many aptamers for translational applications in both research and clinical settings. Despite their promise as an alternative to antibodies, the low success rate of SELEX (∼30 %) has been a major bottleneck that hampers the further development of aptamers. One hurdle is the lack of chemical diversity in nucleic acids. To address this, the aptamer chemical repertoire has been extended by introducing exotic chemical groups, which provide novel binding functionalities. This review will focus on how modified aptamers can be selected and evolved, with illustration of some successful examples. In particular, unique chemistries are exemplified. Various strategies of incorporating modified building blocks into the standard SELEX protocol are highlighted, with a comparison of the differences between pre‐SELEX and post‐SELEX modifications. Nucleic acid aptamers with extended functionality evolved from non‐natural chemistries will open up new vistas for function and application of nucleic acids.
Disc‐like lesions in the intestinal tract after renal transplantation
Authors: Kwakernaak Arjan J. , van der Pluijm Rob W. , van der Weerd Neelke C. , Koens Lianne , Westra Wytske M. , Gecse Krisztina B. , Kleinjan Ankie 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe report a case of intestinal lesions in a patient with a history of lupus nephritis and renal transplantation. Biopsy revealed an EBV‐driven post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). An EBV‐driven PTLD is a major complication after renal transplantation and is an important differential diagnostic consideration in the follow‐up of renal transplant recipients.
Improvement of depression in a patient with hypothyroidism and deiodinase polymorphism with LT3 Therapy
Authors: Ahmed Ziyan S. , Sherin Rinsha P. V. , Fonseca Tatiana L. , Hoang Thanh D. , Shakir Mohamed K. M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe report a 54‐year‐old man with treatment‐resistant depression (TRD) and hypothyroidism who responded to LT3/LT4 combination, rather than LT4 alone. He was able to discontinue all antidepressant medications eventually. Interestingly, the patient has a DIO2 polymorphism.
Diabetic myonecrosis, an uncommon presentation of diabetes mellitus in tropical area: A case report
Authors: Imad Taha Mahmoud Ziryab , Abdelrahim Abdalla Yassin , Hamza Salih Boushra , Elsiddig Ahmed Ali Ibrahim , Abd Algadir Sami Ahmed , osman Sohep abdalla 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDiabetic myonecrosis is an uncommon complication related to long‐standing poorly controlled diabetes. A 33‐year‐old Sudanese male patient with type one diabetes presented with progressive, severe bilateral thigh pain with low‐grade fever. Laboratory results show hyperglycemia with ketonuria and elevated creatine kinase but normal white cell blood count. The patient was diagnosed initially with diabetic ketoacidosis with pyomyositis and received analgesic and insulin; the patient partially improved. After the second evaluation, bilateral thigh MRI was requested and shows diffuse edema involving the medial muscle group of the upper third of the right side with intramuscular facial edema, appearing as low signal in T1 and high signal in T2 and fat suppression images with no evidence of collection or abscess. Diagnosis of diabetic myonecrosis was made. The patient was managed conservatively and discharge on aspirin with full recovery.
Spatially Resolved Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Automotive PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Haimerl Felix , Sabawa Jarek P. , Dao Tuan A. , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractFuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which use polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), provide a prospect to add to a future of harmful‐emission‐free mobility. However, an in‐depth understanding of degradation mechanisms and contributions to performance losses is needed to commercialize FCEVs further. Most previous PEMFC degradation research has focused on global indicators of the cell condition. Still, failure occurs typically due to inhomogeneities in production or operation, leading to localized regions of high degradation rates. Despite simulations indicating that local degradation effects are significantly more pronounced at larger scales, experimental studies only exist for small‐sized laboratory fuel cells so far. Here, we present the results of a comprehensive study of spatial distributions of essential PEMFC parameters using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy across the cell surface of automotive‐size fuel cells with an active area of 285 cm2. In particular, the results reveal increasing mass transport problems with increasing distance from the air inlet and a tendency of lower proton resistances in the center of the cell. One hundred twenty realistic freeze‐start cycles degenerated the cell performance drastically. The outer cell regions, subject to the lowest temperatures, showed the most substantial degradation rates, partly compensated by central cell regions with slightly higher temperatures. These findings bridge the gap between simulation and experiment and provide valuable insights for future fuel cell design and operating strategies.
Preparation of a Large Amount of Ultrathin Graphdiyne
Authors: Wang Danbo , Zhang Lin , Chen Siqi , Pan Qingyan , Yu Zefang , Jia Xu , He Lixia , Li Chaoqin , Zhao Yingjie 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe report a facile strategy to prepare a large amount of ultrathin graphdiyne (GDY) with good crystallinity in the mixture of oil–water systems. By simply mixing the solution of GDY monomer in CHCl3 and the copper acetate solution as a catalyst in water and stirring at room temperature, ultrathin GDY films with a thickness of ∼4 nm were obtained in a yield of 95 %. This work provides a feasible path for the substantial preparation of GDY films and may pave the way to the development of substantial preparation of the GDY materials.
Graphene‐Based Nanomaterials for Solar‐Driven Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Lin Jingyi , Pan Hui , Chen Zhixin , Wang Lianzhou , Li Yao , Zhu Shenmin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWater splitting through photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical methods is a promising strategy for solar energy utilization. Graphene is widely used in solar‐driven overall water splitting because of its versatile properties. This review summarizes the preparation of graphene‐based photocatalysts and photoelectrodes and the functions of graphene, and highlights the challenges and prospects of the future applications of graphene in solar‐driven water splitting.
Magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging reconstruction of connectomes in a macropod, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus)
Authors: Thittamranahalli Kariyappa Jyothi , Zanoni Simone , Bongers Andre , Tong Lydia , Ashwell Ken W. S. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe diversity of the diprotodontids provides an excellent opportunity to study how a basic marsupial cortical plan has been modified for the needs of the mammals living in different habitats. Very little is known about the connections of the cerebral cortex with the deep brain structures (basal ganglia and thalamus) in this evolutionarily significant group of mammals. In this study, we performed mapping of brain regions and connections in a diprotodontid marsupial from data obtained from an excised brain scanned in high‐field (9.4 T) microstructural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instrument. The analysis was based on two MRI methodologies. First, high‐resolution structural scans were used to map MRI visible brain regions from T1w and T2w images. Second, extensive diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data were obtained to elucidate connectivity between brain areas using deterministic diffusion tracking of neuronal brain fibers. From the data, we were able to identify corticostriate connections between the frontal association and dorsomedial isocortex and the head of the caudate, and between the lateral somatosensory cortex and the putamen. We were also able to follow the olfactory and limbic connections by tracing fibers in the fornix, cingulum, intrabulbar part of the anterior commissure, and lateral olfactory tract. There was segregation of fibers in the anterior commissure such that olfactory connections passed through the rostroventral part and successively more dorsal cortical areas connected through more dorsal parts of the commissure. Our findings confirm a common pattern of cortical connectivity in therian mammals, even where brain expansion has occurred independently in diverse groups.
A fuzzy‐based method for cloud service migration using a shark smell optimization algorithm
Authors: Liu Zhiqiang , Xu Bo , Cheng Bo , Hu Xiaomei , Abnoosian Karlo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractComputation should develop and become more powerful and flexible as a result of the expansion of apps and the incorporation of novel consumers into the realm of computing systems. The potential of live virtual machine (VM) migration among various clouds is one of the growing study fields in cloud computing. It can be more important when the cloud service quality that a user is presently using deteriorates or when a new cloud service is launched that is superior in performance, quality, and pricing to the existing services. Because this problem is NP‐Hard in nature, this article proposes a method to migrate the load from an over‐loaded VMs to the active machine that is least loaded using a fuzzy‐based shark smell optimization algorithm. This algorithm is based on a shark's ability to discover prey as a strong hunter in nature, based on the shark's smell sense and motion to the odor source. The suggested optimization technique mathematically models diverse shark behaviors in the search environment, which is seawater. The CloudSim is utilized to illustrate the efficiency of the approach compared to others. The outcomes reveal that energy consumption and execution time are better than Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization algorithms.
LncRNA PCAT1 activates SOX2 and suppresses radioimmune responses via regulating cGAS/STING signalling in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Gao Yanping , Zhang Nannan , Zeng Zihang , Wu Qiuji , Jiang Xueping , Li Shuying , Sun Wenjie , Zhang Jianguo , Li Yangyi , Li Jiali , He Fajian , Huang Zhengrong , Zhang Jinfang , Gong Yan , Xie Conghua 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe expression of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) prostate cancer‐associated ncRNA transcripts 1 (PCAT1) is increased in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It stimulates tumour growth and metastasis, but its role in the radioimmune responses remain unknown. We aimed to explore the impacts of PCAT1 on tumorigenesis and radioimmune responses and the underlying molecular mechanisms in NSCLC.MethodsComprehensive bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify immunosuppressive lncRNAs involved with tumour invasion in NSCLC. The expression levels of PCAT1 were analysed by in situ hybridisation in 55 paired NSCLC tissues and adjacent normal tissues. Both loss‐ and gain‐of‐function assays were performed to examine the effects of PCAT1 and SOX2 on NSCLC cell behaviours in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatic analyses, chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) and dual‐luciferase reporter assays were applied to validate the regulatory effects of PCAT1 on SOX2 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase and rescue assays were utilised to identify the relationship between SOX2 and the cGAS/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signalling.ResultsPCAT1 was immunosuppressive and related with NSCLC invasion. Increased PCAT1 was negatively correlated with immune cell infiltration in NSCLC. PCAT1 knockdown restrained proliferation, increased apoptosis, and repressed cell metastasis in vivo and in vitro. PCAT1 activated SOX2 that accelerated tumorigenesis and immunosuppression. SOX2 promoted tumour growth through inhibiting cytotoxic T‐cell immunity. Moreover, SOX2 restrained cGAS transcription and hampered downstream type I interferon (IFN)‐induced immune responses. Inhibition of PCAT1/SOX2 in collaboration with radiation further inhibited tumour growth, and initiated the cGAS/STING signalling pathway, which enhanced the immune responses of radiotherapy in NSCLC.ConclusionsPCAT1/SOX2 axis promoted tumorigenesis and immunosuppression through inhibition of cGAS/STING signalling‐mediated T‐cell activation. Inhibition of PCAT1 and SOX2 synergised with radiotherapy to activate the immune response and could serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Insulin secretion and action affect glucose variability in the early stages of glucose intolerance
Authors: Dimova Rumyana , Chakarova Nevena , Daniele Giuseppe , Bianchi Cristina , Dardano Angela , Del Prato Stefano , Tankova Tsvetalina 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimsSince it is unknown whether glucose variability (GV) is increased and whether this is related to worsening of insulin secretion and action in prediabetes, we have assessed insulin secretion and sensitivity, and daily GV in early stages of dysglycemia.Materials and MethodsTwenty subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT; age 45.0 ± 9.5 years; BMI 31.1 ± 6.4 kg/m2), 25 with NGT and 1hrOGTT>8.6 mmol/L (1hrOGTT; 45.7 ± 8.5 years; 32.4 ± 7.0 kg/m2), and 59 with isolated impaired glucose tolerance (iIGT; 47.7 ± 11.2 years; 31.3 ± 6.1 kg/m2) underwent OGTT and MMTT. CGM was performed with blinded FreeStyle Libre Pro for 24 h under standard conditions. Parameters of beta‐cell function, insulin sensitivity and GV were calculated.ResultsOverall insulin secretion and action as well as GV progressively worsened across glucose tolerance categories. On a matrix analysis, GV parameters were inversely related to ISSI‐2; r = −0.37 to −0.52; p < 0.0001; and IGI; r = −0.28 to −0.48; p < 0.0001 for CV, SD, J‐index, LI, HBGI and MAGE. Insulin secretion (IGI) and b‐cell function (ISSI‐2) emerged as independent contributors to GV in early stage of dysglycemia accounting for about 16%–38% of its variability.ConclusionsOur results show that daily GV worsens already with mild impairment of glucose tolerance. The increase in GV is inversely related to insulin secretion and action.
Seed Menus: An integrated decision‐support framework for native plant restoration in the Mojave Desert
Authors: Shryock Daniel F. , DeFalco Lesley A. , Esque Todd C. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe combination of ecosystem stressors, rapid climate change, and increasing landscape‐scale development has necessitated active restoration across large tracts of disturbed habitats in the arid southwestern United States. In this context, programmatic directives such as the National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration have increasingly emphasized improved restoration practices that promote resilient, diverse plant communities, and enhance native seed reserves. While decision‐support tools have been implemented to support genetic diversity by guiding seed transfer decisions based on patterns in local adaptation, less emphasis has been placed on identifying priority seed mixes composed of native species assemblages. Well‐designed seed mixes can provide foundational ecosystem services including resilience to disturbance, resistance to invasive species, plant canopy structure to facilitate natural seedling recruitment, and habitat to support wildlife and pollinator communities. Drawing from a newly developed dataset of species distribution models for priority native plant taxa in the Mojave Desert, we created a novel decision support tool by pairing spatial predictions of species habitat with a database of key species traits including life history, flowering characteristics, pollinator relationships, and propagation methods. This publicly available web application, Mojave Seed Menus, helps restoration practitioners generate customized seed mixes for native plant restoration in the Mojave Desert based on project locations. Our application forms part of an integrated Mojave Desert restoration program designed to help practitioners identify species to include in local seed mixes and nursery stock development while accounting for local adaptation by identifying appropriate seed source locations from key restoration species.
Individual small in‐stream barriers contribute little to strong local population genetic structure five strictly aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa
Authors: Weiss Martina , Weigand Hannah , Leese Florian 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWater flow in river networks is frequently regulated by man‐made in‐stream barriers. These obstacles can hinder dispersal of aquatic organisms and isolate populations leading to the loss of genetic diversity. Although millions of small in‐stream barriers exist worldwide, their impact on dispersal of macroinvertebrates remains unclear. Therefore, we, therefore, assessed the effects of such barriers on the population structure and effective dispersal of five macroinvertebrate species with strictly aquatic life cycles: the amphipod crustacean Gammarus fossarum (clade 11), three snail species of the Ancylus fluviatilis species complex and the flatworm Dugesia gonocephala. We studied populations at nine weirs and eight culverts (3 pipes, 5 tunnels), built 33–109 years ago, mainly in the heavily fragmented catchment of the river Ruhr (Sauerland, Germany). To assess fragmentation and barrier effects, we generated genome‐wide SNP data using ddRAD sequencing and evaluated clustering, differentiation between populations up‐ and downstream of each barrier and effective migration rates among sites and across barriers. Additionally, we applied population genomic simulations to assess expected differentiation patterns under different gene flow scenarios. Our data show that populations of all species are highly isolated at regional and local scales within few kilometers. While the regional population structure likely results from historical processes, the strong local differentiation suggests that contemporary dispersal barriers exist. However, we identified significant barrier effects only for pipes (for A. fluviatilis II and III) and few larger weirs (>1.3 m; for D. gonocephala). Therefore, our data suggest that most small in‐stream barriers can probably be overcome by all studied taxa frequently enough to prevent fragmentation. However, it remains to be tested if the strong local differentiation is a result of a cumulative effect of small barriers, or if larger in‐stream barriers, land use, chemical pollution, urbanization, or a combination of these factors impede gene flow.