bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β-Amyloid in blood neuronal-derived extracellular vesicles is elevated in cognitively normal adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and predicts cerebral amyloidosis
Authors: Li Tao-Ran , Yao Yun-Xia , Jiang Xue-Yan , Dong Qiu-Yue , Yu Xian-Feng , Wang Ting , Cai Yan-Ning , Han Ying 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Blood biomarkers that can be used for preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis would enable trial enrollment at a time when the disease is potentially reversible. Here, we investigated plasma neuronal-derived extracellular vesicle (nEV) cargo in patients along the Alzheimer’s continuum, focusing on cognitively normal controls (NCs) with high brain β-amyloid (Aβ) loads (Aβ+).

Methods
The study was based on the Sino Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Decline project. We enrolled 246 participants, including 156 NCs, 45 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients, and 45 AD dementia (ADD) patients. Brain Aβ loads were determined using positron emission tomography. NCs were classified into 84 Aβ− NCs and 72 Aβ+ NCs. Baseline plasma nEVs were isolated by immunoprecipitation with an anti-CD171 antibody. After verification, their cargos, including Aβ, tau phosphorylated at threonine 181, and neurofilament light, were quantified using a single-molecule array. Concentrations of these cargos were compared among the groups, and their receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed. A subset of participants underwent follow-up cognitive assessment and magnetic resonance imaging. The relationships of nEV cargo levels with amyloid deposition, longitudinal changes in cognition, and brain regional volume were explored using correlation analysis. Additionally, 458 subjects in the project had previously undergone plasma Aβ quantification.

Results
Only nEV Aβ was included in the subsequent analysis. We focused on Aβ42 in the current study. After normalization of nEVs, the levels of Aβ42 were found to increase gradually across the cognitive continuum, with the lowest in the Aβ− NC group, an increase in the Aβ+ NC group, a further increase in the aMCI group, and the highest in the ADD group, contributing to their diagnoses (Aβ− NCs vs. Aβ+ NCs, area under the ROC curve values of 0.663; vs. aMCI, 0.857; vs. ADD, 0.957). Furthermore, nEV Aβ42 was significantly correlated with amyloid deposition, as well as longitudinal changes in cognition and entorhinal volume. There were no differences in plasma Aβ levels among NCs, aMCI, and ADD individuals.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest the potential use of plasma nEV Aβ42 levels in diagnosing AD-induced cognitive impairment and Aβ+ NCs. This biomarker reflects cortical amyloid deposition and predicts cognitive decline and entorhinal atrophy.
Assessing the impact of gestational age of donors on the efficacy of amniotic epithelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles in experimental bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Krause Mirja , Yawno Tamara , Kusuma Gina D. , Schwab Renate , Barabadi Mehri , Maleken Amina S. , Chan Siow T. , Hunt Rod , Greening David , Wallace Euan M. , Lim Rebecca 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground and rationaleExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are a potential cell-free regenerative medicine. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) are a viable source of cell therapy for diseases like bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, little is known about the impact of gestational age of the donor on the quality of hAEC-derived EVs.AimsTo determine the impact of gestational age on hAEC-derived EVs in experimental BPD.ResultsTerm hAEC-derived EVs displayed a significantly higher density of surface epitopes (CD142 and CD133) and induced greater macrophage phagocytosis compared to preterm hAEC-EVs. However, T cell proliferation was more significantly suppressed by preterm hAEC-EVs. Using a model of experimental BPD, we observed that term but not preterm hAEC-EVs improved tissue-to-airspace ratio and septal crest density. While both term and preterm hAEC-EVs reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines on postnatal day 7, the improvement in lung injury was associated with increased type II alveolar cells which was only observed in term hAEC-EV treatment group. Furthermore, only neonatal term hAEC-EVs reduced airway hyper-responsiveness, mitigated pulmonary hypertension and protected against right ventricular hypertrophy at 6 weeks of age.ConclusionTerm hAEC-EVs, but not preterm hAEC-EVs, have therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model of BPD-like lung injury. Therefore, the impact of donor criteria should be considered when applying perinatal cells-derived EV therapy for clinical use.
Potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhou Li , Zhu Huimin , Bai Xue , Huang Jiagui , Chen Yue , Wen Jun , Li Xuemei , Wu Bowen , Tan Yongjun , Tian Mingfen , Ren Jiangxia , Li Mengxia , Yang Qin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIschemic stroke is one of the major causes of death and disability in the world. Currently, most patients cannot choose intravenous thrombolysis or intravascular mechanical thrombectomy because of narrow therapeutic windows and severe complications. Stem cell transplantation is an emerging treatment and has been studied in various central nervous system diseases. Animal and clinical studies showed that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could alleviate neurological deficits and bring hope for ischemic stroke treatment. This article reviewed biological characteristics, safety, feasibility and efficacy of MSCs therapy, potential therapeutic targets of MSCs, and production process of Good Manufacturing Practices-grade MSCs, to explore the potential therapeutic targets of MSCs in the process of production and use and provide new therapeutic directions for ischemic stroke.
A myxobacterial GH19 lysozyme with bacteriolytic activity on both Gram-positive and negative phytopathogens
Authors: Li Yueqiu , Zhou Xiaoli , Zhang Xianjiao , Xu Zhiqiang , Dong Honghong , Yu Guohui , Cheng Ping , Yao Qing , Zhu Honghui 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMyxobacteria, as predatory bacteria, have good application potential in the biocontrol of pathogenic microorganisms. Extracellular enzymes are thought to play an important role in their predation and also provide resources for discovering new antibacterial molecules. We previously isolated a myxobacterium, Corallococcus silvisoli c25j21 GDMCC 1.1387, which is predatory to plant pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we identified an endolysin-like GH19 glycoside hydrolase, C25GH19B, from the genome of c25j21. After its heterologous expression and purification from E. coli, the enzymatic properties of C25GH19B were characterized. C25GH19B showed lysozyme activity with the optimal reaction conditions at 40 °C and pH 4.5–5.0. Moreover, C25GH19B showed bacteriolytic activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative plant pathogenic bacteria. Our research provides not only a candidate enzyme for the development of novel biocontrol agents but also an experimental basis for further study on the function and mechanisms of extracellular enzymes in myxobacterial predation.
Virtual full-duplex buffer-aided relay selection schemes for secure cooperative wireless networks
Authors: Zhou Jiayu , Qiao Deli , Qian Haifeng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis paper considers secure communication in buffer-aided cooperative wireless networks in the presence of one eavesdropper, which can intercept the data transmission from both the source and relay nodes. It is assumed that the relays employ the randomize-and-forward (RF) strategy such that the eavesdropper can only decode the signals received in the two hops independently. Two cooperative secure transmission schemes, i.e., hybrid imitating full-duplex max-max-ratio relay selection (HyIFD) scheme and threshold-based link selection (TBLS) scheme are proposed for adaptive- and fixed-rate transmissions aiming at improving the secrecy throughput and secrecy outage probability, respectively. For adaptive-rate transmissions (ART), the proposed scheme switches among three sub-strategies according to different conditions such as the number of relays and transmit power. Different relays are chosen for reception and transmission according to the ratio of the legitimate channels to the eavesdropper channels to imitate the full-duplex transmission mode. For fixed-rate transmissions (FRT), a hybrid HD/FD transmission mode is designed to increase the transmission probabilities of two hops under the transmission quality constraint. Two parameters are introduced and optimized to minimize the secrecy outage probability. A sub-optimal TBLS (SO-TBLS) scheme is also given. Theoretical analysis of the secrecy throughput and the secrecy outage probability are provided and the closed-form expressions are derived, and verified by numerical results. It is shown that the proposed schemes outperform benchmark schemes in terms of secrecy throughput and secrecy outage probability.
Observer-based event-triggered finite-time consensus for general linear leader-follower multi-agent systems
Authors: Luo Yiping , Pang Jialong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this study, the event-triggered finite-time consensus problem of a class of general linear leader-follower multi-agent systems with unmeasurable states is investigated. First, an observer-based distributed event-triggered strategy is proposed in view of introducing an external dynamic threshold that is independent of the state variables. Second, the Lyapunov method and proposed event-triggered strategy are implemented as the control scheme to ensure that the tracking error can converge to the origin within a finite time under given conditions. Analytical findings indicate that the Zeno behavior can be avoided by selecting the appropriate parameters. Finally, a numerical simulation is implemented, and the results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Precocious puberty related to Leydig cell testicular tumor: the diagnostic imaging keys
Authors: Grand Téodor , Hermann Anne-Laure , Gérard Maxime , Arama Emmanuel , Ouerd Linda , Garrouche Nada , Rocher Laurence 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
We report the challenging case of a 6-year-old boy with precocious puberty related to histologically proven Leydig cell tumor.

Case presentation
Multiparametric ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Interesting findings were scarcely or never reported in children and differed from adults Leydig cell tumors s such as the hyperechogenic halo surrounding the lesion and the dominant central vascularization using ultrasensitive Doppler. MRI revealed an enlarged testicle with strong enhancement of a tumor, a tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of 600 × 10−3 mm2/s and a lower ADC value of the non-tumor parenchyma compared to the contralateral testis (ADC = 800 × 10−3 mm2/s vs 1100 × 10−3 mm2/s), attributed to the spermatogenesis induced by hormonal impregnation.

Conclusion
We illustrate multiparametric US and MRI findings of a pediatric Leydig cell tumor, including the imaging changes attributed to local hormone secretion, which may be helpful in similar cases.
The distribution and function of GDE2, a regulator of spinal motor neuron survival, are disrupted in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Westerhaus Anna , Joseph Thea , Meyers Alison J. , Jang Yura , Na Chan Hyun , Cave Clinton , Sockanathan Shanthini 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects the viability of upper and lower motor neurons. Current options for treatment are limited, necessitating deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying ALS pathogenesis. Glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase 2 (GDE2 or GDPD5) is a six-transmembrane protein that acts on the cell surface to cleave the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor that tethers some proteins to the membrane. GDE2 is required for the survival of spinal motor neurons but whether GDE2 neuroprotective activity is disrupted in ALS is not known. We utilized a combination of mouse models and patient post-mortem samples to evaluate GDE2 functionality in ALS. Haplogenetic reduction of GDE2 exacerbated motor neuron degeneration and loss in SOD1G93A mice but not in control SOD1WT transgenic animals, indicating that GDE2 neuroprotective function is diminished in the context of SOD1G93A. In tissue samples from patients with ALS, total levels of GDE2 protein were equivalent to healthy controls; however, membrane levels of GDE2 were substantially reduced. Indeed, GDE2 was found to aberrantly accumulate in intracellular compartments of ALS motor cortex, consistent with a disruption of GDE2 function at the cell surface. Supporting the impairment of GDE2 activity in ALS, tandem-mass-tag mass spectrometry revealed a pronounced reduction of GPI-anchored proteins released into the CSF of patients with ALS compared with control patients. Taken together, this study provides cellular and biochemical evidence that GDE2 distribution and activity is disrupted in ALS, supporting the notion that the failure of GDE2-dependent neuroprotective pathways contributes to neurodegeneration and motor neuron loss in disease. These observations highlight the dysregulation of GPI-anchored protein pathways as candidate mediators of disease onset and progression and accordingly, provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying ALS pathogenesis.
Real-time automatic prediction of treatment response to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma using deep learning based on digital subtraction angiography videos
Authors: Zhang Lu , Jiang Yicheng , Jin Zhe , Jiang Wenting , Zhang Bin , Wang Changmiao , Wu Lingeng , Chen Luyan , Chen Qiuying , Liu Shuyi , You Jingjing , Mo Xiaokai , Liu Jing , Xiong Zhiyuan , Huang Tao , Yang Liyang , Wan Xiang , Wen Ge , Han Xiao Guang , Fan Weijun , Zhang Shuixing 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the mainstay of therapy for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); yet its efficacy varies between patients with the same tumor stage. Accurate prediction of TACE response remains a major concern to avoid overtreatment. Thus, we aimed to develop and validate an artificial intelligence system for real-time automatic prediction of TACE response in HCC patients based on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) videos via a deep learning approach.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included a total of 605 patients with intermediate-stage HCC who received TACE as their initial therapy. A fully automated framework (i.e., DSA-Net) contained a U-net model for automatic tumor segmentation (Model 1) and a ResNet model for the prediction of treatment response to the first TACE (Model 2). The two models were trained in 360 patients, internally validated in 124 patients, and externally validated in 121 patients. Dice coefficient and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the performance of Models 1 and 2, respectively.

Results
Model 1 yielded a Dice coefficient of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73–0.78) and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.71–0.75) for the internal validation and external validation cohorts, respectively. Integrating the DSA videos, segmentation results, and clinical variables (mainly demographics and liver function parameters), Model 2 predicted treatment response to first TACE with an accuracy of 78.2% (95%CI: 74.2–82.3), sensitivity of 77.6% (95%CI: 70.7–84.0), and specificity of 78.7% (95%CI: 72.9–84.1) for the internal validation cohort, and accuracy of 75.1% (95% CI: 73.1–81.7), sensitivity of 50.5% (95%CI: 40.0–61.5), and specificity of 83.5% (95%CI: 79.2–87.7) for the external validation cohort. Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significant difference in progression-free survival between the responders and non-responders divided by Model 2 (p = 0.002).

Conclusions
Our multi-task deep learning framework provided a real-time effective approach for decoding DSA videos and can offer clinical-decision support for TACE treatment in intermediate-stage HCC patients in real-world settings.
Role of IL-17 family cytokines in the progression of IPF from inflammation to fibrosis
Authors: Nie Yun-Juan , Wu Shuo-Hua , Xuan Ying-Hua , Yan Gen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal chronic interstitial lung disease with no established treatment and is characterized by progressive scarring of the lung tissue and an irreversible decline in lung function. Chronic inflammation has been demonstrated to be the pathological basis of fibrosis. Emerging studies have revealed that most interleukin-17 (IL-17) isoforms are essential for the mediation of acute and chronic inflammation via innate and adaptive immunity. Overexpression or aberrant expression of IL-17 cytokines contributes to various pathological outcomes, including the initiation and exacerbation of IPF. Here, we aim to provide an overview of IL-17 family members in the pathogenesis of IPF.
Beyond the snapshot: identification of the timeless, enduring indicator microbiome informing soil fertility and crop production in alkaline soils
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Dolfing Jan , Liu Wenjing , Chen Ruirui , Zhang Jiabao , Lin Xiangui , Feng Youzhi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundMicroorganisms are known to be important drivers of biogeochemical cycling in soil and hence could act as a proxy informing on soil conditions in ecosystems. Identifying microbiomes indicative for soil fertility and crop production is important for the development of the next generation of sustainable agriculture. Earlier researches based on one-time sampling have revealed various indicator microbiomes for distinct agroecosystems and agricultural practices as well as their importance in supporting sustainable productivity. However, these microbiomes were based on a mere snapshot of a dynamic microbial community which is subject to significant changes over time. Currently true indicator microbiomes based on long-term, multi-annual monitoring are not available.ResultsHere, using samples from a continuous 20-year field study encompassing seven fertilization strategies, we identified the indicator microbiomes ecophysiologically informing on soil fertility and crop production in the main agricultural production base in China. Among a total of 29,184 phylotypes in 588 samples, we retrieved a streamlined consortium including 2% of phylotypes that were ubiquitously present in alkaline soils while contributing up to half of the whole community; many of them were associated with carbon and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, these phylotypes formed two opposite microbiomes. One indicator microbiome dominated byBacillus asahii, characterized by specific functional traits related to organic matter decomposition, was mainly observed in organic farming and closely associated with higher soil fertility and crop production. The counter microbiome, characterized by known nitrifiers (e.g.,Nitrosospira multiformis) as well as plant pathogens (e.g.,Bacillus anthracis) was observed in nutrient-deficit chemical fertilizations. Both microbiomes are expected to be valuable indictors in informing crop yield and soil fertility, regulated by agricultural management.ConclusionsOur findings based on this more than 2-decade long field study demonstrate the exciting potential of employing microorganisms and maximizing their functions in future agroecosystems. Our results report a “most-wanted” or “most-unwanted” list of microbial phylotypes that are ready candidates to guide the development of sustainable agriculture in alkaline soils.
A practical guide for translating in-person simulation curriculum to telesimulation
Authors: Cruz-Panesso Ilian , Perron Roger , Chabot Valérie , Gauthier Frédérique , Demers Marie-Michèle , Trottier Roxane , Soulières Francis , Juste Laetitia , Gharavi Shiva , MacDonald Nathalie , Richard Amélie , Boivin Audrey , Deligne Benoit , Bouillon Karine , Drolet Pierre 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis article provides a road map, along with recommendations, for the adoption and implementation of telesimulation at a large scale. We provide tools for translating an in-presence simulation curriculum into a telesimulation curriculum using a combination off-the-shelf telecommunication platform. We also describe the roles and tasks that emerged within the simulation team when planning and delivering a telesimulation curriculum.
The effects of community clustering on under-five mortality in India: a parametric shared frailty modelling approach
Authors: Meitei Wahengbam Bigyananda , Singh Abhishek , Ladusingh Laishram 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe study of the effect of community clustering of under-five mortality has its implications in both research and policy. Studies have shown the contribution of community factors on under-five mortality. However, these studies did not account for censoring. We examine the presence of community dependencies and determine the risk factors of under-five mortality in India and its six state-regions by employing a Weibull hazard model with gamma shared frailty. We considered every possible way to ensure that the frailty models used in the study are not merely a consequence of how the data are organized rather than representing a substantive assumption about the source of the frailty. Data from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey has been used. The study found that except for south India, children born in the same community in India and the other five state-regions shared similar characteristics of under-five mortality. The risk of under-five mortality decreased with an increase in mother’s schooling. Except for northern region, female births were less likely to die within first five years of life. We found a U-shaped relationship between preceding birth interval and under-five mortality. History of sibling’s death, multiple births and low-birthweight significantly increases the risk of under-five mortality in all the six state-regions. The Hindu–Muslim mortality gaps and Scheduled Caste or Tribe’s mortality disadvantage is diminishing. Since the factors associated with under-five mortality were not necessarily the same across the six state-regions of India, adopting a uniform approach in dealing with under-five mortality in India may not benefit all the regions equally.
How history trails and set size influence detection of hostile intentions
Authors: Patton Colleen E. , Wickens Christopher D. , Clegg Benjamin A. , Noble Kayla M. , Smith C. A. P. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPrevious research suggests people struggle to detect a series of movements that might imply hostile intentions of a vessel, yet this ability is crucial in many real world Naval scenarios. To investigate possible mechanisms for improving performance, participants engaged in a simple, simulated ship movement task. One of two hostile behaviors were present in one of the vessels: Shadowing—mirroring the participant’s vessel’s movements; and Hunting—closing in on the participant’s vessel. In the first experiment, history trails, showing the previous nine positions of each ship connected by a line, were introduced as a potential diagnostic aid. In a second experiment, the number of computer-controlled ships on the screen also varied. Smaller set size improved detection performance. History trails also consistently improved detection performance for both behaviors, although still falling well short of optimal, even with the smaller set size. These findings suggest that working memory plays a critical role in performance on this dynamic decision making task, and the constraints of working memory capacity can be decreased through a simple visual aid and an overall reduction in the number of objects being tracked. The implications for the detection of hostile intentions are discussed.