bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CaMKII regulates neuromuscular activity and survival of the human blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Hirst Natasha L. , Lawton Scott P. , Walker Anthony J. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Calcium/calmodulin dependant protein kinase II (CaMKII), an important transducer of Ca2+ signals, orchestrates multiple cellular functions in animals. Here we investigated the importance of CaMKII to Schistosoma mansoni, a blood parasite that causes human schistosomiasis. We demonstrate that phosphorylated (activated) CaMKII is present in cercariae, somules and adult worms, and show that striking activation occurs in the nervous tissue of these parasite life-stages; CaMKII was also activated in the tegument and muscles of adult worms and the vitellaria of females. Exposure of worms to the anti-schistosomal drug praziquantel (PZQ) induced significant CaMKII activation and depletion of CaMKII protein/activation in adult worms resulted in hypokinesia, reduced vitality and death. At medium confidence, S. mansoni CaMKII was predicted to interact with 51 proteins, with many containing CaMKII phosphorylation sites and nine mapped to phosphoproteome data including sites within a ryanodine receptor. The CaMKII network was functionally enriched with mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, and notch pathways, and ion-transport and voltage-dependent channel protein domains. Collectively, these data highlight the intricacies of CaMKII signalling in S. mansoni, show CaMKII to be an active player in the PZQ-mediated response of schistosomes and highlight CaMKII as a possible target for the development of novel anti-schistosome therapeutics.
Deep Learning for Separation and Feature Extraction of Bonded Teeth: Tool Establishment and Application
Authors: Li Ruomei , Zhu Cheng , Chu Fengting , Yu Quan , Fan Di , Ouyang Ningjuan , Jin Yu , Guo Weiming , Xia Lunguo , Feng Qiping , Fang Bing 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Objective: We aimed to establish an automated digital tool for tooth surface and bracket separation and feature extraction based on deep learning algorithms and examine its application in a bracket position assessment scenario. Materials and methods: Our segmentation network for tooth surface and bracket separation was trained using dataset A containing 978 bonded teeth, 20 original teeth, and 20 brackets generated by scanners. The accuracy and separation time of the network were tested by dataset B including another 118 bonded teeth. The clinical crown center, bracket center, and orientations of separated teeth and brackets were extracted. This tool was then applied for bracket position assessment, with the linear distribution and angular deviation of bonded brackets being recorded.Results: This tool performed tooth surfaces and bracket separation in 2.9 ms per tooth with accuracies of 98.93% and 97.42% (P <0.01) in datasets A and B, respectively. The features of the tooth surface and bracket were extracted and used to evaluate the results of manually bonded brackets by 49 orthodontists. Personal preferences for angulations and high consistency in locating brackets on lateral incisors were found.Conclusions: The tool has satisfactory efficiency and accuracy and can be operated without original teeth data. It can be utilized in the bracket position assessment scenario with ease.Clinical Significance: With the help of this tool, unnecessary bracket removal can be avoided when evaluating bracket positions and changing treatment plans. It holds the promise of producing retainers and orthodontic appliances in advance without original tooth data.
An efficacious and safe rescue of GM3 synthase deficiency by spatially regulated rAAV-mediated ST3GAL5 delivery
Authors: Yang Huiya , Brown Robert , Wang Dan , Strauss Kevin , Gao Guangping 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
GM3 synthase deficiency (GM3SD) is an infantile-onset epileptic encephalopathy syndrome caused by biallelic loss-of-function mutations in ST3GAL5. Loss of ST3GAL5 activity in humans results in systemic ganglioside deficiency and severe neurological impairment. No disease-modifying treatment is currently available. Certain recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier to induce widespread, long-term gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS), and represent a promising therapeutic strategy. Here, we show that a first-generation rAAV-ST3GAL5 replacement vector employing a ubiquitous promoter restored tissue ST3GAL5 expression and normalized cerebral gangliosides in patient-derived iPSC neurons and brain tissue from St3gal5 knock-out mice, but caused fatal hepatotoxicity when administered systemically. In contrast, a second-generation vector optimized for CNS-restricted ST3GAL5 expression, administered by either intracerebroventricular or intravenous route, allowed for safe and effective rescue of lethality and neurological impairment in murine models of GM3SD. These results support further clinical development of ST3GAL5 gene therapy.
Mobile application for home exercise adherence in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A pilot study
Authors: Yamamoto Yohei , Murata Yasuaki , Tanaka Naofumi , Shigemura Tomonori , Maruyama Juntaro , Nakane Ryo , Wada Yuichi 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The adherence to home exercise is generally low despite its well-known effect on knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, we developed a home exercise application, LongLifeSupport, to provide patients with daily basic exercise videos and an automatic recording calendar. We hypothesized that this application would encourage patients to exercise and help maintain their motivation; this pilot study aimed to determine their exercise adherence rates. Using outcome measures, we also aimed to determine the effect of home exercise using this application and the factors for its continuation.
Methods
Twenty patients with knee osteoarthritis were included. The participants exercised for 12 weeks. Using pre- and post-tests, we examined their satisfaction with continuation (only in the post-test), Japanese knee osteoarthritis measure score, short physical performance battery score, bilateral knee extension muscle strength, and short test battery for locomotive syndrome. Furthermore, we investigated correlations between adherence rates and pre-test scores of Japanese knee osteoarthritis measure and short test battery, and between pre-test scores and variations in Japanese knee osteoarthritis measure and short test battery.
Results
The mean adherence rate was 82.4%. The participants showed ease of continuation (100%) and significant improvements in the degree of knee pain, pain and stiffness, and daily life conditions using the Japanese knee osteoarthritis measure score, total score, walk seconds and chair stand seconds of the short physical performance battery, as well as the extension muscle strength of the right- and pain-side knee. No significant correlations were identified between the adherence rate and the pre-test or variation.
Conclusions
The adherence rate to the application was over 80%. Participants with knee osteoarthritis showed almost full satisfaction, reduced pain, and improved physical ability. Therefore, the use of this application provided a safe exercise program and maintained the exercise motivation of participants. Thus, it may be useful for unsupervised home exercise.
Trial registration:
WHO Registry Network jRCT1030210102. Registered on 19/05/2021
Sustained antibacterial coating with graphene oxide ultrathin film combined with cationic surface-active agents in wet environment
Authors: Miyaji Hirofumi , Kanemoto Yukimi , Hamamoto Asako , Shitomi Kanako , Nishida Erika , Kato Akihito , Tsutomu Sugaya , Tanaka Saori , Aikawa Natsuha , Kawasaki Hideya , Gohda Syun , Ono Hironobu 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Antimicrobial surfactants contained in mouthrinse have excellent efficacy but are not retained on the tooth surface (are rinsed away) due to their low water resistance and thus do not exhibit sustained antibacterial activity. We have developed a new coating method using graphene oxide (GO) that retains the surfactant on the tooth surface even after rinsing with water, thus providing a sustained antibacterial effect. Ultra-thin films of GO and antimicrobial agent were prepared by (1) applying GO to the substrate surface, drying, and thoroughly rinsing with water to remove excess GO to form an ultrathin film (almost a monolayer, transparent) on the substrate surface, then (2) applying antimicrobial cationic surface active agents (CSAAs) on the GO film to form a composite coating film (GO/CSAA). GO/CSAA formation was verified by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ζ-potential and contact angle measurements. GO/CSAA was effective at inhibiting the growth of oral pathogens even after up to 7 days of storage in water, and antibacterial activity was recovered by reapplication of the CSAA. Antibacterial GO/CSAA films were also formed on a tooth substrate. The results suggest that GO/CSAA coatings are effective in preventing oral infections.
Association between real-time strategy video game learning outcomes and pre-training brain white matter structure: preliminary study
Authors: Lewandowska Paulina , Jakubowska Natalia , Hryniewicz Nikodem , Prusinowski Rafał , Kossowski Bartosz , Brzezicka Aneta , Kowalczyk-Grębska Natalia 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
In recent years the association between video games, cognition, and the brain has been actively investigated. However, it is still unclear how individual predispositions, such as brain structure characteristics, play a role in the process of acquiring new skills, such as video games. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate whether acquisition of cognitive-motor skills from the real-time strategy video game (StarCraft II) is associated with pre-training measures of brain white matter integrity. Our study shows significant correlations between white matter integrity in the selected regions (anterior limb of internal capsule, cingulum/hippocampus) and tracts (inferior longitudinal fasciculus), and StarCraft II performance indicators. The results show that higher white matter integrity in the regions of interest and tracts is associated with better StarCraft II performance. These regions are proven to be involved in specific functions such as psychomotor, set shifting ability, or visually guided decisions and behavior. The presented findings inline with previous results and suggest that structural brain predispositions of individuals are related to the video game skill acquisition. Our study pinpoints the importance of neuroimaging studies that focus on white matter in predicting the outcomes of intervention studies.
Energy and exergy analysis of heat pipe based SWH system integrated with phase change material for clear and cloudy days: An experimental approach
Authors: Pathak Sudhir Kumar , Tyagi V. V. , Chopra K. , Pandey Adarsh Kumar 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Solar water heating is the most promising way to effectively use solar energy among all other solar energy applications. In this study, an innovative way of incorporatingphase change material (PCM) between the annulusspace of the heat pipe and the evacuated tubes for solar water heaters (SWHs) is used. The proposed system can deliver hot water when demand is high/solar radiation is insufficient by using palmitic acid as PCM. The energetic and exergetic analysis of the developed systemintegrated with PCM is studied on both clear and cloudy days. The results revealed that the maximum daily collected useful energyfor the clear and cloudy days was10.65 MJ & 8.52MJ respectively, whereas the maximum storage tank temperature was found to be 46.2°C and 41.4°C for the corresponding days. The daily average energetic and exergetic efficiencies of the proposed system were found to be 76.57% and 79.64%, and 2.37% and 1.38%, respectively at a fixed mass flow ratefor clear and cloudy days conditions.The results reveal that the designed system eliminates the problem of overheating heat pipes and can supply hot water even under cloudy conditions.
Effect of AI-assisted software on inter- and intra-observer variability for preschool children X-ray bone age assessment
Authors: Zhao Kai , Ma Shuai , Sun Zhaonan , Liu Xiang , Zhu Ying , Xu Yufeng , Wang Xiaoying 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of AI-assisted software on residents’ inter-observer agreement and intra-observer reproducibility for preschool children X-ray bone age assessment.
Methods
This prospective study was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee. Six board-certified residents interpreted 56 bone age radiographs ranging from 3 to 6 years with structured reporting by modified TW3 method. The images were interpreted on two separate occasions, once with and once without the assistant of AI. After a washout period of 4 weeks, the radiographs were reevaluated by each resident in the same way. The average bone age results of three experts were the reference bone age. Both TW3-RUS and TW3-Carpal were evaluated. The root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute difference (MAD) and bone age accuracy within 0.5 years & 1 year were used as metrics of accuracy. Inter-observer agreement and intra-observer reproducibility were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICCs).
Results
With the assistance of bone age AI software, the accuracy of residents’ results improved significantly. For Inter-observer agreement comparison, The ICC results with AI assistance among 6 residents were higher than results without AI assistance on the two separate occasions. For intra-observer reproducibility comparison, the ICC results with AI assistance were higher than results without AI assistance between the 1st reading and 2nd reading for each resident.
Conclusions
For preschool children X-ray bone age assessment, besides improving diagnostic accuracy, bone age AI-assisted software can also increase inter-observer agreement and intra-observer reproducibility. AI-assisted software can be an effective diagnostic tool for residents in actual clinical settings.
Venular amyloid accumulation subsequent to cerebral amyloid angiopathy in transgenic Fischer 344 Alzheimer’s disease rats
Authors: Bishay Jossana , Beckett Tina L. , Lai Aaron Y. , Hill Mary E. , McMahon Dallan , McLaurin JoAnne 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Strong evidence demonstrates a significant association between cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). For this reason, interest in understanding the underlying vascular pathologies that contribute to AD remain. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy research has primarily focused on arterioles and capillaries, overlooking the draining venules. Therefore, this study sought to examine venular amyloid pathology and its relationship to arteriolar amyloidosis throughout AD progression in the TgF344-AD rat model. Antibodies targeting the amyloid-beta peptide (Ab) sequence suggest morphological differences between arteriolar and venular amyloid. Mass spectrometric analyses of isolated cortical parenchymal plaques, arteriolar and venular amyloid demonstrated presence of Ab in all three samples, as well as proteins known to be associated with AD. Histopathological analysis indicates a significant age effect for both arteriolar and venular amyloid accumulation, with accumulation initiated in the somatosensory cortex followed by the motor and cingulate cortex. Lastly, arteriolar amyloid accumulates prior to venular amyloid deposition and at a faster rate earlier in AD progression. Overall, understanding venular and arteriolar amyloid pathology provides insight into the complex connection between cerebral amyloid angiopathy and AD.
Assessing the time dependence of AOPs on the surface properties of Polylactic Acid
Authors: Kalogirou Charalampia , Höfft Oliver , Gödde Anna , Pandis Pavlos K. , Argirusis Christos , Sourkouni Georgia 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Plastics are artificial synthetic organic polymers that have been used in every area of daily life. However, because of their slow degradation rate their use is contentious. The treatment of the surface of the sample is considered necessary as enzymatic or bacterial attach is not possible if the plastic surface environment is not ideal. The main topic of this work is the pre-treatment of samples of Polylactic acid (PLA) using different Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) in order to modify their surface in such a way as to foster the adhesion of enzymes or bacteria for further biodegradation. The Advanced Oxidation Processes that have been used are Ultrasonication, UV photodegradation and Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma. After the treatments, the surfaces were characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Drop Contact Angle (DCA), Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Both Ultrasonication and UV have a significant impact on surface characteristics by removing the oxygen content of the polymer, although in distinct ways, whereas plasma uncovers the oxygen groups at the surface.
Enhanced aramid/Al2O3 interfacial properties by PDDA-modification for the preparation of composite insulating Paper
Authors: Lv Fangcheng , Lu Xiuquan , Song Jingxuan , Zhu Meiying , Wang Shenghui , Xu Yuqin , Chang Xiaobin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
For further improve the electrical insulation properties of meta-aramid paper(PMIA), polydimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride (PDDA) was used for the modification of nano-Al2O3 in this work. The modified products were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and liquid Zeta potential. The original and PDDA modified nano-Al2O3 was doped into the aramid fiber composite, and the effects of PDDA and filler mass fraction on several properties such as electrical conductivity, breakdown strength and surface charge dissipation rate of insulating paper were studied. Finally, the interfacial properties of the composites were investigated using molecular dynamics (MD). The results showed that PDDA was successfully coated on the surface of nano-Al2O3, and its surface potential was changed from negative to positive, which could improve the interface characteristics between filler and matrix and enhance the dielectric strength of aramid paper. Besides, saturation effect of PDDA modification was observed, and when the amount of PDDA was 10% and the content of modified nano-Al2O3 was 3%, the breakdown strength of aramid paper was increased by 20%, and the volume conductivity was decreased by 68%. The simulation result revealed that PDDA could improve the insulation performance of aramid paper by reducing the interfacial binding energy between aramid and filler.
Complex dynamic patterns of antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from poultry and swine over 10 years in Chongming Island, Shanghai
Authors: lv chao , Shang Jun , Zhang WenGang , Sun BingQing , Li Min , Guo ChaoYi , Zhou Nan , Zhou XiaoNong , Guo XiaoKui , Huang ShiXin , Zhu YongZhang 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most serious threats to animal and public health. Here, we conducted a dynamic surveillance of E. coli on Chongming Island in Shanghai during 2009-2021 to reveal Chongming's specific epidemic AMR characteristics and trends. Methods: Rectal (cloaca) swabs from four poultry and nine swine farms were collected for strain culture and isolation. The routine micro-broth dilution method was used to test antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli isolates against 9 antibiotic classes including 15 antimicrobials. Utilizing generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and co-occurrence analyses, we further explored the multidrug-resistant (MDR) combinations and dynamic patterns of E. coli over 10 years in two food animals.Results: 853 MDR isolates were found among 945 collected E. coli isolates, 337 from poultry and 608 from swine. Both animal isolates exhibited high resistance rates (>70%) to tetracyclines, phenicols, sulfonamides, β-lactams, and aminoglycosides (only in swine). The resistance to the four antibiotic classes listed above (excluding sulfonamides) was significantly greater in swine isolates than in poultry isolates, whereas fluoroquinolones resistance was reversed. Resistance to polymyxins decreased similarly in swine (42.4% in 2009 to 0% in 2021) and poultry isolates (16.5% to 0%). However, resistance to the other seven antibiotic classes (excluding carbapenems) declined dramatically only in swine isolates, particularly fluoroquinolones (from 80.5% to 14.4%). Surprisingly, except for fluoroquinolone resistance, which showed a modest decline in poultry isolates, the resistances to the other seven antibiotic classes showed markedly divergent patterns. Using Poisson GLMMs, despite the highly diverse MDR profiles, the most prevalent MDR combinations were aminoglycosides-tetracyclines-sulfonamides in poultry and aminoglycosides-phenicols-fluoroquinolones in swine. In addition, the beta-lactams-cephalosporins and aminoglycosides-polymyxins patterns in both animals exhibited strong coefficients, indicating an enhanced synergistic risk.Conclusion:Our study uncovered vastly distinct AMR patterns and dynamic tendencies of poultry and swine isolates from Chongming. Due to the ongoing implementation of national anti-AMR strategies, Chongming's AMR status has improved, as indicated by the decline in MDR prevalence (particularly in swine) and low resistance to carbapenems, cephalosporins, and polymyxins. Finally, Chongming Island can use these findings to execute the One Health plan to tackle AMR.
Untargeted ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry metabolomic profiling of blood serum in bladder cancer
Authors: Nizioł Joanna , Ossoliński Krzysztof , Płaza Aneta , Kołodziej Artur , Ossolińska Anna , Ossoliński Tadeusz , Ruman Tomasz 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is a common urological cancer of high mortality and recurrence rates. Currently, cystoscopy is performed as standard examination for the diagnosis and subsequent monitoring for recurrence of the patients. Frequent expensive and invasive procedures may deterrent patients from regular follow-up screening, therefore it is important to look for new non-invasive methods to aid in the detection of recurrent and/or primary BC. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHRMS) was employed for non-targeted metabolomic profiling of 200 human serum samples to identify biochemical signatures that differentiate BC from non-cancer controls (NCs). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses with external validation revealed twenty-seven metabolites that differentiate between BC patients from NCs. Abundances of these metabolites displayed statistically significant differences in in two independent training and validation sets. Twenty-three serum metabolites were also found to be distinguishing between low- and high-grade of BC patients and controls. Thirty-seven serum metabolites were found to differentiate between different stages of BC. The results suggest that measurement of serum metabolites may provide more facile and less invasive diagnostic methodology for detection of bladder cancer and recurrent disease management.