bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlations between APOE4 allele and regional amyloid and tau burdens in cognitively normal older individuals
Authors: Hong Yun Jeong , Kim Chanmi , Lee Jae Hong , Sepulcre Jorge 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background:The correlations between apolipoprotein epsilon 4 (APOE4) status and regional amyloid, tau, and cortical thickness in cognitively normal elderly are not fully understood. Our cross-sectional study aimed to compare regional amyloid/tau burden, and cortical thickness according to APOE4 carrier status and assess correlations between APOE4 and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related biomarker burdens.Methods:We analyzed 185 cognitively normal participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. Participants aged 55–90 with normal cognitive function were divided into amyloid ꞵ-positive (Aß+) APOE4 carriers (group 1, n=27), Aß+ APOE4 non-carriers (group 2, n=29), and Aß- normal controls (group 0, n=129). We compared amyloid depositions, tau depositions, and cortical thickness among the 3 groups and assessed correlations between APOE4 existence and imaging biomarkers adjusted for age and sex. Results:The participants in group 2 were older than those in the other groups. The regional amyloid/tau standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) did not differ between groups 1 and 2, but the amyloid/tau SUVRs in most regions were numerically higher (especially in the younger (<70) participants) in group 1 than group 2 after adjusting for age difference. APOE4 allele had robust correlations with increased amyloid burden in the fronto-temporo-parietal cortical areas after adjustment for age and sex, but it had weaker and mixed correlations with the regional tau burden and did not have significant correlation with cortical thickness.Conclusions:We identified that the presence of APOE4 allele might be more highly associated with amyloid deposition than with other AD-related biomarkers such as tau or cortical thickness, especially in the younger group below 70 in cognitively normal elderly.
Peripheral CD8+CD28- T cell level reflects tumor immunity and could predict anti- HER2 based therapy response in metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Li Hui-Ping , Liu Xiao-Ran , Cheng Xiang-Ming , Xie Feng , Li Kun , Shi Yong-Can , Shao Bin , Liang Xu , Wan Feng-Ling , Liu Yi-Qiang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Despite recent clinical improvements, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is still incurable. A robust biomarker is needed in predicting the efficacy of anti-HER2 based therapy. Experimental Design: A total of 252 HER-positive MBC patients received first-line therapy were retrospectively recruited at two medical centers. Peripheral lymphocyte levels of baseline and subsequent follow-up visits were detected using flow-cytometer. The cutoff value of peripheral CD8+CD28-T cell (pTCD8+CD28-) was determined by X-tile software. The levels of TILs, immune cytokines and mutation prevalence were compared between pTCD8+CD28-high (≥18.0%) and pTCD8+CD28-low. Results: The median follow-up time was 29.6 months. pTCD8+CD28-high at baseline indicates a better PFS in patients received anti-HER2 based therapy (11.1 vs. 18.9 months, P = 0.001). During the therapeutic course, patients who maintained or regain pTCD8+CD28-high had a better PFS than those maintained pTCD8+CD28-low (15.5 vs. 11.1 vs. 7.7 months, P < 0.001). The higher IL-2 level (P = 0.034) and lower TGF-β level (P = 0.016) in the serum were connected to pTCD8+CD28-high. Highly infiltrated TILs including CD8 + CD28-T cell and higher prevalence of PD-L1 deletion (P = 0.041) were associated with pTCD8+CD28-high. The elevated pTCD8+CD28-level induced by anti-PD1 therapy was also observed in triple-negative MBC patients.Conclusions: The pTCD8+CD28-level at baseline and its dynamic change are predictive for anti-HER2 based therapy. Higher pTCD8+CD28-level is associated with an enhanced tumor immunity in HER2-positive MBC. Adding anti-PD1 therapy to HER2-targeted therapy according to pTCD8+CD28-level could be a promising alternative.
Optimization of Furrow Irrigation Decision Variables: The case of Wonji Shoa Sugarcane Plantation, Ethiopia
Authors: Adamu Tokuma , Ayana Mekonen , Aregay Gebremeskel 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Surface irrigation type is one of the most widely used in the world due to its low cost investment. However it is complex method of applying water to soil, because of extreme difficult to achieve good control over the highly variable nature of the movement of water across a soil surface and its infiltration into the soil over a season. This study is attempted to optimize furrow irrigation decision variables at Wonji sugar estate using field experiment and two simulation models. The field data of experimental site was measured as input for models and simulated using the SIRMOD software and WinSRFR software package. Furrow lengths of 32m, 48m and 64m, slopes of 0.05%, 0.075% and 0.1%and flow rates of 3l/sec, 4l/sec and 5l/sec were analyzed with three replication using volume balance method and two simulation models. The study found optimum decision variables that gave maximum application efficiency and distribution uniformity were slope of 0.1%, furrow length of 32m and inflow rate of 4 l/sec at cut-off time of 15.79 minutes. Thus, to improve the performance of furrow irrigation practice, optimal furrow length, inflow rates and cut-off time found by this study should be adopted. Findings from the study would serve as a source of information for use by policy makers and planners during the design and Operation of irrigation development programs. It does not focus on yield related optimization. So, it is open for the future research to conduct yield related optimization of the decision variables. The authors sincerely declare that this study is the product of their own efforts.
Radiographic analysis of dynamic lumbar motion during the five-repetition sit-to-stand test in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis
Authors: jiang Jiang , Hu Jun , Cai Hai-ping , Niu Lei , Zheng Meng-long , Chen Xi , Zhang Wen‑zhi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
To investigate the mechanisms of low back pain (LBP) triggered by the five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5R-STS test) in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) from radiographic perspective, as well as to determine the most useful diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of segmental instability.
Methods
We retrospectively performed a study of 78 patients (23 men and 55 women) with symptomatic DLS at L4/5 in our institution between April 2020 and December 2021. Each patient was assessed by using the 5R-STS test and received a series of radiographs including the upright standing, natural sitting, standing flexion-extension radiographs, and supine sagittal MRI. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups based on the 5R-STS test score: severe group and mild group. Translational and angular motion was determined by comparing nature sitting radiograph (S) with upright standing radiograph (N) (Combined, SN), flexion/extension radiographs (FE) as well as nature sitting radiograph (S) with a supine sagittal MRI image (U) (Combined, SU).
Results
Overall, 78 patients were enrolled, and there were 31(39.7%) patients in group S and 47(60.3%) patients in group M, with an average age of 60.7 ± 8.4 years. The natural sitting radiograph demonstrated the maximum slip percentage (SP) and the highest kyphotic angle both in group S and group M. Compared with group M, group S revealed significantly higher SP in the natural sitting position (24.1 vs 19.6; p = 0.002). The lumbar slip angular in group S with a sitting position was significantly higher than that in group M (-5.2 vs -1.3; p < 0.001). All patients in group S had OFI and 28 patients of them were diagnosed with lumbar instability by using the combination of nature sitting radiograph (S) and supine sagittal MRI image (U) (Combined, SU).
Conclusion
DLS patients with positive sign of the 5R-STS test is a distinct subgroup associated with lumbar instability. The modality of the combination of nature sitting radiograph (S) and supine MRI (U) had a significant advantage in terms of the ability to identify segmental instability.
Existence of Weakly Quasisymmetric Magnetic Fields in Asymmetric Toroidal Domains with Non-Tangential Quasisymmetry
Authors: Sato Naoki 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A quasisymmetry is a special symmetry that enhances the ability of a magnetic field to trap charged particles. Quasisymmetric magnetic fields may allow the realization of next generation fusion reactors (stellarators) with superior performance when compared with classical (tokamak) designs. Nevertheless, the existence of such magnetic configurations lacks mathematical proof due to the complexity of the governing equations. Here, we prove the existence of weakly quasisymmetric magnetic fields by constructing explicit examples. This result is achieved by a tailored parametrization of both magnetic field and hosting toroidal domain, which are optimized to fulfill quasisymmetry. The obtained solutions hold in a toroidal volume, are smooth, possess nested flux surfaces, are not invariant under continuous Euclidean isometries, have a non-vanishing current, exhibit a direction of quasisymmetry that is not tangential to the toroidal boundary, and fit within the framework of anisotropic magnetohydrodynamics.
Neuropathological signatures revealed by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis in Pten-deficient mouse models of autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Chan Andrew Man-Lok , Cheung Stanley Kwok-Kuen , Kwok Jacinda , Or Penelope Mei-Yu , Wong Chi Wai , Feng Bo , Choy Kwong Wai , Chang Raymond C.C. , Burbach J. Peter H. , Cheng Alfred Sze-Lok 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS) is characterized by frequent mutation in PTEN gene. PHTS patients have numerous neurological defects including macrocephaly and autism spectrum disorder. While clinical features of PHTS are likely the result of PTEN haploinsufficiency, the role of PTEN gene dosage in driving transcriptomic changes in specific neural cell types is not known. Methods: We performed transcriptomic and proteomic analysis on neural tissues and primary cultures from Pten heterozygous and homozygous knockout mice. Results: We found that somatosensory cortex (SSC) of Pten heterozygous mice are enriched with immune response and oligodendrocyte development Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Parallel proteomic analysis reveals differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) related to dendritic spine development, keratinization and hamartoma signatures. The lack of concordance between transcriptomic and proteomic data prompted us to profile the transcriptomes of specific neural cell types. Overall, Pten homozygous knockout cells have much greater differential expressed genes (DEGs) than Pten heterozygous knockout cells. Pten heterozygous knockout primary astrocytes (AST) are enriched in Extracellular Matrix GO terms while primary cortical neurons (PCN) are enriched with immediate-early genes. In Pten homozygous knockout AST, cilium-related activity is enriched while PCN exhibited downregulation of forebrain neuron generation and differentiation which may lead to disruption of excitatory/inhibitory balance in brain. By integrating DEPs with a pre-filtered DEGs, we identified traits of intelligence and cognitive function, and schizophrenia being enriched, and DEP from AST is significantly associated with intelligence and depression.Limitations: First, bulk tissues were used for transcriptomic and proteomics analysis. Cell type specific expression changes may not be revealed. Second, primary neural cell cultures were used for transcriptomic analysis, which may not reflect the normal physiological conditions.Conclusions: We have uncovered transcriptomic alterations and molecular pathways that may explain neurological disorders associated with PHTS.
Analyzing the role of reoperation in recurrent glioblastoma: A 15-year retrospective study in a single institution
Authors: Jiménez Víctor González , Doval Marta Brell , Domínguez Javier Ibáñez , Salvá José Fuster , Ferrero Lesmes Moratinos , Ruano Daniel Alegre , Lage Sofía López 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Multiple treatment options at glioblastoma progression exist, including reintervention, reirradiation, additional systemic therapy, and novel strategies. No alternative has been proven to be superior in terms of postprogression survival (PPS). A second surgery has shown conflicting evidence in the literature regarding its prognostic impact, possibly affected by selection bias, and might benefit a sparse subset of patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The present study aims to determine the prognostic influence of salvage procedures in a cohort of patients treated in the same institution over 15 years.Methods: Patients with confirmed primary glioblastoma diagnosed and treated between 2005 and 2019 were selected. To examine the role of reoperation, we intended to create comparable groups, previously excluding all diagnostic biopsies and patients who were not actively treated after the first surgery or at disease progression. Uni-and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed, considering reintervention as a time-fixed or time-dependent covariate. The endpoints of the study were overall survival (OS) and PPS.Results: At progression, (n=33) patients received a second surgery, and (n=84) were treated with chemotherapy only. Clinical variables were similar among groups. OS, but not PPS, was superior in the reintervention group. Treatment modality had no impact in our multivariate Cox regression models considering OS or PPS as the endpoint.Conclusions: The association of reoperation with improved prognosis in recurrent glioblastoma is unclear and may be influenced by selection bias. Regardless of our selective indications and high gross total resection rates in second procedures, we could not observe a survival advantage.
Analysis of Fixed and Variable Operating Room (OR) Time Point Efficiency in Partial Nephrectomies: Open Versus Robotic-assisted
Authors: Geldmaker Laura E. , Hasse Christopher H. , Baird Bryce A. , Ericson Christian A. , Myers Amanda A. , Haehn Daniela A. , Anyane-Yeboah Abena N. , Wieczorek Mikolaj A. , Ball Colleen T. , Lyon Timothy D. , Pak Raymond W. , Thiel David D. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: To analyze operating room (OR) efficiency by evaluating fixed and variable OR times for open (OPN) and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomies (RAPN).Methods: We analyzed consecutive OPN and RAPN performed by one surgeon over a 24-month period. All patients were placed in the lateral decubitus position and secured with a beanbag regardless of approach. Fixed (nonprocedural) OR times were prospectively collected and defined as: in room to anesthesia release time (IRAT), anesthesia release to cut time (ARCT), and close to wheels out time (CTWO). Variable OR time was procedural cut to close time (CTCT). Comparison of fixed and variable OR time points between OPN and RAPN were performed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: 146 RAPN and 31 OPN were evaluated from 2019-2020. Median IRAT was similar for RAPN versus OPN [20 min (IQR: 16-25) vs. 20 min (IQR: 16-26), P=0.57]. Median ARCT was longer for RAPN than it was for OPN [40 min (IQR: 36-46) vs. 34 min (IQR: 30-39), P<0.001]. Median CTWO was similar for OPN (12 min, IQR: 9-14) and RAPN (11 min, IQR: 7-15) (P=0.89). Median CTCT was longer for RAPN (202 min, IQR: 170-236) compared to OPN (164 min, IQR: 154-184) (P<0.001).Conclusions: In a single surgeon partial nephrectomy series with the same patient positioning, utilization of robotic technology was associated with longer surgeon operating time as well as less efficient fixed OR times, specifically ARCT.
Human PMSCs derived exosomes alleviate neuropathic pain through miR-26a-5p/Wnt5a in SNI mice model
Authors: Lu Yitian , Zhang Jintao , Zeng Fanning , Wang Peng , Guo Xiangna , Wang Haitao , Qin Zaisheng , Tao Tao 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs)-derived exosomes are considered as a new cell-free therapy for pain caused by nerve injury, but whether human placental mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes relieve pain in sciatic nerve injury and its possible mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of hPMSCs-derived exosomes and related mechanisms in neuropathic pain.Methods: The spared nerve injury (SNI) mouse model was employed. Intrathecal injection of exosomes or miR-26a-5p agomir was performed on the seventh day of modeling, to study its anti-nociceptive effect. Exosomes’ miRNA sequencing (miRNA-Seq) and bioinformatics analysis were performed to study the downstream mechanisms of miRNAs. RT-qPCR, protein assay and immunofluorescence were used for further validation.Results: A single intrathecal injection of exosomes durably reversed mechanical hypersensitivity in the left hind paw of mice with partial sciatic nerve ligation. Immunofluorescence studies found that PKH26-labeled exosomes were visible in neurons and microglia in the dorsal horn of the ipsilateral L4/5 spinal cord and more enriched in the ipsilateral. According to miRNA-seq results, we found that intrathecal injection of miR-26a-5p agomir, the second high counts microRNA in hPMSCs derived exosome, significantly suppressed neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation in SNI mice. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis identified Wnt5a as a direct downstream target gene of miR-26a-5p. The results showed that overexpression of miR-26a-5p in vivo could significantly reduce the expression level of Wnt5a. In addition, Foxy5, a mimetic peptide of Wnt5a, can significantly reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-26a-5p on neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain, and at the same time, miR-26a-5p can rescue the effect of Foxy5 by overexpression. Conclusion: In conclusion, we reported that hPMSCs derived exosomes as a promising therapy for nerve injury induced neuropathic pain. And we showed that the miR-26a-5p in the exosomes regulated Wnt5a/Ryk/CaMKII/NFAT partly take part in the analgesia through anti-neuroinflammation, which suggests an alleviating pain effect through non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway in neuropathic pain model in vivo.
Prospects of thermotolerant Kluveromyces marxianus for high solids ethanol fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Sengupta Priya , Mohan Ramya , Wheeldon Ian , Kisailus David , Wyman Charles E. , Cai Charles M. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF) is effective for minimizing sugar inhibition during high solids fermentation of biomass solids to ethanol. However, fungal enzymes used during SSF are optimal between 50–60°C, whereas most fermentative yeast, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, do not tolerate temperatures above 37°C. Kluveromyces marxianus variant CBS 6556 is a thermotolerant eukaryote that thrives at 43°C, thus potentially serving as a promising new host for SSF operation in biorefineries. Here, we demonstrate the application of CBS 6556 in SSF configuration to understand its capabilities and limitations as compared to a proven SSF strain, S. cerevisiae D5A. For this study, we first pretreated hardwood poplar chips using Co-Solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) to remove lignin and hemicellulose and to produce cellulose-enriched pretreated solids for SSF. Our results demonstrate that although CBS 6556 could not directly outperform D5A, it demonstrated superior growth rates at higher temperatures and higher early stage ethanol productivity. We discovered that CBS 6556’s membrane was particularly sensitive to higher ethanol concentrations causing it to suffer earlier fermentation arrest than D5A. Cross-examination of metabolite data between CBS 6556 and D5A and cell surface imaging suggests that the combined stresses of high ethanol concentrations and temperature to CBS 6556’s cell membrane was a primary factor limiting its ethanol productivity. Hence, we believe K. marxianus to be an excellent host for future genetic engineering efforts to improve membrane robustness in order to achieve higher ethanol productivity and titers, serving as a viable alternative to D5A.
Chronic endometritis increases the recurrence of endometrial polyps in premenopausal women after hysteroscopic polypectomy
Authors: Huang Jing , Yu Xin , Liu Yue , Du Chengchao , Zhou Honggui , Yang Yamei , Qu Dacheng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of chronic endometritis (CE) on the recurrence of endometrial polyps (EPs) in premenopausal women who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy.Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study in a university-affiliated hospital. Premenopausal women who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy were enrolled, and those with definite confounding factors for polyp recurrence, including endometriosis and previous polypectomy history were excluded. A total of 233 women were enrolled in this study, including 64 cases (27.5%) with CE and 169 cases (72.5%) without CE. Comparison of the recurrence rate of EPs was performed in women with or without CE at each monitoring stage (i.e., at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months) after hysteroscopic polypectomy. Result(s): The EPs recurrence rates at one year in patients with and without CE were 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.8%–37.4%) and 9.5% (95% CI 5.0%–14.0%), respectively, with an overall cure rate of 14.2% (95% CI 9.7%–18.7%). The hazard ratio (HR) for EPs recurrence in the EPs with CE cohort versus the EPs without CE cohort was 3.08 (95% CI 1.56-6.09) (P=0.001). Similarly, the EPs recurrence rate was significantly higher in women with CE than in those without CE at each monitoring stage (i.e., 3, 6, and 9 months). CE and multiple EPs were risk factors for polyp recurrence. The HR for EPs recurrence in the EPs with CE cohort compared with the EPs without CE cohort was 3.06, after adjustment for the number of polyps.Conclusion(s): CE was a harmful factor for the recurrence of EPs in premenopausal women after hysteroscopic polypectomy. Thus, routine screening for CE are needed, and unlike unchangeable factors, CE can be changed by antibiotics treatment. Frequent monitoring was needed for multiple EPs as the number of EPs also contributed to polyp recurrence.