bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological features of repetitive focal Purkinje ventricular arrhythmias originating from the proximal cardiac conduction system
Authors: Ikeda Shota , Sakamoto Kazuo , Tokudome Daigo , Kawai Shunsuke , Ogawa Kiyohiro , Nagaoka Kazuhiro , Takase Susumu , Kowase Shinya , Mukai Yasushi , Nogami Akihiko , Tsutsui Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundFocal Purkinje ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) might originate from the vicinity of the proximal portion of the cardiac conducting system. This study aimed to clarify the features associated with focal Purkinje VAs originating from the proximal conduction system.MethodsA total of 18 patients with focal Purkinje VAs undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) were retrospectively examined and divided into the proximal type or the non‐proximal type. The proximal type was defined as having the origin at the proximal half of the interventricular septum, or the proximal half and the septal side of the anterior wall. The 12‐lead electrocardiogram and electrophysiological findings were investigated.ResultsSeven patients met criteria for proximal type of focal Purkinje VA. Out of the 7, 4 patients with proximal VAs had multiple QRS morphologies of VAs clinically, whereas out of 11 patients with non‐proximal VAs, only 1 had multiple morphologies (p = .047). VA QRS duration was shorter in the proximal type than in the non‐proximal type (111.2 ± 19.8 ms vs. 135.7 ± 17.7 ms; p = .003). The absolute axis difference between sinus rhythm and VA was smaller in the proximal type (80.4 ± 46.1°vs. 138.8 ± 59.6°; p = .014). The absolute axis difference ≤134° was useful in distinguishing the two types. Recurrence of VA was recorded in 3 proximal type patients and 3 non‐proximal type patients. No procedure‐related conduction block was observed.ConclusionA VA of absolute axis difference ≤134°, and multiple QRS morphologies of clinical VAs indicate a proximal origin. Focal Purkinje VAs from proximal origins can be suppressed by RFCA without severe conduction disturbance.
Comprehensive analysis of m6A methylation modification in chronic spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: Li Chengjun , Zhao Jinyun , Qin Tian , Jin Yuxin , Duan Chunyue , Wu Tianding , Romani Manini Daudi , Cao Yong , Lu Hongbin , Hu Jianzhong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractChronic spinal cord injury (CSCI) is a catastrophic disease of the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in partial or complete loss of neurological function. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common form of reversible posttranslational modification at the RNA level. However, the role of m6A modification in CSCI remains unknown. In this study, we established a CSCI model using a water‐absorbable polyurethane polymer, with behavioral assessment, electrophysiological analysis, and histochemical staining for validation. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (meRIP‐seq) and messenger RNA sequencing (mRNA‐seq) were jointly explored to compare the differences between CSCI spinal tissue and normal spinal tissue. Furthermore, real‐time quantitative reverse transcription pcr (qRT–PCR), western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze m6A modification‐related proteins. We found that water‐absorbable polyurethane polymer simulated well chronic spinal cord compression. Basso mouse scale scores and electrophysiological analysis showed continuous neurological function decline after chronic compression of the spinal cord. meRIP‐seq identified 642 differentially modified m6A genes, among which 263 genes were downregulated and 379 genes were upregulated. mRNA‐seq showed that 1544 genes were upregulated and 290 genes were downregulated after CSCI. Gene Ontology terms and enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were also identified. qRT–PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining showed that Mettl14, Ythdf1, and Ythdf3 were significantly upregulated after CSCI. Our study revealed a comprehensive profile of m6A modifications in CSCI which may act as a valuable key for future research on CSCI.
Musculoskeletal simulation of elbow stability for common injury patterns
Authors: Melzner Maximilian , Pfeifer Christian , Süß Fran , Dendorfer Sebastian 
Published: October 2022

AbstractElbow stability is derived from a combination of muscular, ligamentous, and bony structures. After an elbow trauma the stability of the joint is an important decision criterion for the subsequent treatment. The decision regarding nonoperative/operative care depends mostly on subjective assessments of medical experts. Therefore, the aim of this study is to use musculoskeletal simulations as an objective assessment tool to investigate the extent to which failure of different stabilizers affects the elbow stability and how these observations correspond to the assessment from clinical practice. A musculoskeletal elbow simulation model was developed for this aim. To investigate the stability of the elbow, varus/valgus moments were applied under 0°, 45°, and 90° flexion while the respective cubital angle was analyzed. This was performed for nine different injury scenarios, which were also evaluated for stability by clinical experts. With the results, it can be determined by which injury pattern and under which flexion angle the elbow stability is impaired regarding varus/valgus moments. The scenario with a complete failure of the medial and lateral ligaments and a fracture of the radial head was identified as having the greatest instability. The study presented a numerical determination of elbow stability against varus/valgus moments regarding clinical injury patterns, as well as a comparison of the numerical outcome with experience gained in clinical practice. The numerical predictions agree well with the assessments of the clinical specialists. Thus, the results from musculoskeletal simulation can make an important contribution to a more objective assessment of the elbow stability.
Biomedical applications of silk and its role for intervertebral disc repair
Authors: Croft Andreas S. , Spessot Eugenia , Bhattacharjee Promita , Yang Yuejiao , Motta Antonella , Wöltje Michael , Gantenbein Benjamin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is the main contributor to chronic low back pain. To date, the present therapies mainly focus on treating the symptoms caused by IDD rather than addressing the problem itself. For this reason, researchers have searched for a suitable biomaterial to repair and/or regenerate the IVD. A promising candidate to fill this gap is silk, which has already been used as a biomaterial for many years. Therefore, this review aims first to elaborate on the different origins from which silk is harvested, the individual composition, and the characteristics of each silk type. Another goal is to enlighten why silk is so suitable as a biomaterial, discuss its functionalization, and how it could be used for tissue engineering purposes. The second part of this review aims to provide an overview of preclinical studies using silk‐based biomaterials to repair the inner region of the IVD, the nucleus pulposus (NP), and the IVD's outer area, the annulus fibrosus (AF). Since the NP and the AF differ fundamentally in their structure, different therapeutic approaches are required. Consequently, silk‐containing hydrogels have been used mainly to repair the NP, and silk‐based scaffolds have been used for the AF. Although most preclinical studies have shown promising results in IVD‐related repair and regeneration, their clinical transition is yet to come.
Emerging harmful algal blooms caused by distinct seasonal assemblages of a toxic diatom
Authors: Sterling Alexa R. , Kirk Riley D. , Bertin Matthew J. , Rynearson Tatiana A. , Borkman David G. , Caponi Marissa C. , Carney Jessica , Hubbard Katherine A. , King Meagan A. , Maranda Lucie , McDermith Emily J. , Santos Nina R. , Strock Jacob P. , Tully Erin M. , Vaverka Samantha B. , Wilson Patrick D. , Jenkins Bethany D. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDiatoms in the Pseudo‐nitzschia genus produce the neurotoxin domoic acid. Domoic acid bioaccumulates in shellfish, causing illness in humans and marine animals upon ingestion. In 2017, high domoic acid levels in shellfish meat closed shellfish harvest in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island for the first and only time in history, although abundant Pseudo‐nitzschia have been observed for over 60 years. To investigate whether an environmental factor altered endemic Pseudo‐nitzschia physiology or new domoic acid‐producing strain(s) were introduced to Narragansett Bay, we conducted weekly sampling from 2017 to 2019 and compared closure samples. Plankton‐associated domoic acid was quantified by LC‐MS/MS and Pseudo‐nitzschia spp. were identified using a taxonomically improved high‐throughput rDNA sequencing approach. Comparison with environmental data revealed a detailed understanding of domoic acid dynamics and seasonal multi‐species assemblages. Plankton‐associated domoic acid was low throughout 2017–2019, but recurred in fall and early summer maxima. Fall domoic acid maxima contained known toxic species as well as a novel Pseudo‐nitzschia genotype. Summer domoic acid maxima included fewer species but also known toxin producers. Most 2017 closure samples contained the particularly concerning toxic species, P. australis, which also appeared infrequently during 2017–2019. Recurring Pseudo‐nitzschia assemblages were driven by seasonal temperature changes, and plankton‐associated domoic acid correlated with low dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Thus, the Narragansett Bay closures were likely caused by both resident assemblages that become toxic depending on nutrient status as well as the episodic introductions of toxic species from oceanographic and climatic shifts.
Leveraging ray tracing cores for particle‐based simulations on GPUs
Authors: Zhao Shiwei , Lai Zhengshou , Zhao Jidong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNeighbor searching is an essential and computationally heavy step in particle‐based numerical methods such as discrete element method (DEM), molecular dynamics, peridynamics, and smooth particle hydrodynamics. This article presents a novel approach to accelerate particle‐based simulations by leveraging ray tracing (RT) cores in addition to CUDA cores on RTX GPUs. The neighbor search problem is first numerically converted into a general ray tracing problem so that it can be possible to utilize the hardware acceleration of RT cores. A new, general‐purpose RT‐based neighbor search algorithm is then proposed and benchmarked with a prevailing cell‐based one. As a showcase, both algorithms are implemented into a GPU‐based DEM code for simulating large‐scale granular problems including packing, column collapse and debris flow. The overall simulation performance is examined with varying problem sizes and GPU specs. It demonstrates that the RT‐based simulations are 10%–60% faster than the cell‐based ones, depending on the simulated problems and GPU specs. This study offers a new recipe for next‐generation high‐performance computing of large‐scale engineering problems using particle‐based numerical methods.
Donor recognition: A double‐edged sword in charitable giving
Authors: Luo Jun , Gao Guanlin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPrevious studies discover confounding results on how donor recognition affects individual charitable giving. To answer the questions of how different donor recognition schemes affect individual giving and what type is more effective as a marketing strategy to meet different fundraising goals, we conducted a field experiment in China with three donor recognition types: voluntary, involuntary, and mandatory donor recognition. We used social media to recognize donors and verified the field experiment results with naturally occurring data. We observed similar behavioral patterns in both samples. The results of this study explain the mixed results from previous studies, suggesting that there is no one‐size‐fits‐all approach for recognizing donors. Decision makers of nonprofit organizations need to select the appropriate type of donor recognition based on their fundraising goals.
Effect of time‐restricted eating on sex hormone levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal females
Authors: Kalam Faiza , Akasheh Rand T. , Cienfuegos Sofia , Ankireddy Aparna , Gabel Kelsey , Ezpeleta Mark , Lin Shuhao , Tamatam Chandra M. , Reddy Sekhar P. , Spring Bonnie , Khan Seema A. , Varady Krista A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveConcerns have been raised regarding the impact of time‐restricted eating (TRE) on sex hormones in females. This study examined how TRE affects sex steroids in premenopausal and postmenopausal females.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of an 8‐week TRE study (4‐ to 6‐hour eating window) conducted in adults with obesity. Men and perimenopausal females were excluded. Females were classified into two groups based on menstrual status: premenopausal (n = 12) or postmenopausal (n = 11).ResultsAfter 8 weeks, body weight decreased in premenopausal females (−3% ± 2%) and postmenopausal females (−4% ± 2%) (main effect of time, p < 0.001), with no difference between groups (no group × time interaction). Circulating levels of testosterone, androstenedione, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) did not change in either group (no group × time interaction). Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations decreased (p < 0.05) in premenopausal (−14% ± 32%) and postmenopausal females (−13% ± 34%; main effect of time, p = 0.03), with no difference between groups. Estradiol, estrone, and progesterone were measured only in postmenopausal females, and they remained unchanged.ConclusionsIn premenopausal females, androgens and SHBG remained unchanged during TRE, whereas DHEA decreased. In postmenopausal females, estrogens, progesterone, androgens, and SHBG did not change, but DHEA was reduced.
Elevated temperature mechanical behavior of waste short carbon fiber incorporated glass fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Dasari Srinivasu , Patnaik Satyaroop , Behera Priyadarshi , Ray Bankim Chandra , Prusty Rajesh Kumar 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe fabrication of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites generates vast amounts of waste carbon fiber. In the present work, these waste carbon fibers were added in varying contents (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%) to glass fiber/epoxy (GE) composite as short carbon fibers (SCFs) to improve its ambient and elevated temperature mechanical performance. The flexural and tensile behavior of the SCF modified GE composites were assessed at 30, 50, 70, and 110°C. The most significant improvement in mechanical performance was achieved by adding only 0.1 wt% of SCF into GE composite across most of the temperatures. At elevated temperatures, all the SCF‐modified GE composites showed superior mechanical performance over the control GE composite. An important correlation between SCF content in GE composite and elevated temperature mechanical performance enhancement has been discussed. Differential scanning calorimetry was performed to understand the effect of SCF addition on GE composite's glass transition behavior. Fractography was conducted to study the various failure mechanisms at ambient and elevated temperatures.
Characterization of novel natural cellulosic fibers from Abutilon Indicum for potential reinforcement in polymer composites
Authors: ArunRamnath R. , Murugan S. , Sanjay M. R. , Vinod A. , Indran S. , Elnaggar Ashraf Y. , Fallatah Ahmed M. , Siengchin Suchart 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe prime objective of this research study was the investigation the new natural cellulosic fiber extracted from the stem of Abutilon Indicum plants as an alternative reinforcement in greener composite materials for structural applications. Abutilon Indicum a flowering plant with unique medicinal values are abundantly found in India and other south Asian countries. The fibers extracted from the stem of the Abutilon Indicum plant are proven to be sustainable, ecofriendly, and novel and hence this fiber is chosen for characterization study. In this experimental investigation the physical, chemical, thermal, morphological, crystallinity, chemical constituents, and surface characteristics of raw Abutilon Indicum fibers (AIF) were analyzed. Chemical analysis results convey the presence of higher cellulose content of (56.12 wt.%) in AIF. The diameter (175 μm) and density (1.170 g/cm3) of AIFs are determined by physical analysis of the raw fibers. Such lower density values observed in AIF make it as a perfect material for lightweight applications. Crystalline properties of AIFs are determined from X‐ray diffraction tests with a crystalline index of 77.35%, and crystalline size of 2.20 nm, which attributes to the presence of cellulose‐1β and the crystallites are ordered in nature. Thermal stability of 175°C, maximum degradation temperature upto 302.6°C and kinetic activation energy of 86.95 kJ/mol of AIF are established based on thermo gravimetric analysis. Morphological and surface characteristics of AIF through a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis revealed that the raw fibers display a relatively finer surface. Research findings of the AIF mentioned above conclude that the AIFs prove to be an ideal, alternative reinforcement in greener composite materials for sustainable and cleaner production of components in structural applications.
Longitudinal neutralization activities on authentic Omicron variant provided by three doses of BBIBP‐CorV vaccination during one year
Authors: Lai Dan‐yun , Xue Jun‐biao , He Ping , Jiang He‐wei , Li Yang , Ma Ming‐liang , Hong Wei , Yu Jun‐ping , Wei Hong‐ping , Tao Sheng‐ce 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe majority of people in China have been immunized with the inactivated viral vaccine BBIBP‐CorV. The emergence of the Omicron variant raised the concerns about protection efficacy of the inactivated viral vaccine in China. However, longitudinal neutralization data describing protection efficacy against Omicron variant is still lacking. Here we present one‐year longitudinal neutralization data of BBIBP‐CorV on authentic Omicron, Delta, and wild‐type strains using 224 sera collected from 14 volunteers who have finished three doses BBIBP‐CorV. The sera were also subjected for monitoring the SARS‐CoV‐2 specific IgG, IgA, and IgM responses on protein and peptide microarrays. The neutralization titers showed different protection efficacies against the three strains. By incorporating IgG and IgA signals of proteins and Spike protein derived peptide on microarray, panels as potential surrogate biomarkers for rapid estimation of neutralization titers were established. These data support the necessity of the 3rd dose of BBIBP‐CorV vaccination. After further validation and assay development, the panels could be used for reliable, convenient and fast evaluation of the efficacy of vaccination.
Retrospective comparison of respiratory syncytial virus and metapneumovirus clinical presentation in hospitalized children
Authors: Illan Montero Jonathan , Berger Alice , Levy Jack , Busson Laurent , Hainaut Marc , Goetghebuer Tessa 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), members of Pneumoviridae family are common causes of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) among children. Study material includes routine nasopharyngeal samples obtained during 8‐year period for hMPV and one single season for RSV in children hospitalized for ARTI between 0 and 15 years at the Center Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Saint Pierre in Brussels. Positive samples for RSV or hMPV identified by viral culture, lateral flow chromatography test for RSV or direct fluorescent assay for hMPV were selected retrospectively. Characteristics of children hospitalized for RSV or hMPV infections were compared. Children hospitalized for RSV infection were significantly younger and requiring more respiratory support, longer hospital stay and transfers in Pediatric intensive Care Units than those hospitalized for hMPV infection. Pneumonia diagnostic and antibiotics therapies were more significantly associated with hMPV infections. In conclusion, despite their genetic similarities, RSV, and hMPV present epidemiological and clinical differences in pediatric infections. Our results should be confirmed prospectively.
Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) levels predict adverse respiratory outcomes in premature neonates
Authors: Almudares Faeq , Hagan Joseph , Chen Xinpu , Devaraj Sridevi , Moorthy Bhagavatula , Lingappan Krithika 
Published: October 2022

AbstractGrowth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a stress‐responsive cytokine, and its expression increases during inflammation, hyperoxia, and senescence. Significantly, GDF15 is secreted by the placenta, and maternal levels increase throughout pregnancy. Serum GDF15 level is a promising biomarker for many lung diseases like pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary fibrosis. However, circulating GDF15 levels in preterm infants and their role as a predictor of respiratory outcomes have not been studied. We hypothesized that GDF15 levels would increase with gestational age at birth, and that postnatal GDF15 will be correlated with adverse respiratory outcomes in preterm infants. Scavenged blood samples were retrieved from 57 preterm infants at five time points, from birth until 36‐weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). GDF15 levels were measured using ELISA in 114 samples. We performed two‐sample t‐test, correlation and linear regression, logistic regression, and mixed‐effects linear models for statistical analysis, and significance was identified when p < 0.05. Contrary to our hypothesis, for every 1‐week increase in gestational age at birth, the predicted GDF15 level decreased by 475.0 pg/ml (p < 0.001). Greater PMA was significantly associated with lower serum GDF15 levels (p < 0.001). Interestingly, higher GDF15 levels were associated with a longer need for mechanical ventilation (p = 0.034), prolonged respiratory support need (p < 0.001), and length of hospital stay (p = 0.006). In conclusion, in preterm infants, GDF15 levels show an inverse correlation with gestational age at birth, with higher levels in more preterm babies, and levels trend down postnatally. Furthermore, longitudinal GDF15 levels through 36 weeks PMA predict adverse respiratory outcomes in preterm infants.
Triazole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus exposed to new chiral fungicide mefentrifluconazole
Authors: Xu Shiji , Shen Jiatao , Lang Hongbin , Zhang Luqing , Fang Hua , Yu Yunlong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDTriazole resistance in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus has been a growing challenge in clinic treatment with triazole drugs such as itraconazole. The fast evolvement of triazole resistance in A. fumigatus in the ecosystem has drawn great attention, and there has been a possible link between the application of triazole fungicides in agriculture and triazole resistance in A. fumigatus. The change in susceptibility of A. fumigatus exposed to the new chiral triazole fungicide mefentrifluconazole was investigated in this study.RESULTSThe results indicated that triazole resistance in A. fumigatus was acquired with exposure to mefentrifluconazole at a level of greater than or equal to 2 mg L−1 in liquid medium and soil (not at 0.4 nor 1 mg L−1). Interestingly, stereoselectivity was found in the acquisition of triazole resistance in A. fumigatus when exposed to mefentrifluconazole. R‐mefentrifluconazole, which is very active on plant pathogens, exhibited stronger possibility in the development of the resistance in A. fumigatus than its antipode. Overexpression of cyp51A, AtrF, AfuMDR1 and AfuMDR4 were associated with the acquired resistance in A. fumigatus with hereditary stability.CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that triazole resistance in A. fumigatus could be resulted from the selection of mefentrifluconazole at concentrations larger than 2 mg L−1. Mefentrifluconazole should be applied within the dosage recommended by good agricultural practice to avoid the resistance in A. fumigatus in soil. This also may be applicable to other triazole fungicides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.