bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A universal strategy for the fabrication of single-photon and multiphoton NIR chromophore nanoparticles by loading organic dyes into water-soluble polymer nanosponges
Authors: Yang Li-Xing , Liu Yu-Cheng , Cho Chang-Hui , Chen Yi-Rou , Lu Yin-Lin , Zhang Zhiming , Tsai Yi-Tseng , Chin Yu-Cheng , Yu Jiashing , Pan Hsiu-Min , Jiang Wei-Rou , Chia Zi-Chun , Huang Wei-Shiang , Chiu Yu-Lin , Sun Chun-Kai , Huang Yu-Ting , Chen Li-Ming , Wong Ken-Tsung , Chen Chih-Hsin , Chang Yuan Jay , Huang Chih-Chia , Liu Tzu-Ming 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The development of optical organic nanoparticles (NPs) is desirable and widely studied. However, most organic chromophores are water-insoluble, and therefore, the derivatization and modification of these chromophores are difficult. Herein, we demonstrated a simple platform for the fabrication of organic nanoemitters by loading ten different organic dyes (molar masses of 479.1-1081.7 g/mol) into water-soluble polymer nanosponges composed of poly(styrene-alt-maleic acid) (PSMA). This nanolization strategy enables the incorporation of small commercial dyes (3.7–50% loading) and newly synthesized large photosensitive molecules (> 85% loading) into PSMA NPs and prevents the spontaneous aggregation of these hydrophobic chromophores in aqueous solutions. These low-cytotoxicity organic nanoparticles exhibited tunable red to near-infrared fluorescence emission for cellular imaging and biological tracking in vivo. Moreover, PSMA NPs loaded with designed NIR-photosensitive molecules were fabricated, and photodynamic therapy with these dye-loaded PSMA NPs for the photolysis of cancer cells was achieved when coupled with 808 nm laser excitation. Indeed, our work demonstrates a facile approach for increasing the biocompatibility and stability of organic dyes by loading them into water-soluble polymer-based carriers, providing a new perspective of organic optoelectronic materials in biomedical theranostic applications.
Potential factors predicting histopathologically upgrade discrepancies between endoscopic forceps biopsy of the colorectal low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and endoscopic resection specimens
Authors: Chen Youxiang , Hong Junbo , Wang Yining , Deng Jiangshan , Qi Miao , Zuo Wei , Hao Yuanzheng , Wang Anjiang , Tu Yi , Xu Shan , Zhou Xiaodong , Zhou Xiaojiang , Li Guohua , Zhu Liang , Shu Xu , Zhu Yin , Lv Nonghua 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: It was gradually accepted that endoscopic fragment biopsy (EFB) diagnosis cannot accurately guarantee the absence of higher-grade neoplasms within the lesion of digestive tract. There are no well-established predictors for histopathologically upgrade discrepancies between EFB diagnosing colorectal low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN) and endoscopic resection (ER) specimens demonstrating higher-grade diseases. Methods: A total of 918 colorectal LGINs was histopathologically diagnosed by EFB, including 162 cases with histopathologically upgrade discrepancy and 756 concordant cases. We compared clinicopathological data and relevant pathologic results of EFB and ER specimen between these two groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate predictors for this upgrade histopathology. Results: The predominant upgrade discrepancy of LGINs diagnosed by EFB was upgrades to high-grade dysplasia (n = 114, 70.4%), followed by upgrades to intramucosal carcinoma (n = 33, 20.3%), submucosal adenocarcinoma (n = 10, 6.2%) and advanced adenocarcinoma (n = 5, 3.1%). NSAID history (OR 4.83; 95 % CI, 2.27-10.27; P < 0.001), lack of standardization of EFB number (OR 2.99; 95 % CI, 1.91-4.68; P < 0.001), ≥ 1.0 cm maximum diameter of the target adenoma (OR 6.18; 95% CI, 1.32-28.99; P = 0.021), lobulated shape (OR 2.68; 95 % CI, 1.65-4.36; P < 0.001), erythema (OR 2.42; 95 % CI, 1.50-3.91; P < 0.001), erosion (OR 7.12; 95 % CI, 3.91-12.94; P < 0.001), surface unevenness (OR 2.31; 95 % CI, 1.33-4.01; P = 0.003) and distal location of the target adenoma (OR 3.29; 95% CI, 1.68-6.41; P < 0.001) were associated with the histologically upgrade discrepancies. Conclusion: NSAID history, lack of standardization of EFB number, adenoma size and location, abnormal macroscopic patterns are significant predictors for potentially upgrade histopathology of LGINs diagnosed by EFBs. The standardization of EFB and advanced imaging techniques could minimize the risk of neglecting potential this upgrade histopathology.
Impact of Physical Activity Intensity on Longitudinal Trajectories of Cognitive Function and Depressive Symptoms in Middle-aged and Older Chinese Adults: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zhang Wen , Wang Tingxuan , Wang Anni 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Cognitive decline and depressive symptoms are very common in the ageing process. Physical activity (PA) has been demonstrated to be associated with the improvement of cognitive function and the reduction of depressive symptoms. However, little is known about how longitudinal trajectories of cognitive function and depressive symptoms are impacted by varying levels of PA intensity. In this study, we aimed to test whether and to what degree the rate of change in longitudinal trajectories of cognitive function and depressive symptoms over time was associated with PA intensity.
Method
The data were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a nationally representative household study of the Chinese population aged 45 years and older. The sample included 5,025 middle-aged and older adults (mean age = 57) who self-reported their cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and PA intensity (vigorous PA, moderate PA, and light PA) every two years from 2011 to 2018.
Result
On average, every 2 years, cognitive function decreased by 0.09 points (95% CI: [-0.15, -0.03], P < 0.01), while depressive symptoms increased by 0.22 points (95% CI: [0.14,0.30], P < 0.001). Middle-aged and older adults with more frequent moderate PA were more likely to report better cognitive function (β = 0.02, 95% CI:[0.002,0.04]), while those with more frequent light PA were more likely to have fewer depressive symptoms (β=-0.03, 95% CI:[-0.06, 0.01]). Rates of reduction in cognitive function were lower among middle-aged and older adults with more moderate PA. There was no reduction in cognitive function when the participants reported a minimum of 6 days of moderate PA per week.
Conclusion
Moderate PA could slow the reduction in cognitive function and light PA could slow the progression of depressive symptoms. A targeted intensity of PA may be more useful in obtaining the maximal improvement in cognitive function and mental health among middle-aged and older people. At least 6 days of moderate PA per week is advised to prevent cognitive impairment.
Antitumour Effects of Apatinib in Progressive, Metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC)
Authors: Shi Liang , Qinqin You , Wang Jun , Wang Hanjin , Li Shaohua , Tian Rui , Yao Xiaocheng , Wu Wenyu , Zhang Lele , Wang Feng , Lin Yansong , Li Shuren 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Management of progressive, metastatic radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC) has been a great challenge due to its poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Recently, apatinib, an orally anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is reported to be useful for treatment of progressive RAIR-DIC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumour effect of apatinib and the combination therapy with radioactive iodine (RAI) in patients with progressive metastatic DTC.Methods: Five patients (all female, mean age 62 ± 8 years, ranged from 51 to 69 years) with progressive distant metastatic DTC (dmDTC) after total thyroidectomy (TTE) and neck lymph node dissection were treated with apatinib at a dose 500 mg per day after 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT. The effects of apatinib on DTC were evaluated at 4 ± 1 months after treatment with apatinib. RAI therapy was then initiated. The response to apatinib and the combination therapy with RAI treatment was evaluated by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST, version 1.1) and metabolic activity using serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Results: Positive 18F-FDG PET/CT results were found in all patients before apatinib therapy. The immunohistochemical analysis of primary tumour tissues showed high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Four patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) showed partial response (PR) with significant decrease in tumour size and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) after 4 ± 1 month’s treatment with apatinib. Further significant reduction of tumour size and SUVmax were observed in three patients after combination therapy with apatinib and RAI. Only one patient with both FTC and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) demonstrated progressive disease (PD) after treatment with apatinib alone, however, a decrease in tumour size and SUVmax as well as serum Tg levels was achieved after the combination with RAI therapy and apatinib. Conclusions: Apatinib had significant antitumour effects on progressive distant metastatic DTC. Moreover, beneficial synergistic and complementary effects were shown when apatinib combined with RAI therapy.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02731352, Registered April 7, 2016.
Synchronous Measurement and Verification of Position-Independent Geometric Errors and Position-Dependent Geometric Errors in C-Axis on Mill-Turn Machine Tools
Authors: Chen Yu-Ta , Lee Ting-Yu , Liu Chien-Sheng 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper proposes a synchronous measurement system of four position-independent geometric errors (PIGEs) and two position-dependent geometric errors (PDGEs) for the rotary axis in five-axis machine tools. The measuring instruments used in this system are a touch-trigger probe and two standard calibration spheres. The contribution of this paper is the simultaneous measurement of four PIGEs and two PDGEs (axial and angular positioning errors) can be directly analyzed through only one measuring process. It is expected to improve the shortcomings of previous studies that separately measured PIGEs and PDGEs. This paper analyzed the geometric errors of C-axis of a mill-turn machine tool MT-540. The process of calculation includes the establishment of the mathematical model of the machine and geometric error equations. Using the least squares method to solve the linear overdetermined system and calculate the values of the geometric errors. Before solving the geometric errors, the accuracy of the calculated process is ensured by using the simulated method. The simulation results also confirm the feasibility of this measurement system. Then using the data obtained from the experiment to calculate the geometric errors in the machine tool. During the experiment, the calibration procedure of the touch-trigger probe will be calibrated. After the calibration is completed, the mechanical coordinate values of the two standard calibration balls can be measured. The geometric error equations are programmed on the computer side, and the calibration spheres data obtained from the experimental measurement is substituted into the program to calculate the four PIGEs and two PDGEs.
Transcriptome-wide association study identifies new susceptibility genes for degenerative cervical spondylosis
Authors: Xu Jiawen , Zhang Shaoyun , Si Haibo , Zeng Yi , Wu Yuangang , Shen Bin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective
Degenerative cervical spondylosis (DCS) is a common musculoskeletal disease that encompasses a wide range of progressive degenerative changes and affects all the components of the cervical spine. DCS has brought a huge social and economic burdens to society. However, the genetic basis of DCS remains elusive now.
Methods
Firstly, by integrating the gene-expression prediction models of whole blood and skeletal muscle and genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data of DCS (including 3739 DCS patients and 382326 controls), we conducted a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) to evaluate the associations of genetically predicted gene-expression with DCS risk using Functional Summary-based Imputation (FUSION) software. Secondly, to validate the genes identified by TWAS analysis, these genes were further compared with the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) detected by the RNA expression profiles of DCS acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO, accession number: GSE153761). Thirdly, we used Functional Mapping and Annotation of Genome-wide Association Study (FUMA) and Metascape tools to conduct gene functional enrichment and annotation analysis.
Results
TWAS identified 420 significant genes for DCS with a P value < 0.05 in the skeletal muscle, such as RPS15A (PTWAS = 0.0003), and 110 genes in the whole blood, such as SELL (PTWAS = 0.0028). After comparing with RNA expression profiling of DCS, we identified 12 common genes, such as APLNR (PTWAS = 0.0013, PDEG = 0.0254). We identified 148 GO terms enriched for DCS, such as mast cell degranulation (GO:0043303). We also identified 15 KEGG pathways enriched for DCS, such as sphingolipid signaling pathway (ko04071). By integrating the enrichment results of TWAS analysis and RNA expression profile, 9 common terms were identified such as Degradation of the extracellular matrix (R-HSA-1474228).
Conclusion
Our results identified putative susceptibility genes for DCS, providing new insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying DCS development.
Various metal ions promote formation of α-Synuclein fibrils with different shapes and cytotoxicities.
Authors: Saboury Ali Akbar , Atarod Deyhim , Mamashli Fatemeh , Ghasemi Atiyeh , Moosavi-Movahedi Faezeh , Pirhaghi Mitra , Nedaei Hadi , Riazi Gholamhossein , Muronetz Vladimir , Haertlé Thomas , Tatzelt Jörg 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregates are key components of intracellular inclusion bodies characteristic of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. Metal ions have been considered as the important etiological factors in PD since their interactions with α-Syn alter the kinetics of fibrillation. In the present study, we have systematically explored the effects of Zn2+, Cu2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ cations on α-Syn fibril formation. Specifically, we determined fibrillation kinetics, size, morphology, and secondary structure of the fibrils and their cytotoxic activity. While all cations accelerate fibrillation we observed distinct effects of the different ions. For example, Zn2+ induced fibrillation by lower tlag and higher kapp and formation of shorter fibrils, while Ca2+ ions lead to formation of longer fibrils, evidences by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy studies. Additionally, the morphology of formed fibrils was different. Circular dichroism studies revealed higher content of antiparallel β-sheets in fibrils formed in the presence of Zn2+. Interestingly, cell viability studies indicated nontoxicity of α-Syn fibrils formed in the presence of Zn2+ ions, while the fibrils formed in the presence of Cu2+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ were cytotoxic. Our results revealed that α-Syn fibrils formed in the presence of different divalent cations have distinct structural and cytotoxic features and indicate a protective role of Zn2+ in the formation of neurotoxic α-Syn assemblies.
Participatory Development of Practical, Affordable, Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Proofing for a Range of Housing Designs in Rural Southern Tanzania
Authors: Msoffe Rogath , Hewitt Matilda , Masalu John P. , Finda Marceline , Kavishe Deogratius R. , Okumu Fredros O. , Mpolya Emmanuel A. , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Killeen Gerry F. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Insecticidal mosquito-proof netting screens could combine the best features of insecticide treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), the two most important front line vector control interventions in Africa today, and also overcome the most important limitations of these two methods, such as pyrethroid resistance. This study engaged members of a rural Tanzanian community in developing and evaluating simple, affordable and scalable procedures for installing readily available screening materials on eave gaps and windows of their own houses, and then treating those screens with a widely used IRS formulation of the organophosphate insecticide pirimiphos-methyl (PM).
Methods
A cohort of 54 households were recruited upon consent, following which the structural features and occupant demographics of their houses were surveyed. Indoor mosquito densities were surveyed longitudinally, both before and after a participatory house modification, and screening was done using locally available materials. Each house was randomly assigned to one of three study arms: (1) No screens installed until the end of the study (negative control), (2) untreated screens installed, and (3) screened installed and then those screens treated with PM. The longevity of the activity of the insecticide applied to these screens was assessed using standard WHO cone assays.
Results
Of the 54 households, 52 participated until to the end, at which point all houses had been successfully screened. In most cases, screening was only installed after making enabling structural modifications that were accepted by the enrolled households. Screening installations almost entirely excluded Anopheles arabiensis (Relative reduction (RR) ≥ 96%, P < < 0.0001), the most abundant malaria vector in the area; but was less effective against Culex quinquefasciatus, a non-malaria vector with significant biting nuisance (RR ≤ 46%, P < < 0.0001). While the PM treatment of these netting screens reduced indoor densities of Cx. quinquefasciatus by only 24%, An. arabiensis was reduced by 63% and treated screens exhibited satisfactory residual efficacy eight months after treatment.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that participatory approaches to mosquito proofing houses may be acceptable and effective, and that installed screens may be suitable targets for treatment with residual insecticides.
Wintertime Cold and Warm Spells in The Eastern Part of The Baltic Sea Region
Authors: Gečaitė Indrė , Rimkus Egidijus 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
One of the most important uncertainties in a changing climate conditions are changes in climate extremes. While precipitation extremes are particularly important at low latitudes, thermal extremes are of major interest at mid-latitudes. This study analyses the cold (CS) and warm (WS) spells winter climatology in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea region from 1951 till 2020. Data from the E-OBS database were used in the research. A CS/WS in this study is an event when extreme low/high (below 10th/above 90th percentile) air temperature persists for at least 5 days. The period 1971–2000 was used as the climate norm. The results show that both absolute winter air temperature minimum and maximum increased over the investigation period. The absolute maximum of winter air temperature strongly increased after 1988, when a statistically significant regime shift was determined. The results show that the number of WSs have increased and changes are statistically significant in most cases. Meanwhile, the recurrence and duration of CSs have changed insignificantly, although the number of years with more than one CSs is decreasing. The total number of CS/WS cases per season slightly increased. Total number of WSs days increased a lot at the last decade of the investigation period, while the number of CSs days changed insignificantly in recent several decades.
Probabilistic Seismic Evaluation and Experimental Tests of Multi-Direction Damping System on a Super-Long Column-Pylon Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Zhong Jian , Chen Liang , Su Ruihan , Hu Ke 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In view of the insufficiency of bidirectional seismic control of long span cable-stayed bridges as well as the limitations of existing schemes, a multi-direction damping system (MDDS) was proposed and investigated in this manuscript, which can provide seismic resistance bidirectionally. The new damping system owned a unique middle connecting structure, which overcomes the disadvantages that axial instability caused of excessive long rod and the demand of large installing space of traditional dampers. Both the performance stability and constitutive relationship of MDDS were verified by engineering tests, and the equivalent design method was then proposed and proved to be applicable. A detailed finite element numerical model of a super-long (main span over 800m) column-pylon cable-stayed bridge which equipped with MDDS in practice was established, the fragility curves of critical components were obtained by non-linear time history analysis, which exhibited the high efficiency of MDDS seismic performance in both transversal and longitudinal directions. Through extracting the median fragility value of 35 sections of the pylon under four damping cases i.e. setting dampers transversely (TDS), longitudinally (LDS), bidirectionally (BDS) and MDDS, it can be concluded that MDDS performed far better on seismic resistance than LDS and TDS, and made the similar contribution with BDS. On account of half number of damper setting and the reduction in installing space demand, MDDS becomes the optimal choice in practical application for its economical efficiency and superiority. Furthermore, the optimal horizontal installing angle of MDDS was derived through six angle cases which was based on the system-level fragility curves comparison.
USP13 Genetics and Expression in a Family With Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Maria Andrea G. , Azevedo Bruna , Settas Nikolaos , Hannah-Shmouni Fady , Stratakis Constantine A. , Faucz Fabio R. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid carcinoma and its incidence has greatly increased in the last 30 years. Ubiquitin-specific protease 13 (USP13) is a class of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) and plays an important role in cellular functions such as cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair and is implicated in different cell signaling pathways. Studies regarding the role of USP13 in cancer development and progression are divergent and there are no previous data regarding the role of USP13 gene in PTCs. In this study, we investigated the genetic cause of PTC diagnosed in multiple members of a Brazilian family. Methods: Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous missense variant c.1483G>A (p.V495M) in the USP13 gene that fully segregates with the disease. We investigated whether the USP13 c.1483G>A variant found in our PTC patients impacts USP13 protein stability and function in thyroid cancer cells, MDA-T32, by clycloheximide chase assay.Results: The specific variant (c.1483G>A) preserves protein stability for longer hours compared to the non-mutated USP13 protein. Moreover, USP13 overexpression increased the potential of a single cell to form colony and the USP13 c.1483G>A variant enhanced the effects seen in USP13 overexpression. Conclusion: Our study suggests that USP13 may enhance tumorigenesis in PTC; in addition, the p.V495M (c.1483G>A) variant may contribute to PTC formation.