bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atomic scale insights on the growth of BiFeO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Parvathy N. S. , Govindaraj R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study provides new insights on the formation of the nanocrystallites of phase pure BiFeO3 prepared using sol–gel method with tartaric acid as the fuel as comprehended based on the local structure and magnetic hyperfine fields at Fe sites using Mossbauer spectroscopy. Important steps involved in the growth of the nanocrystallites of BiFeO3 in the sol–gel reaction are elucidated in a detailed manner in this study for the first time. Three important stages with the second stage marked by the formation of as high as 75% of nanocrystallites of BiFeO3 occurring over a narrow calcination temperature interval 700–723 K have been deduced in this study. Variation of hyperfine parameters with calcination temperature of the dried precursor gel leading to an increase in the mean size of crystallites of BiFeO3 has been deduced. The nanoparticles of BiFeO3 are deduced to exhibit weak ferromagnetic property in addition to being strongly ferroelectric based on the magnetization and P-E loop studies. Consequently an appreciable magneto electric coupling effect in terms of significant changes in P-E loop variation with the application of external magnetic field is elucidated in this study, which is comprehended based on the defects associated with BiFeO3 nanoparticles.
Effects of cadmium on oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in Drosophila melanogaster larvae
Authors: Yang Pingping , Yang Xingran , Sun Liran , Han Xiaobing , Xu Lu , Gu Wei , Zhang Min 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWith the increase of human activities, cadmium (Cd) pollution has become a global environmental problem affecting biological metabolism in ecosystem. Cd has a very long half-life in humans and is excreted slowly in organs, which poses a serious threat to human health. In order to better understand the toxicity effects of cadmium, third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster (Canton-S strain) were exposed to different concentrations (1.125 mg/kg, 2.25 mg/kg, 4.5 mg/kg, and 9 mg/kg) of cadmium. Trypan blue staining showed that intestinal cell damage of Drosophila larvae increased and the comet assay indicated significantly more DNA damage in larvae exposed to high Cd concentrations. The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) experiments proved that content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased, which indicated Cd exposure could induce oxidative stress. In addition, the expression of mitochondrial adenine nucleotide transferase coding gene (sesB and Ant2) and apoptosis related genes (Debcl, hid, rpr, p53, Sce and Diap1) changed, which may lead to increased apoptosis. These findings confirmed the toxicity effects on oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in Drosophila larvae after early cadmium exposure, providing insights into understanding the effects of heavy metal stress in animal development.
Antibacterial effect of cell-free supernatant fraction from Lactobacillus paracasei CH88 against Gardnerella vaginalis
Authors: Moon Eun Chae , Park Myeong Soo , Lim Taehwan , Kim Ryun Hee , Ji Geun Eog , Kim Sun Young , Hwang Keum Taek 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in reproductive women, which is characterized by depleted level of lactic acid bacteria and overgrowth of anaerobes such as Gardnerella vaginalis spp. Lactic acid bacteria have been known to be beneficial for amelioration of BV, since they produce antimicrobial substances against G. vaginalis spp. The objectives of this study were to characterize different fractions of cell-free supernatant of Lactobacillus paracasei CH88 (LCFS) and investigate antibacterial activity of the LCFS fractions against G. vaginalis in-vitro and in-vivo. Antibacterial activity of the LCFS was stable during thermal treatment up to 120 °C for 30 min and maintained at pH ranging from 3.0 to 13.0 except pH 5.0. Fraction below 3 kDa of the LCFS partially lost its antibacterial activity after treatment with proteolytic enzymes. Precipitated protein fraction below 3 kDa of the LCFS (< 3 kDa LCFSP) inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of G. vaginalis. Treatment of L. paracasei CH88 or the < 3 kDa LCFSP attenuated G. vaginalis-induced BV in mice by inhibiting the growth of G. vaginalis, reducing exfoliation of vaginal epithelial cells, and regulating immune response. These results suggest that L. paracasei CH88 may have potential in ameliorating G. vaginalis-induced BV.
High Charlson Comorbidity Index Score is associated with early fracture-related complication for internal fixation of neck of femur fractures
Authors: Wong Ronald Man Yeung , Zu Yao , Chau Wai Wang , Tso Chi Yin , Liu Wing Hong , Ng Raymond Wai Kit , Chow Simon Kwoon Ho , Cheung Wing Hoi , Tang Ning , Ho Kevin Ki Wai 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe incidence of geriatric hip fractures continues to rise in our aging population and has become a major public health concern globally. The primary outcome of this study was to determine whether Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (ACCI) is associated with increased fracture-related complications in neck of femur fractures treated by internal fixation. This was a cohort study between January 2014 to June 2018. All patients ≥ 50 years old with an acute neck of femur fracture after low-energy trauma fixed with cannulated hip screws were included and followed-up for 1 year at a tertiary centre. Primary outcome was to determine whether ACCI was associated with increased fracture-related complications. Secondary outcomes were revision rate, mortality, and function after surgery. Further analysis were performed within a “younger” group (age 50–65) and “elder” group (age > 65), as displaced fractures (Garden Type III/IV) were in “younger” group. 233 hip fractures (68 males; 165 females) with a mean age of 73.04 ± 12.89 were included in the study. Surgical outcomes showed that the complication rate of hip screw fixation for all patients was 21.5% (50 patients) at 1 year. ACCI was significantly higher in all patients with complications (p = 0.000). Analysis within “younger” (p = 0.000) and “elder” groups (p = 0.006) both showed significance. Stepwise logistic regression modelling showed ACCI had positive correlation with complications with ACCI = 6 (OR 4.27, p = 0.02). R2 values were comparatively better after controlled by Garden Type III/IV at ACCI = 4 (OR 6.42 (1.70, 24.25), p = 0.01). The authors recommend that for patients with a Garden Type I/II and ACCI ≥ 6 or a Garden Type III/IV and ACCI ≥ 4, a direct arthroplasty surgery should be considered.
Feasability of An Eccentric Isokinetic Protocol to Induce Trunk
Muscle Damage: A Pilot Study
Authors: Engel Tilman , Schraplau Anne , Wochatz Monique , Kopinski Stephan , Sonnenburg Dominik , Schomoeller Anne , Risch Lucie , Kaplick Hannes , Mayer Frank 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEccentric exercise is discussed as a treatment option for clinical populations,
but specific responses in terms of muscle damage and systemic inflammation after
repeated loading of large muscle groups have not been conclusively
characterized. Therefore, this study tested the feasibility of an isokinetic
protocol for repeated maximum eccentric loading of the trunk muscles. Nine
asymptomatic participants (5 f/4 m;
34±6 yrs; 175±13 cm; 76±17 kg)
performed three isokinetic 2-minute all-out trunk strength tests (1x concentric
(CON), 2x eccentric (ECC1, ECC2), 2 weeks apart; flexion/extension,
60°/s, ROM 55°). Outcomes were peak torque, torque
decline, total work, and indicators of muscle damage and inflammation (over
168 h). Statistics were done using the Friedman test (Dunn’s
post-test). For ECC1 and ECC2, peak torque and total work were increased and
torque decline reduced compared to CON. Repeated ECC bouts yielded unaltered
torque and work outcomes. Muscle damage markers were highest after ECC1
(soreness 48 h, creatine kinase 72 h; p<0.05). Their
overall responses (area under the curve) were abolished post-ECC2 compared to
post-ECC1 (p<0.05). Interleukin-6 was higher post-ECC1 than CON, and
attenuated post-ECC2 (p>0.05). Interleukin-10 and tumor necrosis
factor-α were not detectable. All markers showed high inter-individual
variability. The protocol was feasible to induce muscle damage indicators after
exercising a large muscle group, but the pilot results indicated only weak
systemic inflammatory responses in asymptomatic adults.
Analysis of the Results of Sonographic Screening Examinations According to the Maternity Guidelines Before and After the Introduction of the Extended Basic Screening (IIb Screening) in Hesse
Authors: Schmand Christine , Misselwitz Björn , Hudel Helge , Bedei Ivonne , Wolter Aline , Schenk Johanna , Keil Corinna , Köhler Siegmund , Axt-Fliedner Roland 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Aim of the Study The aim of the study is to examine the detection rates of malformations before and after the introduction of extended basic screening in Hesse by the Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, GQH) on July 1, 2013.
Method This is a retrospective, mainly exploratory data analysis of quality assurance data from the Office for Quality Assurance in Hesse (GQH). The data was collected in the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2016 in the obstetric departments of the Hessian hospitals using documentation forms. The classification and evaluation of the diagnoses is based on ICD-10-GM-2019.
Results At least one malformation is present in 0.7% of the cases. With a share of 30.0%, most of the congenital malformations are from the musculoskeletal system. 12.2% of the malformations come from the facial cleft, closely followed by malformations of the circulatory system with 11.3%. The highest prenatal detection rate (PDR) is found in congenital malformations of the nervous system at 56.8%. The lowest PDR is found in those of the genital organs with 2.1%. The PDR of cardiovascular malformations is 32.9%. Overall, a PDR of 25.2% is achieved. There was no change in the number of prenatal malformation diagnoses after the introduction of extended basic ultrasound. The distribution of malformation diagnoses not detected prenatally to the organ systems also has not changed after the introduction.
Conclusion The introduction of extended basic ultrasound did not bring the desired improvement with regard to the PDR in Hesse. Alternative approaches should be considered.
Transporter-mediated Natural Product-Drug Interactions
Authors: Bi Yajuan , Wang Xue , Ding Hui , He Feng , Han Lifeng , Zhang Youcai 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe increasing use of natural products in clinical practice has raised great concerns about the potential natural product-drug interactions (NDIs). Drug transporters mediate the
transmembrane passage of a broad range of drugs, and thus are important determinants for drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Generally, transporters can be divided into ATP binding
cassette (ABC) family and solute carrier (SLC) family. Numerous natural products have been identified as inhibitors, substrates, inducers, and/or activators of drug transporters. This review
article aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress on the research of NDIs, focusing on the main drug transporters, such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp), breast cancer
resistance protein (BCRP), organic anion transporter 1 and 3 (OAT1/OAT3), organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 and 1B3 (OATP1B1/OATP1B3), organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2), multidrug
and toxin extrusion protein 1 and 2-K (MATE1/MATE2-K). Additionally, the challenges and strategies of studying NDIs are also discussed.
On the Need to Revitalize Descriptive Epidemiology
Authors: Fox Matthew P , Murray Eleanor J , Lesko Catherine R , Sealy-Jefferson Shawnita 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Nearly every introductory epidemiology course begins with a focus on person, place, and time, the key components of descriptive epidemiology. And yet in our experience, introductory epidemiology courses were the last time we spent any significant amount of training time focused on descriptive epidemiology. This gave us the impression that descriptive epidemiology does not suffer from bias and is less impactful than causal epidemiology. Descriptive epidemiology may also suffer from a lack of prestige in academia and may be more difficult to fund. We believe this does a disservice to the field and slows progress towards goals of improving population health and ensuring equity in health. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak and subsequent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic have highlighted the importance of descriptive epidemiology in responding to serious public health crises. In this commentary, we make the case for renewed focus on the importance of descriptive epidemiology in the epidemiology curriculum using SARS-CoV-2 as a motivating example. The framework for error we use in etiological research can be applied in descriptive research to focus on both systematic and random error. We use the current pandemic to illustrate differences between causal and descriptive epidemiology and areas where descriptive epidemiology can have an important impact.
Blood Pressure Goals in Acute Stroke
Authors: Guo Qian-Hui , Liu Chu-Hao , Wang Ji-Guang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Antihypertensive treatment is highly effective in both primary and secondary prevention of stroke. However, current guideline recommendations on the blood pressure goals in acute stroke are clinically empirical and generally conservative. Antihypertensive treatment is only recommended for severe hypertension. Several recent observational studies showed that the relationship between blood pressure and unfavorable clinical outcomes was probably positive in acute hemorrhagic stroke but J- or U-shaped in acute ischemic stroke with undetermined nadir blood pressure. The results of randomized controlled trials are promising for blood pressure management in hemorrhagic stroke but less so in ischemic stroke. A systolic blood pressure goal of 140 mm Hg is probably appropriate for acute hemorrhagic stroke. The blood pressure goal in acute ischemic stroke, however, is uncertain, and probably depends on the time window of treatment and the use of revascularization therapy. Further research is required to investigate the potential benefit of antihypertensive treatment in acute stroke, especially with regard to the possible reduction of blood pressure variability and more intensive blood pressure lowering in the acute and subacute phases of a stroke, respectively.
Upper Facial Anastomoses Between the External and Internal Carotid Vascular Territories – A 3D Computed Tomographic Investigation
Authors: Li Zhen-Hao , Alfertshofer Michael , Hong Wei-Jin , Li Xin-Rui , Zhang You-Liang , Moellhoff Nicholas , Frank Konstantin , Luo Sheng-Kang , Cotofana Sebastian 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Facial regions with a high risk for causing injection-related visual comprise are dual-supply vascular areas such as the nose, glabella, and forehead. These regions have in common that they receive arterial blood supply both by branches of the internal (ICA) and the external carotid artery (ECA).

Objective
The authors sought to investigate the anastomotic pathways between ICA and ECA branches in the upper face.

Methods
Postmortem computed tomographic angiographic scans of n = 38 Chinese non-embalmed hemifaces (25 males, 13 females; mean age, 37.79 [11.8] years; mean BMI, 21.90 [2.3] kg/m2) were conducted. Data analysis relied on the calculation of depth, distances, and pathways of forehead and temporal arteries to investigate the number of anastomotic connections, the connecting branches, and the layer of connection between ICA and ECA territories.

Results
Between ICA and ECA territories, only 1 connection in 57.9%, 2 connections in 31.6%, 3 connections in 5.3%, and 4 and 5 connections in 2.6% each were identified. A superficial connection was observed in 15.8% whereas in 84.2% the anastomotic connection was identified to be both superficial and deep.

Conclusions
Adverse events following facial minimally invasive soft-tissue filler injections for aesthetic purposes are not frequent but devastating if they occur. Anatomic knowledge as presented in this study can help to increase awareness of 3-dimensional vascular anastomotic pathways and identify safer injection zones and safer fascial planes. Evidence-based injection techniques should be followed, and safety aspects should be placed over the aesthetic outcome.
PacRAT: a program to improve barcode-variant mapping from PacBio long reads using multiple sequence alignment
Authors: Yeh Chiann-Ling C , Amorosi Clara J , Showman Soyeon , Dunham Maitreya J 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Summary
Use of PacBio sequencing for characterizing barcoded libraries of genetic variants is on the rise. However, current approaches in resolving PacBio sequencing artifacts can result in a high number of incorrectly identified or unusable reads. Here, we developed a PacBio Read Alignment Tool (PacRAT) that improves the accuracy of barcode-variant mapping through several steps of read alignment and consensus calling. To quantify the performance of our approach, we simulated PacBio reads from eight variant libraries of various lengths and showed that PacRAT improves the accuracy in pairing barcodes and variants across these libraries. Analysis of real (non-simulated) libraries also showed an increase in the number of reads that can be used for downstream analyses when using PacRAT.

Availability and implementation
PacRAT is written in Python and is freely available (https://github.com/dunhamlab/PacRAT).

Supplementary information
Supplemental data are available at Bioinformatics online.
EDClust: an EM–MM hybrid method for cell clustering in multiple-subject single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Wei Xin , Li Ziyi , Ji Hongkai , Wu Hao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMotivationSingle-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revolutionized biological research by enabling the measurement of transcriptomic profiles at the single-cell level. With the increasing application of scRNA-seq in larger-scale studies, the problem of appropriately clustering cells emerges when the scRNA-seq data are from multiple subjects. One challenge is the subject-specific variation; systematic heterogeneity from multiple subjects may have a significant impact on clustering accuracy. Existing methods seeking to address such effects suffer from several limitations.ResultsWe develop a novel statistical method, EDClust, for multi-subject scRNA-seq cell clustering. EDClust models the sequence read counts by a mixture of Dirichlet-multinomial distributions and explicitly accounts for cell-type heterogeneity, subject heterogeneity and clustering uncertainty. An EM-MM hybrid algorithm is derived for maximizing the data likelihood and clustering the cells. We perform a series of simulation studies to evaluate the proposed method and demonstrate the outstanding performance of EDClust. Comprehensive benchmarking on four real scRNA-seq datasets with various tissue types and species demonstrates the substantial accuracy improvement of EDClust compared to existing methods.Availability and implementationThe R package is freely available at https://github.com/weix21/EDClust.Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Maternal body mass index is associated with an altered immunological profile at 28 weeks of gestation
Authors: Rees April , Richards Oliver , Allen-Kormylo Anastasia , Jones Nicholas , Thornton Catherine A 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHealthy pregnancy is accompanied by various immunological and metabolic adaptations. Maternal obesity has been implicated in adverse pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), while posing a risk to the neonate. There is a lack of knowledge surrounding obesity and the maternal immune system. The objective of this study was to consider if immunological changes in pregnancy are influenced by maternal obesity. Peripheral blood was collected from fasted GDM-negative pregnant women at 26–28 weeks of gestation. Analysis was done using immunoassay, flow cytometry, bioenergetics analysis, and cell culture. The plasma profile was significantly altered with increasing BMI, specifically leptin (r = 0.7635), MCP-1 (r = 0.3024), and IL-6 (r = 0.4985). Circulating leukocyte populations were also affected with changes in the relative abundance of intermediate monocytes (r = –0.2394), CD4:CD8 T-cell ratios (r = 0.2789), and NKT cells (r = –0.2842). Monocytes analysed in more detail revealed elevated CCR2 expression and decreased mitochondrial content with increased BMI. However, LPS-stimulated cytokine production and bioenergetic profile of PBMCs were not affected by maternal BMI. The Th profile skews towards Th17 with increasing BMI; Th2 (r = –0.3202) and Th9 (r = –0.3205) cells were diminished in maternal obesity, and CytoStim™-stimulation exacerbates IL-6 (r = 0.4166), IL-17A (r = 0.2753), IL-17F (r = 0.2973), and IL-22 (r = 0.2257) production with BMI, while decreasing IL-4 (r = –0.2806). Maternal obesity during pregnancy creates an inflammatory microenvironment. Successful pregnancy requires Th2-biased responses yet increasing maternal BMI favours a Th17 response that could be detrimental to pregnancy. Further research should investigate key populations of cells identified here to further understand the immunological challenges that beset pregnant women with obesity.
Crustal thickness and Poisson's ratios in eastern China estimated jointly by receiver function and gravity data
Authors: Tang Hanhan , Guo Lianghui , Chen Guojiang , Huang Zhangrong , Fang Yuan 
Published: March 2022

SUMMARY
Crustal thickness and Poisson's ratio have played significant roles in determining the crustal structure, compositions and deformation. We improved the algorithm for joint estimation by receiver function and gravity data on the optimization of initial model, sediment-correction, as well as estimation of associated density parameter, and utilized it to estimate the crustal thickness and Poisson's ratios in eastern China. The uncertainty analyses verified the reliability of our model. Our results demonstrate that the crustal thickness in eastern China increases gradually from east (about 26.6 km) to west (about 62.4 km) with an NNE-trending gradient zone along the line of Great Khingan-Taihang-Wuling Orogenic belt. The crustal Poisson's ratios in eastern China, ranging from 0.19 to 0.31, reflect the characteristics of different tectonic blocks. Low crustal Poisson's ratios are mainly presented along the sutural and orogenic belts between tectonic blocks. Low Poisson's ratio associated with the Central Asian Orogenic Belt accretionary wedge suggests that it extends further east than previously thought, beneath the Songliao Basin (between the city line of Sonid Right Banner-Linxi-Tongliao-Jilin-Wangqing and Bayan-Huade-Chifeng-Liaoyuan-Helong). After reducing the influence of the sediment, banded-like high-Poisson's ratios show up in Sichuan Basin and Ordos Basin. Combined with the magnetic data and petrophysical properties, we speculate it to be the intrusions of intermediate-basic rocks in the basement. High Poisson's ratios presented in the northern Songliao Basin may be related to multistage magmatic intrusions and eruptions since Meso-Cenozoic. High Poisson's ratios in Panxi rift are related to magmatic activities caused by mantle plumes.