bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood-brain barrier penetrating neprilysin degrades monomeric amyloid-beta in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rofo Fadi , Metzendorf Nicole G. , Saubi Cristina , Suominen Laura , Godec Ana , Sehlin Dag , Syvänen Stina , Hultqvist Greta 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
BackgroundAggregation of the amyloid-b (Ab) peptide in the brain is one of the key pathological events in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Reducing Ab levels in the brain by enhancing its degradation is one of the important strategies to develop new therapies for AD. Neprilysin (NEP) is a membrane bound metallopeptidase and one of the major Ab-degrading enzymes. The secreted soluble form of NEP (sNEP) has been previously suggested as a potential protein-therapy degrading Ab in AD. However, similar to other large molecule, peripherally administered sNEP is unable to reach the brain due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Methods To provide transcytosis across BBB, we recombinantly fused the TfR binding moiety (scFv8D3) to either sNEP or to a previously described variant of NEP (muNEP) having higher degradation efficiency on Ab compared to other NEP substrates. To provide long blood half-life, an Fc-based antibody fragment (scFc) was added to the designs, forming sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 and muNEP-scFc-scFv8D3. Ability of the mentioned recombinant proteins to degrade Ab was first evaluated in vitro using synthetic Ab peptides followed by sandwich ELISA. For the in vivo studies, a single injection of 125-iodine labelled sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 and muNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 was intravenously administered to tg-ArcSwe mouse model of AD, using scFc-scFv8D3 protein that lacks NEP as a negative control. Different ELISA setups were applied to quantify Ab concentration of different conformations, both in brain tissues and blood samples. ResultsWhen tested in vitro, sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 retained sNEP enzymatic activity in degrading Ab. When intravenously injected, sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 demonstrated 20-times higher brain uptake compared to sNEP. Both scFv8D3 fused NEP-proteins significantly reduced Ab levels in the blood of tg-ArcSwe mice, a transgenic mouse model of AD, following a single intravenous injection. However, the degradation of brain Ab was only evident with sNEP-scFc-scFv8D3 treatment, and both scFv8D3 fused NEP-proteins displayed a fast clearance from the brain. Conclusion Our study highlights the significance of BBB-penetrant proteins to study in details the effects of NEP on AD brains, avoiding the use of invasive intracranial administration or generation of NEP transgenic mice.
Quantile-Frequency Analysis and Deep Learning for Signal Classification
Authors: Li Ta-Hsin 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
This paper proposes a new method for signal classification based on a combination of recently introduced nonlinear spectral analysis technique called quantile-frequency analysis (QFA) and deep-learning (DL) image classifiers. The QFA method converts a one-dimensional signal into a two-dimensional representation of the signal's oscillatory behavior in the frequency domain at different quantiles or a sequence of such representations that are localized in time. The DL image classifiers utilize these representations for signal classification. The benefit of this QFA-DL classification method, especially in comparison with the traditional method based on the power spectrum and spectrogram, is demonstrated by a numerical experiment using real-world data from a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) application.
Descriptors of Failed Extubation in Norwood Patients using Physiologic Data Streaming
Authors: Savorgnan Fabio , Loomba Rohit , Flores Saul , Rusin Craig , Zheng Feng , Hassan Adel , Acosta Sebastian 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the utility of high-frequency physiologic data during the extubation process and other clinical variables for describing the physiologic profile of extubation failure in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) post-Norwood procedure. Methods: Single-center, retrospective analysis. Extubation events were collected from January 2016 until July 2021. Extubation failure was defined as the need for re-intubation within 48 hours of extubation. The data included streaming heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, arterial oxygen saturation, and cerebral/renal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The most recent blood laboratory results before extubation were also included. These markers, demographics, clinical characteristics, and ventilatory settings were compared between successful and failed extubations.Results: The analysis included 311 extubations. The extubation failure rate was 10%. According to univariate analyses, failed extubations were preceded by higher respiratory rates (p=0.029), lower end-tidal CO2 (p=0.009), lower pH (p=0.043), lower serum bicarbonate (p=0.030), and lower partial pressure of O2 (p=0.022). In the first 10 minutes after extubation, the failed events were characterized by lower arterial (p=0.028) and cerebral NIRS (p=0.018) saturations. Failed events were associated with persistently lower values for cerebral NIRS 2 hours post-extubation (p=0.027). In multivariate analysis, vocal cord anomaly, cerebral NIRS at 10 minutes post-extubation, renal NIRS at pre-extubation and post-extubation, and end-tidal CO2 at pre-extubation remained as significant co-variates.Conclusions: Oximetric indices before, in the 10 minutes immediately after, and 2 hours after extubation and vocal cords paralysis are associated with failed extubation events in patients with parallel circulation.
Overall survival among patients who undergo resection does not differ significantly between T1a and T1b hepatocellular carcinoma based on the 8th American Joint Commission on Cancer
Authors: Liu Yueh-Wei , Li Wei-Feng , Kuo Fang-Ying , Eng Hock-Liew , Wang Chih-Chi , Lin Chih-Che , Yong Chee-Chien , Yen Yi-Hao 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose: The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been used since 2018. However, whether any significant difference in overall survival (OS) exists between patients with T1a and T1b HCC who undergo resection has been controversial. We aim to clarify this issue.Methods: We consecutively enrolled newly diagnosed HCC patients who underwent liver resection (LR) from 2010 to 2020 at our institution. OS was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using log-rank tests. Prognostic factors for OS were identified by multivariate analysis.Results: This study enrolled 1250 newly diagnosed HCC patients who underwent LR. No significant differences in OS were identified between patients with T1a and T1b tumors among all patients (p=0.694), cirrhotic patients (p=0.753), non-cirrhotic patients (p=0.146), patients with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) >20 ng/ml (p=0.562), patients with AFP ≤20 ng/ml (p=0.967), patients with Edmondson grade 1 or 2 (p=0.615), patients with Edmondson grade 3 or 4 (p=0.825), patients positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg; p=0.308), in patients positive for anti–hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (p=0.781), or patients negative for both HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody (p=0.125). Using T1a as the reference, multivariate analysis showed that T1b is not a significant predictive factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.338; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.737–2.431; p=0.339).Conclusion: No significant difference in OS was observed between patients who underwent LR to treat T1a and T1b HCC tumors.
Effectiveness of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac in children and adolescents against SARS-CoV-2 infection during Omicron BA.2 wave in Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Yu Lung , Leung Daniel , Duque Jaime Rosa , Yip Ka Man , So Hung Kwan , Wong Wilfred 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 subvariant replaced BA.1 globally in early 2022, and caused an unprecedented tsunami of cases in Hong Kong, resulting in the collapse of elimination strategy. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac against BA.2 is unclear. We utilize an ecological design incorporating population-level vaccine coverage statistics and territory-wide case-level SARS-CoV-2 infection surveillance data, and investigate the VE against infection during the Omicron BA.2 wave between January 1 to April 19, 2022, in Hong Kong for children and adolescents. We estimate VE to be 33.0% for 1 dose of BNT162b2 in children aged 5–11 and 40.8% for 2 doses of CoronaVac in children aged 3–11. We also estimate 54.9% and 86.8% VE for 2 and 3 doses of BNT162b2, and 55.0% and 92.0% VE for 2 and 3 doses of CoronaVac in adolescents aged 12–18. Our findings support preserved VE against infection by variants of concerns for children and adolescents in settings with extremely low levels of prior SARS-CoV-2 circulation.
Factors influencing fathers’ involvement in the care of hospitalized preterm newborns in Balaka, Malawi
Authors: Mhango Patani , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
BackgroundMalawi has one of the highest incidences of premature birth, and preterm newborns are twice likely to die compared to full-term newborns. Fathers’ involvement could help with the situation because it is associated with positive outcomes. However, there is limited literature on the factors that influence fathers’ involvement in the care of preterm newborns in Malawi.MethodsA phenomenological study was conducted at Balaka District Hospital guided by the components of the model proposed by Lamb on male involvement and the Theory of planned behaviour to explore factors that influenced fathers’ involvement in the care of preterm infants. The district was selected due to its high infant mortality rate, which is above the national average. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with fathers of preterm infants purposively sampled in June 2021. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour. ResultsSeveral factors influence fathers’ involvement. These are perceived difficulty with care activities and benefits of involvement, gender roles and socio-cultural beliefs, work and other family responsibilities, social support, baby’s physical appearance/nature and health status, feedback from the baby, multiple births, and hospital’s physical environment and provision of basic needs. These were reported as being barriers and facilitators to fathers’ involvement in the care of their hospitalized preterm newborns.ConclusionFathers’ involvement in the care of hospitalized preterm newborns can be improved by finding ways of resolving the barriers. This could be through education, awareness, and encouragement of the fathers and their communities.
Cancer of unknown primary site in the mandibular region: case report and literature review
Authors: Li Xiang , Qu Li-Xin , Li Jin-Mei , Chen Bo , Chen Yu-Xu , Gao Jin-Ping 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Diagnosis and treatment of cancer of unknown primary (CUP)site present difficulties and produce a poor prognosis. The current case of CUP in the mandibular region was treated with docetaxel and lobaplatin chemotherapy and vascular embolization of the tumor. Tumor size was significantly reduced and the patient’s quality of life improved following radiotherapy. The case study is accompanied by a literature review to contextualize the treatment experience for CUP.
Crystal orientation effects on the optical properties of wurtzite GaN/AlN quantum dots on semi-polar substrates
Authors: Park Seoung-Hwan , Ahn Doyeol 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Optical properties of epitaxial quantum dots are of considerable interest for high efficiency opto-electronic devices and room-temperature quantum light sources. In this work, the general crystal orientation effects on the spontaneous emission peak of wurtzite (WZ) GaN/AlN quantum dots (QDs) grown on semi-polar substrates is studied theoretically. As crystal orientation changes from Θ=0° to Θ=90°, the spontaneous emission peak is predicted to increase almost ten-fold. This drastic change of the spontaneous emission peak is caused by the rapid increase of the optical dipole matrix elements with crystal orientation angle. The change of the optical matrix element is due to the change of the screening of built-in potential of the WZ QDs with the crystal orientation change. In particular, the spontaneous emission peak rapidly increases when the crystal angle exceeds Θ=50°.
Training Load of Newly Recruited Nurses in Grade-A Tertiary Hospitals in Shanghai, China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yu Chan , Jiang Jinxia , Zhong Minhui , Zhang Han , Duan Xia 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to provide insight into the training load of newly recruited nurses in grade-A tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China. The lack of nurses in hospitals across China has resulted in newly recruited nurses in grade-A tertiary hospitals in Shanghai having to integrate into the work environment and meet the needs of the job quickly; thus, they undergo several training programs. However, an increase in the number of training programs increases the training load of these nurses, impacting the effectiveness of training. The extent of the training load that newly recruited nurses have to bear in grade-A tertiary hospitals in China remains unknown.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted across three hospitals in Shanghai, including one general hospital and two specialized hospitals, in 2020. A purposeful sample of 15 newly recruited nurses were invited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. The COREQ checklist was used to assess the overall study.Results: Three themes emerged: external cognitive overload, internal cognitive overload, and physical and mental overload. Conclusions: The training of newly recruited nurses in grade-A tertiary hospitals in Shanghai is excessive, and its intensity and form need to be reasonably adjusted. Newly recruited nurses need to not only improve their internal self-ability, but also learn to reduce internal and external load. Simultaneously, an external social support system needs to be established to alleviate their training burden and prevent burnout.
Epidemiology of Mental Disorders And The Transdiagnostic Aproach In Mental Health, In Northwest of São Paulo state, Brazil
Authors: Brandão Cinara , Camargos Gláucio , Garcia Mateus , Filho Gerardo de Araújo , Borghi Fábio , de Mattos Luiz 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The lost of quality of life in Brazil and in the world is due to the consequences of mental disorders (MD). These disorders have heterogeneous symptoms and a multifactorial etiology. We carried out a descriptive and retrospective observational study with the aim of characterizing the profiles of psychiatric patients in the northwest of São Paulo State. We analyzed data from the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital de Base of São José do Rio Preto, a teaching hospital, under the administration of the XV Regional Health Department (DRS XV). We typify the appointments that occurred between the years 2018 to 2020, observing the predominant disorders in a sample of 8,384 appointments. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) represents the highest recurrence. Most patients are female and the mean age was 45 years. The prevalent symptoms are sadness, anxiety, and irritability. The most commonly used medications are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). The epidemiological characterization of MD in the northwest of São Paulo state indicates a symptomatic comorbidity. These data provide evidence for the establishment of more specific protocols in mental health and advocate a dimensional transdiagnostic approach according to aspects of the new review proposed by the ICD-11.
Gender Analysis of Journal of Perinatology Authorship During COVID-19
Authors: Gadek Lauren , Dammann Christiane , Savich Renate , Oji-Mmuo Christiana , Barrera Leonardo , Gallagher Patrick , Machut Kerri 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Objective
To examine authorship gender distributions before and during COVID-19 in the Journal of Perinatology.
Study Design
We collected data from the Journal of Perinatology website. Author gender was determined using Genderize.io or a systematic internet search. Our primary outcome was the difference between the number of published articles authored by women during the pandemic period (March 2020-May 2021, period two), compared with the preceding 15-month period (period one). We analyzed the data using chi-square tests.
Results
Publications increased from period one to two by 8.9%. There were slightly more female than male authors overall (52.8%), but fewer as last author (43.3%) for the combined time periods. Female authorship distribution was not different from period one to two.
Conclusions
Though publications increased overall, authorship gender distribution did not change significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women authors remain underrepresented overall and specifically as last author, considering the majority of current neonatologists are women.
Association between war-related traumatic events and blood pressure trajectory: A population-based study among Palestinian adults living in Gaza
Authors: Jebril Majed , Mazidi Mohsen , Liu Xin , Baibing Mi , Arafat Heba , Shi Zumin , Wang Youfa 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Little is known regarding health status in environment characterized by instability and ongoing war risks. This study investigated hypertension disease burden and associations of war-related traumatic events with blood pressure (BP) trajectory over time amongst Palestinian adults in Gaza Strip.Methods: From nine primary healthcare centers, medical records between 2013 and 2019 were collected for 1000 Palestinian adults living in Gaza. Multinomial logistic regression analysis examined associations between war-related traumatic events and BP trajectories derived using latent class trajectory analysis (LCTA).Results: The prevalence of self-reported injury (of participants or their family members), death of a family member, and violence due to house bombing was 51.4%, 54.1%, and 66.5%, respectively. In total, 22.4% and 21.4% participants had constant-very-high (CVH) SBP (>160 mmHg) and DBP (>95 mmHg), and normal-stable SBP and DBP was found only 54.9% and 52.6%, respectively. Injury (participants or family members), death of a family member, and violence due to house bombing during wars were associated with CVH SBP with odds ratios (95%CI) of 1.79 (1.28-2.48), 1.90 (1.36-2.65), and 1.44 (1.01-2.05), respectively. The corresponding figures were 1.92 (1.36-2.71), 1.90 (1.35-2.68), and 1.62 (1.13-2.38) for CVH DBP. Living in debt was positively associated with CVH SBP, OR (95%CI) of 2.49 (1.73-3.60) and CVH DBP, OR (95%CI) of 2.37 (1.63-3.45).Conclusions: The disease burden related to war-related traumatic events is high, and positively related to adverse BP trajectory among Palestinians living in Gaza. Intervention programs are needed to manage and prevent chronic diseases for this vulnerable population. Funding: This research was funded in part by the US-based China Medical Board (CMB, grant number 16-262); National Natural Science Foundation of China, grant number 82173504, 82011530197; and the Chinese National Key Research and Development Program (grant number 2017YFC0907200, 2017YFC0907201).
Modelling motor units in 3D: Influence on muscle contraction and joint force via a proof of concept simulation
Authors: Saini Harnoor , Klotz Thomas , Röhrle Oliver 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Functional heterogeneity of a skeletal muscle refers to its ability to produce a variety of force vectors through the localised, regional recruitment of motor units. Existing three-dimensional, macroscopic, continuum-mechanical muscle models (3D models) neglect motor unit anatomy and are thus ill-suited to investigate a muscle's functional heterogeneity. Here, we develop a method to generate and enrich 3D models with motor unit anatomy and activity information: First, a virtual innervation process is applied to group idealised computational fibres into motor units. Second, the discrete microstructure is homogenised to form continuous volumetric motor unit distributions. Third, motor unit activity is computed as a function of its firing times and twitch properties. As a proof of concept, we generated multiple masticatory models, each with different (masseter) motor unit distributions. The masticatory models were supplied with identical motor unit activity to simulate a sub-maximal static bite. The virtual innervation method captured physiological hallmark features of motor unit anatomy such as size, shape, position, and overlap. We found that motor unit anatomy significantly influenced bite force direction while having minimal impact on magnitude. Motor unit position played a more significant role than motor unit overlap. These results highlight the importance of modelling motor unit anatomy in understanding movement, particularly for muscles with complex internal architecture. This method provides an environment to investigate the interplay between motor control, skeletal muscle mechanics, and joint kinematics. Such investigations are relevant for the functional heterogeneity of healthy and pathological muscles.
Genome-wide SNPs reveals inbreeding, small populations, and strong genetic isolation in a threatened frog (Litoria littlejohni)
Authors: Stock Sarah E. , Klop-Toker Kaya , Wallace Samantha , Kelly Oliver , Callen Alex , Seeto Rebecca , Mahony Stephen V. , Hayward Matt W. , Mahony Michael J. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The status of many amphibian populations remains unclear due to undetected declines driven by disease and difficulties in obtaining accurate population estimates. Here, we used genetic data (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) to investigate Australia’s poorly understood Littlejohn’s treefrog, Litoria littlejohni across its fragmented distribution. We detected five identifiable genetic clusters, with moderate to strong genetic isolation. At a regional scale, population isolation likely of population crashes, resulting in small populations with evidence of founder effects. Moderate genetic isolation was detected among populations on the Woronora Plateau despite short distances between population clusters. Evidence of recent declines was apparent in three populations that had very small effective population size, reduced genetic diversity and high inbreeding values. The rates of inbreeding detected in these populations combined with their small size leave these populations at elevated risk of extinction. The Cordeaux Cluster was identified as the most robust population as it was the largest and most genetically diverse. This study exemplifies the value of employing genetic methods to study rare, cryptic species. Despite low recapture rates using traditional capture-recapture demographic methods, we were able to derive population estimates, describe patterns of gene flow, and demonstrate the need for urgent conservation management.