bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DNA demethylation affects imprinted gene expression in maize endosperm
Authors: Xu Qiang , Wu Leiming , Luo Zhixiang , Zhang Mei , Lai Jinsheng , Li Lin , Springer Nathan M. , Li Qing 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
DNA demethylation occurs in many species and is involved in diverse biological processes. However, the occurrence and role of DNA demethylation in maize remain unknown.

Results
We analyze loss-of-function mutants of two major genes encoding DNA demethylases. No significant change in DNA methylation has been detected in these mutants. However, we detect increased DNA methylation levels in the mutants around genes and some transposons. The increase in DNA methylation is accompanied by alteration in gene expression, with a tendency to show downregulation, especially for the genes that are preferentially expressed in endosperm. Imprinted expression of both maternally and paternally expressed genes changes in F1 hybrid with the mutant as female and the wild-type as male parental line, but not in the reciprocal hybrid. This alteration in gene expression is accompanied by allele-specific DNA methylation differences, suggesting that removal of DNA methylation of the maternal allele is required for the proper expression of these imprinted genes. Finally, we demonstrate that hypermethylation in the double mutant is associated with reduced binding of transcription factor to its target, and altered gene expression.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that active removal of DNA methylation is important for transcription factor binding and proper gene expression in maize endosperm.
Sports injuries patterns in children and adolescents according to their sports participation level, age and maturation
Authors: Costa e Silva Lara , Teles Júlia , Fragoso Isabel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Growth can make young athletes more vulnerable to sports injuries. Increased knowledge about injury profile and its predictors is an important part of an overall risk management strategy but few studies have produced information.

Methods
Information about injury profile and sports participation (SP) level was obtained by LESADO and RAPIL II questionnaires. They were distributed to 651 participants aged between 10 and 18 years attending four schools. Maturity measures were evaluated through maturity offset (MO) and Tanner-Whitehouse III method. Bivariate analysis was used to identify the set of candidate predictors for multinomial logistic regression analysis that was used to determine significant predictors of injury type and body area injury location.

Results
Regarding injury type predictors recreative boys had more chances of having a sprain or a fracture than a strain. Also, recreative and scholar girls had more chances of having a sprain than a strain. As MO decreased, the chances of girls having a strain or a fracture when compared to sprains were higher. For body area location boys with 10–11 years were more likely to have upper limbs injuries than boys of other ages. This was also confirmed by MO. Spine and trunk injuries were more likely to occur in federate and no sports participation girls.

Conclusions
Injury type and body area injury location differed significantly by SP level, age group and MO.
Some remarks on α-admissibility in S-metric spaces
Authors: Priyobarta Ningthoujam , Rohen Yumnam , Thounaojam Stephen , Radenović Stojan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe concept of α-admissible mapping introduced by Samet et al. (Nonlinear Anal. 75:2154–2165, 2012) has various generalizations. In this paper, we introduce the concept of $\alpha _{s}$

α
s

-admissible mapping and its various forms by generalizing the concept of α-admissible mapping in the setting of S-metric spaces. Further, we also introduce generalized rational $\alpha _{s}$

α
s

-Geraghty contraction type mappings and study the existence of fixed point theorems in S-metric spaces. Examples are also given to verify the main results.
Validation of the coping self-efficacy scale: Vietnamese version for adolescents
Authors: Tran Thach , La Nga , Nguyen Huong , Shochet Ian , Nguyen Nga , Wurfl Astrid , Orr Jayne , Nguyen Hau , Stocker Ruby , Fisher Jane 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to examine the construct validity of the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale-Vietnamese Version (CSES-V) among Vietnamese adolescents.

Methods
This study selected Grade 10 students from eight schools in Hanoi using a multiple-stage sampling method. Multiple aspects of the construct validity were examined including: factorial structure (evaluated using exploratory factor analysis); internal consistency (tested using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient); measurement invariance between male and female participants and longitudinal measurement invariance (tested by employing multiple group confirmatory factor analysis) and external aspect (tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficients between CSES-V and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Subscales of Depression (DASS21-D), Anxiety (DASS21-A), and Stress (DASS21-S) and a measure of mental well-being, Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF)).

Results
A total of 1082 adolescents (aged 14–16 years) was included in this study. Data supported a three-factor structure (comprising 24 items) that explained 97.6% of the total variance of the CSES-V. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of all three factors were acceptable. All levels of measurement invariance between male and female participants and longitudinal measurement invariance were well-supported. The three factors of the CSES-V were positively correlated with MHC-SF and were negatively correlated with the DASS21 subscales at a low or moderate level, supporting the external aspect of the construct validity.

Conclusions
CSES-V is recommended to assess coping self-efficacy among Vietnamese adolescents who are attending school.
Modelling the perspectives of distance education students towards online learning during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Segbenya Moses , Bervell Brandford , Minadzi Vincent Mensah , Somuah Beatrice Asante 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study examined perspectives of distance education students on online learning based on their access gadgets (availability and functionality), online presentation or teaching methods, actual use of online learning coupled with its challenges. A quantitative approach and descriptive survey design were adopted for the study. A sample of 1061 was drawn from a study population of 44,134 distance learners across sixteen administrative regions and data collected using a questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the hypotheses of the study, and descriptive statistics were deployed to analyse students perceived challenges. The study found a statistically significant relationship between the availability and functionality of online gadgets, availability of online gadgets and online presentation methods, functionality and online presentation methods and functionality and online learning usage. Thus, these factors are necessary for successful online learning. Four main perceived challenges identified were unreliable power/electricity and internet connectivity, lack of collaboration and motivation during online learning. Therefore, it was recommended that steps are taken to resolve the perceived challenges while adopting the blended approach comprising face-to-face and online learning. The blended learning approach would enable students to adjust better and appreciate its usefulness in distance education.
Fast cortical surface reconstruction from MRI using deep learning
Authors: Ren Jianxun , Hu Qingyu , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Wei , Hubbard Catherine S. , Zhang Pingjia , An Ning , Zhou Ying , Dahmani Louisa , Wang Danhong , Fu Xiaoxuan , Sun Zhenyu , Wang Yezhe , Wang Ruiqi , Li Luming , Liu Hesheng 
Published: March 2022

AbstractReconstructing cortical surfaces from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a prerequisite for surface-based functional and anatomical image analyses. Conventional algorithms for cortical surface reconstruction are computationally inefficient and typically take several hours for each subject, causing a bottleneck in applications when a fast turnaround time is needed. To address this challenge, we propose a fast cortical surface reconstruction (FastCSR) pipeline by leveraging deep machine learning. We trained our model to learn an implicit representation of the cortical surface in volumetric space, termed the “level set representation”. A fast volumetric topology correction method and a topology-preserving surface mesh extraction procedure were employed to reconstruct the cortical surface based on the level set representation. Using 1-mm isotropic T1-weighted images, the FastCSR pipeline was able to reconstruct a subject’s cortical surfaces within 5 min with comparable surface quality, which is approximately 47 times faster than the traditional FreeSurfer pipeline. The advantage of FastCSR becomes even more apparent when processing high-resolution images. Importantly, the model demonstrated good generalizability in previously unseen data and showed high test–retest reliability in cortical morphometrics and anatomical parcellations. Finally, FastCSR was robust to images with compromised quality or with distortions caused by lesions. This fast and robust pipeline for cortical surface reconstruction may facilitate large-scale neuroimaging studies and has potential in clinical applications wherein brain images may be compromised.
Default rules in investment decision-making: trait anxiety and decision-making styles
Authors: Gambetti Elisa , Zucchelli Micaela Maria , Nori Raffaella , Giusberti Fiorella 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study investigates the role of default options in the relationship between trait anxiety, and decision-making styles and financial decisions. One hundred and ninety-four participants were divided into three groups and subjected to three different conditions. Under each experimental condition, they had to decide whether to accept or reject investment proposals. In the first group, they had been enrolled in investment plans by default (opt-out condition), in the second group, they had not been automatically enrolled in these plans (opt-in condition), and in the third group they had to choose whether to enroll or not (control condition). The results showed that the investment decisions of anxious, avoidant, rational and dependent individuals could be facilitated by default options. In conclusion, using default options as a “nudge” can support specific groups of people to improve their financial decisions.
Effect of gas blowing on the head of thermal ablation vehicle
Authors: Li Qing , Yuan Xianxu , Chen Jianqiang , Bi Lin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe reentry vehicle will encounter thermal ablation, especially at the stagnation point regime. A theoretical work has been done to analyze the thermal effect of gas blowing due to thermal ablation of surface material on the head of a general hypersonic vehicle. By deriving the formulation, research takes into account the effect of gas blowing on the thermal dynamics balance, and then solves them by numerical discretization. It is found that gas blowing will increase the temperature and heat flux at the surface of stagnation point regime.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and genetic factors associated with normal pressure hydrocephalus and Alzheimer’s disease: a narrative review
Authors: Afrashteh Fatemeh , Ghafoury Roya , Almasi-Doghaee Mostafa 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a neurologic disease leading to enlargement of ventricles which is presented with gait and balance disturbance, cognitive decline, and urinary incontinence. Diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus is challenging due to the late onset of signs and symptoms. In this review, we summarize the cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, pathology, and genetic biomarkers of normal pressure hydrocephalus and related disorders.

Body
Recently, cerebrospinal fluid and serum biomarkers analysis alongside gene analysis has received a lot of attention. Interpreting a set of serum and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers along with genetic testing for candidate genes could differentiate NPH from other neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease with dementia, and other types of dementia.

Conclusion
Better understanding the pathophysiology of normal pressure hydrocephalus through genetic studies can aid in evolving preventative measures and the early treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus patients.
Analysis and modeling for illuminance and signal-to-noise of smart traffic information system
Authors: Chen Yaoting , Chen Huanting 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe traffic lights using by light emitting diode (LED) are able to indicate and provide the information about the ambient. The signal transimission performance of traffic system is related to a variety of factors such as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), illuminance. Several factors are influence on illumiance and SNR, such as eatsink temperature and driver parameters. It has not been any substantial investigate on the operated effects of traffic light with sinusoidal waveform driver on illuminance and SNR. With the use of heatsink temperature and driver parameters of the LED source with sinusoidal waveform driver, prediction modeling for the illuminance and SNR of the mixed white LED sources with heatsink temperature, frequency, amplitude voltage, bias voltage and amplification factors are proposed in this paper to enhance the illuminance and SNR model of LED source inside smart traffic information system. The proposed model should carry out a series of calibration step for illuminance, heatsink temperature and driver parameters, which are easy for traffic designer and source system designers to follow in the traffic information system. The proposed model has been measured for the mixed white LED sources, with reasonably good agreements between theoretical and practical results.
Adoption of Telemedicine for Postoperative Follow-Up After Inpatient Cancer-Related Surgery
Authors: Uppal Abhineet , Kothari Anai N. , Scally Christopher P. , Roland Christina L. , Bednarski Brian K. , Katz Matthew H.G. , Vauthey Jean-Nicholas , Chang George J. ,   in collaboration with the D3CODE Team
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant changes in health care delivery, including the rapid adoption of telemedicine across multiple specialties and practice environments. This includes postoperative visits (POV), despite limited data on outcomes following these telemedicine POV. We sought to determine whether these types of visits successfully identify and address postoperative complications when compared with in-person POV. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective inpatient cancer-related surgery from March 2020 through December 2020. The exposure variable was type of POV (telemedicine v in-person). The primary outcome was unplanned hospital readmission within 90 days, and secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission, length of stay of first readmission, and mortality. RESULTS: Five-hundred thirty-five patients underwent elective inpatient operations and met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 98 (18.5%) had an initial telemedicine POV. There was no difference in 90-day readmission on the basis of POV type (16.3% telemedicine v 16.5% in-person, P = .99). Reasons for readmission did not differ between patients who underwent a telemedicine POV compared with in-person POV (all P > .05). After adjustment for patients' demographic and clinical factors, telemedicine POV was not associated with 90-day readmission (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.43 to 1.70; P = .77). CONCLUSION: Telemedicine POV use adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic did not increase risk of readmission when compared with in-person visits following inpatient oncologic surgery. These data can help inform policy on the continued use and application of telemedicine after the pandemic.
Comparative Study of Bayesian Information Borrowing Methods in Oncology Clinical Trials
Authors: Su Liwen , Chen Xin , Zhang Jingyi , Yan Fangrong 
Published: March 2022

PURPOSEWith deeper insight into precision medicine, more innovative oncology trial designs have been proposed to contribute to the characteristics of novel antitumor drugs. Bayesian information borrowing is an indispensable part of these designs, which shows great advantages in improving the efficiency of clinical trials. Bayesian methods provide an effective framework when incorporating information. However, the key point lies in how to choose an appropriate method for complex oncology clinical trials.METHODSWe divided the borrowing information scenarios into concurrent and nonconcurrent scenarios according to whether the data to be borrowed are observed at the same time as in the current trial or not. Then, we provided an overview of the methods in each scenario. Performance comparison of different methods is carried out with regard to the type I error and power.RESULTSAs demonstrated by the simulation results in each borrowing scenario, the Bayesian hierarchical model and its extensions are more appropriate for concurrent borrowing. The simulation results demonstrate that the Bayesian hierarchical model shows great advantages when the arms are homogeneous. However, such a method should be adopted with caution when heterogeneity exists. We recommend the other methods, considering heterogeneity. Borrow information from informative priors is more suggested for nonconcurrent borrowing scenarios. Multisource exchangeability models are more suitable for multiple historical trials, while meta-analytic-predictive prior should be carefully applied.CONCLUSIONBayesian information borrowing is useful and can improve the efficiency of clinical trial designs. However, we should carefully choose an appropriate information borrowing method when facing a practical innovative oncology trial, as an appropriate method is essential to provide ideal design performance.
The Effects of Common Genetic Variation in 96 Genes Involved in Thyroid Hormone Regulation on TSH and FT4 Concentrations
Authors: Sterenborg Rosalie B T M , Galesloot Tessel E , Teumer Alexander , Netea-Maier Romana T , Speed Doug , Meima Marcel E , Visser W Edward , Smit Johannes W A , Peeters Robin P , Medici Marco 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveWhile most of the variation in thyroid function is determined by genetic factors, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified via genome-wide association analyses have only explained ~5% to 9% of this variance so far. Most SNPs were in or nearby genes with no known role in thyroid hormone (TH) regulation. Therefore, we performed a large-scale candidate gene study investigating the effect of common genetic variation in established TH regulating genes on serum thyrotropin [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)] and thyroxine (FT4) concentrations.MethodsSNPs in or within 10 kb of 96 TH regulating genes were included (30 031 TSH SNPs, and 29 962 FT4 SNPs). Associations were studied in 54 288 individuals from the ThyroidOmics Consortium. Linkage disequilibrium-based clumping was used to identify independently associated SNPs. SNP-based explained variances were calculated using SumHer software.ResultsWe identified 23 novel TSH-associated SNPs in predominantly hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis genes and 25 novel FT4-associated SNPs in mainly peripheral metabolism and transport genes. Genome-wide SNP variation explained ~21% (SD 1.7) of the total variation in both TSH and FT4 concentrations, whereas SNPs in the 96 TH regulating genes explained 1.9% to 2.6% (SD 0.4).ConclusionHere we report the largest candidate gene analysis on thyroid function, resulting in a substantial increase in the number of genetic variants determining TSH and FT4 concentrations. Interestingly, these candidate gene SNPs explain only a minor part of the variation in TSH and FT4 concentrations, which substantiates the need for large genetic studies including common and rare variants to unravel novel, yet unknown, pathways in TH regulation.
Obesity and COVID-19: Mechanistic Insights From Adipose Tissue
Authors: Yu Lili , Zhang Xiaoying , Ye Sarah , Lian Hongkai , Wang Hui , Ye Jianping 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObesity is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The risk is related to the cytokine storm, a major contributor to multiorgan failure and a pathological character of COVID-19 patients with obesity. While the exact cause of the cytokine storm remains elusive, disorders in energy metabolism has provided insights into the mechanism. Emerging data suggest that adipose tissue in obesity contributes to the disorders in several ways. First, adipose tissue restricts the pulmonary function by generation of mechanical pressures to promote systemic hypoxia. Second, adipose tissue supplies a base for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 entry by overexpression of viral receptors [angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and dipeptidyl peptidase 4]. Third, impaired antiviral responses of adipocytes and immune cells result in dysfunction of immunologic surveillance as well as the viral clearance systems. Fourth, chronic inflammation in obesity contributes to the cytokine storm by secreting more proinflammatory cytokines. Fifth, abnormal levels of adipokines increase the risk of a hyperimmune response to the virus in the lungs and other organs to enhance the cytokine storm. Mitochondrial dysfunction in adipocytes, immune cells, and other cell types (endothelial cells and platelets, etc) is a common cellular mechanism for the development of cytokine storm, which leads to the progression of mild COVID-19 to severe cases with multiorgan failure and high mortality. Correction of energy surplus through various approaches is recommended in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in the obese patients.
Dapagliflozin Improves Body Fat Patterning, and Hepatic and Pancreatic Fat in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in North India
Authors: Ghosh Amerta , Dutta Koel , Bhatt Surya Prakash , Gupta Ritesh , Tyagi Kanika , Ansari Irshad Ahmad , Venugopal Vasantha Kumar , Mahajan Harsh , Pandey Ravindra Mohan , Pandey Shivam , Misra Anoop 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Context
Excess hepatic and pancreatic fat may contribute to hyperglycemia.

Objective
The objective of this study was to examine the effect of dapagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) on anthropometric profile, liver, and pancreatic fat in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods
This is an observational interventional paired study design without a control group. Patients (n = 30) were given dapagliflozin 10 mg/day (on top of stable dose of metformin and/or sulfonylureas) for 120 days. Changes in anthropometry (circumferences and skinfold thickness), surrogate markers of insulin resistance, body composition, liver, and pancreatic fat (as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived proton density fat fraction [FF]) were evaluated.

Results
After 120 days of treatment with dapagliflozin, a statistically significant reduction in weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat, circumferences, and all skinfold thickness was seen. A statistically significant reduction in blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c, hepatic transaminases, fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and postprandial C-peptide was noted, while HOMA-β, postprandial insulin sensitivity, and fasting adiponectin were statistically significantly increased. There was no change in lean body mass. Compared to baseline there was a statistically significant decrease in mean liver FF (from 15.2% to 10.1%, P &lt; .0001) and mean pancreatic FF (from 7.5% to 5.99%, P &lt; .0083). Reduction in liver fat was statistically significant after adjustment for change in body weight.

Conclusion
Dapagliflozin, after 120 days of use, reduced pancreatic and liver fat and increased insulin sensitivity in Asian Indian patients with T2DM.