bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Youth with Down syndrome display widespread increased functional connectivity during rest
Authors: Csumitta Kelsey D. , Gotts Stephen J. , Clasen Liv S. , Martin Alex , Raitano Lee Nancy 
Published: June 2022

AbstractStudies of resting-state functional connectivity in young people with Down syndrome (DS) have yielded conflicting results. Some studies have found increased connectivity while others have found a mix of increased and decreased connectivity. No studies have examined whole-brain connectivity at the voxel level in youth with DS during an eyes-open resting-state design. Additionally, no studies have examined the relationship between connectivity and network selectivity in youth with DS. Thus, the current study sought to fill this gap in the literature. Nineteen youth with DS (Mage = 16.5; range 7–23; 13 F) and 33 typically developing (TD) youth (Mage = 17.5; range 6–24; 18 F), matched on age and sex, completed a 5.25-min eyes-open resting-state fMRI scan. Whole-brain functional connectivity (average Pearson correlation of each voxel with every other voxel) was calculated for each individual and compared between groups. Network selectivity was then calculated and correlated with functional connectivity for the DS group. Results revealed that whole-brain functional connectivity was significantly higher in youth with DS compared to TD controls in widespread regions throughout the brain. Additionally, participants with DS had significantly reduced network selectivity compared to TD peers, and selectivity was significantly related to connectivity in all participants. Exploratory behavioral analyses revealed that regions showing increased connectivity in DS predicted Verbal IQ, suggesting differences in connectivity may be related to verbal abilities. These results indicate that network organization is disrupted in youth with DS such that disparate networks are overly connected and less selective, suggesting a potential target for clinical interventions.
Monitoring and imaging pH in biofilms utilizing a fluorescent polymeric nanosensor
Authors: Kromer Charlotte , Schwibbert Karin , Gadicherla Ashish K. , Thiele Dorothea , Nirmalananthan-Budau Nithiya , Laux Peter , Resch-Genger Ute , Luch Andreas , Tschiche Harald R. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBiofilms are ubiquitous in nature and in the man-made environment. Given their harmful effects on human health, an in-depth understanding of biofilms and the monitoring of their formation and growth are important. Particularly relevant for many metabolic processes and survival strategies of biofilms is their extracellular pH. However, most conventional techniques are not suited for minimally invasive pH measurements of living biofilms. Here, a fluorescent nanosensor is presented for ratiometric measurements of pH in biofilms in the range of pH 4.5–9.5 using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The nanosensor consists of biocompatible polystyrene nanoparticles loaded with pH-inert dye Nile Red and is surface functionalized with a pH-responsive fluorescein dye. Its performance was validated by fluorometrically monitoring the time-dependent changes in pH in E. coli biofilms after glucose inoculation at 37 °C and 4 °C. This revealed a temperature-dependent decrease in pH over a 4-h period caused by the acidifying glucose metabolism of E. coli. These studies demonstrate the applicability of this nanosensor to characterize the chemical microenvironment in biofilms with fluorescence methods.
Identification of neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptor genes in Phauda flammans (Walker)
Authors: Wu Hai-Pan , Wang Xiao-Yun , Hu Jin , Su Ran-Ran , Lu Wen , Zheng Xia-Lin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractNeuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors are crucial regulators to insect physiological processes. The 21.0 Gb bases were obtained from Illumina sequencing of two libraries representing the female and male heads of Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phaudidae), which is a diurnal defoliator of ficus plants and usually outbreaks in the south and south-east Asia, to identify differentially expressed genes, neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptor whose tissue expressions were also evaluated. In total, 99,386 unigenes were obtained, in which 156 up-regulated and 61 down-regulated genes were detected. Fifteen neuropeptides (i.e., F1b, Ast, NP1, IMF, Y, BbA1, CAP2b, NPLP1, SIF, CCH2, NP28, NP3, PDP3, ARF2 and SNPF) and 66 neuropeptide receptor genes (e.g., A2-1, FRL2, A32-1, A32-2, FRL3, etc.) were identified and well-clustered with other lepidopteron. This is the first sequencing, identification neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptor genes from P. flammans which provides valuable information regarding the molecular basis of P. flammans.
Identification of metastatic primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma utilizing artificial intelligence analysis of whole slide images
Authors: Knuutila Jaakko S. , Riihilä Pilvi , Karlsson Antti , Tukiainen Mikko , Talve Lauri , Nissinen Liisa , Kähäri Veli-Matti 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) harbors metastatic potential and causes mortality. However, clinical assessment of metastasis risk is challenging. We approached this challenge by harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to identify metastatic primary cSCCs. Residual neural network-architectures were trained with cross-validation to identify metastatic tumors on clinician annotated, hematoxylin and eosin-stained whole slide images representing primary non-metastatic and metastatic cSCCs (n = 104). Metastatic primary tumors were divided into two subgroups, which metastasize rapidly (≤ 180 days) (n = 22) or slowly (> 180 days) (n = 23) after primary tumor detection. Final model was able to predict whether primary tumor was non-metastatic or rapidly metastatic with slide-level area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.747. Furthermore, risk factor (RF) model including prediction by AI, Clark’s level and tumor diameter provided higher AUROC (0.917) than other RF models and predicted high 5-year disease specific survival (DSS) for patients with cSCC with 0 or 1 RFs (100% and 95.7%) and poor DSS for patients with cSCCs with 2 or 3 RFs (41.7% and 40.0%). These results indicate, that AI recognizes unknown morphological features associated with metastasis and may provide added value to clinical assessment of metastasis risk and prognosis of primary cSCC.
Phytochemical profiling and anti-fibrotic activities of Plumbago indica L. and Plumbago auriculata Lam. in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats
Authors: Selim Nabil Mohamed , Melk Mina Michael , Melek Farouk Rasmy , Saleh Dalia Osama , Sobeh Mansour , El-Hawary Seham S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and the hepatoprotective activities of Plumbago indica L. and P. auriculata Lam. LC–MS/MS analyses for the hydroalcoholic extracts of the aerial parts of the two Plumbago species allowed the tentative identification of thirty and twenty-five compounds from P. indica and P. auriculata, respectively. The biochemical and histopathological alterations associated with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats were evaluated in vivo where rats received the two extracts at three different dose levels (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o, daily) for 15 consecutive days with induction of hepatotoxicity by TAA (200 mg/kg/day, i.p.) at 14th and 15th days. Results of the present study showed a significant restoration in liver function biomarkers viz. alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase and total bilirubin. The liver homogenates exhibited increased levels of antioxidant biomarkers: reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), accompanied with decline in malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, treated groups exhibited a significant suppression in liver inflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interlukin-6 (IL-6), and fibrotic biomarker: alpha smooth muscle relaxant. Histopathological examination of the liver showed normality of hepatocytes. Noteworthy, P. indica extract showed better hepatoprotective activity than P. auriculata, particularly at 200 mg/kg. To sum up, all these results indicated the hepatoprotective properties of both extracts, as well as their antifibrotic effect was evidenced by reduction in hepatic collagen deposition. However, additional experiments are required to isolate their individual secondary metabolites, assess the toxicity of the extracts and explore the involved mechanism of action.
Gut mucosa dissociation protocols influence cell type proportions and single-cell gene expression levels
Authors: Uniken Venema Werna T. C. , Ramírez-Sánchez Aarón D. , Bigaeva Emilia , Withoff Sebo , Jonkers Iris , McIntyre Rebecca E. , Ghouraba Mennatallah , Raine Tim , Weersma Rinse K. , Franke Lude , Festen Eleonora A. M. , van der Wijst Monique G. P. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSingle-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revolutionized the study of the cellular landscape of organs. Most single-cell protocols require fresh material, which limits sample size per experiment, and consequently, introduces batch effects. This is especially true for samples acquired through complex medical procedures, such as intestinal mucosal biopsies. Moreover, the tissue dissociation procedure required for obtaining single cells is a major source of noise; different dissociation procedures applied to different compartments of the tissue induce artificial gene expression differences between cell subsets. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a one-step dissociation protocol and demonstrated its use on cryopreserved gut mucosal biopsies. Using flow cytometry and scRNA-seq analysis, we compared this one-step dissociation protocol with the current gold standard, two-step collagenase digestion, and an adaptation of a recently published alternative, three-step cold-active Bacillus licheniformus protease digestion. Both cell viability and cell type composition were comparable between the one-step and two-step collagenase dissociation, with the former being more time-efficient. The cold protease digestion resulted in equal cell viability, but better preserves the epithelial cell types. Consequently, to analyze the rarer cell types, such as glial cells, larger total biopsy cell numbers are required as input material. The multi-step protocols affected cell types spanning multiple compartments differently. In summary, we show that cryopreserved gut mucosal biopsies can be used to overcome the logistical challenges and batch effects in large scRNA-seq studies. Furthermore, we demonstrate that using cryopreserved biopsies digested using a one-step collagenase protocol enables large-scale scRNA-seq, FACS, organoid generation and intraepithelial lymphocyte expansion.
Temporal perceptual learning distinguishes between empty and filled intervals
Authors: Li Luhe , Yotsumoto Yuko , Hayashi Masamichi J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractTemporal perceptual learning (TPL) refers to improved temporal performance as a result of training with sub-second intervals. Most studies on TPL have focused on empty intervals (i.e. intervals marked by two brief stimuli); however, scholars have suggested that filled intervals (i.e. intervals presented as continuous sensory inputs) might have different underlying mechanisms. Therefore, the current study aimed to test whether empty and filled intervals yield similar TPL performance and whether such learning effects could transfer mutually. To this end, we trained two groups of participants with empty and filled intervals of 200 ms for four days, respectively. We found that the empty-interval group clearly improved their timing performances after training, and such an effect transferred to filled intervals of 200 ms. By contrast, the filled-interval group had neither learning nor transfer effect. Our results further shed light on the distinct mechanisms between empty and filled intervals in time perception while simultaneously replicating the classical findings on TPL involving empty intervals.
Investigation of complex nonlinear dynamic behaviors observed in a simplified driveline system with multistage clutch dampers
Authors: Yoon Jong-Yun , Kim Byeongil 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe results of the harmonic balance method (HBM) for a nonlinear system generally show nonlinear response curves with primary, super-, and sub-harmonic resonances. In addition, the stability conditions can be examined by employing Hill’s method. However, it is difficult to understand the practical dynamic behaviors with only their stability conditions, especially with respect to unstable regimes. Thus, the main goal of this study is to suggest mathematical and numerical approaches to determine the complex dynamic behaviors regarding the bifurcation characteristics. To analyze the bifurcation phenomena, the HBM is first implemented utilizing Hill’s method where various local unstable areas are found. Second, the bifurcation points are determined by tracking the stability variational locations on the arc-length continuation scheme. Then, their points are defined for various bifurcation types. Finally, the real parts of the eigenvalues are analyzed to examine the practical dynamic behaviors, specifically in the unstable regimes, which reflect the relevance of various bifurcation types on the real part of eigenvalues. The methods employed in this study successfully explain the basic ways to examine the bifurcation phenomena when the HBM is implemented. Thus, this study suggests fundamental method to understand the bifurcation phenomena using only the HBM with Hill’s method.
Application of mathematical statistics to shale gas-bearing property evaluation and main controlling factor analysis
Authors: Li Min , Pang Xiongqi , Xiong Liang , Hu Tao , Chen Di , Zhao Zhen , Hui Shasha 
Published: June 2022

AbstractGas-bearing property evaluation and main controlling factor analysis have remained a concern in shale gas research. The application of principal component analysis, an important mathematical statistical method, in gas-bearing property evaluation and main controlling factor analysis of the Longmaxi shale in the Weirong area, Sichuan Basin, was examined. The Longmaxi shale exhibits high heterogeneity, manifested in the organic matter abundance, mineral composition, and pore structure. Seven geological factors, including the temperature, pressure, TOC content, clay content, brittle mineral content, pore volume, and specific surface area (SSA), were selected in principal component analysis. Four principal components with geological significance, such as mineral composition, formation condition, pore structure, and organic matter abundance, were extracted through principal component analysis, and further constituted a comprehensive factor. Shale gas-bearing properties were evaluated according to the score of the comprehensive factor. The Longmaxi shale could be identified as exhibiting good, medium, and poor gas-bearing properties based on the comprehensive factor scores of these samples. According to each geological factor’s contribution to the comprehensive factor, combined with geological analysis, it could be considered that gas-bearing properties are primarily controlled by pore volume, SSA, and clay content, followed by TOC content, brittle mineral content, temperature and pressure.
Early childhood circumstances and educational wellbeing inequality among tribal and non-tribal children in India: evidence from a panel study
Authors: Rashmi Rashmi , Paul Ronak 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDespite efforts towards bridging the education gap between tribal (Scheduled Tribe) and non-tribal (Non-Scheduled Tribe) children, contrasting poor-quality education questioned the tribal children’s educational wellbeing in India. Early childhood circumstances render a remarkable impact on the educational wellbeing of children in later years. This study examined the influence of early childhood circumstances (child, household and community characteristics) during 2005 on the educational wellbeing inequality (among India’s tribal and non-tribal children) during 2012 using the India Human Development Survey panel dataset of 8611 children. The Educational wellbeing score was obtained from reading, mathematical and writing test scores using Principal Component Factor Analysis. We performed the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition of the educational wellbeing inequality among India’s tribal and non-tribal children. The ST children’s average educational wellbeing score (−0.41) was much lower than the Non-ST children (0.04). Findings from the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition show that the household economic condition in children’s early ages contributed to 24% of educational wellbeing inequality among tribal and non-tribal children. Further, the education status of males and female adults and the sanitation condition of families considerably impacted educational wellbeing. The present study concludes that caste antagonism has not reduced with time. The missing focus on the minority groups resulted in a deteriorated educational wellbeing.
Heart age estimated using explainable advanced electrocardiography
Authors: Lindow Thomas , Palencia-Lamela Israel , Schlegel Todd T. , Ugander Martin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractElectrocardiographic (ECG) Heart Age conveying cardiovascular risk has been estimated by both Bayesian and artificial intelligence approaches. We hypothesised that explainable measures from the 10-s 12-lead ECG could successfully predict Bayesian 5-min ECG Heart Age. Advanced analysis was performed on ECGs from healthy subjects and patients with cardiovascular risk or proven heart disease. Regression models were used to predict patients’ Bayesian 5-min ECG Heart Ages from their standard, resting 10-s 12-lead ECGs. The difference between 5-min and 10-s ECG Heart Ages were analyzed, as were the differences between 10-s ECG Heart Age and the chronological age (the Heart Age Gap). In total, 2,771 subjects were included (n = 1682 healthy volunteers, n = 305 with cardiovascular risk factors, n = 784 with cardiovascular disease). Overall, 10-s Heart Age showed strong agreement with the 5-min Heart Age (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.001, mean ± SD bias 0.0 ± 5.1 years). The Heart Age Gap was 0.0 ± 5.7 years in healthy individuals, 7.4 ± 7.3 years in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors (p < 0.001), and 14.3 ± 9.2 years in patients with cardiovascular disease (p < 0.001). Heart Age can be accurately estimated from a 10-s 12-lead ECG in a transparent and explainable fashion based on known ECG measures, without deep neural network-type artificial intelligence techniques. The Heart Age Gap increases markedly with cardiovascular risk and disease.
A clinical study of peripherally inserted central catheter-related venous thromboembolism in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Yue Jing , Zhang Ya , Xu Fang , Mi Ai , Zhou Qiaolin , Chen Bin , Shi Lin 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the risk factors of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related venous thromboembolism (CRT) in patients with hematological malignancies and the predictive ability of the thrombotic risk assessment models (RAMs). The clinical data of the 117 eligible patients with hematological neoplasms at Mianyang Central Hospital with PICC from May 2018 to May 2020 were analyzed in this retrospective study. Thrombosis risk scores were calculated in patients with image-confirmed PICC-related thromboembolism. CRT occurred in 19 cases. Compared to the CRT-free group, the CRT group was older and showed higher body mass index (BMI), leukocyte count level, and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that BMI (P = 0.03) was a significant risk factor for CRT. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the Caprini scale (P = 0.01) was higher than that of the modified Wells scale (P = 0.94), the revised Geneva scale (P = 0.83), Padua scale (P = 0.59), and Michigan scale (P = 0.80). The sensitivity and specificity for the Caprini scale, Padua scale, modified Wells scale, the revised Geneva scale, and Michigan risk score were 63.3%/73.7%, 100%/0.00%, 95.9%/5.3%, 31.6%/73.7%, and 1.0%/99.0%, respectively. Caprini RAM had a better predictive ability for CRT in patients with hematological malignancies. Michigan risk score may not be better than Caprini RAM in this population.
Abdominal adipose tissue and liver fat imaging in very low birth weight adults born preterm: birth cohort with sibling-controls
Authors: Kuula Juho , Lundbom Jesper , Hakkarainen Antti , Hovi Petteri , Hauta-alus Helena , Kaseva Nina , Sandboge Samuel , Björkqvist Johan , Eriksson Johan , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Lundbom Nina , Kajantie Eero 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPreterm birth at very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1500 g) is associated with an accumulation of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors from childhood at least to middle age. Small-scale studies suggest that this could partly be explained by increased visceral or ectopic fat. We performed magnetic resonance imaging on 78 adults born preterm at VLBW in Finland between 1978 and 1990 and 72 term same-sex siblings as controls, with a mean age of 29 years. We collected T1-weighted images from the abdomen, and magnetic resonance spectra from the liver, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, and tibia. The adipose tissue volumes of VLBW adults did not differ from their term siblings when adjusting for age, sex, and maternal and perinatal factors. The mean differences were as follows: subcutaneous − 0.48% (95% CI − 14.8%, 16.3%), visceral 7.96% (95% CI − 10.4%, 30.1%), and total abdominal fat quantity 1.05% (95% CI − 13.7%, 18.4%). Hepatic triglyceride content was also similar. VLBW individuals displayed less unsaturation in subcutaneous adipose tissue (− 4.74%, 95% CI − 9.2%, − 0.1%) but not in tibial bone marrow (1.68%, 95% CI − 1.86%, 5.35%). VLBW adults displayed similar adipose tissue volumes and hepatic triglyceride content as their term siblings. Previously reported differences could thus partly be due to genetic or environmental characteristics shared between siblings. The VLBW group displayed less unsaturation in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, suggesting differences in its metabolic activity and energy storage.
Air pollution exposure disparities in US public housing developments
Authors: Chakraborty Jayajit , Collins Timothy W. , Grineski Sara E. , Aun Jacob J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractFine particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM2.5) is widely recognized to be a major public health concern. While ethnic/racial minority and lower socioeconomic status individuals in the US experience higher PM2.5 exposure, previous research on social disparities in PM2.5 exposure has not examined residents of federally-assisted public housing developments (PHDs). Here we present the first national-scale analysis of the relationship between outdoor PM2.5 exposure and PHD residency in the US, as well as exposure disparities within the population of households residing in PHDs. We integrated data on average annual PM2.5 concentrations (2011–2015) with US Department of Housing and Urban Development data on PHDs (2015), and socio-demographic information from the 2011–2015 American Community Survey. Results from multivariable generalized estimating equations indicated that PHD locations, units, and residents are significantly overrepresented in neighborhoods with greater PM2.5 exposure, after accounting for clustering, urbanization, and other socio-demographic factors. Additionally, significantly higher percentages of Black, Hispanic, disabled, and extremely low-income households reside in PHDs with greater PM2.5 exposure. Findings represent an important starting point for future research and emphasize the urgent need to identify gaps in environmental, public health, and housing policies that contribute to disproportionate air pollution exposures among PHD residents.