bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of FXR agonist GW4064 in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma in rats
Authors: Wang Jie-ping , Zhang Meng-yu , Luo Ming , Qin Shu , Xia Xian-ming 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe study objective was to observe the treatment effect of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist GW4064 in a rat model of hilar cholangiocarcinoma to explore a new therapeutic target for gene therapy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (treatment group, model group, control group and sham operation group, 20 rats in each group). The four groups were fed a standard diet. The treatment group and the model group were injected with a suspension of cholangiocarcinoma QBC939 cells into the hilar bile duct with a microsyringe, the control group was injected with normal saline, and the sham operation group was not injected with anything. A modified tail suspension test (TST) was used to evaluate the vitality of the rats. At 4 weeks, one rat in the treatment group and model group was euthanized, and the changes in the hilar bile duct were recorded. The procedure was repeated at 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, hilar cholangiocarcinoma occurred in the treatment group and model group. Then, the treatment group was injected with GW4064 intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day. One week after injection, the rats in the four groups were euthanized. Pathological examination confirmed that tumours had formed, and hilar bile duct tissues were taken from the four groups. FXR, Bsep, Ntcp and NF-κB expression in the hilar bile duct was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and immunohistochemistry. After three weeks, the rats in the treatment group and model group ate less, and their weight was significantly reduced. Six weeks later, hilar cholangiocarcinoma was detected in the treatment group and model group. After treatment with GW4064, the ratios of FXR/GAPDH mRNA, Bsep/GAPDH mRNA, Ntcp/GAPDH mRNA and NF-κBp65/GAPDH mRNA were significantly different among the four groups. Under a light microscope, FXR protein reacted with anti-FXR antibody, Bsep protein reacted with anti-Bsep antibody, Ntcp protein reacted with anti-Ntcp antibody and NF-κBp65 protein reacted with anti-NF-κBp65 antibody, and they showed granular expression. Every pathological section included 4,800 cells, and there were different numbers of positive cells in each group. FXR expression in the hilar cholangiocarcinoma of rats was significantly lower than that in normal hilar bile duct tissues. GW4064 increased the expression of FXR in tumour tissues. These findings suggest that FXR may be a new therapeutic target and that GW4064 may be helpful in the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
Impact of elevated body mass index on cumulative live birth rate and obstetric safety in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Hu Dan , Huang Bo , Xiong Min , Yao Junning , Yang Shulin , Wu Ruxing , Zhang Hanwang , Zhao Yiqing 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study evaluated the impact of elevated body mass index (BMI) on short- and long-term outcomes of in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments. A total of 7229 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI fresh cycles and subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycles from 2014 to 2020 were divided into normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) and high BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2) groups. Ovarian response, pregnancy outcomes, and safety of both mother and fetus were the main outcome measures. Furthermore, multivariate analysis was used to determine whether BMI was associated with cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). Results showed that for younger women (< 38 year), CLBR was significantly reduced in the high BMI group compared with the normal BMI control and was accompanied by fewer retrieved oocytes and available embryos. Additionally, the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal macrosomia, and cleft lip and palate birth defects resulting from cumulative live births was significantly higher compared with the normal BMI group. No differences were observed among older women (≥ 38 year). Multivariate analysis revealed that high BMI was a risk factor for CLBR. Our study suggested that elevated BMI has a greater adverse impact on younger women.
Integrated genomics and proteomics analysis of Paenibacillus peoriae IBSD35 and insights into its antimicrobial characteristics
Authors: Ngashangva Ng , Mukherjee Pulok K. , Sharma Chandradev , Kalita Mohan C. , Sarangthem Indira 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance has been developing fast and incurring a loss of human life, and there is a need for new antimicrobial agents. Naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides offer the characteristics to counter AMR because the resistance development is low or no resistance. Antimicrobial peptides from Paenibacillus peoriae IBSD35 cell-free supernatant were salted out and purified using chromatography and characterized with liquid chromatography–tandem-mass spectrometry. The extract has shown a high and broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Combining the strain IBSD35 genome sequence with its proteomic data enabled the prediction of biosynthetic gene clusters by connecting the peptide from LC–MS/MS data to the gene that encode. Antimicrobial peptide databases offered a platform for the effective search, prediction, and design of AMPs and expanded the studies on their isolation, structure elucidation, biological evaluation, and pathway engineering. The genome-based taxonomy and comparisons have shown that P. peoriae IBSD35 is closely related to Paenibacillus peoriae FSL J3-0120. P. peoriae IBSD35 harbored endophytic trait genes and nonribosomal peptide synthases biosynthetic gene clusters. The comparative genomics revealed evolutionary insights and facilitated the discovery of novel SMs using proteomics from the extract of P. peoriae IBSD35. It will increase the potential to find novel bio-molecules to counter AMR.
Using machine-learning strategies to solve psychometric problems
Authors: Trognon Arthur , Cherifi Youssouf Ismail , Habibi Islem , Demange Loïs , Prudent Cécile 
Published: November 2022

AbstractValidating scales for clinical use is a common procedure in medicine and psychology. Through the application of computational methods, we present a new strategy for estimating construct validity and criterion validity. XGBoost, Random Forest and Support-Vector machine learning algorithms were employed in order to make predictions based on the pattern of participants’ responses by systematically controlling computational experiments with artificial experiments whose results are guaranteed. According to these findings, these approaches are capable of achieving construct and criterion validity and therefore could provide an additional layer of evidence to traditional validation approaches. In particular, this study examined the extent to which measured items are inferable by theoretically related items, as well as the extent to which the information carried by a given construct can be translated into other theoretically compatible normative scales based on other constructs (thereby providing information about construct validity); as well as the replicability of clinical decision rules on several partitions (thereby providing information about criterion validity).
Association of treatment delay and stage with mortality in breast cancer: a nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Shih Nai-Chen , Kung Pei-Tseng , Kuo Wei-Yin , Tsai Wen-Chen 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBreast cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death globally. In this retrospective study, we investigated the effects of the diagnosis-to-first-treatment interval (DFTI) and other related factors on cancer-specific survival in patients with breast cancer. We included 49,426 patients newly diagnosed as having breast cancer during 2011–2017. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the hazard ratio (HR) for mortality with various DFTIs; the HRs of the 31–60-, 61–90-, and ≥ 91-day DFTI groups did not differ significantly compared with the reference group (DFTI ≤ 30 days). After stratifying the patients according to initial tumor stage and age, we found that patients aged 55–64 and ≥ 65 years with stage II breast cancer treated ≥ 91 days after diagnosis had a 3.34- and 2.93-fold higher mortality risk (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.29–8.69 and 1.06–8.10, respectively). Patients aged ≥ 65 years with stage IV breast cancer treated within 61–90 or ≥ 91 days after diagnosis had a 7.14- and 34.78-fold higher mortality risk (95% CIs 1.28–39.82 and 3.08–393.32, respectively). In conclusion, DFTI is associated with mortality in patients with stage II and IV breast cancer, especially at an older age.
Different characteristics of retinal damage between chronic hypertension and hypertensive retinopathy
Authors: Nam Ki-Yup , Lee Min-Woo , Jun Ji-Ho , Sung Jae-Yun , Kim Jung-Yeul 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify how chronic hypertension (HTN) and hypertensive retinopathy (HTNR) have different effects on retinal damage including inner retinal thinning and microvasculature impairment. The subjects were divided into three groups: controls, HTN patients without HTNR (HTN group), and patients with relieved HTNR (HTNR group). The ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness, vessel density (VD), and GC-IPL/VD ratio were compared among the groups. A total of 241 eyes were enrolled; 101 in the control group, 92 in the HTN group, and 48 in the HTNR group. The mean GC-IPL thicknesses were 83.5 ± 5.7, 82.1 ± 6.2, and 75.9 ± 10.7 μm in each group, respectively (P < 0.001). The VD was 20.5 ± 1.3, 19.6 ± 1.4, and 19.5 ± 1.6 mm−1in each group, respectively (P = 0.001). The GC-IPL/VD ratio was 4.10 ± 0.33, 4.20 ± 0.40, and 3.88 ± 0.56 in each group, respectively (P < 0.001). In the HTNR group, HTN duration (B = 0.054,P = 0.013) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (B = −0.012,P = 0.004) were significantly associated with the GC-IPL/VD ratio. In conclusion, inner retinal reduction and retinal microvasculature impairment were observed in patients with HTN and HTNR, and the GC-IPL/VD ratio of HTNR patients was significantly lower than that of HTN patients, indicating more prominent damage to the inner retina than microvasculature in HTNR patients. Additionally, the GC-IPL/VD ratio was significantly associated with SBP in HTNR patients, so more strict BP control is required in HTNR patients.
Efficacy and safety of combination of mirabegron and solifenacin in patients with double-J stent related overactive bladder: a prospective study
Authors: Tang Qing-lai , Zhou Shuang , Liu Yi-qing , Wu Jie , Tao Rong-zhen 
Published: November 2022

AbstractTo observe the efficacy and safety of solifenacin and/or mirabegron as a medical expulsive therapy (MET) in patients with double-J stent-related overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. A total of 219 patients with double-J stent-related OAB symptoms were prospectively randomized into two groups. One-hundred and nine cases in the combination group accepted mirabegron and solifenacin therapy and 110 cases as control only accepted solifenacin therapy. The lower urinary tract symptoms and overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) health-related quality of life (HRQol) and symptom bother score between two groups were compared at the 1st, 2nd and 4th week ends. All of 219 patients were randomly assigned to two groups, of which 109 patients were included in the combination group and 110 in the solifenacin group. The incidences of LUTS, including urgency, frequent urination, and incontinence episodes, in the 2nd week (44.9% vs. 64.5%, P = 0.028; 48.6% vs. 62.7%, P = 0.036; and 40.4% vs. 56.4%, P = 0.018) and the 4th week (14.7% vs. 30.9%, P = 0.004; 16.5% vs. 33.6%, P = 0.003; and 11.9% vs. 26.4%, P = 0.007) after combination treatment were significantly lower than those in the solifenacin group. The incidence of drug-related adverse events in the solifenacin group was higher than that in the combination group, but there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). In terms of secondary variables, the OAB-q HRQol score in the combination group was statistically superior in comparison with that in the solifenacin group between the second and fourth week (77.9 vs. 76.4, P = 0.020; and 87.9 vs. 85.6, P = 0.001). The OAB-q symptom bother score was higher in the solifenacin group than in the combination group (37.6 vs. 36.4, P = 0.016; and 26.2 vs. 24.8, P = 0.003). Combination therapy of solifenacin and mirabegron demonstrated significant improvements over solifenacin monotherapy in reducing OAB symptoms associated with double-J stents, and providing a higher quality of life without increasing bothersome adverse effects.
An organic artificial spiking neuron for in situ neuromorphic sensing and biointerfacing
Authors: Sarkar Tanmoy , Lieberth Katharina , Pavlou Aristea , Frank Thomas , Mailaender Volker , McCulloch Iain , Blom Paul W. M. , Torricelli Fabrizio , Gkoupidenis Paschalis 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe effective mimicry of neurons is key to the development of neuromorphic electronics. However, artificial neurons are not typically capable of operating in biological environments, which limits their ability to interface with biological components and to offer realistic neuronal emulation. Organic artificial neurons based on conventional circuit oscillators have been created, but they require many elements for their implementation. Here we report an organic artificial neuron that is based on a compact nonlinear electrochemical element. The artificial neuron can operate in a liquid and is sensitive to the concentration of biological species (such as dopamine or ions) in its surroundings. The system offers in situ operation and spiking behaviour in biologically relevant environments—including typical physiological and pathological concentration ranges (5–150 mM)—and with ion specificity. Small-amplitude (1–150 mV) electrochemical oscillations and noise in the electrolytic medium shape the neuronal dynamics, whereas changes in ionic (≥2% over the physiological baseline) and biomolecular (≥ 0.1 mM dopamine) concentrations modulate the neuronal excitability. We also create biohybrid interfaces in which an artificial neuron functions synergistically and in real time with epithelial cell biological membranes.
An organ-on-chip model of pulmonary arterial hypertension identifies a BMPR2-SOX17-prostacyclin signalling axis
Authors: Ainscough Alexander J. , Smith Timothy J. , Haensel Maike , Rhodes Christopher J. , Fellows Adam , Whitwell Harry J. , Vasilaki Eleni , Gray Kelly , Freeman Adrian , Howard Luke S. , Wharton John , Dunmore Benjamin , Upton Paul D. , Wilkins Martin R. , Edel Joshua B. , Wojciak-Stothard Beata 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an unmet clinical need. The lack of models of human disease is a key obstacle to drug development. We present a biomimetic model of pulmonary arterial endothelial-smooth muscle cell interactions in PAH, combining natural and induced bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) dysfunction with hypoxia to induce smooth muscle activation and proliferation, which is responsive to drug treatment. BMPR2- and oxygenation-specific changes in endothelial and smooth muscle gene expression, consistent with observations made in genomic and biochemical studies of PAH, enable insights into underlying disease pathways and mechanisms of drug response. The model captures key changes in the pulmonary endothelial phenotype that are essential for the induction of SMC remodelling, including a BMPR2-SOX17-prostacyclin signalling axis and offers an easily accessible approach for researchers to study pulmonary vascular remodelling and advance drug development in PAH.
Unravelling 3D growth in the moss Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Moody Laura A. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The colonization of land by plants, and the greening of the terrestrial biosphere, was one of the most important events in the history of life on Earth. The transition of plants from water to land was accompanied, and largely facilitated, by the acquisition of apical cells with three or more cutting faces (3D growth). This enabled plants to develop the morphological characteristics required to survive and reproduce effectively on land and to colonize progressively drier habitats. Most plants develop in such a way that makes genetic studies of 3D growth difficult as the onset of 3D growth is established early during embryo development. On the other hand, in the moss Physcomitrium patens, the onset of 3D growth is preceded by a protracted 2D filamentous phase of the life cycle that can be continuously propagated. P. patens is an ideal model system in which to identify the genetic toolkit underpinning the 2D to 3D growth transition, and this is because 3D growth is not a pre-requisite for survival. Thus, insights into the mechanisms underpinning the formation of apical cells and the subsequent establishment and maintenance of 3D growth have largely been gained through studies in P. patens. This review summarizes the most recently published articles that have provided new and important insights into the mechanisms underpinning 3D growth in P. patens.
Direct Instruction Improves Word Learning for Children With Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Pomper Ron , McGregor Karla K. , Arbisi-Kelm Timothy , Eden Nichole , Ohlmann Nancy 
Published: November 2022

Purpose:
The current study compared the effects of direct instruction versus indirect exposure on multiple aspects of novel word learning for children with developmental language disorder (DLD) and children with typical language development (TLD).

Method:

Participants included 36 children with DLD and 45 children with TLD. All children were in the first grade and 6–8 years of age (
Mdn
= 7 years; 2 months). Using a between-subjects design, children were randomly assigned to be exposed to novel words and their unfamiliar referents via either direct instruction (each referent presented in isolation with an explicit goal of learning) or indirect exposure (multiple referents presented with the goal of answering yes/no questions).

Results:
In alternative forced-choice measures of recognition, children with DLD were less accurate than their TLD peers in linking words to referents, encoding semantic categories for words, and encoding detailed representations of word forms. These differences in word learning were accounted for by a constellation of cognitive measures, including receptive vocabulary, phonological memory, visuospatial memory, and sustained attention. All children were similarly accurate in retaining word forms over a 24- to 48-hr delay. Children with TLD were more accurate in all aspects of word learning following direct instruction compared to indirect exposure. Benefits from direct instruction were observed for children with DLD in link and semantic, but not word form, learning.

Conclusions:
These results suggest that vocabulary interventions with direct instruction can help children with DLD learn some, but not all, aspects of novel words. Additional support is necessary to help children with DLD encode rich phonological representations.
UHF RFID reader antenna with switchable far‐field and near‐field working state
Authors: Li Danhua , Cao Wenquan , Wang Chuang , Tong Yixin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAn ultra‐low profile and high‐performance UHF RFID reader antenna is proposed in this letter, which can be switched between far‐field (FF) and near‐field (NF) operative modes. This antenna is composed of four dipoles and a reconfigurable feed network. The four dipoles form a square, and the feed network is located in the centre. The feed network is a four‐way power divider, and the phase of the output signal can be controlled by switching diodes. As a balanced structure, double‐sided parallel‐strip lines (DSPSLs) are used to feed four dipoles. Compared to the balun structure, the application of DSPSLs can reduce the area of the feed network, thereby reducing the influence of the feed network on the central magnetic field. Experimental results show that the proposed antenna can provide a NF reading area of 180 × 180 mm2, and the identification rate can reach 100% within 30–60 mm height. The FF gain of the antenna is 4.7 dBic, and the overlapping range of 3 dB AR bandwidth and −10 dB impedance bandwidth is 800–960 MHz. The good FF and NF performance of this antenna is conducive to its application in RFID systems.
Distributed utility‐based real‐time power flow optimization in ICT‐enabled low voltage distribution grids
Authors: Ipach Hanko , Fisser Leonard , Becker Christian , Timm‐Giel Andreas 
Published: November 2022

AbstractLow‐Voltage (LV) distribution grids are facing a rapid increase of connected Photovoltaic (PV) power plants as well as flexible consumers like Battery‐Electric Vehicle (BEV) chargers and Heat Pumps (HPs). The coordinated operation of these generation, storage and consumption units, referred to as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), is regarded as a key requirement to maximize the benefits of renewable generation without violating, for example, voltage limits. Therefore, an operation management scheme was proposed in previous work that optimizes the power flows in LV grids in real‐time, where optimality is expressed as a maximization of the utility that DER owners experience from power consumption or injection, respectively. In this contribution, this method is extended by: (1) detailing a time‐varying utility‐model to express customer needs, (2) introducing a distributed implementation enhancing the robustness to failures, (3) developing a testbed using a real‐time digital power grid simulator and a communication network emulator, and (4) integrating a real‐time information flooding protocol. The performance is evaluated in different simulation scenarios, showing that the proposed method is able to cooperatively utilize the flexible units in order to fulfil the DER owners' needs even in the event of controller failures and constrained communication.