bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing occupational radon exposure greater than 100 Bq/m3 in a highly exposed country
Authors: Brobbey A. , Rydz E. , Fenton S. , Demers P. A. , Ge C. B. , Peters C. E. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractRadon is an established lung carcinogen concentrating in indoor environments with importance for many workers worldwide. However, a systematic assessment of radon levels faced by all workers, not just those with direct uranium or radon exposure, has not previously been completed. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of workers exposed to radon, and the level of exposure (> 100–200 Bq/m3, 200–400 Bq/m3, 400–800 Bq/m3, and > 800 Bq/m3) in a highly exposed country (Canada). Exposures among underground workers were assessed using the CAREX Canada approach. Radon concentrations in indoor workplaces, obtained from two Canadian surveys, were modelled using lognormal distributions. Distributions were then applied to the susceptible indoor worker population to yield the number of exposed workers, by occupation, industry, province, and sex. In total, an estimated 603,000 out of Canada’s 18,268,120 workers are exposed to radon in Canada. An estimated52% of exposed workers are women, even though they comprise only 48% of the labour force. The majority (68%) are exposed at a level of > 100–200 Bq/m3. Workers are primarily exposed in educational services, professional, scientific and technical services, and health care and social assistance, but workers in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction have the largest number of exposed workers at high levels (> 800 Bq/m3). Overall, a significant number of workers are exposed to radon, many of whom are not adequately protected by existing guidelines. Radon surveys across multiple industries and occupations are needed to better characterize occupational exposure. These results can be used to identify exposed workers, and to support lung cancer prevention programs within these groups.
Whole genome sequencing reveals new links between spa t172/CC59 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus cases in low-endemicity region of Southwest Finland, 2007‒2016
Authors: Silvola Jaakko , Gröndahl-Yli-Hannuksela Kirsi , Hirvioja Tiina , Rantakokko-Jalava Kaisu , Rintala Esa , Auranen Kari , Junnila Jenna , Marttila Harri , Lindholm Laura , Vuopio Jaana 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates have remained relatively low in Finland. In Southwest Finland, however, annual MRSA incidence increased from 12 to 25/100,000 between 2007 and 2016 with spa t172 strain causing one fourth (237/983) of all cases. This provoked us to study the molecular epidemiology of t172-MRSA, aiming to better understand the transmission of this strain type. We combined epidemiological data and whole genome sequencing (WGS) of a set of 64 (27%, 64/237) t172-MRSA isolates covering 10 years. Isolates represented sporadic and index cases of all identified healthcare-associated outbreaks (HAOs) and family clusters (FCs). Among the included 62 isolates, core-genome MLST analysis revealed eight genomic clusters comprising 24 (38.7%) isolates and 38 (61.3%) non-clustered isolates. Cluster 1 comprised ten and the remaining seven clusters two isolates each, respectively. Two epidemiologically distinct HAOs were linked in cluster 1. FCs were involved in all clusters. All strains were associated with epidemic clonal complex CC59. We were able to confirm the spread of several successful t172-MRSA subclones in regional healthcare and the community. WGS complemented routine surveillance by revealing undetected links between t172-MRSA cases. Targeted, WGS-based typing could enhance MRSA surveillance without the need for routine WGS diagnostics.
Prothrombotic state, endothelial injury, and echocardiographic changes in non-active sarcoidosis patients
Authors: Siwiec-Kozlik Andzelika , Kuszmiersz Piotr , Kasper Lukasz , Frolow Marzena , Kozlik-Siwiec Pawel , Iwaniec Teresa , Kosalka-Wegiel Joanna , Zareba Lech , Sladek Krzysztof , Bazan Jan G. , Bazan-Socha Stanislawa , Dropinski Jerzy 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory granulomatous disease of unknown cause that most commonly affects lungs and lymph nodes, with frequent yet asymptomatic cardiac involvement. The epidemiologically associated cardiovascular risk suggests an underlying prothrombotic state and endothelial dysfunction, currently understudied in the available literature. Therefore, we aimed to investigate prothrombotic plasma properties together with selected echocardiographic and laboratory biomarkers of cardiovascular injury in that disease. N = 53 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis in clinical remission and N = 66 matched controls were assessed for inflammatory and endothelial injury biomarkers, plasma thrombin generation profile, and echocardiographic and lung function parameters. Sarcoidosis cases had impaired systolic and diastolic left ventricular function, higher concentrations of inflammatory markers, D-dimer and factor VIII activity compared to the controls. The coexistence of extrapulmonary disease was associated with elevated circulating vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, while cases with hypercalcemia had higher thrombomodulin concentration. Sarcoidosis was characterized by the unfavorably altered thrombin generation profile, reflected by the 16% higher endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), 24% increased peak thrombin concentration, and 12% shorter time to thrombin peak in comparison to the control group. ETP was higher in cases with proxies of pulmonary restriction, extrapulmonary–extracutaneous manifestation, and need for corticosteroids use. Despite the clinical remission, sarcoidosis is related to prothrombotic plasma properties and signs of endothelial injury, likely contributing to the higher risk of cardiovascular events. In addition, subclinical cardiac involvement may play an additional role, although further clinical and experimental studies are needed to verify these findings.
Carbonation and serpentinization of diopsidite in the Altun Mountains, NW China
Authors: Zhou Dingkui , Cao Shuyun , Liu Jianhua , Li Xiaowen , Dong Yanlong , Neubauer Franz , Bai Jie , Li Hu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMineral carbonation of mafic–ultramafic rocks has been highlighted as a promising way for permanent carbon capture and storage. Carbonatization involves the release of Ca, Mg and Fe from silicate minerals by dissolution and reaction in the aqueous phase to form stable carbonate minerals. Diopside is one of the most abundant mafic minerals in the lithosphere and contributes a portion of Mg and Ca to surface weathering. Here, we present detailed processes of the carbonation-coupled serpentinization of diopsidite from the Yushishan Nb–Ta deposit in the Altun Mountain, northwest China. Diopsidite is the prograde metamorphic product of siliceous dolomitic marble by full decarbonation process. Retrograde serpentinization and carbonation of diopsidite lead to the addition of CO2, H2O, light rare earth elements and fluid-mobile elements but the loss of SiO2. The diopsides are replaced by calcite and chrysotile by mineral alteration to form pseudomorphic textures. Dissolution–precipitation processes significantly affect diopside serpentinization and carbonation. The carbonation of diopside-rich rocks may be suitable for permanent CO2 storage.
Cross-modal correspondence between auditory pitch and visual elevation modulates audiovisual temporal recalibration
Authors: Uno Kyuto , Yokosawa Kazuhiko 
Published: December 2022

AbstractCross-modal correspondences refer to associations between feature dimensions of stimuli across sensory modalities. Research has indicated that correspondence between audiovisual stimuli influences whether these stimuli are integrated or segregated. On the other hand, the audiovisual integration process plastically changes to compensate for continuously observed spatiotemporal conflicts between sensory modalities. If and how cross-modal correspondence modulates the “recalibration” of integration is unclear. We investigated whether cross-modal correspondence between auditory pitch and visual elevation affected audiovisual temporal recalibration. Participants judged the simultaneity of a pair of audiovisual stimuli after an adaptation phase in which alternating auditory and visual stimuli equally spaced in time were presented. In the adaptation phase, auditory pitch and visual elevation were manipulated to fix the order within each pairing of audiovisual stimuli congruent with pitch-elevation correspondence (visual leading or auditory leading). We found a shift in the point of subjective simultaneity (PSS) between congruent audiovisual stimuli as a function of the adaptation conditions (Experiment 1, 2), but this shift in the PSS was not observed within incongruent pairs (Experiment 2). These results indicate that asynchronies between audiovisual signals congruent with cross-modal correspondence are selectively recalibrated.
Diethylcarbamazine, TRP channels and Ca2+ signaling in cells of the Ascaris intestine
Authors: Williams Paul D. E. , Kashyap Sudhanva S. , McHugh Mark A. , Brewer Matthew T. , Robertson Alan P. , Martin Richard J. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe nematode parasite intestine absorbs nutrients, is involved in innate immunity, can metabolize xenobiotics and as we show here, is also a site of action of the anthelmintic, diethylcarbamazine. Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) is used to treat lymphatic filariasis and activates TRP-2, GON-2 & CED-11 TRP channels in Brugia malayi muscle cells producing spastic paralysis. DEC also has stimulatory effects on ascarid nematode parasites. Using PCR techniques, we detected, in Ascaris suum intestine, message for: Asu-trp-2, Asu-gon-2, Asu-ced-11, Asu-ocr-1, Asu-osm-9 and Asu-trpa-1. Comparison of amino-acid sequences of the TRP channels of B. malayi, and A. suum revealed noteworthy similarity, suggesting that the intestine of Ascaris will also be sensitive to DEC. We used Fluo-3AM as a Ca2+ indicator and observed characteristic unsteady time-dependent increases in the Ca2+ signal in the intestine in response to DEC. Application of La3+ and the TRP channel inhibitors, 2-APB or SKF 96365, inhibited DEC mediated increases in intracellular Ca2+. These observations are important because they emphasize that the nematode intestine, in addition to muscle, is a site of action of DEC as well as other anthelmintics. DEC may also enhance the Ca2+ toxicity effects of other anthelmintics acting on the intestine or, increase the effects of other anthelmintics that are metabolized and excreted by the nematode intestine.
Study of banana preservation extension by UVC radiation in precise monitoring LED irradiation cavity
Authors: Le Thi-Thu-Ngoc , Liao Chung-Ta , Lin Shih-Kang , Wu Chi-Shou , Nguyen Quang-Khoi , Yang Tsung-Hsun , Yu Yeh-Wei , Sun Ching-Cherng 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUltraviolet C (UVC) radiation has been considered a possible option to alleviate the seriousness of black spots on bananas during preservation which help increase economic efficiency. In this study, using 275 nm UVC light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a preliminary cavity with dimensions of 30 × 30 × 30 cm was designed and fabricated to aid in reducing black spots on bananas with the aim of application in the factory conveyor belts. The UVC irradiance distribution was thoroughly monitored for many sections at different box heights in both simulation and measurement, with a dominant range of 6–9 W/m2 in the middle. Afterward, trials were conducted in vitro and in vivo at different selected UVC doses. The results in vitro revealed that a dose of over 0.36 kJ/m2 has an excellent effect on inhibiting the colonial germination of fungal Colletotrichum musae, a common species of fungi causing black spot disease on bananas. In vivo conditions, with a short exposure time of around 5 s, the black spots on UVC-irradiated banana peel significantly reduced with minimal sensory damage compared to a control banana via observation after seven days from treatment. Finally, the optimal UVC dose is proposed from 0.030 to 0.045 kJ/m2 for the one-time treatment when considering the upper surface of the banana. With flexibility advantage and short exposure time, the fabricated cavity (box) promises to bring a lot of application potential to aid banana preservation in factories and households.
Molecular basis of C9orf72 poly-PR interference with the β-karyopherin family of nuclear transport receptors
Authors: Jafarinia Hamidreza , Van der Giessen Erik , Onck Patrick R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) is affected in several neurodegenerative diseases including C9orf72-ALS. It has recently been found that arginine-containing dipeptide repeat proteins (R-DPRs), translated from C9orf72 repeat expansions, directly bind to several importins. To gain insight into how this can affect nucleocytoplasmic transport, we use coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to study the molecular interaction of poly-PR, the most toxic DPR, with several Kapβs (importins and exportins). We show that poly-PR–Kapβ binding depends on the net charge per residue (NCPR) of the Kapβ, salt concentration of the solvent, and poly-PR length. Poly-PR makes contact with the inner surface of most importins, which strongly interferes with Kapβ binding to cargo-NLS, IBB, and RanGTP in a poly-PR length-dependent manner. Longer poly-PRs at higher concentrations are also able to make contact with the outer surface of importins that contain several binding sites to FG-Nups. We also show that poly-PR binds to exportins, especially at lower salt concentrations, interacting with several RanGTP and FG-Nup binding sites. Overall, our results suggest that poly-PR might cause length-dependent defects in cargo loading, cargo release, Kapβ transport and Ran gradient across the nuclear envelope.
Integrative perspective of the healthy aging process considering the metabolome, cardiac autonomic modulation and cardiorespiratory fitness evaluated in age groups
Authors: De Favari Signini Étore , Castro Alex , Rehder-Santos Patrícia , Cristina Millan-Mattos Juliana , Magalhães de Oliveira Juliana , Minatel Vinicius , Bianca Falasco Pantoni Camila , Sobreiro Selistre de Araújo Heloisa , Fabrizzi Fernando , Porta Alberto , Gilberto Ferreira Antônio , Vincenzi Oliveira Regina , Maria Catai Aparecida 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe aging process causes changes at all organic levels. Although metabolism, cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are widely studied as a function of age, they are mainly studied in isolation, thus making it difficult to perceive their concomitant variations. This study aimed to investigate the integrated changes that occur in the metabolome, CAM, and CRF throughout aging in apparently healthy individuals. The subjects (n = 118) were divided into five groups according to age (20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, and 60–70 years old) and underwent blood collection, autonomic assessment, and a cardiopulmonary exercise test for metabolomics analysis using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, cardiac autonomic modulation analysis, and CRF by peak oxygen consumption analysis, respectively. The Tukey’s post hoc and effect size with confidence interval were used for variables with a significant one-way ANOVA effect (P < 0.01). The main changes were in the oldest age group, where the CRF, valine, leucine, isoleucine, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, and CAM reduced and hippuric acid increased. The results suggest significant changes in the metabolome, CAM, and CRF after the age of sixty as a consequence of aging impairments, but with some changes in the metabolic profile that may be favorable to mitigate the aging deleterious effects.
Associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and blood pressure with arterial stiffness in adolescent, young adult, and middle-aged women
Authors: Haapala Eero A. , Lee Earric , Karppinen Jari , Skog Hannamari , Valtonen Maarit , Kujala Urho M. , Laukkanen Jari A. , Ihalainen Johanna K. , Laakkonen Eija K. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFew studies have investigated whether higher cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) or favourable body composition are related to lower arterial stiffness in women. We therefore investigated the associations of CRF, body fat percentage (BF%), fat free mass index (FFMI), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) with arterial stiffness in 146 women aged 16–58 years. CRF was assessed by a maximal exercise test with respiratory gas analysis either on a cycle ergometer or a treadmill. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao), augmentation index (AIx%), and MAP were assessed by a non-invasive oscillometric device and BF% and FFMI by a bioelectrical impedance or DXA device. CRF was inversely associated with PWVao (β =  − 0.004, 95% CI − 0.005 to − 0.002) and AIx% (β =  − 0.075, 95% CI − 0.102 to − 0.048) and these associations remained similar after adjustment for BF% or MAP, but not after the adjustment for age. FFMI was inversely associated with PWVao (β =  − 0.010, 95% CI − 0.019 to − 0.002) and MAP directly associated with PWVao (β = 0.005, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.006) and AIx% (β = 0.092, 95% CI 0.069 to 0.116) and the associations with PWVao also remained after further adjustments for BF% and age. In conclusion, a higher FFMI and a lower MAP were independently associated with lower arterial stiffness.
Directional touch sensing for stiffness singularity search in an object using microfinger with tactile sensor
Authors: Konishi Satoshi , Kakehi Yugo , Hori Yuto 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPalpation is widely used as the initial medical diagnosis. Integration of micro tactile sensors and artificial muscles enables a soft microfinger for active touch sensing using its bending actuation. Active touch sensing by pushing-in motion of microfinger enables to evaluate stiffness distribution on an elastic object. Due to its compactness, the microfinger can enter a narrow space, such as gastrointestinal and abdominal spaces in a body. However, a microfinger can only touch and sense limited points. We aim at efficient method for searching a stiffness singular part in an elastic object by the directional touch sensing of a microfinger. This study presents a microfinger for active touch sensing using bending and push-in actuation and proposes an algorithm utilizing directivity in touch sensing by a microfinger for efficient localization of the stiffness singular part in an object. A gelatin block structure with a small rigid ball was prepared and touch sensed by the microfinger. Consequently, the position of the buried rigid ball could be efficiently identified based on the proposed algorithm. This result implies that the proposed method has potential applications in endoscopic medical diagnosis, particularly in identifying tumor positions.
Comparison of inspiratory and expiratory airway volumes and luminal areas among standing, sitting, and supine positions using upright and conventional CT
Authors: Yamada Yoshitake , Yamada Minoru , Chubachi Shotaro , Yokoyama Yoichi , Matsuoka Shiho , Tanabe Akiko , Niijima Yuki , Murata Mitsuru , Abe Takayuki , Fukunaga Koichi , Jinzaki Masahiro 
Published: December 2022

AbstractUpright computed tomography (CT) provides physiologically relevant images of daily life postures (sitting and standing). The volume of the human airway in sitting or standing positions remains unclear, and no clinical study to date has compared the inspiratory and expiratory airway volumes and luminal areas among standing, sitting, and supine positions. In this prospective study, 100 asymptomatic volunteers underwent both upright (sitting and standing positions) and conventional (supine position) CT during inspiration and expiration breath-holds and the pulmonary function test (PFT) within 2 h of CT. We compared the inspiratory/expiratory airway volumes and luminal areas on CT among the three positions and evaluated the correlation between airway volumes in each position on CT and PFT measurements. The inspiratory and expiratory airway volumes were significantly higher in the sitting and standing positions than in the supine position (inspiratory, 4.6% and 2.5% increase, respectively; expiratory, 14.9% and 13.4% increase, respectively; all P < 0.001). The inspiratory and expiratory luminal areas of the trachea, bilateral main bronchi, and average third-generation airway were significantly higher in the sitting and standing positions than in the supine position (inspiratory, 4.2‒10.3% increases, all P < 0.001; expiratory, 6.4‒12.8% increases, all P < 0.0001). These results could provide important clues regarding the pathogenesis of orthopnea. Spearman’s correlation coefficients between the inspiratory airway volume on CT and forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s on PFT were numerically higher in the standing position than in the supine position (0.673 vs. 0.659 and 0.669 vs. 0.643, respectively); however, no statistically significant differences were found. Thus, the airway volumes on upright and conventional supine CT were moderately correlated with the PFT measurements.
Developing a diagnosis model for dry eye disease in dogs using object detection
Authors: Kim Joon Young , Han Myeong Gyun , Chun Jae Heon , Huh Eun A. , Lee Suk Jun 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to develop an object detection method for the diagnosis of dry eye disease (DED) in dogs. To this end, a methodology was designed to evaluate ocular surface video images using the YOLOv5 model, which is an object detection algorithm that has been widely used because of its simple network structure and fast detection speed. Because the cornea is a transparent organ, an illuminator plate with grid squares was used to provide grid lines, which were analyzed as the reflected straight lines of the light source representing the precorneal tear film (PTF) stability. The original video consisted of the number of 12 normal images(normal, $$n$$
n
= 17) and the number of 15 abnormal images(abnormal, $$n$$
n
= 17), converted to JPEG images for labeling, learning, and model validation. The labeled image data were divided into a training image data set (normal, $$n$$
n
= 15,276; abnormal, $$n$$
n
= 26,196) to a validation image data set (normal, $$n$$
n
= 6546; abnormal, $$n$$
n
= 11,228). As a result of the experiment, the mean average precision ($$mAP$$

mAP

) achieved 0.995. This study proposes a method to effectively determine ocular surface status in dogs by using YOLOv5 and concludes that an object detection model can be used in the veterinary field.