bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Antipsychotics Is Negatively Associated With Muscle Strength in Older Adults With Sarcopenia After Stroke: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kose Eiji , Yoshimura Yoshihiro , Wakabayashi Hidetaka , Matsumoto Ayaka 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The use of antipsychotics have been shown to affect activities of daily living during rehabilitation, but reports regarding their effects on older patients with sarcopenia are insufficient. Aim: To establish whether the use of antipsychotics has effects on muscle strength and muscle mass in older patients with sarcopenia undergoing convalescent rehabilitation after stroke.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a rehabilitation hospital between 2015 and 2020. The study outcomes included skeletal muscle mass index and hand grip strength at discharge. Multivariate analyses were used to determine whether the use of antipsychotics at admission and at 4 weeks after admission were independently associated with the study outcomes, after adjusting for potential confounders.Results: Of the 619 stroke patients admitted, 196 (mean age 81 years; 44.4% men) had sarcopenia at admission and were included in the final analysis. The median hand grip strength and median skeletal muscle mass index values were 12.5 (5.9–17.9) kg and 5.1 (4.5–6.0) kg/m2, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, the use of antipsychotics at 4 weeks post-admission was independently associated with hand grip strength at discharge (β = –0.125, p = 0.008), which was not the case when used at admission. Furthermore, the use of antipsychotics at admission and at 4 weeks after admission were not significantly associated with the skeletal muscle mass index at discharge.Conclusions: The use of antipsychotics in older patients with sarcopenia after stroke was negatively associated with handgrip strength at discharge.
Toward an Intelligent Cache Management: In an Edge Computing Era for Delay Sensitive IoT Applications
Authors: Meena V , Krithivasan Kannan , Rahul Punna , T suriya praba 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The emergence of embedded technologies and Internet of Things (IoT), have perceived the proliferation of devices starting from tiny monitoring sensors, mobile devices, wearable devices, surveillance sensors etc. For the past few decades technological advancements in these devices leverages applications from home automation to health care industries. Due to this drastic growth in technology and newly emerging applications the number of IoT connected devices are expected to reach 42.62 billion with global mobile data traffic of 77.5 exabytes/month by 2022. So, offering required services with sufficient QoS parameters as per SLA is a challenging task. Also, the growing rate of wireless traffic exerts load to the core network and backhaul connections. Even the situations may get still worse with multimedia streaming applications. To mitigate the wireless traffic, Fog Caching (FC) is one of the promising solutions. In FC the popular contents in the mobile core network are cached in suitable places. However, identifying popular contents, locating cache, and replacing contents of cache are noticeable issues in FC. In this paper we propose an Intelligent framework(I-CADET) for efficient CAche management for Delay sensitive IoT applications in the Edge CompuTing era. To locate the cache in mobile core network Connected Dominating Set (CDS) construction of graph theory is used. The content popularity is predicted by efficient ML technique. Then the identified popular contents are distributed over a constructed semigraph based connected edge dominating virtual backbone. The efficient distribution of popular content on the constructed semigraph based virtual backbone (hot spot places) increases the Quality of Experience (QOE). The numerical results reveal that the proposed framework improves the QoE in terms of content delivery and cache hit rate, minimized average downloading latency and backhaul load. The efficient usage of cache and bandwidth has been ensured while meeting high QoS.
How a Serpentine Tail Assists Agile Motions of Kangaroo Rats: A Dynamics and Control Approach
Authors: Liu Yujiong , Ben-Tzvi Pinhas 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Kangaroo rat is a good representative for general bipedalism with a serpentine tail. Modeling and analyzing the kangaroo rat motion helps to understand the serpentine tail functionalities in agile motions of bipedal mobile platforms, and this understanding is expected to lay the foundation for the future development of such robotic systems. This paper analyzes the kangaroo rat motions through dynamic modeling and control. The system dynamic model is established using the inertia matrix method, and two typical serpentine tail models are considered: a continuum tail model where the tail is modeled as several constant curvature arcs, and an articulated tail model where the tail is discretized into rigid links. Regularized contact model is used to compute the ground reaction force (GRF). To automatically plan the tail motion, numerical optimal control techniques (i.e., direct collocation method) are utilized. Partial feedback linearization is then used to track the designed tail trajectory. Based on the formulated dynamic model and motion controller, two representative tail functions (airborne righting and supporting) were simulated and analyzed. The results validated the proposed modeling and control framework and showed the nontrivial functionalities of the serpentine tail in helping the kangaroo rat to achieve agile motions. Moreover, comparative studies on the two tail models and the tail segmentations were performed to analyze the model differences. The results demonstrated that the articulated tail model is a good approximation of the continuum tail model, and more tail segments and links enhance the kangaroo rat’s ability to deliberately adjust its motion.
Urinary Tract Infection: Antibiotic Resistance Profiles of Bacterial Etiologies and Associated Risk Factors in Diabetic Patients Attending Debre Tabor Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Seble , Girum Alebachew , Birhan Ayenew , Alemu Ashenafi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Urinary tract infection is a major health problem especially in developing countries. Information about bacterial pathogens isolated from urinary tract infection in diabetic patients and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed at to isolate bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted at Debre Tabor. Urine sample was inoculated on to cysteine lysine electrolyte deficient (CLED) medium. Bacterial pathogens were identified using standard bacteriological methods. The data were cleaned and entered in to SPSS version 20. P- Value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Result: A total of 250 study participants were included in the study. Of them, 28 (11.2%) bacterial pathogens were isolated. Gram positive bacteria were commonly isolated 19 (67.8%) than Gram negatives 9 (32.1%). The commonly isolated bacterial species were Staphylococcus aureus8 (28.6%),Escherichia coli5 (19.1%), Coagulase negative Staphylococci 8 (28.6%),Kelebsllapneumoniae4(14.3%), and Entrococcus(9.5%).Gram positive isolates were resistant to cotrimoxazole 10 (58.8%).Conclusion: Bacteriuria was significantly associated with sex and type of diabetes. Multidrug resistance to two or more antibiotics was observed in 56.7% of bacterial isolates. Rational use of antimicrobial agent should be thought to prevent the emergency of multidrug resistance.
Covalent narlaprevir- and boceprevir-derived hybrid inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease: room-temperature X-ray and neutron crystallography, binding thermodynamics, and antiviral activity
Authors: Kneller Daniel , Li Hui , Phillips Gwyndalyn , Weiss Kevin , Zhang Qiu , Arnould Mark , Jonsson Colleen , Surendranathan Surekha , Parvathareddy Jyothi , Blakeley Matthew , Coates Leighton , Louis John , Bonnesen Peter , Kovalevsky Andrey 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt everyday life, with constantly emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants threatening to render current vaccines ineffective. Small-molecule antivirals can provide an important therapeutic treatment option that is subject to challenges caused by the virus variants. The viral main protease (Mpro) is critical for the virus replication and thus is considered an attractive drug target for specific protease inhibitors. We performed the design and characterization of three reversible covalent hybrid inhibitors BBH-1, BBH-2 and NBH-2, whose structures were derived from those of hepatitis C protease inhibitors boceprevir and narlaprevir. A joint X-ray/neutron structure of the Mpro/BBH-1 complex demonstrated that a Cys145 thiolate reaction with the inhibitor’s keto-warhead creates a negatively charged oxyanion, similar to that proposed for the Mpro-catalyzed peptide bond hydrolysis. Protonation states of the ionizable residues in the Mpro active site adapt to the inhibitor, which appears to be an intrinsic property of Mpro. Structural comparisons of the hybrid inhibitors with PF-07321332 revealed unconventional interactions of PF-07321332 with Mpro which may explain its more favorable enthalpy of binding and consequently higher potency. BBH-1, BBH-2 and NBH-2 demonstrated comparable antiviral properties in vitro relative to PF-07321332, making them good candidates for further design of improved antivirals.
Velella Swarm Optimization Algorithm (VSO)
Authors: Jangah Asgar , Mirvaziri Hamid 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Some algorithms have been developed in heuristic optimization area inspired by swarm behaviour in nature which are the most popular optimization problems. In this paper, a theory for subgroups of Velella are introduced and a new biologically-inspired optimization algorithm is proposed based on subgroups behaviour of the individual Velella in colonies. Our proposed method is compared with some of the state-of-the-art heuristic optimization algorithms. Finally, performance and results of the proposed method is prepared for solving various benchmark functions. Obtained results prove that our method can solve same problems significantly better than the others.
Comparative genomic profiling identifies targetable brain metastasis drivers in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nicos Marcin , Harbers Luuk , Patrucco Enrico , Kramer-Drauberg Maximilian , Zhang Xiaolu , Voena Claudia , Kowalczyk Anna , Bozyk Aleksandra , Peksa Rafal , Jarosz Bozena , Szumilo Justyna , Simonetti Michele , Zuk Monika , Wasag Bartosz , Reszka Katarzyna , Duchnowska Renata , Milanowski Janusz , Chiarle Roberto , Bienko Magda , Krawczyk Pawel , Jassem Jacek , Ambrogio Chiara , Crosetto Nicola 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Brain metastases (BM) severely impact the prognosis and quality of life of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To identify targetable drivers of NSCLC-BM, we profiled somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) in 51 matched pairs of primary NSCLC and BM samples from 33 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and 18 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). BM consistently had a higher burden of SCNAs compared to the matched primary tumors, and SCNAs were typically homogeneously distributed within BM, as revealed by multi-region SCNA profiling in 15 BM samples, suggesting that BM do not undergo extensive evolution once formed. By comparing focal SCNAs in matched NSCLC-BM pairs, we identified BM driving alterations affecting multiple cancer genes, including several targetable genes such as CDK12, DDR2, ERBB2, and NTRK1, which we validated in an independent cohort of 84 BM samples. We explored the metastatic potential of CDK12 and DDR2 in vitro and in vivo and found that overexpression of either gene alone in murine lung cancer cells causes the induction of key genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Finally, we performed whole-exome sequencing of 40 NSCLC-BM pairs and identified BM driver mutations in multiple cancer genes, including several genes involved in epigenome editing and 3D genome organization, such as EP300, CTCF, and STAG2, which we validated by targeted sequencing of an independent cohort of 115 BM samples. Our study represents the most comprehensive genomic characterization of LUAD and LUSC BM available to date, uncovering potentially targetable NSCLC-BM drivers and inspiring the design of novel precision treatment strategies for NSCLC patients.
Characterization of almond scion/rootstock communication in cultivar and rootstock tissues through a RNA-Seq approach
Authors: Grimplet Jérôme , Montesinos Álvaro , Rubio-Cabetas María José 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Rootstock genotype determines multiple aspects of the scion development, including the scion three-dimensional structure, or tree architecture. Thus, rootstock choice is an important factor in the establishment of new almond (Prunus amygdalus (L.) Batsch, syn P. dulcis (Mill.)) planting systems, which demand cultivars whose vigor and shape adapt to these new requirements. However, if the rootstock genotype is able to alter scion development, it is likely that the scion genotype affects the rootstock performance. Results: We carried out a transcriptomic analysis of the scion/rootstock interaction in young trees, focusing on the scion effect in the rootstock molecular response. Two commercial almond cultivars were grafted onto two hybrid rootstocks, resulting in four combinations, whose gene expression in both scion and rootstock tissue was analyzed via RNA-Seq. We observed that, in fact, the scion genotype has an impact on the rootstock expression profile, affecting the expression of genes associated with hormonal regulation, root development and light signaling. Conclusions: Scion/rootstock communication has a pivotal role in the development of both scion and rootstock, accentuating the importance of a correct choice when establishing new almond orchards.
Development of an Optimal Time for Learning Questionnaire in Chinese University Students
Authors: LIU Lingshan , LV Hongyuan , LU Yifan , WANG Chu , CHAI Hao , RIMOL Lars M. , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Autonomous learning is crucial for students’ academic achievements, however, there lacks a structure-validated questionnaire to measure the optimal time for autonomous learning with different learning contents.
Methods
Based on the previous investigations, we have designed a matrix of 49 items based on seven learning contents and seven time periods of a day to measure the optimal time for autonomous learning and invited 305 Chinese university students to answer the matrix.
Results
Through both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we have developed an Optimal Time for Learning Questionnaire with a satisfactory model structure of five factors (7, 6, 6, 6, 5 items per factor respectively) namely Noon, Late Night, Nightfall, Morning and Afternoon. The internal reliabilities of these factors were acceptable, and their inter-correlations were significant, albeit in low or medium levels.
Conclusions
The Optimal time for Learning Questionnaire may help students find their optimal learning efficiency individually.
Melatonin attenuates inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by a methionine- and choline-deficient diet.
Authors: Miguel Fabiano Moraes , Picada Jaqueline Nascimento , Silva Juliana Bondan da , Schemitt Elizângela Gonçalves , Colares Josieli Raskopf , Hartmann Renata Minuzzo , Marroni Cláudio Augusto , Marroni Norma Possa 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a disease with a high incidence worldwide, but its diagnosis and treatment are poorly managed. In this study, NASH pathophysiology and DNA damage biomarkers were investigated in mice with NASH treated and untreated with melatonin (MLT). C57BL/6 mice were fed a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for four weeks to develop NASH. Melatonin was administered at 20 mg/kg during the last two weeks. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured, and hepatic tissue was dissected for histological analysis, evaluation of lipoperoxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as nuclear factor-erythroid 2 (Nrf2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TGF-β) expression by immunohistochemistry. DNA damage was evaluated using Comet assay, while a micronucleus test in bone marrow was performed to assess the genomic instability associated with the disease. Melatonin decreased AST and ALT, liver inflammatory processes, balloonization and fibrosis in mice with NASH, decreasing TNF-α, iNOS, and TGF-β, as well as oxidative stress, shown by reducing lipoperoxidation, and intensifying Nrf2 expression. The SOD and GPx activities were increased while CAT was decreased by treatment with MLT. Although the micronucleus frequency was not increased in mice with NASH, a protective effect on DNA was observed with MLT treatment in blood and liver tissues using Comet assay. As conclusions, MLT slows down the progression of NASH, reducing hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory processes, inhibiting DNA damage via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
Anatomical Study Of Sites And Footprints Of Tibial Posterior Tendon Attachment
Authors: Uchiyama Inori , Edama Mutsuaki , Yokota Hirotake , Hirabayashi Ryo , Sekine Chie , Maruyama Sae , Syagawa Mayuu , Togashi Ryoya , Yamada Yuki , Kageyama Ikuo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to clarify variations in the tibialis posterior tendon (TPT) attachment site using a large sample and to quantify the contribution of each attachment site by examining the surface area of the attachment region.Methods: We examined 100 feet from 50 Japanese cadavers. The TPT of attachment to the the navicular bone (NB), medial cuneiform bone [1], and lateral cuneiform bone (LCB) was set as the main attachment site (Type I). Type II was defined as one extra attachment site in addition to those of Type I, meaning attachment to a total of four sites. Classification up to Type VII was seen according to the number of additional attachment sites. Furthermore, surface area was measured using a 3-dimensional scanner to make the foot sample three-dimensional. Surface area was then calculated using 3-dimensional software.Results: Attachment to the NB, MCB, and LCB was present in all specimens. Attachment to the intermediate cuneiform bone was seen in 25 feet (25%), and to the cuboid bone in 66%. Among 1st–5th metatarsal bones, 4th metatarsal bone was the most attached, at 95%. The TPT attachment to the NB, MCB, and LCB were comprising 75.1% of total attachment surface area. The ratio of the NB, MCB and LCB in each type was about 90% in Types II and III, and 70–80% in Types IV–VII.Conclusion: Attachment of the TPT to the NB, MCB, and LCB may thus contribute to stability of the foot arch.
Graphene quantum dots rescue angiogenic retinopathy via blocking STAT3/Periostin/ERK signaling
Authors: Zhao Na , Gui Xiao , Fang Qian , Zhang Rui , Zhu Weiye , Zhang Haorui , Li Qing , Zhou Yukun , Zhao Jiawei , Cui Xiao , Gao Guangping , Tang Huipeng , Shen Ni , Chen Taoyong , Song Hongyuan , Shen Wei 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Pathological retinal angiogenesis resulting from a variety of ocular diseases including oxygen induced retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy and ocular vein occlusion, is one of the major reasons for vision loss, yet the therapeutic option is limited. Multiple nanoparticles have been reported to alleviate angiogenic retinopathy. However, the adverse effect cannot be ignored due to the relatively large scale. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have shown potential in drug delivery and have been proved biocompatible. In this study, Graphene quantum dots are extensively investigated for their application in angiogenic retinopathy therapy. Results: We showed that GQDs were biocompatible nanomaterials in vitro and in vivo. The nanoparticles have a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on proliferation, migration, tube formation and sprouting of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Further data show that GQDs could inhibit pathological retinal neovascularization in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. The data of RNA sequencing suggested that periostin is involved in this process. GQDs inhibit the expression of periostin via STAT3, and further regulated cell cycle-related protein levels through ERK pathway. The signaling pathway was conformed in vivo using OIR mouse model. Conclusions: The present study indicated that GQDs could be a biocompatible anti-angiogenic nanomedicine in the treatment of pathological retinal neovascularization via disrupting periostin/ERK pathway and subsequent cell cycle.
Decreased miR-17-92 Cluster Correlates With the Senescent Features and Disrupted Oxidative Homeostasis, and the Impaired Therapeutic Efficacy of Adipose Tissue-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Cen Yelei , Qi Jinjin , Chen Liang , Liu Yanning , Lou Guohua 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Aging and replicative cellular senescence is associated with the reduced therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on variety of diseases. This study aimed to determine the mechanism in regulating MSC senescence and further explore a modification strategy to reverse the senescence-associated cell dysfunction for improving the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs on acute liver failure (ALF).Methods: Adipose tissue-derived MSCs from old-aged mice (oAMSCs) or young mice were intravenously administrated into the mice with lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine (LPS/GalN)-exposure and their effects were evaluated by serumbiochemical and liver histological analysis. SA-β-gal staining, expression analysis on p21, p16 and senescence-associated secretory phenotype markers, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assay were used for determine the senescent features in aged AMSCs and replicative senescent AMSCs. MiRNA expression assay, small interfering RNA and miRNA transfection, and thioredoxin (TRX) activity assay were performed for further elucidate the mechanisms in AMSC senescence. MiRNA-modified AMSCs were used for determine whether cellular miR-17-92 cluster level can as an index to evaluate the therapeutic potential of AMSCs on ALF.Results: oAMSCs displayed senescent phenotypes and showed reduced therapeutic efficacy on LPS/GalN-induced ALF, as determined by reduced hepatic necrosis and serum liver function indicators, and inflammatory cytokine levels. Then we found that the miR-17-92 cluster, especially miR-17 and miR-20a, was obviously decreased in oAMSCs and replicative senescent AMSCs. The decreased miR-17-92 level was consistent with the declined oncogene c-Myc level during AMSC senescence and may mediate c-Myc stemness addiction. Further experiments revealed that miR-17-92 could modulate AMSC senescence by affecting the expression of classic senescence protein p21 and also the oxidative homeostasis in AMSCs through TXNIP-mediated TRX activity regulation. Furthermore, modification of AMSCs with the above two key miRNAs in miR-17-92 cluster could reverse the senescent features of oAMSCs and remodeling the therapeutic potential of senescent AMSCs on ALF.Conclusions: c-Myc-regulated miR-17-92 contributes to the increased p21 expression and dysregulated redox system during AMSC senescence. The cellular miR-17-92 cluster level can be used both as an index for evaluating and as a modification target for improving the therapeutic potential of AMSCs.