bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive biomechanical assessment of the prolapsed vaginal wall – an explorative pilot study on cutometry and indentometry
Authors: Latul Yani P. , Kastelein Arnoud W. , de Graaf Boris C. , Guler Zeliha , Roovers Jan-Paul W.R. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: Evaluation of cutometry and indentometry for non-invasive biomechanical assessment of the vaginal wall in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).Methods: Both techniques were applied on the vaginal wall of 20 women indicated for surgical correction of POP stage 2 or higher. The primary outcome was the success rate. Measurements were considered successful if biomechanical parameters were generated after a maximum of 3 attempts. Secondary outcomes included acquisition time, number of attempts to obtain a successful measurement, and correlations between biomechanical parameters and patient characteristics.Results: Measurements were successfully performed on the vaginal wall of 12 women with anterior and 8 women with posterior compartment POP. The success rate was 100% for both techniques and acquisition time was under 1 minute for all 20 measurements. Fast elasticity of the posterior vaginal wall was significantly higher than of the anterior vaginal wall and negatively correlated with age (r = -0.57, p<0.05).Conclusions: In women with POP, measuring the biomechanical properties of the vaginal wall using cutometry and indentometry is technically feasible. Objective evaluation of biomechanical properties may help to understand the pathophysiology behind surgical outcomes, providing an opportunity for identification of patients at risk for (recurrent) prolapse, and individualized treatment decisions.
Hospital Admission and Hospital Course Predictors of Severity of Post-covid-19 Condition
Authors: TRAN KAREN C. , LEE TERRY , LEVIN ADEERA , RYERSON CHRISTOPHER J. , WONG ALYSON , SWEET DAVID , WALLEY KEITH R. , BOYD JOHN H. , SINGER JOEL , KOELWYN GRAEME J. , Sc PUNEET MANN M , Sc KATHRYN DONOHOE B , Russell James 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBACKGROUND:Prediction of severity of Post-COVID-19 condition is not clear. We determined whether hospital course variables correlated with objective and subjective outcomes 3- and 6-months post-COVID-19 onset.METHODS:Adults admitted to hospital with acute COVID-19 were recruited (Feb 15, 2020-April 1, 2021) from two tertiary hospitals in Vancouver, Canada. We recorded baseline characteristics, COVID severity score, organ function, ICU and hospital length of stay. Survivors were evaluated at 3- and 6-months post- COVID-19 onset: subjective: University of California San Diego Shortness of Breath Score, EuroQol 5D Visual Analogue Scale, Frailty Index; Objective: functional capacity (6-minute walk test), pulmonary (pulmonary function tests), cardiac (echocardiography, BNP), renal (creatinine), hepatic (AST, ALT, bilirubin), and coagulation (aPTT, INR, D-dimers, fibrinogen).RESULTS:In 133 post-COVID-19 patients (age 62 ± 14 years, 65% male with frequent comorbidities [hypertension (42%), diabetes (29%), chronic cardiac (22%)), 42% were admitted to Intensive Care Unit: 23%, 23% and 2% required ventilation, vasopressors or renal support, respectively. One-third had restrictive lung function (<80% predicted FVC %, TLC%, or DLCO%) at 3 months. Novel findings were correlations of (1) acute hepatic dysfunction with restrictive lung function at 3 months post COVID-19 onset; (2) more severe acute COVID-19 with later pro-thrombotic phenotype and (3) greater acute organ dysfunction with later objective organ dysfunction at 3- and 6-months. No hospital course variables were associated with subjective outcomes at 3- and 6-months.CONCLUSIONS:Early organ dysfunction predicts later objective pathology especially restrictive lung disease and a pro-coagulant state. These hypothesis-generating findings require further validation in additional patients.
A Secure and Dependable Trust Assessment (SDTS) Scheme for Industrial Communication Networks: Analytical Approach
Authors: Khan Tayyab , Singh Karan , Ahmad Khaleel , Ahmad Khairol Amali Bin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Due to tamper-resistant sensor nodes and wireless media, Industrial Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are susceptible to various security threats that severely affect industrial/business applications. The survival of sensor networks is highly dependent on the flourishing collaboration of sensor nodes (SNs). Trust management schemes seem to be realistic and promising techniques to improve security as well as cooperation (dependability) among SNs by estimating the trust level (score) of individual sensor nodes. This research paper presents a well-organized and motivating secure, dependable trust assessment (SDTS) scheme for industrial WSNs to cope with unexpected behavior such as an on-off attack, bad-mouthing attack, garnished attack, etc., by employing robust trust evaluation components based on success ratio and node misbehaviour. SDTS incorporates an interesting trust evaluation function in which the trust range can be adjusted in accordance with the application requirement. SDTS include direct communication trust, indirect communication trust, data trust, and misbehavior-based trust to defend the multiple internal attacks. SDTS works according to the behavior of nodes, i.e., whether the sensor nodes are interacting frequently or not. Moreover, abnormal attenuation and dynamic slide lengths are incorporated in the proposed model (SDTS) to deal with various natural calamities and internal attacks. Investigational results exhibit the potency of the proposed scheme.
Targeting glutamine metabolism in hepatic stellate cells alleviates liver fibrosis
Authors: Yin Xiaochun , Peng Jin , Gu Lihong , liu Yan , Li Xihan , Wu Jinhui , Xu Bing , Zhuge Yuzheng , Zhang Feng 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Glutamine metabolism plays an essential role in cell growth. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) is a key enzyme in glutamine metabolism, promoting the metabolism of glutamate and glutamine and generating ATP, the level of which is profoundly increased in multiple human cancers. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we verified that the small-molecule GDH inhibitor EGCG slows the progression of fibrosis by inhibiting GDH enzyme activity and glutamine metabolism. SIRT4 is a mitochondrial enzyme that with NAD promotes ADP-ribosylation and downregulates GDH activity. The role played by SIRT4 in liver fibrosis and the related mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we measured the expression of SIRT4 and found that it was downregulated in liver fibrosis. Modest overexpression of SIRT4 protected the liver from fibrosis by inhibiting the transformation of glutamate to 2-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) cycle, thereby reducing the proliferative activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and alleviating the development of liver fibrosis. Collectively, our study reveals that SIRT4 controls GDH enzyme activity and expression, regulating glutamine metabolism to activate HSCs growth.
Avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 isolation from migratory birds and environmental water in southern Japan: an epidemiological survey during the 2018/19–2021/2022 winter seasons
Authors: Matsunaga Nonoka , Ijiri Moe , Ishikawa Kemi , Ozawa Makoto , Okuya Kosuke , Khalil Ahmed Magdy , Kojima Isshu , Esaki Mana , Masatani Tatsunori , Matsui Tsutomu , Fujimoto Yoshikazu 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
An epidemiological survey of avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 (APMV-1) was conducted in the Izumi plain, Kagoshima, Japan from the winter of 2018–2022. A total of 15 APMV-1 were isolated from roosting water of migratory birds and duck fecal samples. The APMV-1 isolation rate from the water and duck feces were 2.51% and 0.10%, respectively, demonstrating that the viral recovery efficiency from the water was 25-fold higher than that from duck feces. Genetic analysis of the Fusion (F) gene showed that all of the APMV-1 isolates were closely related to virus strains circulating among waterfowl in Far East Asian countries. All isolates have avirulent motifs in their cleavage site of F genes, indicated that all of which were presumed to be low pathogenic viruses in poultry. However, pathogenicity test using embryonated chicken eggs demonstrated that some isolates killed all chicken embryos regardless of viral inoculated doses (102-106 50% egg infectious dose). These results indicated that these APMV-1 viruses which are potentially pathogenic to chickens are continuously brought into the Izumi plain by migrating of wild birds.
Congenital Pleuropulmonary Blastoma in a Newborn with a Variant of Uncertain Significance in DICER1 Evaluated by RNA-sequencing
Authors: Lyle Allison N. J. , Ohlsen Timothy J. D. , Miller Danny E. , Brown Gabrielle , Waligorski Natalie , Stark Rebecca , Taylor Mallory R. , Puia-Dumitrescu Mihai 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
BackgroundPleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare mesenchymal malignancy of the lung and is the most common pulmonary malignancy in infants and children. PPB is often mistaken for a congenital pulmonary airway malformation, as the two entities can be difficult to distinguish on imaging and pathology. Diagnosis of PPB should prompt workup for DICER1 syndrome, an autosomal dominant tumor predisposition syndrome. We report a newborn with a congenital PPB presenting with tachypnea and hypoxia, who was found to have variant of uncertain clinical significance (VUS) in DICER1.Case presentationA term female infant developed respiratory distress shortly after birth. Initial imaging was concerning for a congenital pulmonary airway malformation versus congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and she was transferred to a quaternary neonatal intensive care unit for management and workup. Chest CT angiography demonstrated a macrocytic multicystic lesion within the right lower lobe without systemic arterial supply. The pediatric surgery team was consulted, and the neonate underwent right lower lobectomy. Pathology revealed a type I PPB. Oncology and genetics consultants recommended observation without chemotherapy and single gene sequencing of DICER1, which identified a germline VUS in DICER1 predicted to alter splicing. RNA-sequencing from blood demonstrated that the variant resulted in an in-frame deletion of 29 amino acids in a minority of transcripts. Due to the patient’s young age at presentation and high clinical suspicion for DICER1 syndrome, tumor surveillance was initiated. Renal and pelvic ultrasonography were unremarkable. ConclusionWe present the case of a term neonate with respiratory distress and cystic lung mass, found to have a type I PPB with a germline VUS in DICER1 that likely increased her risk of DICER1-related tumors. Nearly 70% of patients with PPB demonstrate germline mutations in DICER1. Penetrance is low, and many patients with pathogenic DICER1 variants do not develop a malignancy. Best practice surgical and oncologic recommendations include an individualized approach and tumor board discussion. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach and the utility of international registries for patients with rare diagnoses.
A prognostic model for bladder cancer based on cytoskeleton-related genes
Authors: Peng Chunting , Guo Sufan , Yang Zheng , Li Xiaohong , Su Qisheng , Mo Wuning 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
A typical cancerous growth in the urinary tract, bladder cancer (BLCA) has a dismal survival rate and a poor chance of being cured. The main cause of tumor death is tumor metastasis, cell migration is crucial in tumor metastasis, and cell-directed movement requires the involvement of the cytoskeleton, so it is said that the cytoskeleton is tightly related to tumor invasion and metastasis. Nevertheless, the expression of genes associated with the cytoskeleton and their prognostic significance in BLCA remain unknown. Differential expression of 546 genes involved in the cytoskeleton was analyzed in BLCA versus normal bladder tissues. According to the outcomes of this analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), all BLCA cases doing NMF clustering analysis could be classified into two molecular subtypes and were subjected to survival analysis. Using the TCGA dataset to screen out genes with drastically differing expression levels, a cytoskeleton-associated gene prediction model for bladder cancer was constructed, and 11 genes were assigned risk formulae using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression approach. We divided all TCGA cohort patients with BLCA into low-risk groups and high-risk groups categories based on the average risk score in the middle, then analyzed survival data and ROC curves separately for each risk category. An external validation dataset (GSM340668) was used to verify the accuracy of the model. Columnar line plots were created to predict the prognostic outcome of bladder cancer cases. Significant enrichment pathways for cytoskeleton-associated genes in bladder cancer samples were explored by GSEA enrichment analysis. In addition, immune infiltration studies were conducted to help us better understand and observe the degree of bladder cancer immune cell infiltration. An independent prognostic analysis of risk score (RS) was done and proven to be a significant predictor of outcome for bladder cancer. Following this, we looked at the connection between risk score, clinical characteristics, and immune cells, and found that they are all interconnected. In conclusion, cytoskeleton-related genes have an important predictive value for bladder cancer, and the prognostic model we constructed may enable personalized treatment of bladder cancer.
The protective effects of methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide against pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Xu Qingjie , Zhu Wen , Tang Ming , Zhang Manka , Liu Yin , Li Zhouping , Rao Zhiguo , He Xiaoxu , Ma Runlin , Xue Xiaoyan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground:In clinical studies, the combination of methylprednisolone (MP) and cyclophosphamide (CTX) has great benefits for patients with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), but the mechanism of improving PF is not clear.Methods:PF rat models were induced by bleomycin and treated with MP or MP/CTX combination. Transmission electron microscope, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining were used to measure the morphology of PF. ELISA kits were used to test inflammatory factor levels. MDA, SOD, GSH-PX levels were determined using commercial kits. α-SMA and collagen I levels were examined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. T cells were analyzed with flow cytometry.Results:We found that the combined use of MP and CTX can reduce collagen deposition, α-SMA and collagen I levels in bleomycin induced PF. Moreover, combined treatment with MP and CTX decreased the levels of MDA and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1 β and IL-6), while increased the activities of SOD and GSH-PX. Further, MP and CTX combination changed T cell types in lung tissues, such as increasing CD4+CD25+Foxp3+cells.Conclusions:The combination of MP and CTX improved the degree of PF by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and improving T cell immunity. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which MP and CTX combination affects PF.
Integrated transcriptome analysis reveals roles of long non- coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in caprine skeletal muscle mass and meat quality
Authors: Shen Jiyuan , Luo Yuzhu , Wang Jiqing , Hu Jiang , Liu Xiu , Li Shaobin , Hao Zhiyun , Li Mingna , Zhao Zhidong , Zhang Yuting , Yang Shutong , Wang Longbin , Gu Yuanhua 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in growth and development of skeletal muscle. However, there was limited information in goats. In this study, expression profiles of lncRNAs inLongissimus dorsimuscle from Liaoning cashmere (LC) goats and Ziwuling black (ZB) goats with divergent meat yield and meat quality were compared using RNA-sequencing. Based on our previous microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs profiles obtained from the same tissues, the target genes and binding miRNAs of differentially expressed lncRNAs were obtained. Subsequently, lncRNA-mRNA interaction networks and a ceRNA network of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA were constructed. Results A total of 136 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between the two breeds. 15cistarget genes and 143transtarget genes were found for differentially expressed lncRNAs, and they were enriched in muscle contraction, muscle system process, muscle cell differentiation, and p53 signaling pathway. A total of 69 lncRNA-transtarget gene pairs were constructed, with close relationship with muscle development, intramuscular fat deposition and meat tenderness. A total of 16 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA pairs were identified, of which some reportedly associated with skeletal muscle development and fat deposition were found. Conclusion The study identified some crucial lncRNAs related to muscle development, intramuscular fat deposition and meat tenderness, which will provide an improved understanding of the roles of lncRNAs in caprine meat yield and meat quality.
Dznep, a histone modification inhibitor, inhibits HIF1α binding to TIMP2 gene, by reducing open chromatin area
Authors: Yamazaki Tomotaka , Mimura Imari , Miura Rika , Sato Dai , Kurata Yu , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Nangaku Masaomi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

IntroductionEpidemiological studies have shown that patients who recovered from acute kidney injury (AKI) may subsequently develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI is primarily caused by renal hypoxia, and it causes epigenetic alterations, known as hypoxic memory. 3-Deazaneplanocin A (Dznep), an inhibitor of histone modification, suppresses renal fibrosis and the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP2), a profibrotic factor, in mouse ischemia–reperfusion models. The current study investigated the epigenetic regulation of TIMP2 in tubular cells.Methods and ResultsThe expression of TIMP2 was upregulated in human kidney 2 cells under hypoxic conditions and was suppressed by Dznep. ChIP-qPCR showed that Dznep reduced the expression of H3K4me3 at the promoter region of the TIMP2 gene under hypoxic condition. Formaldehyde-assisted isolation of regulatory elements-qPCR of the TIMP2 gene showed that Dznep reduced open chromatin area. In addition, based on ChIP-qPCR of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α), Dznep inhibited the binding of HIF1α to the TIMP2 gene under hypoxic conditions.ConclusionDznep suppresses the expression of TIMP2 under hypoxic conditions by altering the histone methylations of the TIMP2 gene, decreasing open chromatin area, and inhibiting the binding of HIF1α to the TIMP2 gene.
Antibody and T cell responses against wild-type and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 after the third dose of BNT162b2 in healthy adolescents
Authors: Lau Yu Lung , Mu Xiaofeng , Cohen Carolyn A , Leung Daniel , Duque Jaime S Rosa , Cheng Samuel MS , Chung Yuet , Wong Howard HW , Lee Amos MT , Li Wing Yan , Tam Issan , Lam Jennifer HY , Lee Derek HL , Chan Sau Man , Tsang Leo CH , Chan Karl CK , Li John KC , Luk Leo LH , Chaothai Sara , Kwan Kelvin KH , Chu Nym Coco , Mori Masashi , Jeevan Trushar , Kandeil Ahmed , TU WENWEI , Valkenburg Sophie , Peiris Malik 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
High effectiveness of the third dose of BNT162b2 in healthy adolescents against Omicron BA.1 has been reported, but immune responses conferring this protection are not yet elucidated. In this analysis, our study (NCT04800133) aims to evaluate the humoral and cellular responses against wild-type and Omicron (BA.1, BA.2 and/or BA.5) SARS-CoV-2 before and after a third dose of BNT162b2 in healthy adolescents. At 6 months after 2 doses, S IgG, S IgG Fc receptor-binding, S-RBD IgG and neutralizing antibody responses waned significantly, yet neutralizing antibodies remained detectable in all tested adolescents and S IgG avidity increased from 1 month after 2 doses. The antibody responses and S-specific IFN-γ+ and IL-2+ CD8+ T cell responses were significantly boosted in healthy adolescents after a homologous third dose of BNT162b2. Compared to adults, humoral responses for the third dose were non-inferior or superior in adolescents. The S-specific IFN-γ+ and IL-2+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in adolescents and adults were comparable. Interestingly, after 3 doses, adolescents had preserved S IgG, S IgG avidity, S IgG FcγRIIIa-binding, and PRNT50 against Omicron BA.2, as well as preserved cellular responses against BA.1 S. Sera from 100% and 96% of adolescents tested at 1 and 6 months after 2 doses could also neutralize BA.1. Based on PRNT50, we predict 92%, 89% and 68% effectiveness against COVID-19 with WT, BA.2 and BA.5 1 month after 3 doses. Our study found high antibody and T cell responses, including potent cross-variant reactivity, after 3 doses of BNT162b2 vaccine in adolescents in its current formulation, suggesting that current vaccines can be protective against symptomatic Omicron disease.
Profiling of N6-methyladenosine methylation in porcine longissimus dorsi muscle and unravelling the hub gene ADIPOQ promotes adipogenesis in an m6A-YTHDF1–dependent manner
Authors: Gong Huanfa , Gong Tao , Liu Youhua , Wang Yizhen , Wang Xinxia 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
BackgroundIntramuscular fat (IMF) content is critical indicator of pork quality, and abnormal IMF is also relevant to human disease as well as aging. Although N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification was recently found to regulate adipogenesis in porcine intramuscular fat, however, the understanding of underlying molecular mechanism was still limited. ResultsIn this work, we collected 20 longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) samples with high and low IMF content from a unique heterogenous swine population for m6A sequencing (m6A-seq). We discovered 70 genes show both differential RNA expression and m6A modification, including ADIPOQ and SFRP1, two hub genes inferred through gene co-expression analysis. Particularly, we observed ADIPOQ, contains 3 m6A modification sites within 3’ untranslated and protein coding region, could promote porcine intramuscular preadipocyte differentiation in an m6A-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found the YTH domain family protein 1 (YTHDF1) could target and promote ADIPOQ mRNA translation. ConclusionOur study provided a comprehensive profiling of m6A methylation in porcine LDM, and characterized the involvement of m6A epigenetic modification on ADIPOQ mRNA in regulation of IMF deposition through an m6A-YTHDF1-dependent manner.
Study the evaluation model of closed-loop DBS strategies based on the optimal stimulation level
Authors: Huan Chen , Dechun Zhao , Zixin Luo , Lihao Shen , Yang Shu , Ling Li 
Published: August 2022

AbstractClosed-loop deep brain stimulation (DBS) is currently a research hotspot in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, but a variety of stimulation strategies will increase the selection time and cost in animal experiments and clinical studies. And there is no obvious difference in the stimulation effect between similar strategies, which makes the selection process more redundant. A comprehensive evaluation model based on the optimal level was proposed to select the best strategy in similar strategies. Two similar threshold stimulation strategies were used to demonstrate the screening process. Firstly, the Analytic Hierarchy Process was used to assign the weights of the three indexes of Similar to UPDRS Estimates, β power and energy consumption. Then the values of all indexes were calculated, and the stimulus threshold with the optimal improvement effect was selected according to Similar to UPDRS Estimates. Finally, combined with weights and indexes values, the comprehensive scores were calculated according to the comprehensive evaluation model under the optimal stimulus conditions. By comparing the scores, the optimal stimulus threshold of one strategy was 52%, while the other was 72%. And the stimulus effect of the strategy with the optimal stimulus threshold 72% was better than that of 52%. The results show that the evaluation model based on the optimal stimulus condition can get a unique conclusion, and meet the selection of the optimal strategy between two similar strategies.