bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a weak interlayer zone on the tensile properties and failure characteristics of rock
Authors: Zhang Liang , Jing Hongwen , Liu Hanxiang , Yin Qian , Meng Yaoyao 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
A weak interlayer zone (WIZ) is widespread in a rock mass. Due to its relatively poor mechanical properties, it poses a potential threat to the stability of the rock mass. Brazilian tests and numerical simulations were conducted to study the effects of WIZ strength (WIZS), WIZ thickness (WIZT), and loading direction of the samples. The failure strength anisotropy index (FSAI) and sensitivity index were proposed to analyze the effects of WIZT and WIZS further. The results show that: (i) the failure strength decreases linearly with the increased bedding plane-loading angle(θ). (ii)The loading direction has a significant effect on the failure pattern of specimens, which can be divided into "+" shape failure, double "Y" shaped failure, and WIZ failure. However, WIZS and WIZT showed a weak correlation with failure patterns. (iii) The accumulated acoustic emission(AE) count curves were divided into three types: steady rise, level constant, and slow rise.
Clinical outcomes of anticoagulation and refining risk stratification for stroke in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Cho Min Soo , Choi Hyung Oh , Hwang Ki Won , Kim Jun , Nam Gi-Byoung , Choi Kee-Joon 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: We aimed to elucidate the effects of anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) according to the difference in renal function and define a chronic kidney disease (CKD) population that could benefit from anticoagulation therapy. Methods: Using datasets from the Asan Biomedical Research Environment Database between 2006 and 2017, 12,641 patients with nonvalvular AF were analyzed. The primary outcome was the net clinical outcome, defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, thromboembolic events, and major bleeding. Results: Patients were categorized into groups according to their baseline creatinine clearance. There was a trend for a progressive increase in the prevalence of stroke or systemic embolism, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality as the renal function deteriorated. The clinical benefit of anticoagulation therapy was the most prominent in patients with normal renal function and was reduced in those with advanced-stage CKD. Among CKD 5 patients, the benefit of anticoagulation therapy was only evident in those with a very high risk of embolism (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥4). Conclusion: Advanced CKD is associated with a higher risk of the net clinical outcome. The clinical benefit of anticoagulation therapy reduces with the increasing degree of CKD. In CKD5, anticoagulation should be considered in high risk of embolism.
The association of miRNA-146a and its single nucleotide polymorphism with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Lizhen , Wang Shunxian , Deng Xiaodong , Li Fengjiao , Feng Tingting , Li Fang , Lin Hongyu , Ke Sha , Ma Ying 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purposes:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and their single nucleotide polymorphisms may be involved in the pathophysiological process of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), of which miRNA-146a is one of the most concerned miRNAs. This experiment is aimed to investigate the association of miRNA-146a and its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with AIS and its susceptibility in a Chinese population.
Methods
A case-control study including 137 AIS patients and 100 controls were enrolled. The relative miRNA-146a expression in PBMCs was detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). And the SNP of miRNA-146a rs2910164 was genotyped using DNA extraction kit and TaqMan-MGB probe real-time PCR, and its relevance to AIS susceptibility was evaluated.
Results
The relative miRNA-146a expression in the experimental group (1.65 ± 0.11) was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.13 ± 0.09, P = 0.002). In subgroup analysis, the relative expression level of miRNA-146a in AIS with a course longer than 3 days was significantly higher than that less than or equal to 3 days and the control group (P < 0.05). Difference of the distribution of allele frequencies of the rs2910164C/G polymorphism was failed to found between the experimental and control groups (P = 0.703, OR = 0.930, 95% CI = 0.641–1.349). However, the GG genotype frequency was higher in AIS patients with other causes (SOE) than that in controls according to the TOAST subtype analysis. (P = 0.00, OR: 4.825, 95% CI: 2.720–8.562).
Conclusions
The findings suggested that miRNA-146a may be involved in the pathophysiological process of AIS. But the miRNA-146a rs2910164C/G polymorphism may not be associated with AIS genetic susceptibility, although the rs2910164GG genotype may increase the risk of SOE AIS.
Reconstruction of the internal jugular vein with triple-paneled great saphenous vein graft
Authors: Miyamoto Shimpei , Hidaka Takeaki , Fukuoka Osamu , Fujisawa Kou , Okazaki Mutusmi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background Reconstruction of the internal jugular vein with the great saphenous vein requires difficulty in overcoming size discrepancy. We describe a triple-paneled method of saphenous vein grafting for this purpose. Case presentation A 54-year-old man with a thyroid papillary carcinoma underwent total thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection. The right internal jugular vein was transected, and the resultant defect was 8 cm long. Harvested great saphenous vein graft 30 cm in length was divided into three pieces of equal length. Each piece was opened longitudinally and sutured together side-by-side like panels to make a composite graft of three-fold caliber. The defect of the internal jugular vein was reconstructed with this composite graft. The long-term patency of the internal jugular vein was achieved. Conclusions The triple-paneled method can be a versatile option for reconstructing the internal jugular vein with the great saphenous vein in terms of the diameter ratio between the two veins.
Elucidating the effect of Pb and Ba substitution in SrTcO 3 for advanced radioactive semiconducting applications
Authors: Mubarak A. A. , Tariq Saad 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this work, lead (Pb) and barium (Ba) substitution in SrTcO3 (STO) has been studied in detail using density functional theory. The structural stability was tested using optimization, enthalpy of formation and tolerance factor. The structure of SrTc(1-x)ZxO3 for (Z = Ba and Pb; x = 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75) is found to be thermodynamically stable and thus can be made and studied experimentally. In electronic properties, the band analysis is performed using GGA functional and found to follow the Moss-Burstein shift for the studied compounds, while DOS and contour plots have shown mixed p-d hybridization among the constituent elements. The magnetic properties revealed the existence of weak ferromagnetism which is found to decrease with the increase of Pb content in STO while it increases for the Ba substitution. The optical analysis has shown a high reflectivity value for visible light and high conductivity σ(ω) value in the UV region which suggests the ability of these materials to be used as optical reflectors to prevent radiations and as non-radioactive photocatalysis and optoelectronic sensors.
The Gut Microbiome of Obese Postpartum Women With and Without Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and the Gut Microbiota of Their Babies
Authors: Dualib Patricia Medici , Fernandes Gabriel , Taddei Carla R , Carvalho Camila R S , Sparvoli Luiz Gustavo , Bittencourt Célia , Silva Isis T , Mattar Rosiane , Ferreira Sandra R G , Dib Sergio A , Almeida-Pititto Bianca 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background: The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide, and it has been associated with some changes in the gut microbiota. Studies have shown that the maternal gut microbiota pattern with hyperglycemia can be transmitted to the offspring. The study aimed to evaluate the gut microbiota of obese postpartum women with and without previous GDM and their offspring. Methods: We evaluated a total of 84 puerperal women who had (n=40) or not GDM (n=44), and their infants were also included. Stool samples were obtained 2 to 6 months after delivery. The molecular profile of the fecal microbiota was obtained by sequencing V4 region of 16S rRNA gene (Illumina® MiSeq) and the R package used for analyses. Results: We found that the gut microbiota structures of the puerperal women and their infants were similar. Stratifying according to the type of delivery, the relative abundance of Victivallis genus was higher in women who had natural delivery. Exposure to exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a greater abundance of Bacteroides and Staphylococcus. The differential abundance test showed correlations to clinical and laboratory parameters. This work showed no difference in the microbiota of obese puerperal women with and without GDM and their offspring, but breastfeeding contributed to the ecological succession of the intestinal microbiota of the offspring. Conclusion: This work can contribute to understanding the potential effects of GDM and early life events on the gut microbiome of mothers and their offspring and its possible role in metabolism later in life.
Women Attending Antenatal Care as a Sentinel Surveillance Population for Malaria in Geita Region, Tanzania: Feasibility and Acceptability to Women and Providers
Authors: Emerson Courtney , Stephen Ulimboka , Lemwayi Ruth , Kinyina Alen , Nhiga Samwel L , Aaron Sijenunu , Simeo Japhet , Kitojo Chonge , Reaves Erik J. , Drake Mary , Hussein Yahaya , Bungire Leila , Gutman Julie R. , Winch Peter J. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: Measurement of malaria prevalence is conventionally estimated through infrequent cross-sectional household surveys that do not provide continuous information regarding malaria parasitemia. Recent studies have suggested that malaria parasitemia prevalence among women attending antenatal care (ANC) correlates with prevalence among children under 5 years old and that pregnant women could be a sentinel population for tracking malaria prevalence. In mainland Tanzania, 97% of women are tested for malaria parasitemia during first ANC visits. However, acceptability among pregnant women and healthcare providers of collecting malaria risk factor data during ANC visits is limited.Methods: A tablet-based questionnaire including 15 questions on insecticide-treated net ownership and use and care-seeking for febrile children was introduced at 40 healthcare facilities in Geita Region, Tanzania. Facilities were randomly selected from among those with 15 to 120 first ANC visits per month. To assess perspectives regarding introduction of the questionnaire, 21 semi-structured interviews were held with providers and facility in-charges at 12 facilities. Thirty pregnant and recently delivered women participated in focus group discussions at 7 facilities to assess the acceptability of spending additional time answering questions about malaria risk. Results: All pregnant women reported that introduction of ANC surveillance and spending 10 more minutes with providers answering questions about their health would be neutral or beneficial. They perceived being asked about their health as standard of care. Providers and in-charges reported that introduction of ANC surveillance was within their scope of practice. Nine of 21 indicated it could potentially benefit women’s health. Six providers expressed concern about staffing shortages and need for reimbursement for extra time and noted that data management occurs after hours. Conclusions: Pregnant women and providers generally perceived ANC surveillance for malaria as acceptable and positive. Pregnant and recently delivered women saw this as a reasonable and even helpful intervention. To be seen as a part of standard practice, efforts are needed to ensure providers perceive a benefit for ANC clients and that staffing concerns are addressed. In addition, staff should receive feedback related to data submissions regarding malaria prevalence and risk factors among women at their facility, with actions to take.
NS1619 Alleviated Brain Derived Extracellular Vesicles Induced Brain Injury by Regulating the BKCa channel and Nrf2/Ho-1/Nf-kB Pathway
Authors: Gao Yalong , Zhang Hejun , Li Xiaotian , Li Lei , Li Fanjian , Li Tuo , Peng Ruilong , Wang Cong , Wang Jiwei , Zhang Shu , Zhang Jianning 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Brain induced extracellular vesicle (BDEV) are increased after traumatic brain injury (TBI) but their role in secondary brain injury is unclear. The question whether and how BDEV is involved in secondary brain injury whether neuroprotective drugs BKCa channel openers NS1619 may attenuate BDEV-induced brain injury makes sense.
Methods
First, BDEV was extracted from enzymatically digested brains after TBI. Second, we injected BDEV and lactadherin to mimic the up- and down-regulation of BDEV respectively after TBI and determined the role of BDEV in vivo. In vitro, the membrane potential and calcium concentration of HT-22, bEnd3 and BV-2 were determined by DiBAC4 (3) staining and fluo4-AM staining respectively. The effects of BDEV and NS1619 on HT-22 were evaluated by CCK-8, LDH release assay, Na+/k+-ATPase activity, JC-1 staining, DHE staining, and 4-HNE staining respectively. The role of BDEV and NS1619 on the Nrf2/HO-1/p65 pathway was also evaluated in HT-22. Finally, we administration TBI mice with NS1619 to clarify the role of NS1619 against BDEV in vivo.
Results
BDEV injection aggravated and lactadherin mitigated TBI-induced EB leakage, brain edema, neuronal degeneration, apoptosis, ROS level, microgliosis, MMP-9 activity, and NF-kB activation. In vitro, BDEV-caused depolarized membrane potential and calcium overload were significantly attenuated by NS1619 in HT-22, bEnd3 and BV-2. BDEV markedly decreased cell viability, Na+/k+-ATPase activity and mitochondrial dysregulation, ROS, oxidative stress, NF-kB activation. NS1619 pretreatment alleviated above process and enhanced antioxidant system Nrf2/HO-1 in HT-22. NS1619 administration significantly improved TBI outcome. NS1619 facilitated microglial/macrophage phenotypic transformation and increased anti-inflammatory factor and decreased pro-inflammatory factors after TBI. Finally, NS1619 treatment reduced 4-HNE and NF-kB activation and enhanced Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Conclusions
BDEV aggravated brain injury after TBI by perturbing cell membrane potential, calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. The BKCa channel opener NS1619 attenuated BDEV-induced pathological process in vitro and in vivo by modulating the BKCa channel and Nrf1/HO-1/p65 pathway.
Does behavioural parent training reduce internalising symptoms (or not) among children with externalising problems? Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bloss Ms Christy , Brown Ms Sophie , Sawrikar Vilas 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Behaviour parent training (BPT) is known to effectively reduce child externalising problems. However, evidence for BPT to have secondary benefits for reducing internalising symptoms remains unclear. To address this, electronic databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SCOPUS) were systematically searched for studies examining internalising outcomes from BPT among children aged 2–12 years with clinically elevated externalizing problems. Outcomes for internalising problems following BPT were analysed by meta-analysis. Of 9105 studies identified, 24 studies met the eligibility criteria. Results from meta-analysis demonstrated a significant small treatment effect size (g= -0.41) for reducing internalising symptoms immediately after treatment. Studies showed moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 44%). Moderation analyses indicated that the overall treatment effect was robust against variations in treatment and study design characteristics. However, a review of individual study methods indicate that these results are limited by significant heterogeneity and limitations in clinical assessment. Overall, the results suggest that BPT programmes for reducing externalising problems have the potential to improve internalising outcomes, but that there is limited information to determine the reliability of these effects, highlighting the need for further investigation.
The role of cognitive reserve in mediating cognitive impairment in cART-treated HIV positive older adults in Mbeya, Tanzania
Authors: Sadler Molly , Said K , Chuma E , Kaminyoge S.M , Mussa B , Kuhoga E , Walker Richard , Livingston Gill , Gray William Keith , Paddick Stella-Maria , Mbwele Bernard 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroduction: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are a spectrum of cognitive impairments occurring in chronic HIV infection. HAND are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), despite combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Older people appear to be at increased risk. Cognitive reserve (CR), shown to be protective in neurodegenerative dementias, may also protect against HAND.Aim: To evaluate the association of CR and risk of HAND in an older cART-treated population in SSA.Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study undertaken at hospital outpatient clinics in Mbeya, Southwest Tanzania. HIV-positive participants aged ≥ 50 years and established on cART underwent diagnostic assessment by operationalised AAN criteria. Assessment included neuropsychological test battery, functional assessment, informant history and depression screen. HIV-negative control participants were attendees of other chronic disease clinics who completed neuropsychological assessments to provide normative scores for HAND diagnosis. CR was measured using the Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI) and other proxy measures including years of formal education.Results: Lower total Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI) score, lack of formal education, unemployment and low-skilled manual work were associated with increased risk of HAND. Lower CRI score and lack of formal education were independent risk factors for HAND but HIV disease severity measures were not.Conclusion: Higher total CRI score and formal education appeared to be protective for HAND, in this cohort. These are potentially modifiable factors, though education may be difficult to modify in later life. Cognitive reserve may be more important than HIV-disease control in risk of HAND in older people with treated HIV.
GPS/Galileo/BDS-2/BDS-3 full-frequency uncombined precise point positioning with fast ambiguity resolution and single-epoch ambiguity resolution on a global scale
Authors: Qu Lizhong , Wang Luping , Wang Haoyu , Du Yiwei , Jiang Wei 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
For global fast and reliable precise point positioning (PPP), two groups of common uncombined PPP ambiguity resolution (AR) modes, fast and single-epoch, were implemented with the full-frequency signals of the GPS, Galileo, BDS-2 and BDS-3 constellations. A series of wide-lane (WL) uncalibrated phased hardware delay biases (UPDs) and narrow-lane (NL) UPDs of the GNSS MEO satellites were generated and transformed to full-frequency UPDs using 15 days of data in 2022 from 104 global stations. The performance of the full-frequency (FF) float, WL AR (WAR), and cascaded WL and NL AR (CAR) PPPs were investigated by comparing with the dual-frequency (DF), triple-frequency (TF) and quad-frequency (QF) solutions in two groups of positioning experiments using another 40 global stations. Results illustrated that the FF CAR PPP performed the best. In the fast AR PPP experiment, the percentages of convergence time within 2 min, 5 min and 10 min of the FF CAR PPP reached 20.3%, 68.7% and 98.6%, respectively. An average convergence time of 4.3 min was achieved. The average RMSs of the positioning errors in the east, north and up components during the initial 10 min were 0.04 m, 0.04 m and 0.18 m, respectively. In the single-epoch AR PPP experiment, the RMSs of the positioning errors in the three components of the FF CAR PPP were 0.07 m, 0.08 m and 0.28 m, respectively. The percentages of the positioning errors in the horizontal direction within 0.1 m, 0.3 m and 0.5 m reached 89.0%, 96.0% and 99.1%, respectively.
Exploring the structural basis of a subtype selective inhibitor for Aurora kinase B over Aurora kinase A by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Zhao Dong , Kovacs Antal H. , Campbell Michael , Floriano Wely , Hou Jinqiang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
As promising therapeutic targets for several types of cancers, Aurora kinases A and B share remarkably high sequence and structure similarity, which render the design of subtype selective small-molecule inhibitors challenging. Since Aurora A acts as both an oncogene and a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor, inhibiting Aurora B with highly selective inhibitors represents a less toxic anti-cancer strategy. However, the molecular mechanism governing the ligand selectivity for Aurora A over B reminds elusive. In this study, an experimentally validated ligand, Barasertib which displays 1000-fold selectivity for Aurora B over A was used as a template molecule, and the selectivity mechanism was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy analyses. The computed binding free energies are consistent with the experimental bioactivity of Barasertib. The major residues that contribute to ligand binding were also identified. The hinge residue Arg159, only found in Aurora B was found to contribute significantly to the binding of Aurora B, while no such binding was found in Aurora A. A highly unfavorable polar interaction with Glu181 in Aurora A hinders the ligands binding ability. These 2 interactions play a key role in the observed selectivity of Barasertib for Aurora B over A. Interestingly, the binding of partner proteins forces the aC helix and the beta sheets in the N-lobe to move inward towards the ATP binding pocket, leading to a smaller hydrophobic back pocket and unfavorable binding. Taken together, our results show how differential behavior of the ligand arises from a complex interplay of small but relevant structural differences upon binding to different kinase subtypes. The insights gained into the structural determinants of subtype selectivity will facilitate the further development of highly selective and potent inhibitors as drug candidates for cancer therapy.