bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Label-free flow cytometry of rare circulating tumor cell clusters in whole blood
Authors: Vora Nilay , Shekhar Prashant , Esmail Michael , Patra Abani , Georgakoudi Irene 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCirculating tumor cell clusters (CTCCs) are rare cellular events found in the blood stream of metastatic tumor patients. Despite their scarcity, they represent an increased risk for metastasis. Label-free detection methods of these events remain primarily limited to in vitro microfluidic platforms. Here, we expand on the use of confocal backscatter and fluorescence flow cytometry (BSFC) for label-free detection of CTCCs in whole blood using machine learning for peak detection/classification. BSFC uses a custom-built flow cytometer with three excitation wavelengths (405 nm, 488 nm, and 633 nm) and five detectors to detect CTCCs in whole blood based on corresponding scattering and fluorescence signals. In this study, detection of CTCC-associated GFP fluorescence is used as the ground truth to assess the accuracy of endogenous back-scattered light-based CTCC detection in whole blood. Using a machine learning model for peak detection/classification, we demonstrated that the combined use of backscattered signals at the three wavelengths enable detection of ~ 93% of all CTCCs larger than two cells with a purity of > 82% and an overall accuracy of > 95%. The high level of performance established through BSFC and machine learning demonstrates the potential for label-free detection and monitoring of CTCCs in whole blood. Further developments of label-free BSFC to enhance throughput could lead to important applications in the isolation of CTCCs in whole blood with minimal disruption and ultimately their detection in vivo.
Neurofilament light chain plasma levels are associated with area of brain damage in experimental cerebral malaria
Authors: Wai Chi Ho , Jin Jessica , Cyrklaff Marek , Genoud Christel , Funaya Charlotta , Sattler Julia , Maceski Aleksandra , Meier Stephanie , Heiland Sabine , Lanzer Michael , Frischknecht Friedrich , Kuhle Jens , Bendszus Martin , Hoffmann Angelika 
Published: June 2022

AbstractNeurofilament light chain (NfL), released during central nervous injury, has evolved as a powerful serum marker of disease severity in many neurological disorders, including infectious diseases. So far NfL has not been assessed in cerebral malaria in human or its rodent model experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), a disease that can lead to fatal brain edema or reversible brain edema. In this study we assessed if NfL serum levels can also grade disease severity in an ECM mouse model with reversible (n = 11) and irreversible edema (n = 10). Blood–brain-barrier disruption and brain volume were determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Neurofilament density volume as well as structural integrity were examined by electron microscopy in regions of most severe brain damage (olfactory bulb (OB), cortex and brainstem). NfL plasma levels in mice with irreversible edema (317.0 ± 45.01 pg/ml) or reversible edema (528.3 ± 125.4 pg/ml) were significantly increased compared to controls (103.4 ± 25.78 pg/ml) by three to five fold, but did not differ significantly in mice with reversible or irreversible edema. In both reversible and irreversible edema, the brain region most affected was the OB with highest level of blood–brain-barrier disruption and most pronounced decrease in neurofilament density volume, which correlated with NfL plasma levels (r = − 0.68, p = 0.045). In cortical and brainstem regions neurofilament density was only decreased in mice with irreversible edema and strongest in the brainstem. In reversible edema NfL plasma levels, MRI findings and neurofilament volume density normalized at 3 months’ follow-up. In conclusion, NfL plasma levels are elevated during ECM confirming brain damage. However, NfL plasma levels fail short on reliably indicating on the final outcomes in the acute disease stage that could be either fatal or reversible. Increased levels of plasma NfL during the acute disease stage are thus likely driven by the anatomical location of brain damage, the olfactory bulb, a region that serves as cerebral draining pathway into the nasal lymphatics.
A smart insole system capable of identifying proper heel raise posture for chronic ankle instability rehabilitation
Authors: Kim Jaewook , Kang Seonghyun , Kim Seung-Jong 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHeel raise is widely prescribed to patients with chronic ankle instability in order to strengthen the Peroneus Longus muscle (PL) which supports the weakened lateral collateral ligaments. While the exercise itself is intuitive, ankle orientation is of particular importance because heel raises performed with inversion do not well recruit the PL. This implies that proper execution is imperative and a means to assess heel raise training sessions is needed. In this study we present a smart insole system capable of identifying heel raise events and its corresponding rise, hold and drop phases, which allows for a more descriptive analysis. The results from our heel raise sessions, which consist of four different variants performed by five healthy subjects, suggest that medial–lateral foot pressure distribution and foot orientation are needed to differentiate heel raises performed with ankle eversion and inversion. We go further and substantiate that proper execution, detected by our system, indeed leads to increased PL activation by analyzing the electromyography signals. We believe that the proposed system may provide clinicians with invaluable information regarding onsite as well as at-home training and possibly, with biofeedback, serve as foundation for software as a medical device.
Unraveling mitochondrial piRNAs in mouse embryonic gonadal cells
Authors: Barreñada Odei , Larriba Eduardo , Fernández-Pérez Daniel , Brieño-Enríquez Miguel Ángel , del Mazo Martínez Jesús 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAlthough mitochondria are widely studied organelles, the recent interest in the role of mitochondrial small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs), miRNAs, and more recently, piRNAs, is providing new functional perspectives in germ cell development and differentiation. piRNAs (PIWI-interacting RNAs) are single-stranded sncRNAs of mostly about 20–35 nucleotides, generated from the processing of pre-piRNAs. We leverage next-generation sequencing data obtained from mouse primordial germ cells and somatic cells purified from early-differentiating embryonic ovaries and testis from 11.5 to 13.5 days postcoitum. Using bioinformatic tools, we elucidate (i) the origins of piRNAs as transcribed from mitochondrial DNA fragments inserted in the nucleus or from the mitochondrial genome; (ii) their levels of expression; and (iii) their potential roles, as well as their association with genomic regions encoding other sncRNAs (such as tRNAs and rRNAs) and the mitochondrial regulatory region (D-loop). Finally, our results suggest how nucleo-mitochondrial communication, both anterograde and retrograde signaling, may be mediated by mitochondria-associated piRNAs.
Clinical performance of a smartphone-based low vision aid
Authors: Yeo Joon Hyung , Bae Seon Ha , Lee Seung Hyeun , Kim Kyoung Woo , Moon Nam Ju 
Published: June 2022

AbstractReal-time digital image processing to optimally enhance low vision is now realizable with recent advances in personal computers. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a wearable smartphone-based low vision aid (LVA) with customizable vision enhancement in patients with visual impairment. We recruited 35 subjects with visual impairment and who were literate and cognitively capable. The subjects completed a training session and were provided a smartphone-based LVA for a 4-week use. Visual functions including binocular best-corrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities; reading performance (reading speed and accuracy); and facial recognition performance were measured at baseline and after 4-weeks use. All subjects also completed the Low Vision Quality of Life (LVQOL) Questionnaire. Thirty-four subjects (mean age, 43.82 ± 15.06 years) completed the study. Significant improvements in binocular best-corrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities were observed after smartphone-based LVA use (all p < 0.001). Reading accuracy and facial recognition performance also improved significantly (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively), but reading speed did not. LVQOL scores significantly improved after 4 weeks of use in subjects aged < 40 years (p = 0.024), but not in subjects aged ≥ 40 years (p = 0.653). Ocular and non-ocular adverse events were infrequent and resolved when the device was removed. The smartphone-based LVA with customizable vision enhancement could provide clinically significant improvements in the visual function of patients with visual impairment and was generally well tolerated. This study suggests that the smartphone-based LVA would be beneficial for visual rehabilitation.
The validity evaluation of different 16srRNA gene primers for helicobacter detection urgently requesting to design new specific primers
Authors: Abdelmalek Shaymaa , Shokry Karim , Hamed Wafy , Abdelnaser Mohammed , Aboubakr Ashraf , Elenin Sameh Abou , Ali Mohamed , Mostafa Mohamed , Abou-Okada Mahmoud 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMolecular diagnosis of helicobacters by PCR is simpler, more accurate, and feasible compared to other diagnostic methods. Validity and accuracy are highly dependent on the PCR primer design, diffusion time, and mutation rate of helicobacters. This study aimed to design 16srRNA -specific primers for Helicobacter spp. and H. pylori. Application of comparative statistical analysis of the diagnostic utility of the most available 16srRNA genus-specific primers. The new primers were designed using bioinformatics tools (MAFFT MSA and Gblocks command line). A comparative study was applied on nine genus-specific 16srRNA primers in comparison to the ConsH using in silico and laboratory evaluation. The results demonstrated that the best specificity and sensitivity of the primers designed for this study compared to other primers. The comparative study revealed that the heminested outer/inner primers were the worst. Although H276, 16srRNA(a), HeliS/Heli-nest, and Hcom had acceptable diagnostic utility, false positive and false negative results were obtained. Specificity testing on clinical samples indicated a surprising result; that H. pylori was not the sole enemy that we were looking for, but the Non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacters should be considered as a real risk prognostic for gastric diseases, consequently, a specific diagnosis and treatment should be developed. This study concluded that our designed primers were the most specific and sensitive in comparison with other primers. In addition, in silico evaluation is not accurate enough for primer assessment and that the laboratory evaluation is mandatory.
The cell cycle stage of bovine zygotes electroporated with CRISPR/Cas9-RNP affects frequency of Loss-of-heterozygosity editing events
Authors: Miskel Dennis , Poirier Mikhael , Beunink Luisa , Rings Franca , Held Eva , Tholen Ernst , Tesfaye Dawit , Schellander Karl , Salilew-Wondim Dessie , Blaschka Carina , Große-Brinkhaus Christine , Brenig Bertram , Hoelker Michael 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAt the embryonic level, CRISPR technologies have been used to edit genomes reliably and efficiently in various mammalian models, with Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) electroporation potentially representing a superior delivery method into mammalian zygotes. However, detailed insights of the interactions between varying technical settings as well as the time point of electroporation in a bovine zygote’s cell cycle on developmental metrics and the frequency and type of editing events are largely unknown. The present study uncovers that increasing pulse lengths result in higher Full Edit rates, with Mosaicism in Full-Edit embryos being significantly affected by adjusting RNP-electroporation relative to zygote cell cycle. A considerable proportion of Full Edit embryos demonstrated loss-of-heterozygosity after RNP-electroporation prior to S-phase. Some of these loss-of-heterozygosity events are a consequence of chromosomal disruptions along large sections of the target chromosomes making it necessary to check for their presence prior use of this technique in animal breeding. One out of 2 of these loss-of-heterozygosity events, however, was not associated with loss of an entire chromosome or chromosomal sections. Whether analysed loss-of-heterozygosity in these cases, however, was a false negative result due to loss of PCR primer sequences after INDEL formation at the target side or indeed due to interhomolog recombination needs to be clarified in follow up studies since the latter would for sure offer attractive options for future breeding schedules.
Genotypic and phylogenic analyses of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Al Ahsa, Eastern Saudi Arabia during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: First cases of Leishmania tropica with the predominance of Leishmania major
Authors: Al-Rashed Abdullatif S. , Al Jindan Reem , Al Jaroodi Salma , Al Mohanna Ahmed , Abdelhady Ahmed , El-Badry Ayman A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown period, a surge in sandflies and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases was observed in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Skin punch biopsies were obtained from 100 patients clinically diagnosed with CL in Al-Ahsa who had no travel history in the last 6 months. Impression smears were used following a three-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol using genus-specific primers targeting kDNA and ITS1. Leishmania speciation was determined by ITS1 PCR/nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing. A phylogenetic tree was constructed. The associated patient characteristics were analyzed. Using internal transcribed spacer one (ITS1)-PCR/nested PCR, 98 cases were considered true-positive CL. Leishmania major was the predominant species, and Leishmania tropica was identified in three cases. Microscopy had poor sensitivity and perfect specificity. Direct ITS1-PCR missed nine cases. Sex, residence, and treatment outcome were significantly associated with the occurrence of Leishmania; distribution of skin lesion(s) and treatment outcome were significantly associated with Leishmania genotype. This is the first time that L. tropica was identified as a cause of CL in human in Al-Ahsa, in addition to the predominant zoonotic species, L. major. We recommend using ITS1-nested PCR for negative cases by ITS1-PCR. Further exploration of Leishmania transmission dynamics in vectors and reservoir animals is essential for designing effective preventive measures.
Evaluation the loosening of abutment screws in fluid contamination: an in vitro study
Authors: Sun Fei , Cheng Wei , Zhao Bao-hong , Song Gui-Qiu , Lin Zeng 
Published: June 2022

AbstractScrew loosening is one of the most common clinical problems of dental implants. Research on the influencing factors of screw loosening is very important to prevent screw loosening. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of liquid contamination on the screw loosening. According to the contamination condition, forty-five abutment screws were divided into three groups (n = 15): no contamination, artificial saliva contamination, and mouthwash contamination. The preload and friction coefficient of the abutment screws were recorded. Then, the reverse torque values (RTVs) and settlement were measured after 3.0 × 105 and 6.0 × 105 cycles. The surface wear of the screws was analyzed. Finally, the stress distribution of the abutment screws was calculated by finite element analysis (FEA). The results showed that fluid contamination reduced the friction coefficient, increased the preload, decrease the settlement, improved resistance to screw loosening, and reduced wear on the thread surface. Appropriate antimicrobial lubrication may improve the anti-loosening performance of abutment screws and prevent excessive wear on the threaded surface.
Structure of the magma plumbing system beneath Semisopochnoi Island (Aleutian Arc) inferred from seismic tomography
Authors: Yaroshenko Galina , Koulakov Ivan , Al-Arifi Nassir , Qaysi Saleh , El Khrepy Sami 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSemisopochnoi Island is a remote and little-studied volcanic island in the western part of the Aleutian Arc. The existence of several active volcanic centers and a 5000–7000-year-old large caldera makes this island an important site for volcanic hazard assessment in the Northern Pacific. Based on local seismicity data recorded by six permanent seismic stations, we created the seismic tomography model, including the 3D distributions of Vp, Vs, and Vp/Vs ratios to a depth of 10 km. This model provides the first geophysical insight into the interior structure of Semisopochnoi Island and sheds light on the processes in the magma plumbing system beneath all volcanic centers on the island. At depths of 5–10 km, we observed a columnar-shaped high Vp/Vs-ratio anomaly below the caldera in the central part of the island, which likely represents the steady magma conduit. This conduit is headed by a prominent high Vp/Vs-ratio anomaly located 3–5 km directly below the caldera, which represents the magma reservoir feeding Cerberus and other Holocene-aged volcanic centers on Semisopochnoi Island.
Prevalence and outcome of anemia among children hospitalized for pneumonia and their risk of mortality in a developing country
Authors: Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Kawser Chowdhury Ali , Rahman Abu Sayem Mirza Md Hasibur , Shahid Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayeem Bin , Afroze Farzana , Shahunja K. M. , Shahrin Lubaba , Sarmin Monira , Nuzhat Sharika , Rahman Ahmed Ehsanur , Alam Tahmina , Parvin Irin , Ackhter M. S. T. Mahmuda , Mamun Gazi Md. Salahuddin , Shaima Shamsun Nahar , Faruque Abu Syed Golam , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: June 2022

AbstractData are limited on the prevalence and outcome of anemia and its risk on mortality among children under five years of age hospitalized for pneumonia/severe pneumonia. Thus, we conducted a secondary analysis of data extracted from Dhaka Hospital of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh to address the evidence gap. Among 3468 children fulfilling the study criteria,1712 (49.4%) had anemia. If children aged ≤ 1.0, > 1.0 to 2.0, > 2.0 to < 6.0, and ≥ 6.0 to 59 months had blood hemoglobin (Hb) value of ≤ 10.7 g/dL, ≤ 9.4 g/dL, ≤ 9.5 g/dL, and ≤ 11 g/dl respectively; we considered them anemic. The trend of prevalence of anemia was found to be inversely related to increasing age (Chi-square for linear trend analysis was done to understand the relation of anemia with increasing age, which was = 6.96; p = 0.008). During hospitalization anemic children more often developed respiratory failure (7.2% vs. 4.4%, p < 0.001) and fatal outcome (7.1.0% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.001) than the children who did not have anemia. After adjusting for potential confounders, such as female sex, lack of immunization, abnormal mental status, severe acute malnutrition, dehydration, hypoxemia, severe sepsis, and bacteremia using multivariable logistic regression analysis, anemia was found to be independently associated with fatal outcome (OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.23–2.89, p = 0.004). Thus, future interventional studies on the early management of anemia may be warranted to understand whether the intervention reduces the morbidity and deaths in such children.
Perfect association between spatial swarm segregation and the X-chromosome speciation island in hybridizing Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae populations
Authors: Niang Abdoulaye , Maïga Hamidou , Sawadogo Simon P. , Konaté Lassana , Faye Ousmane , Lee Yoosook , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Tripet Frederic 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe sibling species An. coluzzii and An. gambiae s.s. are major malaria vectors thought to be undergoing sympatric speciation with gene flow. In the absence of intrinsic post-zygotic isolation between the two taxa, speciation is thought possible through the association of assortative mating and genomic regions protected from gene flow by recombination suppression. Such genomic islands of speciation have been described in pericentromeric regions of the X, 2L and 3L chromosomes. Spatial swarm segregation plays a major role in assortative mating between sympatric populations of the two species and, given their importance for speciation, genes responsible for such pre-mating reproductive barriers are expected to be protected within divergence islands. In this study 2063 male and 266 female An. coluzzii and An. gambiae s.s. individuals from natural swarms in Burkina Faso, West Africa were sampled. These were genotyped at 16 speciation island SNPs, and characterized as non-hybrid individuals, F1 hybrids or recombinant F1+n backcrossed individuals. Their genotypes at each speciation island were associated with their participation in An. coluzzii and An. gambiae-like swarms. Despite extensive introgression between the two species, the X-island genotype of non-hybrid individuals (37.6%), F1 hybrids (0.1%) and F1+n recombinants (62.3%) of either sex perfectly associated to each swarm type. Associations between swarm type and the 3L and 2L speciation islands were weakened or broken down by introgression. The functional demonstration of a close association between spatial segregation behaviour and the X speciation island lends further support to sympatric speciation models facilitated by pericentric recombination suppression in this important species complex.
Consistency of pacing profile according to performance level in three different editions of the Chicago, London, and Tokyo marathons
Authors: Oficial-Casado Fran , Uriel Jordi , Jimenez-Perez Irene , Goethel Márcio Fagundes , Pérez-Soriano Pedro , Priego-Quesada Jose Ignacio 
Published: June 2022

AbstractRunning pacing has become a focus of interest over recent years due to its relationship with performance, however, it is still unknown the consistency of each race in different editions. The aim of this study is to analyze the consistency of pacing profile in three consecutive editions of three marathon races. A database of 282,808 runners, compiled from three different races (Chicago, London, and Tokyo Marathon) and three editions (2017, 2018, and 2019) was analyzed. Participants were categorized according to their time performance in the marathon, every 30 min from 2:30 h to sub-6 h. The relative speed of each section for each runner was calculated as a percentage of the average speed for the entire race. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of relative speed at the different pacing section, taking into account the runner time categories, was excellent over the three marathon editions (ICC > 0.93). The artificial intelligence model showed an accuracy of 86.8% to classify the runners' data in three marathons, suggesting a consistency between editions with identifiable differences between races. In conclusion, although some differences have been observed between editions in certain sections and marathon runner categories, excellent consistency of the pacing profile was observed. The study of pacing profile in a specific marathon can, therefore, be helpful for runners, coaches and marathon organizers for planning the race and improving its organization.