bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Affordable Optical Clearing and Immunolabelling in Mouse Brain Slices
Authors: Muza Phillip M. , Perez-Gonzalez Marta , Noy Suzanna , Kurosawa Miyu , Katsouri Loukia , Tybulewicz Victor L. J. , Fisher Elizabeth M.C. , West Steven J. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Traditional histological analysis is conducted on thin tissue sections, limiting the data capture from large tissue volumes to 2D profiles, and requiring stereological methods for 3D assessment. Recent advances in microscopical and tissue clearing methods have facilitated 3D reconstructions of tissue structure. However, staining of large tissue blocks remains a challenge, often requiring specialised and expensive equipment to clear and immunolabel tissue. Here, we present the Affordable Brain Slice Optical Clearing (ABSOC) method: a modified iDISCO protocol which enables clearing and immunolabeling of mouse brain slices up to 1 mm thick using inexpensive reagents and equipment, with no intensive expert training required. The ABSOC method can be readily used for histological studies of mouse brain in order to move from the use of very thin tissue sections to large volumes of tissue – giving more representative analysis of biological samples, without the need for sampling of small regions only.
Patient democracies?
Authors: Kiss Hubert Janos , Horn Daniel , Khayouti Sára 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
There is growing evidence that schooling and income associate positively with democracy and patience, suggesting a potential link between democracy and patience. We test if indeed the political regime of countries associates with the average patience of their citizens. We document a highly significant positive raw association between the level of democracy and patience for all the political regime indices that we use. Considering regional controls, geographical conditions and culture (proxied by religion) only diminishes the strength of the association slightly. However, economic development and schooling have a mediating role in the relationship between patience and political regime.JEL: code, D02, D12
Intraoperative Low-dose S-ketamine Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Crohn’s Disease Undergoing Bowel Resection: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Yuan Zhen-Yu , Zhang Wen-Hao , Wang Yi-Bo , Cui Li-Ying , Lu Bo-Xuan , Zhang Jie , Gong Jian-Feng , Ji Qing , Cheng Hao , Gao Da-Peng , Lu Yin-Xiao 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose
We aim to investigate the effect of S-ketamine preconditioning on postoperative depression in patients with CD undergoing bowel resection with mild to moderate depression and to observe whether it can relieve postoperative pain and anti-inflammation.
Methods
A total of 120 adult patients were randomised in to one of the two groups; Patients in the S-ketamine group received 0.25mg/kg S-ketamine intravenous drip under general anesthesia induction, followed by continuous infusion of S-ketamine with 0.12mg/kg/h for more than 30 minutes through target-controlled infusion. Patients in the placebo group received 0.9% saline. The patients in both groups were evaluated by depression scale, pain scale and inflammatory factors at set intervals during a total period of one month starting from the end of operation.
Results
There was no significant difference in preoperative age, sex, body mass index (BMI), PHQ-9, and HAMD-17 scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). The scores of PHQ-9 and HAMD-17 in the S-ketamine group were lower than those in the placebo group on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th day postoperatively (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in PHQ-9 and HAMD-17 scores between the two groups one month postoperatively (P > 0.05). The NRS scores of PACU, 1 day and 2 days postoperatively in the S-ketamine group were lower than those in the placebo group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in NRS score between the two groups at 7 days postoperatively (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications, hospital stay, CRP, and IL-6 levels on the 1st and 3rd day postoperatively between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
In patients with Crohn’s disease undergoing bowel resection with mild to moderate depression, intraoperative infusion of low-dose S-ketamine was effective in relieving depression one week after surgery and reducing postoperative pain two-day.
MCM5 mutation leads to silence of Stat1-bcl2 and accelerates the apoptosis of immature T lymphocytes with DNA damage
Authors: Liu Min , Xia Jiamin , Zhang Ke , Li Yuanyuan , Feng Yi , Liang Yundan , Sun Chengfu , Liu Xindong , Li Shurong , Su Binying , Dong Yong , Huang Sizhou 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
During T lymphocyte development, immature T lymphocyte undergoes V(D)J rearrangement of T-cell receptor (TCR) genes to further develop to functional T cells. Upon this situation, additional DNA damage coming from the mutation of DNA replication genes sensitively makes immature T cells undergo apoptosis. While the mechanisms how immature T lymphocytes undergo fast cell death upon genomic instability have not been resolved. In our current study, we showed that in zebrafish mcm5 mutants, the immature T cells specifically and cell-autonomously undergo rapid apoptosis during T lymphocytes maturation. In mechanism, mcm5 loss of function results in DNA damage and up-regulation of tp53 signaling, sequentially gives rise to immature T lymphocytes apoptosis. Meanwhile upon mcm5 mutant, the absence of MCM5 decreases MCM5-Stat1 complex and disrupts phosphorylation of Stat1, which sequentially inhibits bcl2a transcription and accelerates the apoptosis of immature T lymphocytes. As the evidence, after blocking DNA synthesizing using chemical DNA synthesis inhibitors, MCM5 facilitates the up-regulation of bcl2a transcription to avoid rapid death of immature T lymphocytes. Our study first provides a mechanism as to how immature T cells with DNA damage coming from endogenous DNA replication stress are rapidly cleared off during early development, as well explains the extra biological role of MCM5 beside the role in DNA duplication regulation.
Finite-Time Containment Control for Multiple Euler-Lagrange Systems Based on Disturbance Observer: A Discrete-Time Case
Authors: Guo Xinchen , Wei Guoliang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This paper focuses on the finite-time containment control problem (FTCCP) for multiple discrete-time Euler-Lagrange (DTEL) systems under a directed graph. Firstly, the DTEL system is transformed into a discrete-time second-order nonlinear system (DTSONS) via Euler's first-order approximation method. Then, to deal with the model uncertainties and external disturbance for the DTEL system, a local discrete-time disturbance observer (DTDO) is addressed to estimate them, which can guarantee the estimation error to be bounded within finite steps. Next, a distributed control strategy is designed, as well as some sufficient conditions are presented such that all followers converge to the convex hull spanned by the dynamic leaders within a finite time. Furthermore, an optimization algorithm is proposed to seek out the minimum upper bound of the tracking error. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical results is illustrated by the simulation examples.
Changes in arterial stiffness in children and adolescents during the period of social restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Godoy-Leite Mariana , Santos Fernanda Gabriela Colombo Drumond , Penido Eduardo Augusto Resende , Ribeiro Kennad Alves , Santos Luzia Maria dos , Rodrigues-Machado Maria da Gloria , Rezende Bruno Almeida 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
PURPOSE: The social restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic had a great impact on the routine of children and adolescents, with important consequences such as sleep, eating, and psychological/psychiatric disorders. Even though there are no studies on the subject, it is possible that these changes in habit and routine have also affected arterial stiffness (AS) in this population, which is an important predictor of cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to assess possible changes in AS, anthropometry, and quality of life (QoL) resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents. METHODS: A controlled observational cross-sectional study was performed with 193 children and adolescents aged 9 to 19 years, allocated into two groups: before the pandemic (BPG) and one year after the pandemic (APG), matched by age and sex. Cardiovascular parameters were measured non-invasively by brachial artery oscillometry with a portable device. The main AS indices evaluated were the augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) derived from the aortic pulse wave. QoL was assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0). RESULTS: Regarding QoL, the APG showed a worsening in emotional (p=0.002) and school-related (p=0.010) aspects. There was no statistically significant difference for most anthropometric parameters, except for the hip circumference, which was higher in the APG group (p<0.001). The main predictor of AS in the paediatric population, AIx@75, was shown to be increased in the APG group (p<0.001). Other cardiovascular parameters were also different, such as peripheral (p=0.002) and central (p=0.003) diastolic blood pressure, stroke volume (p=0.010), and total vascular resistance (p=0.002), which were shown to be decreased in the APG group, while the heart rate was increased (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that routine changes resulting from the period of social isolation increased cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents, evident by the increase in AIx@75, which is considered to be an important marker of cardiovascular risk in the paediatric population.
Maternal adverse childhood experiences impact fetal adrenal volume in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Duffy Korrina , Sammel Mary D. , Johnson Rachel L. , Kim Deborah R. , Wang Eileen Y. , Ewing Grace , Hantsoo Liisa , Kornfield Sara L. , Bale Tracy L. , Epperson Neill 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
The mechanisms by which parental early life stress can be transmitted to the next generation, in some cases in a sex-specific manner, are unclear. Maternal preconception stress may increase susceptibility to suboptimal health outcomes via in utero programming of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
Methods
We recruited healthy pregnant women (N = 147), dichotomized into low (0 or 1) and high (2+) adverse childhood experience (ACE) groups based on the ACE Questionnaire, to test the hypothesis that maternal ACE history influences fetal adrenal development in a sex-specific manner. At a mean (standard deviation) of 21.5 (1.4) and 29.5 (1.4) weeks gestation, participants underwent three-dimensional ultrasounds to measure fetal adrenal volume, adjusting for body weight (waFAV).
Results
At ultrasound 1, waFAV was smaller in high versus low ACE males (b= -0.17; z=-3.75; p < .001), but females did not differ by maternal ACE group (b = 0.09; z = 1.72; p = .086). Compared to low ACE males, waFAV was smaller for low (b=-0.20; z=-4.10; p < .001) and high ACE females (b=-0.11; z = 2.16; p = .031); however, high ACE males did not differ from low (b = 0.03; z = .57; p = .570) or high ACE females (b=-0.06; z=-1.29; p = .196). At ultrasound 2, compared to low ACE males, high ACE males (b=-0.08; z=-1.58; p = .114) and low ACE females (b=-0.09; z=-1.92; p = .055) had marginally smaller waFAV. Perceived stress did not differ between maternal ACE groups at baseline (t=-0.58; df = 142.18; p = .562), ultrasound 1 (t =-1.46; df = 141.05; p = .148), or ultrasound 2 (t=-0.67; df = 140.55; p = .504).
Conclusions
We observed a significant impact of high maternal ACE history on waFAV, a proxy for fetal adrenal development, but only in males. Our observation that the waFAV in males of mothers with a high ACE history did not differ from the waFAV of females extends preclinical research demonstrating a dysmasculinizing effect of gestational stress on a range of offspring outcomes. Future studies investigating intergenerational transmission of stress should consider the influence of maternal preconception stress on offspring outcomes.
Bulbospongiosus Muscle Frecuency Activity is Modified by Sucrose Consumption During Pregnancy-lactation and Postweaning Offspring Male Rats
Authors: Rodriguez-Antolín Jorge , Santacruz Saret Dávila , Corona-Quintanilla Dora , Velázquez-Orozco Verónica , Martínez-Gómez Margarita , Castelán Francisco , Cuevas-Romero Estela , Toledo Leticia Nicolás 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Disorders of perineal musculature, as the bulbospongiosus muscle (Bsm), could cause male sexual dysfunctions, such as premature ejaculation. We determined the effect of sucrose water consumption during pregnancy-lactation and postweaning on the Bsm frequency during the urethrogenital reflex (UGR), which simulates erection and ejaculation, in adult male rat offspring. Twelve female rats were mated and grouped in control mothers consumed tap-water and sucrose mothers consumed sucrose-water during pregnancy-lactation. Male pups were weaned and assigned into four groups (n = 12 each): those from control mothers who continued drinking tap-water (CM–CO group) or sucrose-water (CM–SO group) until adult life, and those from sucrose mothers who drank tap-water (SM–CO group) or continued drinking sucrose-water (SM–SO group) until adult life. We analyzed Bsm electromyograms during penile stimulation and UGR in male rat offspring (n = 6; each group). We analyzed the frequency of the Bsm through Fourier Transform. Other males rat offspring (n = 6; each group) were killed and was collected the Bsm and processed into histological analysis. Two-way ANOVA followed by posthoc tests, considering P ≤ 0.05 significant difference. The results showed that the consumption of sucrose-water during critical stages increases significantly the frequency of Bsm during the UGR of the CM-SO, SM-CO and SM-SO. Also, the consumption of high-sugar diets changes the morphological arrangement of the Bsm. Our results suggest that a combination of a high-sugar diet during pregnancy, lactation, and post-weaning changes the Bsm morpho-physiology and could cause male sexual dysfunctions.
PIV visualization of flow pattern in left heart ventricle model with double valve replacement
Authors: Harikrishnan Satheesh Kumar , Sharma Shailendra D. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The present study elucidates the flow features evolving within the ventricle of a beating left heart model with two mechanical heart valves (MHVs) fixed in mitral and aortic positions. This configuration represents the clinical case of double valve replacement (DVR). Two types of MHVs were used – bi-leaflet mechanical heart valve (BMHV) and mono-leaflet mechanical heart valve (MMHV). Leaflets of MHVs in the mitral position were aligned to mimic closely that of the anatomical mitral valve, whereas in the aortic position their alignment was varied in two different orientations. A 2D Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique was used to explore flow details in the mid-coronal plane of the left ventricle (LV) for 50 cardiac cycles. The heartbeat was simulated at the rate of 60 cycles per minute maintaining the ejection fraction of 45%. In BMHV cases, both the orientations of the aortic valve (AV) produced entirely different non-physiological flow patterns. But in MMHV cases both the orientations of the aortic valve produced flow patterns similar to the physiological flow patterns. The LV contraction during systole exhibited a strong dependence on the AV orientation. Energy loss (EL) due to viscous dissipation, obtained from the strain rate, shows that phase-wise distribution over a complete cardiac cycle is affected by the AV orientation, but the net integrated values show only a marginal difference for BMHV whereas a significant difference for MMHV. Based on the findings, this study suggests that consideration of the AV orientation is important for better LV performance in the DVR conditions and hence for post-surgical cardiac health.
Diverse skill of seasonal dynamical models in forecasting South Asian monsoon precipitation and the influence of ENSO and IOD
Authors: Stacey J , Salmon K , Janes T , Colman A , Colledge F , Bett P E , Sriniva G , Pai D S 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The South Asia Seasonal Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) issues seasonal tercile precipitation forecasts to provide advance warning of anomalously dry or wet monsoon seasons in South Asia. To increase objectivity of the SASCOF seasonal outlook, the World Meteorological Organisation recommends using a multi-model ensemble combining the most skilful dynamical seasonal models for the region. We assess the skill of 12 dynamical models at forecasting seasonal precipitation totals for 1993–2016 for the southwest (July-September) and northeast (October-December) monsoon seasons at both regional and national levels for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, using identical forecast periods, hindcast initialisation months and domain used at the SASCOF. All models demonstrate positive skill when regionally averaged, especially for the southwest monsoon season, noting considerable spatial differences. Models demonstrate highest skill in areas with strong ENSO teleconnections in the observations, e.g., central/north India and Nepal during the southwest monsoon, and Afghanistan and north Pakistan during the northeast monsoon. Models with higher skill typically simulate an exaggerated ENSO teleconnection. Model skill is especially low in northwest India and northeast of the region during the southwest monsoon, e.g., Bangladesh (despite high precipitation totals) coinciding with a weak ENSO teleconnection. The IOD teleconnection is less pronounced in the SW monsoon season, whereas the spatial pattern for the NE monsoon season closely resembles that of ENSO. Due to the high variability in model skill, we recommend including all models in the multi-model ensemble for the basis of the SASCOF forecast but discounting poorly performing models at the national level.
Equity in vaccine coverage in Uganda from 2000 to 2016: Revealing the multifaceted nature of inequity.
Authors: Ssebagereka Anthony , de Broucker Gatien , Ekirapa-Kiracho Elizabeth , Kananura Rornald Muhumuza , Driwale Alfred , Mak Joshua , Mutebi Aloysius , Patenaude Bryan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
This study analyses vaccine coverage and equity among children under five years of age in Uganda based on the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) dataset. Understanding equity in vaccine access and the determinants is crucial for the redress of emerging as well as persistent inequities.
Methods
Applied to the UDHS for 2000, 2006, 2011, and 2016, the Vaccine Economics Research for Sustainability and Equity (VERSE) Equity Toolkit provides a multivariate assessment of immunization coverage and equity by (1) ranking the sample population with a composite direct unfairness index, (2) generating quantitative measure of efficiency (coverage) and equity, and (3) decomposing inequity into its contributing factors. The direct unfairness ranking variable is the predicted vaccination coverage from a logistic model based upon fair and unfair sources of variation in vaccination coverage. Our fair source of variation is defined as the child’s age – children too young to receive routine immunization are not expected to be vaccinated. Unfair sources of variation are the child’s region of residence, and whether they live in an urban or rural area, the mother’s education level, the household’s socioeconomic status, the child’s sex, and their insurance coverage status. For each unfair source of variation, we identify a “more privileged” situation.
Results
DPT3 and MCV1 coverage and equity – two vaccines indicative of performance – improved significantly since 2000, from 49.7–76.8% and 67.8–82.7%, respectively, and there are fewer zero-dose children: from 8.4–2.2%. Improvements in retaining children in the program so that they complete the immunization schedule are more modest (from 38.1–40.8%). Except for MCV1, the main drivers for the lack of vaccination shifted from supply-side factors (e.g., availability of vaccines at clinics, disparities between regions) to more demand-side factors – primarily maternal education.
Conclusion
The past two decades have seen significant improvements in vaccine coverage and equity, thanks to the efforts to strengthen routine immunization and ongoing SIA such as the Family Health Days. While maintaining the regular provision of vaccines to all regions, efforts should be made to alleviate the impact of low maternal education and literacy on vaccination uptake.
UAV and Relay Cooperation Based on RSS for Extending Smart Environments Coverage Area in B5G
Authors: Saif Abdu , Dimyati Kaharudin , Noordin Kamarul Ariffin , Alsamhi Saeed Hamood , Mosali Najmaddin Abo , Gupta Sachin Kumar 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In smart environments, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be used as mobile base stations to deliver services to monitoring areas. However , smart devices are located outside of the UAV coverage area. Therefore, the combination of UAV and relay hops can be used to increase the coverage area to devices outside of the UAV coverage. Signal strength plays a vital role in identifying the coverage area of UAVs. This paper examines the Received Signal Strength (RSS) of the cooperation UAV and relay for improving wireless coverage and establishing large-scale communication in smart environments in Beyond the fifth Generation (B5G). The findings show that UAV cooperation can increase wireless coverage through relay hops from Device to Device (D2D). Received signal strength has significantly. enhanced the cooperation of UAV and relay to extend the smart environment coverage area. Finally, multihop D2D helps increase UAV spectrum efficiency and RSS in different environment coverage scenarios.
Natural regeneration of drylands and associated pathways to human health outcomes: perspectives from rural households
Authors: Murage Peninah , Asenga Ayoub , Tarimo Angelina , Njung'e Tabby , Zaan Thijs van der , Chiwanga Faraja 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Land degradation and climate change are intertwined global challenges, their implications on human health is driven by unsustainable use of natural resources which results to loss of vital ecosystem services. Although exploitation of natural resources has benefited human-wellbeing, it has also resulted to catastrophic degradation of landscapes, acutely affecting populations living in the most fragile ecosystems. Landscape restoration is widely advocated to reverse degradation, however, implementation has outpaced research on impact, particularly with regards to human-health outcomes. This study documents perspectives of rural communities living in dryland and demonstrates a novel application of ecosystem services framework to conceptualise the pathways to health. The analysis of group discussions show how Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) can reverse decades of land degradation with cascading benefits on climate change resilience and multiple health outcomes linked to heat adaptation, sustained food and nutritional security, improved air and water quality, income diversification and gender equality.