bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nocturia independently predicts left ventricular hypertrophy and left atrial enlargement among patients with cardiac symptoms
Authors: Kao Kuo-Wei , Cheng Weiming , Wu Ching-Ju , Fan Yu-Hua 
Published: September 2022

AbstractNocturia can be caused by urological disorders and systemic diseases, including heart diseases. We aimed to investigate the relationship between nocturia and structural abnormalities on echocardiography. Adult patients who underwent echocardiography for cardiac symptoms or heart murmur or had a history of structural heart disease were included. The voiding times during sleep hours were collected prospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of bothersome nocturia (nocturia ≥ 2) on echocardiographic abnormalities. Of 299 patients, 182 (60.9%) reported bothersome nocturia. In patients aged ≥ 65 years, hypertension and left atrial enlargement (LAE) were associated with higher occurrences of bothersome nocturia. On multivariate analysis, bothersome nocturia was a predictive factor of LAE (odds ratio [OR] 2.453, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.363–4.416, p = 0.003). Moreover, bothersome nocturia could predict both LAE and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (OR 2.285, 95% CI 1.151–4.536, p = 0.018; OR 2.056, 95% CI 1.025–4.124, p = 0.043) in the elderly. Older age, hypertension, and LAE were risk factors for bothersome nocturia. Moreover, bothersome nocturia was predictive of LAE and LVH in the elderly. Patients with bothersome nocturia without other significant lower urinary tract symptoms should be referred to cardiologists.
Swept-source OCT for corneal graft quantitative evaluation in the eye bank and the correlation of the measurements to pre-excision values
Authors: Kaluzny Bartlomiej J. , Mlyniuk Patryk , Liberski Slawomir , Jimenez-Villar Alfonso , Machalińska Anna , Grulkowski Ireneusz 
Published: September 2022

AbstractQuantitative evaluation of the human corneal grafts stored in the tissue banks is usually limited to endothelial cell density and central thickness. Swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) is capable of measuring the central curvatures of the corneal tissue prepared for transplantation without loss of sterileness, providing insights on its refractive state. The aim of the paper is to compare in vitro SS-OCT measurements with pre-excision values. Hand-held keratometry and ultrasound pachymetry was performed on 22 corneas before excision of corneoscleral button and insertion in the vial with Eusol-C solution (AlchimiaS.r.l, Nicolò, Italy). After 12 to 36 h of hypothermic storage the corneas were examined within the vials with custom built SS-OCT system maintaining a sterile environment. The anterior and posterior central curvatures, and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured. Rotation of the corneoscleral button was controlled by making a 6-o'clock mark during excision. Mean pre-excision CCT was 626.45 ± 28.71 µm and 468.05 ± 52.96 µm when measured with SS OCT (r = 0.55; p < 0.001). Respective values for average keratometry were 7.74 ± 0.39 mm and 7.92 ± 0.57 mm (r = 0.6; p = 0.22). Although high differences were observed in corneal thickness, keratometric radius of curvature at the flat (r = 0.42; p < 0.001) and steep (r = 0.62; p = 0.014) meridian of the anterior corneal surface, as well as corneal anterior astigmatism (r = 0.3; p < 0.001), showed good correlation with pre-excision values. SS-OCT is capable of providing quantitative evaluation of the human corneal grafts in hypothermic storage. Good correlation between curvature measurements before excision and during banking in the vial indicates its clinical utility.
Enhancing the electrical properties of graphite nanoflake through gamma-ray irradiation
Authors: Nguyen Anh Tuan , Lee Youlim , Nguyen Phuong Quang Hoang , Dera Przemyslaw , Yoon Sang-Hee , Lee Woochul 
Published: September 2022

AbstractUnderstanding changes in material properties through external stimuli is critical to validating the expected performance of materials as well as engineering material properties in a controlled manner. Here, we investigate a change in the c-axis electrical properties of graphite nanoflakes (GnFs) induced by gamma-ray irradiation, using conductive probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM). The fundamentals behind the change in their electrical properties are elucidated by analyzing the interlayer spacing, graphitization, and morphology. An increase in gamma-ray irradiation dose for GnFs leads to an exponential increase in the electrical conductance and a gradual decrease in the interlayer spacing, while accompanying indistinguishable changes in their morphology. Our experimental results suggest that the c-axis electrical conductance enhancement of GnFs with gamma-ray irradiation might be attributed to a reduction in interlayer spacing, though the created defects may also play a role. This study demonstrates that gamma-ray irradiation can be a promising route to tailor the electrical properties of GnFs.
Long-term blast control in high eating quality rice using multilines
Authors: Ishikawa Kouji , Kuroda Tomohisa , Hori Takeshi , Iwata Daisuke , Matsuzawa Seijiro , Nakabayashi Jun , Sasaki Akira , Ashizawa Taketo 
Published: September 2022

AbstractCombining genetic heterogeneity and crop homogeneity serves a dual purpose: disease control and maintaining harvest quality. Multilines, which consist of a genetically uniform mixture of plants, have the potential to suppress disease while maintaining eating quality, yet practical methods that facilitate commercial use over large geographical areas are lacking. Here, we describe effective rice multiline management based on seed mixture composition changes informed by monitoring virulent blast races in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The most elite nonglutinous cultivar, Koshihikari, was converted into the multiline, Koshihikari BL (blast resistant lines) and planted on 94,000 ha in 2005. The most destructive rice disease, blast, was 79.4% and 81.8% less severe in leaves and panicles, respectively, during the 2005–2019 period compared to the year 2004. In addition, fungicidal application was reduced by two-thirds after the introduction of BL. Our results suggest that seed mixture diversification and rotation of resistant BL provides long-term disease control by avoiding virulent race evolution.
Rac-deficient cerebellar granule neurons die before they migrate to the internal granule layer
Authors: Katayama Kei-ichi , Zheng Yi , Inoue Norimitsu 
Published: September 2022

AbstractGranule neurons are the most common cell type in the cerebellum. They are generated in the external granule layer and migrate inwardly, forming the internal granule layer. Small Rho GTPases play various roles during development of the nervous system and may be involved in generation, differentiation and migration of granule neurons. We deleted Rac1, a member of small Rho GTPases, by GFAP-Cre driver in cerebellar granule neurons and Bergmann glial cells. Rac1flox/flox; Cre mice showed impaired migration and slight reduction in the number of granule neurons in the internal granule layer. Deletion of both Rac1 and Rac3 resulted in almost complete absence of granule neurons. Rac-deficient granule neurons differentiated into p27 and NeuN-expressing post mitotic neurons, but died before migration to the internal granule layer. Loss of Rac3 has little effect on granule neuron development. Rac1flox/flox; Rac3+/−; Cre mice showed intermediate phenotype between Rac1flox/flox; Cre and Rac1flox/flox; Rac3−/−; Cre mice in both survival and migration of granule neurons. Rac3 itself seems to be unimportant in the development of the cerebellum, but has some roles in Rac1-deleted granule neurons. Conversely, overall morphology of Rac1+/flox; Rac3−/−; Cre cerebella was normal. One allele of Rac1 is therefore thought to be sufficient to promote development of cerebellar granule neurons.
Intensive field measurements for characterizing the permeability and methane release with the treatment process of pressure-relief mining
Authors: Zhang Cun , Song Ziyu , Bai Qingsheng , Zhang Lei , Chen Jianhang 
Published: September 2022

AbstractCharacterizing the permeability evolution and methane release is of great significance for the safe mining of the high gas outburst seams, as well as coal and gas simultaneous extraction. It contributes to reduce methane emissions from coal mining for greenhouse effect control. Theoretical analysis, laboratory testing, and numerical simulation are widely used methods to characterize the permeability and methane release with the treatment process of pressure-relief mining. However, these methods cannot fully reflect the complexity of filed practice. In this study, we report the effectiveness of protective coal seam (PCS) mining and the pressure-relief area in the protected coal seam (PDCS) based on detailed and integrated field measurements in a Chinese coal mine. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to measure the permeability coefficient and gas pressure evolution in the PDCS during the process of PCS longwall mining. The evolution of the permeability coefficient in the pressure-relief area during PCS mining can be divided into four stages: slowly decreasing, sharply increasing, gradually decreasing, and basically stable. The maximum permeability coefficient is 322 times of the initial value and stabilized at 100 times after the goaf compacted. The gas pressure evolution in the PDCS indicates that the strike pressure relief angle is 52.2° at the active longwall face zone, and 59.3° at the installation roadway side. The inclined pressure relief angles at the lower and upper sides of the longwall face are 75° and 78.9°, respectively. The residual gas content and gas pressure of the PDCS in the pressure-relief area are reduced to less than 6 m3/t and within 0.4 MPa, respectively. The field measurements further prove that pressure-relief mining can prevent coal and gas outbursts in PDCSs. The field observations in this paper can serve as benchmark evidence for theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, and also provide insights into realizing safety mining in similar conditions.
Electrospun P3HT/PVDF-HFP semiconductive nanofibers for triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Lin Meng-Fang , Chang Kang-Wei , Lee Chia-Hsien , Wu Xin-Xian , Huang Yu-Ching 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis paper describes a simple electrospinning approach for fabricating poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) semiconductive nanofiber mat triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). Measurements of the electrical properties of the P3HT/PVDF-HFP semiconductive nanofiber TENGs revealed that the output voltage could be enhanced up to 78 V with an output current of 7 μA. The output power of the device reached 0.55 mW, sufficient to power 500 red light-emitting diodes instantaneously, as well as a digital watch. The P3HT/PVDF-HFP semiconductive nanofiber TENG could be used not only as a self-powered device but also as a sensor for monitoring human action. Furthermore, it displayed good durability when subjected to 20,000 cycles of an external force test.
A retrospective study on the association between urine metanephrines and cardiometabolic risk in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma
Authors: Parasiliti-Caprino Mirko , Lopez Chiara , Bollati Martina , Bioletto Fabio , Sola Chiara , Di Carlo Maria Chiara , Ponzetto Federico , Gesmundo Iacopo , Settanni Fabio , Ghigo Ezio , Mengozzi Giulio , Maccario Mauro , Giordano Roberta 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSeveral studies argued that cardiovascular evaluation of patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma is of particular importance. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the possibility of stratifying the cardiometabolic risk using metanephrine levels in this setting of patients. A retrospective cross-sectional study was designed, collecting data of metanephrine values in 828 patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma, referred to our Division within the University of Turin between 2007 and 2021. The univariate analysis showed associations between urine metanephrines and cardiometabolic variables/parameters, particularly considering the noradrenaline metabolite. At the univariate regression, normetanephrine was associated with metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.13, p = 0.002), hypertensive cardiomyopathy (OR = 1.09, p = 0.026), microalbuminuria (OR = 1.14, p = 0.024), and eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR = 1.11, p = 0.013), while metanephrine was associated with microalbuminuria (OR = 1.50, p = 0.008). At multivariate regression, considering all major cardiovascular risk factors as possible confounders, normetanephrine retained a significant association with metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.10, p = 0.037). Moreover, metanephrine retained a significant association with the presence of microalbuminuria (OR = 1.66, p = 0.003). The present study showed a further role for metanephrines in the cardiovascular risk stratification of patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma. Individuals with high levels of these indirect markers of sympathetic activity should be carefully monitored and may benefit from an aggressive treatment to reduce their additional cardiometabolic burden.
A Systematic Review of Staging and Flap Choice in Gender-Affirming Phalloplasty
Authors: Wu Catherine A. , Jolly Divya , Boskey Elizabeth R. , Ganor Oren 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background As phalloplasty becomes more routinely performed, there is a growing need for an evidence base to guide surgical decision-making. Recent reviews have suggested that flap type and number of stages may affect the high rates of urethral complications seen with phalloplasty, but no rigorous comparison of both has been performed.
Methods A systematic review was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect (PROSPERO #158722). All included studies examined urethral complications following gender-affirming phalloplasty in transgender men. Data were extracted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations system. All searches, extractions, and grading were completed by two authors.
Results Twenty-five studies were included with a total of 1,674 patients. Identified flap types included radial forearm, anterolateral thigh, abdominal, and fibular flaps. Surgical techniques varied widely within the flap types. Number of stages ranged from one to four. Stricture and fistula were the most frequently reported complications with considerable variation in the reported rates between studies, even within singular flap types. Data extraction indicated serious quality issues with the published literature, with the majority of studies at high risk of bias due to short follow-up times, inconsistent and incomplete reporting of outcomes, and inconsistent reporting of surgical technique.
Conclusion To date, there is insufficient data to support a preferred flap type to minimize the urethral complication rates of phalloplasty. Further high-quality literature is required to determine the impact of potential factors affecting complications of gender-affirming phalloplasty. Improved literature quality may be facilitated by a standardized set of reporting guidelines.
Understanding seed dormancy and germination aids conservation of rainforest species from tropical montane cloud forest: a case study confirming morphophysiological dormancy in the genus
Authors: Liyanage Ganesha S. , Offord Catherine A. , Crayn Darren M. , Guja Lydia K. , Worboys Stuart , Sommerville Karen D. 
Published: September 2022

Context Seed dormancy is one issue hindering implementation of conservation actions for rainforest species. Aims We studied dormancy and germination in Tasmannia sp. Mt Bellenden Ker and Tasmannia membranea, two tropical montane rainforest species threatened by climate change, to develop a better understanding of dormancy in the species and the genus. Methods Dormancy was classified for T. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker on the basis of an imbibition test, analysis of embryo to seed length (E:S) ratios and germination in response to the following four dormancy-breaking treatments: (1) scarification of the seedcoat near the micropylar end; (2) removal of the seedcoat; (3) application of 100 mg L−1 or (4) 500 mg L−1 gibberellic acid. The most effective treatment was then tested on T. membranea. The requirement for light for germination was also assessed. Key results Both scarified and intact seeds imbibed water. Initial E:S ratios were <0.22 for both species and increased up to 0.74 after 40 days, just before radicle emergence, for T. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker. Germination proportions were significantly higher in Treatments 1 and 2 than the remaining treatments for T. sp. Mt Bellenden Ker; T. membranea responded similarly well to Treatment 1. Germination under alternating light/dark conditions was slightly, but not significantly, greater than germination in the dark alone. Conclusions Both species have morphophysiological dormancy and treatments that remove seedcoat resistance to embryo growth facilitate germination. These treatments may improve germination in other species from the genus Tasmannia. Implications This knowledge will aid the germination of seeds to implement conservation strategies for Tasmannia spp.
Exploring same- and different grade peer interactions among EFL young learners
Authors: Kos Tomas 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Grounded in the sociocultural theoretical framework, this study compared peer interaction among same-grade (similar
proficiency) and different grade (different proficiency) pairs in terms of patterns of interaction established and learning opportunities
that such interactions afford. The same learners (N = 24) aged between 10 and 12 interacted with the
same and different grade partners during common classroom lessons in two EFL classrooms. Findings reveal
that grade matched pairs tended to establish patterns of interaction conducive to learning while different grade pairs tended not to.
However, the relationship between patterns of interaction and learning opportunities is not clear-cut.
The Relationship Between Blood Electrolytes and Hypertension in College Students
Authors: Cui Shu-Xian , Wang Hao , Ji Xiao-Yi , Wang Xin-Yu , Li Ya-Ru , Zhang Chun-Li , Zhao Hai-Ying 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
To analyze the correlation between plasma sodium, potassium, calcium, and blood pressure (BP) levels in college students.

Methods
Students from 3 universities in Zhengzhou were randomly selected and cluster-sampled for BP survey. According to the “Chinese guidelines for prevention and treatment of hypertension (revised in 2018),” the students were divided into 3 groups: normal BP, high normal BP, and hypertension group. Eighty-three, 101, and 102 cases were selected respectively by stratified sampling using R language from each group. After fasting for 12 hours, fasting venous blood was collected. The plasma electrolytes and biochemical parameters were determined.

Results
The blood calcium levels were higher in the hypertension group compared with normal BP and high normal BP groups (2.48 ± 0.11 vs. 2.36 ± 0.12 and 2.41 ± 0.26 mmol/l, P &lt; 0.001). Correlation analysis showed that systolic and diastolic BP were both positively correlated with blood sodium (rs = 0.139, P = 0.019, rs = 0.140, P = 0.018) and blood calcium (rs = 0.377, P &lt; 0.001, rs = 0.301, P &lt; 0.001) while negatively correlated with blood sodium to calcium ratio (r = −0.354, −0.264, both P &lt; 0.001). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis showed that both systolic and diastolic BP were positively correlated with body mass index (β = 0.304, P = 0.028 and β = 0.130, P = 0.032), blood sodium (β = 0.121, P = 0.013 and β = 0.124, P = 0.021), and blood calcium levels (β = 0.336, 0.273, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
College students with hypertension have higher blood calcium levels than nonhypertension students. Blood calcium levels are positively correlated with systolic and diastolic BP.
Importance of plaque volume and composition for the prediction of myocardial ischaemia using sequential coronary computed tomography angiography/positron emission tomography imaging
Authors: Wang Xu , van den Hoogen Inge J , Butcher Steele C , Kuneman Jurrien H , de Graaf Michiel A , Kamperidis Vasileios , Boukes Mark , Maaniitty Teemu , Schultz Jussi , van Rosendael Alexander R , Saraste Antti , Knuuti Juhani , Bax Jeroen J 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Aims
Coronary atherosclerosis with a large necrotic core has been postulated to reduce the vasodilatory capacity of vascular tissue. In the present analysis, we explored whether total plaque volume and necrotic core volume on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) are independently associated with myocardial ischaemia on positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods and results
From a registry of symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease and clinically indicated CCTA with sequential [15O]H2O PET myocardial perfusion imaging, we quantitatively measured diameter stenosis, total and compositional plaque volumes on CCTA. Primary endpoint was myocardial ischaemia on PET, defined as an absolute stress myocardial blood flow ≤2.4 mL/g/min in ≥1 segment. Multivariable prediction models for myocardial ischaemia were consecutively created using logistic regression analysis (stenosis model: diameter stenosis ≥50%; plaque volume model: +total plaque volume; plaque composition model: +necrotic core volume). A total of 493 patients (mean age 63 ± 8 years, 54% men) underwent sequential CCTA/PET imaging. In 153 (31%) patients, myocardial ischaemia was detected on PET. Diameter stenosis ≥50% (P &lt; 0.001) and necrotic core volume (P = 0.029) were independently associated with myocardial ischaemia, while total plaque volume showed borderline significance (P = 0.052). The plaque composition model (χ2 = 169) provided incremental value for the prediction of ischaemia when compared with the stenosis model (χ2 = 138, P &lt; 0.001) and plaque volume model (χ2 = 164, P = 0.021).

Conclusion
The volume of necrotic core on CCTA independently and incrementally predicts myocardial ischaemia on PET, beyond diameter stenosis alone.
Erg6p is essential for antifungal drug resistance, plasma membrane properties and cell wall integrity in Candida glabrata
Authors: Elias Daniel , Toth Hervay Nora , Jacko Juraj , Morvova Marcela , Valachovic Martin , Gbelska Yvetta 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
ERG6 gene encodes C-24 methyltransferase, one of the specific enzymes that differ in mammalian and yeast sterol biosynthesis. To explore the function of CgErg6p in the yeast pathogen Candida glabrata, we have constructed the Cgerg6Δ deletion mutant. We found that C. glabrata cells lacking CgErg6p exhibit reduced susceptibility to both antifungal azoles and polyenes. The reduced content of ergosterol in the Cgerg6 deletion mutant was accompanied by increased expression of genes encoding the last steps of the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway. The absence of CgErg6p leads to plasma membrane hyperpolarization and decrease in its fluidity compared to the parental C. glabrata strain. The absence of sterols containing C-24 alkyls influenced the susceptibility of Cgerg6Δ mutant cells to alkali metal cations and several other metabolic inhibitors. Our results thus show that sterols lacking C-24 alkyls are not sufficient substitutes for maintaining yeast plasma membrane function. The absence of CgErg6p influences also the cell wall integrity and calcineurin signaling in C. glabrata.