bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Layer‐specific fiber distribution in arterial tissue modeled as a constrained mixture
Authors: Vander Linden Klaas , Ghasemi Milad , Maes Lauranne , Vastmans Julie , Famaey Nele 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCollagen fibers and their orientation greatly influence an artery's mechanical characteristics, determining its transversely isotropic behavior. It is generally assumed that these fibers are deposited along a preferred direction to maximize the load bearing capacity of the vessel wall. This implies a large spatial variation in collagen orientation which can be reconstructed in numerical models using so‐called reorientation algorithms. Until now, these algorithms have used the classical continuum mechanics modeling framework which requires knowledge of tissue‐level parameters and the artery's stress‐free reference state, which is inaccessible in a clinical context. We present an algorithm to compute the preferred fiber distribution compatible with the constrained mixture theory, which orients two collagen fiber families according to the loading experienced by the isotropic non‐collagenous extracellular matrix, without requiring prior knowledge of the stress‐free state. Because consensus is lacking whether stress or stretch is the determining factor behind the preferred fiber distribution, we implemented both approaches and compared the results with experimental microstructural data of an abdominal aorta. The stress‐based algorithm was able to describe several experimentally observed transitions of the fiber distribution across the intima, media and adventitia.
A non‐isolated high step up interleaved boost converter with coupled inductors
Authors: Sudarsan Reddy Duttaluri Venkata , Thangavel Subbaiyan 
Published: May 2022

SummaryIn this article, a high step‐up interleaved boost converter topology is proposed for renewable energy applications. The proposed converter utilizes two‐phase interleaved configuration, to increase the power capability of converter while reducing the input current ripples. The output side formation enhances the voltage gain with the help of coupled inductors. It produces high voltage conversion ratio with least voltage stress on the switches. The switches are relieved from the voltage spikes by reclaim the energy leakage of the coupled inductors, which minimizes reverse recovery problem in diodes. The conduction losses of the switches are reduced due to small on state resistance. Finally, a prototype of 200 W proposed converter is developed in the laboratory to verify the both theoretical analysis and simulation results.
Bio‐marker detection redundancy improves sensitivity
Authors: Clanchy Felix IL 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLiquid biopsy for biomarker detection has the potential to revolutionise the management of cancer by reducing the time that tumours grow and metastasize undetected and untreated. As a relatively less invasive test, the frequency of testing is constrained more by the cost and ease of analysis, which are connected to the specificity and sensitivity of the method of detection. A recent study by Zhao et al. in Clinical and Translational Medicine indicates that multiple forms of detection from the liquid biopsy sample may improve sensitivity and demonstrates that seemingly incremental advances in clinical practice can significantly impact patient outcomes.
Estimating herbaceous aboveground biomass in Sahelian rangelands using Structure from Motion data collected on the ground and by UAV
Authors: Taugourdeau Simon , Diedhiou Antoine , Fassinou Cofélas , Bossoukpe Marina , Diatta Ousmane , N’Goran Ange , Auderbert Alain , Ndiaye Ousmane , Diouf Abdoul Aziz , Tagesson Torbern , Fensholt Rasmus , Faye Emile 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHerbaceous aboveground biomass (HAB) is a key indicator of grassland vegetation and indirect estimation tools, such as remote sensing imagery, increase the potential for covering larger areas in a timely and cost‐efficient way. Structure from Motion (SfM) is an image analysis process that can create a variety of 3D spatial models as well as 2D orthomosaics from a set of images. Computed from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and ground camera measurements, the SfM potential to estimate the herbaceous aboveground biomass in Sahelian rangelands was tested in this study. Both UAV and ground camera recordings were used at three different scales: temporal, landscape, and national (across Senegal). All images were processed using PIX4D software (photogrammetry software) and were used to extract vegetation indices and heights. A random forest algorithm was used to estimate the HAB and the average estimation errors were around 150 g m−² for fresh mass (20% relative error) and 60 g m−² for dry mass (around 25% error). A comparison between different datasets revealed that the estimates based on camera data were slightly more accurate than those from UAV data. It was also found that combining datasets across scales for the same type of tool (UAV or camera) could be a useful option for monitoring HAB in Sahelian rangelands or in other grassy ecosystems.
Prevalence and risk factors of fractures in transfusion dependent thalassemia – A Hong Kong Chinese population cohort
Authors: Lee Samantha Lai Ka , Wong Raymond Siu Ming , Li Chi Kong , Leung Wing Kwan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo delineate the prevalence and associated risk factors of low BMD, osteoporosis/bone fragility and fracture in transfusion‐dependent thalassemia (TDT) in the Chinese population in Hong Kong.Design, Patients and MeasurementsA retrospective cohort study design was employed. Patients of TDT who had serial Hologic dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) from 2010 to 2016 and received regular transfusion for at least 5 years were recruited. Clinical and biochemical data, from 5 years before the first DXA scan, were retrieved from the electronic record system of the Hospital Authority, till 30 June 2020. Low bone mineral density and osteoporosis/bone fragility are defined by the ISCD 2019 position guidelines.ResultsSeventy‐seven patients were included in the analysis. The fracture prevalence of TDT among the Chinese population in Hong Kong was 15.58%. Up to 55.84% of patients had low bone mineral density, and 5.19% patients had osteoporosis/bone fragility state. The median age at first fracture was 31.73 years (range 24.06–44.18 years). In the regression analysis, a higher log(10) transformation of average ferritin levels over 5 years before the first DXA scan was significantly associated with fracture occurrence regardless of bisphosphonate treatment (OR 310.73, 95% CI 3.99–24183.89, p = .010). Mean average ferritin level over 5 years was 6695.5 ± 2365.7 pmol/L (fracture group) versus 4350.7 ± 3103.2 pmol/L (non‐fracture group), p = .016. Hip and spine BMD Z‐score did not have statistically significant association with fracture occurrence.ConclusionIron overloading plays an important role in adverse bone health in TDT. Dual X‐ray densitometry is insufficient in predicting fracture risk.
The effect of cardiac resynchronization without a defibrillator on morbidity and mortality: an individual patient data meta‐analysis of COMPANION and CARE‐HF
Authors: Cleland John G.F. , Bristow Michael R. , Freemantle Nicholas , Olshansky Brian , Gras Daniel , Saxon Leslie , Tavazzi Luigi , Boehmer John , Ghio Stefano , Feldman Arthur M. , Daubert Jean‐Claude , de Mets David 
Published: May 2022

AimsCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality for patients with heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, QRS duration >130 ms and in sinus rhythm. The aim of this study was to identify patient characteristics that predict the effect, specifically, of CRT pacemakers (CRT‐P) on all‐cause mortality or the composite of hospitalization for heart failure or all‐cause mortality.Methods and resultsWe conducted an individual patient data meta‐analysis of the Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing, and Defibrillation in Heart Failure (COMPANION) and Cardiac Resynchronization‐Heart Failure (CARE‐HF) trials. Only patients assigned to CRT‐P or control (n = 1738) were included in order to avoid confounding from concomitant defibrillator therapy. The influence of baseline characteristics on treatment effects was investigated. Median age was 67 (59–73) years, most patients were men (70%), 68% had a QRS duration of 150–199 ms and 80% had left bundle branch block. Patients assigned to CRT‐P had lower rates for all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–0.81; p < 0.0001) and the composite outcome (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.58–0.78; p < 0.0001). No pre‐specified characteristic, including sex, aetiology of ventricular dysfunction, QRS duration (within the studied range) or morphology or PR interval significantly influenced the effect of CRT‐P on all‐cause mortality or the composite outcome. However, CRT‐P had a greater effect on the composite outcome for patients with lower body surface area and those prescribed beta‐blockers.ConclusionsCardiac resynchronization therapy‐pacemaker reduces morbidity and mortality in appropriately selected patients with heart failure. Benefits may be greater in smaller patients and in those receiving beta‐blockers. Neither QRS duration nor morphology independently predicted the benefit of CRT‐P.Clinical Trial Registration: COMPANION, NCT00180258; CARE‐HF, NCT00170300.
Assessing the growth kinetics and stoichiometry of Escherichia coli at the single‐cell level
Authors: Smaluch Katharina , Wollenhaupt Bastian , Steinhoff Heiko , Kohlheyer Dietrich , Grünberger Alexander , Dusny Christian 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMicrofluidic cultivation and single‐cell analysis are inherent parts of modern microbial biotechnology and microbiology. However, implementing biochemical engineering principles based on the kinetics and stoichiometry of growth in microscopic spaces remained unattained. We here present a novel integrated framework that utilizes distinct microfluidic cultivation technologies and single‐cell analytics to make the fundamental math of process‐oriented biochemical engineering applicable at the single‐cell level. A combination of non‐invasive optical cell mass determination with sub‐pg sensitivity, microfluidic perfusion cultivations for establishing physiological steady‐states, and picoliter batch reactors, enabled the quantification of all physiological parameters relevant to approximate a material balance in microfluidic reaction environments. We determined state variables (biomass concentration based on single‐cell dry weight and mass density), biomass synthesis rates, and substrate affinities of cells grown in microfluidic environments. Based on this data, we mathematically derived the specific kinetics of substrate uptake and growth stoichiometry in glucose‐grown Escherichia coli with single‐cell resolution. This framework may initiate microscale material balancing beyond the averaged values obtained from populations as a basis for integrating heterogeneous kinetic and stoichiometric single‐cell data into generalized bioprocess models and descriptions.
Safety of Japanese herbal Kampo medicines for the treatment of depression during pregnancy
Authors: Michihata Nobuaki , Shigemi Daisuke , Yamana Hayato , Matsui Hiroki , Jo Taisuke , Yasunaga Hideo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo clarify the fetal safety of herbal Kampo medicines, including Hange‐koboku‐to, Koso‐san, Nyoshin‐san, Yokukansan, Yokukansan‐kachinpi‐hange, Saiko‐keishikankyo‐to, Keishi‐karyukotu‐borei‐to, and Kanbaku‐taisou‐to, when administered to pregnant women with depression using a large healthcare administrative database.MethodsWe extracted data from the JMDC Claims Database (2005–2018) for this retrospective cohort study of pregnant women aged 19 years or older admitted to obstetric clinics or hospitals for delivery. Participants were classified into four groups: those without depression, those diagnosed with depression without medication, those given Kampo medicines for depression, and those given western medicines for depression. Neonatal outcomes (congenital anomalies, low birth weight, and preterm birth) were considered as the safety outcome measures.ResultsWe identified 179 707 eligible mothers. The adverse outcomes did not differ significantly between participants receiving Kampo medicine and those not diagnosed with depression during pregnancy. The proportion of low‐birth‐weight neonates did not differ significantly between the Kampo medicine and non‐depression groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86–1.91), but was significantly higher in the unmedicated depression group (aOR 1.31; 95% CI 1.07–1.61) and western medicine group (aOR 1.47; 95% CI 1.18–1.83).ConclusionKampo medicines are safe for treating depression during pregnancy without increasing the incidence of congenital anomalies, low birth weight, or preterm birth.
Learning curve analysis of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic hysterectomy combined under the standard operating procedure
Authors: Huang Liqiong , He Li , Huang Lu , Gan Xiaoqin , Lin Yonghong , Xiong Zheng'ai 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the learning curve of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic hysterectomy (tVNOTEH) when using a standard operating procedure (SOP).MethodsSeventy‐nine patients were treated with tVNOTEH by a single surgeon. The SOP for tVNOTEH was created after the first eight cases. Patients' perioperative data were retrospectively reviewed. Operative time (OT) was regarded as a replaceable marker for surgical competency. The learning curve was drawn using the cumulative sum method.ResultsAll patients completed surgeries without switching to other surgical paths. The overall mean OT was 90.23 ± 29.85 min. Four unique phases of the learning curve were identified: phase I (the exploring stage over eight cases), phase II (after adopting the SOP, acquirement of competence over 20 cases), phase III (post‐learning of 19 cases, in which more difficult cases were introduced), phase IV (more adept at tVNOTEH), with OT 113.75 ± 43.07 min, 82.50 ± 25.88 min, 101.05 ± 27.83 min, 82.75 ± 25.53 min, respectively. No significant differences were found apart from OT, uterine size, and disease types.ConclusionOur data demonstrated four distinct phases of the learning curve of tVNOTEH. For an experienced surgeon, surgical competence in tVNOTEH can be grasped after eight cases. With SOP, surgical competence could be rapidly acquired.
Performing bronchoalveolar lavage in horses in the field
Authors: Dixon Claire 
Published: May 2022

Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is the main diagnostic technique used for the confirmation of equine asthma. Use of the tracheal wash (TW) has been deemed insufficient to diagnose equine asthma or investigate poor performance, yet as TW is the easier sample to obtain it may be tempting to attempt this instead.Aim of the article: This update article provides a step‐by‐step guide to performing a BAL in the field, with the hope of encouraging more first‐opinion equine vets to use this sampling technique.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress in nonalcoholic (metabolic associated) fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MAFLD)
Authors: Flessa Christina‐Maria , Kyrou Ioannis , Nasiri‐Ansari Narjes , Kaltsas Gregory , Kassi Eva , Randeva Harpal S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic fat accumulation in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption and is strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and other metabolic syndrome features. NAFLD is becoming increasingly prevalent and currently constitutes the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, the term metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed reflecting more accurately the underlying pathogenesis and the cardiometabolic disorders associated to NAFLD/MAFLD. Given the vital metabolic functions of the liver to maintain the body homeostasis, an extended endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network is mandatory in hepatocytes to retain its capacity to adapt to the multiple extracellular and intracellular signals mediating metabolic changes. Dysfunction of hepatocyte ER homeostasis and disturbance of its interaction with mitochondria have been recognized to be involved in the NAFLD pathophysiology. Apart from hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and Kupffer cells have been shown to play an important role in the occurrence of NAFLD and progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with possibly different roles in the different stages of the NAFLD spectrum. Furthermore, excess lipid accumulation in the liver causes lipotoxicity which interacts with ER stress and culminates in inflammation and hepatocellular damage, mechanisms crucially implicated in NASH pathogenesis. Finally, the circadian clock machinery regulates ER stress‐related pathways and vice versa, thus controlling the homeostasis of the liver metabolism and being implicated in the NAFLD progression. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge supporting the impact of ER stress signaling on NAFLD, whilst summarizing potential therapeutic interventions targeting this process.
Differential effects of 5‐fluorouracil and oxaliplatin on autophagy in chemoresistant colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Zitkute Vilmante , Kukcinaviciute Egle , Jonusiene Violeta , Starkuviene Vytaute , Sasnauskiene Ausra 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMacroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is one of the adaptive pathways that contribute to cancer cell chemoresistance. Despite the fact that autophagy can both promote and inhibit cell death, there is mounting evidence that in the context of anticancer treatment, it predominantly functions as a cell survival mechanism. Therefore, silencing of key autophagy genes emerges as a potent strategy to reduce chemoresistance. Though the importance of autophagy in chemoresistance is established, the changes in autophagy in the case of acquired chemoresistance are poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to determine the changes of autophagy in the cellular model of acquired chemoresistance of colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116 and SW620, induced by 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) or oxaliplatin (OxaPt) treatment, and determine the susceptible factors for autophagy inhibition. Our results demonstrate that in the context of autophagy, 5‐FU and OxaPt have different effects on HCT116 and SW620 cell lines and their chemoresistant sublines. 5‐FU inhibits autophagic flux, while changes in the flux after OxaPt treatment are cell type‐ and dose‐dependent, inducing autophagy reduction or increase. The chemoresistant subline of HCT116 cells derived by OxaPt differs from the subline derived by 5‐FU treatment – it responds to OxaPt by upregulating ATG7 protein level and autophagic flux, in contrast to downregulation in cells derived by 5‐FU. Moreover, 5‐FU and OxaPt treatments significantly modulate protein levels of core‐autophagy proteins ATG7 and ATG12. The potential effects of 5‐FU and OxaPt on ATG protein levels should be taken into account to reduce chemoresistance by applying small interferingRNAs, targeting ATG proteins.
Japanese grape (Hovenia dulcis) powder as an antioxidant agent in Bologna sausages
Authors: Schaefer Sabrina Vicentini , do Amaral Adrieli Maiandra Piccinin , Cherobin Ana Karolina , Monteiro Larissa Karla , Morandin Gisiéli Carla , Fischer Carolina , Cavalheiro Darlene , Sehn Georgia Ane Raquel 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe Japanese grape (Hovenia dulcis Thunberg) has potential as an antioxidant due to its high content of phenolic compounds in the early maturation stages. In this study, the antioxidant sodium erythorbate (CONTROL) was replaced by Japanese grape pseudofruits dehydrated by freeze‐drying (FDP) and oven drying (OP), in Bologna sausages. The commercial natural antioxidant licresse (LS), based on licorice, has also been studied.RESULTSNo significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed for the proximate composition and the texture profile of the Bologna sausages. An increase in pH was observed during storage for all formulations. At 28 days, the treatments FDP and OP were darker (lower L* values) and less red (lower a* values), possibly due to the presence of tannins in these samples, which may have bound with the iron present in myoglobin and minimized the oxidation reactions. The use of different antioxidants affected the nitrite contents of the Bologna sausages during storage. Regarding the lipid oxidation, the Japanese grape powder was more effective in delaying the oxidation reactions in Bologna sausages after 14 and 21 days of storage when compared to LS and the CONTROL, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe Japanese grape powders were effective in retarding the lipid oxidation of Bologna sausages, possibly due to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, tannins, and ascorbic acid, showing the potential of these pseudofruits as antioxidants for use in meat products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Diet, Trimethylamine Metabolism, and Mitochondrial DNA: An Observational Study
Authors: Bordoni Laura , Malinowska Anna M. , Petracci Irene , Szwengiel Artur , Gabbianelli Rosita , Chmurzynska Agata 
Published: May 2022

ScopeMitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and its methylation level in the D‐loop area have been correlated with metabolic health and are suggested to vary in response to environmental stimuli, including diet. Circulating levels of trimethylamine‐n‐oxide (TMAO), which is an oxidative derivative of the trimethylamine (TMA) produced by the gut microbiome from dietary precursors, have been associated with chronic diseases and are suggested to have an impact on mitochondrial dynamics. This study is aimed to investigate the relationship between diet, TMA, TMAO, and mtDNAcn, as well as DNA methylation.Methods and resultsTwo hundred subjects with extreme (healthy and unhealthy) dietary patterns are recruited. Dietary records are collected to assess their nutrient intake and diets’ quality (Healthy Eating Index). Blood levels of TMA and TMAO, circulating levels of TMA precursors and their dietary intakes are measured. MtDNAcn, nuclear DNA methylation long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE‐1), and strand‐specific D‐loop methylation levels are assessed. There is no association between dietary patterns and mtDNAcn. The TMAO/TMA ratio is negatively correlated with d‐loop methylation levels but positively with mtDNAcn.ConclusionsThese findings suggest a potential association between TMA metabolism and mitochondrial dynamics (and mtDNA), indicating a new avenue for further research.
A Collagen‐Derived Oligopeptide from Salmo salar Collagen Hydrolysates Restrains Atherogenesis in ApoE–/– Mice via Targeting P2Y12 Receptor
Authors: Yang Yijie , Liu Hui , Cui Liyuan , Liu Yibo , Fu Lulu , Li Bo 
Published: May 2022

ScopeCollagen hydrolysates have been reported with a variety of biological activities. The previous study has separated and identified a series of Hyp‐Gly containing antiplatelet peptides from collagen hydrolysates from Salmo salar. But the target and underlying mechanism in platelets remains unknown.Methods and resultsIn this study, peptide OGEFG (OG‐5) inhibits platelet aggregation especially induced by 2MeS‐ADP and attenuates tail thrombosis formation by 30% in a dose‐dependent manner, via apparent antagonism effects on P2Y12 receptors to regulate Gβγi‐PI3K‐Akt signaling and Gαi‐cAMP‐VASP signaling is demonstrated. The molecular docking results also reveal a strong binding energy with the P2Y12 receptor of peptide OG‐5 (−10.70 kcal mol−1). In vitro study suggests that OG‐5 inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines in endothelial cells and macrophage cells, migration of vascular smooth muscle cell induced by ADP, which is highly released in ApoE–/– mice. Long‐term administration of OG‐5 significantly reduces atherosclerotic plaque formation without side effects in ApoE–/– mice, exhibiting a comparable effect with aspirin.ConclusionThese results reveal that collagen hydrolysates with OG‐containing peptides have potential to be developed as an effective diet supplement to prevent the occurrence of atherogenesis and thrombotic disease.