bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol transferase 1 (ACAT1) during retinal neovascularization in ischemic retinopathies
Authors: Zaidi Syed , Lemtalsi Tahira , Xu Zhimin , Santana Isabella , Sandow Porsche , Labazi Leila , Caldwell Robert W. , Caldwell Ruth B. , Rojas Modesto A. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: We have investigated the efficacy of a new strategy to limit pathological retinal neovascularization (RNV) during ischemic retinopathy. Our previous studies in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) showed that blockade of a receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1) significantly inhibited RNV and reduced expansion of the avascular area (AVA). Here we investigated the role of the cholesterol metabolizing enzyme acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol transferase 1 (ACAT1) in this process.Methods: In vivo studies used the mouse model of OIR using LDLR-/- mice and wild-type mice treated with a specific inhibitor of ACAT1 (10 mg/Kg, i.p) or vehicle (PBS). In vitro studies used human THP1 macrophages maintained in hypoxia (1% O2) or normoxia (21% O2) for 16 hrs and treated with the ACAT1 inhibitor (10μg/ml) or PBS.Results: Analysis of OIR retinas showed that increased expression of inflammatory mediators and pathological RNV were associated with significant increases in expression of the LDL receptor (LDLR), increased accumulation of neutral lipids, and formation of toxic levels of cholesterol ester (CE). Deletion of the LDLR completely blocked OIR-induced RNV and significantly reduced the AVA. The OIR-induced increase in CE formation was accompanied by significant increases in expression of ACAT1, VEGF and inflammatory factors (TREM1 and MCSF) (p<0.05). ACAT1 was co-localized with TREM1, MCSF, and macrophage/microglia makers (F4/80 and Iba1) in areas of RNV. Treatment with K604 prevented retinal accumulation of neutral lipids and CE formation, inhibited RNV, and decreased the AVA as compared to controls (p<0.05). The treatment also blocked upregulation of LDLR, ACAT1, TREM1, MCSF, and inflammatory cytokines but did not alter VEGF expression. K604 treatment of THP1 macrophages also blocked the effects of hypoxia in increasing expression of ACAT1, TREM1, and MCSF without altering VEGF expression. Conclusions: OIR-induced RNV is closely associated with increases in lipid accumulation and CE formation along with increased expression of LDLR, ACAT1, TREM1, and MCSF. Inhibiting ACAT1 blocked these effects and limited RNV independently of alterations in VEGF expression. This pathway offers a novel strategy to limit vascular injury during ischemic retinopathy.
Heavy metal contamination assessment of soils in Shendong coal base of the Kuye River basin, China: Spatial distribution, source identification and ecological risk
Authors: fu changchang , Li Xiangquan , Ma Jianfei , Gao Ming , Bai Zhanxue , Liu Cong 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
We collect a total of 129 top mine soil samples from Shendong coal base, the largest underground coal mine area in China, and analyze their concentrations of eight heavy metals: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cuprum (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). To estimate contamination and the potential ecological risk from heavy metals, we employ the pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (RI), while we use the geostatistical analysis to analyze spatial distribution patterns of heavy metals. Multivariate statistical analysis helps us to identify the main sources of heavy metal contamination, and the results we obtained indicate that the average concentrations of eight metals in mine soils in Shendong coal base are lower than the Chinese national standard (GB15618—2018), nor did they exceed the background values of soils in Shaanxi. We find the mine soils to be heavily contaminated by Hg and Zn, moderately contaminated by Cd, low contaminated by Cd and Cu, and slightly contaminated by all the eight heavy metal elements. Furthermore, we find the spatial distribution patterns of the concentrations and contamination levels of the eight heavy metals in mine soils to be substantially heterogeneous. Heavy metals in mine soils show a low ecological risk level, and Cd poses the most widely distributed and Hg presents the most significant ecological risk among the investigated heavy metals, indicating these two elements should be the priority contaminants for soil heavy metal pollution prevention and control. As, Cr, Cu and Ni in mine soils stem mainly from natural sources, whereas Hg and Zn mainly originate from anthropogenic sources. However, Cd and Pb come from both natural and anthropogenic sources.
Universal scaling of extinction time in stochastic evolutionary dynamics
Authors: Huang Ching-I , Chen Chun-Chung , Lin Hsiu-Hau 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Evolutionary dynamics is well captured by the replicator equations when the population is infinite and well-mixed. However, there is controversy how the extinction dynamics is modified with finite and structured populations. Experiments on the non-transitive ecosystem containing three populations of bacteria found that the ecological stability sensitively depends on the spatial structure of the populations. We use agent-based Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the extinction dynamics in the rock-paper-scissors ecosystem with finite and structured populations. Going beyond the usual Moran process, we devise a more realistic Reference-Gamble-Birth (RGB) algorithm, requiring only local fitness information. On the fully-connected network, the extinction time in stable and unstable regimes falls into two universal functions when plotted with the rescaled variables. On the two dimensional grid, the spatial structure changes the transition boundary between stable and unstable regimes but doesn’t change its extinction trend. The finding of universal scaling in extinction dynamics is unexpected, and may provide a powerful method to classify different evolutionary dynamics into universal classes.
Factors related to the mortality risk of severe hand, foot, and mouth diseases (HFMD)：a 5-year hospital-based survey in Guangxi, Southern China
Authors: Peng Yuanjun , He Weitao , Zheng Zhigang , Pan Peijiang , Ju Yu , Lu Zhenwei , Liao Yanyan , Wang Hailong , Zhang Chao , Wang Jing , Jiang Lina , Liang Hao , Chen Minmei , Ye Li 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: To understand the factors influencing clinical outcomes of severe hand, foot, and mouth diseases (HFMD), and to provide scientific evidence for reducing the mortality risk of severe HFMD.Methods: From 2014 to 2018, children diagnosed with severe HFMD cases in Guangxi, China, were enrolled in this hospital-based study. The epidemiological data obtained through face-to-face interviews with the parents and guardians. Univariate and multivariate logistics regression models were used to analyze the factors influencing the clinical outcomes of severe HFMD. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier method. The impact of the EV-A71 vaccination on inpatient mortality was analyzed by a comparison approach. Stratified analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) analysis were performed to eliminate the influence of potential confounding factors.Results: A total of 1,565 severe HFMD cases were enrolled in this survey, including 1474 (94.19%) survival cases and 91 (5.81%) death cases. The multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that males, HFMD history of playmates in the last three months, first visit to the village hospital, time from the first visit to admission less than two days, critical illness, and having no rash symptoms were the independent risk factors for severe HFMD cases (all P<0.05). While EV-A71 vaccination was a protective factor (P<0.05). Stratified analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis further confirmed the result of the multivariate regression. The 1:1 PSM of the EV-A71 vaccination group versus the non-vaccination group showed 2.34% of death in the vaccination group and 7.01% of death in the non- vaccination group. The EV-A71 vaccination protected 66.62% of the death of severe HFMD cases, with an effective index of 3.00.Conclusions: The mortality risk of severe HFMD in Guangxi was related to gender, hospital grade, clinical severity at admission, EV-A71 vaccination, and rash symptom. EV-A71 vaccination can significantly reduce mortality among severe HFMD. The findings are of great significance for the effective prevention and control of HFMD in Guangxi, southern China.
Linear stability of homogeneous and quasi-homogeneous N-body problem by symmetry groups
Authors: Li Yingli 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Motivated by Xia-Zhou's recent work on applying symmetry groups to the N-body problem, we will study relative equilibria of the equilateral triangle and the square configurations under α-homogeneous and quasi-homogeneous potentials with this method. After linearizing the corresponding second order equations, with appropriate coordinate transformations, we study the linear stability of the relative equilibria by decomposing each 2n x 2n matrix into a series of 2 x 2 matrices.
Healthcare provider perceptions on the implementation of the Universal Test-and-Treat policy in South Africa: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Nicol Edward , Mehlomakulu Vuyelwa , Jama Ngcwalisa Amanda , Hlongwa Mbuzeleni , Basera Wisdom , Pass Desiree , Bradshaw Debbie 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in South Africa was estimated at 7.1 million, accounting for approximately 20% of the 36.9 million PLHIV globally in 2017. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the universal test and treat (UTT) intervention with UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. South Africa began implementing the UTT strategy in September 2016. We conducted a qualitative study to understand the impact of implementing the UTT strategy on the patients, healthcare providers, and the health system in uThukela District Municipality (DM) in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. MethodsA qualitative study design approach was conducted with one hundred and sixty-one (161) healthcare providers (HCPs) within 18 healthcare facilities in three subdistricts, comprising of Managers (facility managers and PHC manager/supervisors); Nurses (enrolled, auxiliary, and professional nurses) and Lay workers (lay counsellors, community health workers, linkage officers) were included. HCPs were interviewed using open ended-survey questions to gather their experiences with providing HIV care under the UTT strategy. Participants were consented and interviewed in English or Zulu. The HCPs’ responses were recorded on Redcap and exported to Excel for quality checks. All interviews were analysed using ATLAS.ti v.8 software. ResultsDespite a general acceptance of the UTT policy implementation and delivery, healthcare providers expressed challenges such as work overload, caused by the increased number of service users and the need to meet the 90-90-90 targets. The surge in the workload under conditions of inadequate systems’ capacity and human resources, gave rise to a greater burden on healthcare providers in this study. ConclusionsHealth system strengthening such as providing more systems’ capacity, and human resources might decrease the already over-burdened system, and thus improve the delivery of the comprehensive UTT services to people living with HIV.
An Artificial Intelligence Model for the Pathological Diagnosis of Invasion Depth and Histologic Grade in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Lin Tianxin , Pan Jiexin , Hong Guibin , Zeng Hong , Liao Chengxiao , Li Huarun , Yao Yuhui , Gan Qinghua , Wang Yun , Wu Shaoxu 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: Accurate pathological diagnosis of invasion depth and histologic grade is key for clinical management in patients with bladder cancer (BCa), but it is labour-intensive, experience-dependent and subject to interobserver variability. Here, we aimed to develop a pathological artificial intelligence diagnostic model (PAIDM) for BCa diagnosis. Methods: A total of 854 whole slide images (WSIs) from 692 patients were included and divided into training and validation sets. The PAIDM was developed using the training set based on the deep learning algorithm ScanNet, and the performance was verified at the patch level in validation set 1 and at the WSI level in validation set 2. An independent validation cohort (validation set 3) was employed to compare the PAIDM and pathologists. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value.Results: The AUCs of the PAIDM were 0.878 (95% CI 0.875-0.881) at the patch level in validation set 1 and 0.870 (95% CI 0.805-0.923) at the WSI level in validation set 2. In comparing the PAIDM and pathologists, the PAIDM achieved an AUC of 0.847 (95% CI 0.779-0.905), which was non-inferior to the average diagnostic level of pathologists. There was high consistency between the model-predicted and manually annotated areas, improving the PAIDM’s interpretability.Conclusions: We reported an artificial intelligence-based diagnostic model for BCa that performed well in identifying invasion depth and histologic grade. Importantly, the PAIDM performed admirably in patch-level recognition, with a promising application for transurethral resection specimens.
There is a trade-off between forest productivity and animal biodiversity in Europe
Authors: Khamila C. N. , Groen T. A. , Toxopeus A. G. , Santini L. , Neumann M. , Swaay C. Van , Sierdsema H. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
While forest productivity and biodiversity are expected to be correlated, prioritizing either forest productivity or biodiversity can result in different management. Spatial quantification of the congruence between areas suitable for either one can inform planning. Here we quantify the relationship between net primary productivity of European forests and biodiversity of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies both separately and in combination, and map their spatial congruence. We used richness maps obtained by stacking species distribution models for these animal species, and average net primary production from 2000 to 2012 using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. We tested how biodiversity and primary productivity are correlated and quantified the spatial congruence of these two sources. We show the areas where high or low productivity co-occur with high or low biodiversity using a quantile-based overlay analysis. Productivity was positively correlated to overall biodiversity and mammal, herptile and butterfly biodiversity, but biodiversity of birds showed a weak negative correlation. There were no significant differences in the strength of relationship across species groups, while herptiles had stronger relationships with productivity compared to other groups. Overlap analysis revealed significant spatial overlap between productivity and biodiversity in all species groups, except for birds. High value areas for both productivity and biodiversity in all species groups, except birds, co-occurred in the Mediterranean and temperate regions. The areas with high biodiversity of birds are mainly found in the boreal areas of Europe, while for all other species groups these areas are mostly located on the Iberian Peninsula and the Balkan ranges. Based on the presented maps, areas where regulating wood production activities to conserve species can be identified. But the maps also help to identify areas where either biodiversity or productivity is high and focusing on just one aspect is more straightforward.
Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Through Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Fakhraee Mojtaba , Planavsky Noah , Reinhard Christopher 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Blue carbon ecosystems provide a wide range of ecosystem services, are critical in maintaining marine biodiversity, and may potentially serve as sites of economically viable carbon dioxide removal through enhanced organic carbon storage. Here we show that restoring two key blue carbon ecosystems — mangroves and seagrasses — will also foster high rates of permanent atmospheric carbon dioxide removal (potentially up to ~10 tCO2 ha-1 year-1) by driving ocean alkalinity enhancement.
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Responses to Continuous and Intermittent Plank Exercises
Authors: Huang Zihao , Wang Biru , Song Kangping , Wu Shaoping , Kong Huimin , Guo Lan , Liang Qi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: Plank exercise (PE) is a whole-body isometric muscle training which is beneficial for physical health. However, none of the previous studies investigated the responses within a typical isometric muscle training or PE protocol consisting of multiple sets. The application of PE was restricted for the understudied metabolic and cardiovascular responses, especially for the patients with cardiovascular diseases. This study is to compare the metabolic (ratio of maximal oxygen uptake per kilogram of body mass [%VO2max/kg] and respiratory exchange ratio [RER]) and cardiovascular (ratio of maximal heart rate [%HRmax] and blood pressure [BP]) responses between continuous (CPE) and intermittent plank exercises (IPEs).Methods: Eleven male recreational-level college students completed a baseline cardiopulmonary exercise test and two PEs; %VO2max/kg, %HRmax, and RER were continuously measured and divided into seven equal timepoints. BP was measured every minute during, before, and after PEs. A mixed-model repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the interaction effect of exercise × phase.Results: The %VO2max/kg (F6,69=11.25, P<0.001), %HRmax (F6,65=7.74, P<0.001), RER (F6,69=11.56, P<0.001), and BP (systolic BP, F2,26=8.42, P=0.002; diastolic BP, F2,24=22.63, P<0.001) increased by safe magnitudes. Compared with the corresponding period in the IPE group, the %VO2max/kg (33.5 [2.2] vs. 27.7 [1.9], P=0.043) and %HRmax (63.2 [3.9] vs. 53.3 [2.1], P=0.019) increased more significantly from the 40% duration of CPE. Systolic BP increased by larger magnitudes during CPE than IPE (154.2 [3.8] vs. 142.3 [4.8] mmHg, P=0.002). RERs were >1 during PEs without cardiovascular and metabolic variables over the anaerobic threshold.Conclusions: Energy was mainly supplied by anaerobic metabolism during PEs. CPE may be preferable for trainees aiming at anaerobic capacity enhancement. IPEs may be preferable to CPEs for patients with cardiovascular diseases due to their lower metabolic and cardiovascular responses.
Electrochemical assessment of highly reversible SnO2 coated Zn metal anodes prepared via atomic layer deposition for aqueous Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Gong Sang Hyuk , Lim Hyo Jin , Lee Ji Hyeon , Yoo Yiseul , Yu Seungho , Lim Hee-Dae , Jung Hyun Wook , Ko Jesse S. , Kim In Soo , Kim Hyung-Seok 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Aqueous electrochemical energy storage systems that rely on earth-abundant elements are considered as cost-effective alternatives to current lithium-ion batteries which have dominated the technological landscape. For zinc-based energy storage, dendrite growth is an underlying challenge that needs to be addressed to enact high performance and long-term stability. In the present study, we employ atomic layer deposition to produce a thin tin oxide layer that allows dendrite-free cycling for aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Tin oxide is particularly interesting as it provides two distinct advantages—dendrite-free cycling and mitigation of parasitic hydrogen gas evolution. The presence of the tin oxide layer leads to hydrogen gas suppression and homogeneous zinc plating/stripping, both of which are essential to improve the performance of zinc-ion batteries. When paired in a full-cell configuration with manganese oxide, this anode delivers a high specific capacity of 250 mAh g–1 at an imposed current rate of 30 mA g–1. Through density functional theory calculations, we elucidate further that the adsorption energy of Zn for bare Zn is higher than that in the presence of a tin oxide layer.
Temporary tracheotomy for post-intubation laryngeal edema after lung cancer surgery: A case report
Authors: Iijima Yoshihito , Takaoka Yuki , Motono Nozomu , Uramoto Hidetaka 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: In the post-intubation period, laryngeal edema is one of the most severe complications, which can cause significant morbidity and even death. Herein, we report a case in which we performed a temporary tracheostomy during surgery because of the risk of postoperative laryngeal edema, successfully avoiding post-intubation laryngeal edema complications.Case presentation: A 78-year-old man underwent surgery for left upper lobe lung cancer. He had a history of chemoradiotherapy for laryngeal cancer, bronchial asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was diagnosed with grade 1 laryngeal edema using computed tomography, and there was a risk of the post-intubation laryngeal edema. Additionally, there was a decrease in laryngeal and pulmonary functions; therefore, postoperative aspiration pneumonia was judged to be a fatal risk. A temporary tracheostomy was performed during surgery to avoid postoperative intubation laryngeal edema. He was found to have exacerbated laryngeal edema; a serious complication of airway stenosis.Conclusion: Temporary tracheostomy should be considered to avoid airway stenosis due to post-intubation laryngeal edema in patients with laryngeal edema after radiotherapy.
Experimental and computational investigation on the charge storage performance of a novel Al2O3 -grpahene hybrid electrode
Authors: Ratha Satyajit , Sahoo Surjit , Mane Pratap , Polai Balaram , Sathpathy Bijoy , Chakraborty Brahmananda , Nayak Saroj Kumar 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The advancements in electrochemical capacitors have noticed a remarkable enhancement in the electrochemical performance for smart electronic device applications, which has led to the invention of novel and low-cost electroactive material. Herein, we synthesized nanostructured Al2O3 and Al2O3-grpahene hybrid, through hydrothermal and post-hydrothermal calcination process. The synthesized materials have been subject to both morphological (FE-SEM, HR-TEM) and structural (XRD and XPS) characterisations. The electrochemical performances of nanostructured Al2O3 and Al2O3-grpahene hybrid were evaluated through computational and experimental analyses. Al2O3-grpahene hybrid shows much improved electrochemical performance, as compared to bare Al2O3. Further, a symmetric supercapacitor device (SSD) was designed using the Al2O3-grpahene hybrid electrodes, which showed 98.56% capacity retention, even after ~ 10,000 charge-discharge cycles. Both, Al2O3 and its graphene hybrid, have been analysed extensively with the help of Density Functional Theory, to provide detailed structural and electronic properties. With the introduction of graphene, the available electronic states, near the Fermi level, are greatly enhanced, imparting a significant increment in the conductivity of the hybrid system. Lower diffusion energy barrier for electrolyte ions and higher quantum capacitance for the hybrid structure compared to pristine Al2O3 justify improvement in charge storage performance for the hybrid structure supporting our experimental findings.