bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene-diet interactions and cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review of observational and clinical trials
Authors: Roa-Díaz Zayne M. , Teuscher Julian , Gamba Magda , Bundo Marvin , Grisotto Giorgia , Wehrli Faina , Gamboa Edna , Rojas Lyda Z. , Gómez-Ochoa Sergio , Verhoog Sanne , Vargas Manuel Frias , Minder Beatrice , Franco Oscar H. , Dehghan Abbas , Pazoki Raha , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Muka Taulant 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Both genetic background and diet are important determinants of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Understanding gene-diet interactions could help improve CVD prevention and prognosis. We aimed to summarise the evidence on gene-diet interactions and CVD outcomes systematically. Methods: We searched MEDLINE® via Ovid, Embase, PubMed®, and The Cochrane Library for relevant studies published until May 7th 2021. We considered for inclusion cross-sectional, case-control, prospective cohort, nested case-control, and case-cohort studies as well as randomised controlled trials that evaluated the interaction between genetic variants and/or genetic risk scores and food or diet intake on the risk of related outcomes, including myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and CVD as a composite outcome. The PROSPERO protocol registration code is CRD42019147031.Results and discussion: We included 54 articles based on data from 29 studies; six articles involved multiple studies, and three did not report details of their source population. The median sample size of the articles was 2562 participants. Of the 54 articles, 19 (35.2%) were qualified as high quality, while the rest were intermediate or poor. Eight (14.8%) articles adjusted for multiple comparisons, four (7.0%) attempted to replicate the findings, 15 (27.7%) were based on Han-Chinese ethnicity, and 28 (52%) did not present Minor Allele Frequency. Forty-nine different dietary exposures and 47 different genetic factors were investigated, with alcohol intake and ADH1C variants being the most examined. Of 249 investigated diet-gene interaction tests, 47 (18.9%) were statistically significant, including CETP-TaqIB and ADH1C variants, which interacted with alcohol intake on CHD risk. However, interactions effects were significant only in some articles and did not agree on the direction of effects. Moreover, most of the studies that reported significant interactions lacked replication. Overall, the evidence on gene-diet interactions on CVD is limited, and lack correction for multiple testing, replication and sample size consideration.
Micro-Raman and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopic Investigations of Heterojunction Between Delafossite CuGaO2 and Wurtzite ZnO Obtained by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Choi Minuk , Brabec Christoph , Hayakawa Tomokatsu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
P-type delafossite CuGaO2 is a wide-bandgap semiconductor for optoelectronic applications, and its lattice parameters are very similar to those of n-type semiconductor wurtzite ZnO. Therefore, the investigation on p-n junction properties of crystalline CuGaO2 /ZnO heterostructures has attracted significant attention. In this study, interfacial CuGaO2 /ZnO heterojunctions were examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD analysis revealed that the hydrothermal deposition of ZnO on hexagonal platelet CuGaO2 base crystals was successful, and the subsequent reduction process could induce a unique reaction between CuGaO2 and ZnO. XPS allowed the comparison of the binding energies (peak position and width) of the valence electrons of the constituents (Cu, Ga, (Zn) and O) of the pristine CuGaO2 single crystallites and of crystalline CuGaO2 /ZnO heterojunctions. The presence of distorted GaO6 octahedra at the CuGaO2 /ZnO hybrid interface and the absence of Cu2+ ions were the main characteristics of the chemically well-reconstructed heterojunction interface that facilitated effective carrier separation.
A Volterra-PEM approach for random vibration spectrum analysis of nonlinear systems
Authors: Wu P.H. , Zhao Y. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Based on Volterra series theory, a Volterra-pseudo excitation method (Volterra-PEM) is developed to compute the response power spectral density (PSD) for nonlinear systems under random excitation. Firstly, within the framework of Volterra series theory, an improved pseudo excitation method (PEM) is established for multi-dimensional power spectral density (MPSD) analysis of nonlinear systems. As a generalized PEM for linear random vibration analysis, the Volterra-PEM is used to analyse the response MPSD, which also has a very concise expression. Secondly, in the case of computation difficulties when multi-dimensional integrating from MPSD to PSD, the computational efficiency is improved by converting the multi-dimensional integral into a matrix operation. Finally, as numerical examples, the Volterra-PEM is used to estimate the response PSD for stationary random vibration of a nonlinear spring-damped oscillator and a non-ideal boundary beam with geometrical nonlinearity. Compared with Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), the results show that the proposed method can predict the response PSD for nonlinear systems quickly and accurately under appropriate excitation intensities.
Similar Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression profile in patients with mild COPD and lung cancer
Authors: Polverino Francesca , Mirra Davida , Esposito Renata , Spaziano Giuseppe , Sgambato Manuela , Piegari Elena , Cozzolino Anna , Cione Erika , Gallelli Luca , Capuozzo Antonio , Santoriello Carlo , Berrino Liberato , de Torres Juan Paoblo , Polverino Mario , D'Agostino Bruno 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Rationale: Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) is crucial in regulating the immunological tolerance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Alveolar macrophage (AM)-derived PD-L1 binds to its receptor, PD-1, on surveilling lymphocytes, leading to lymphocyte exhaustion. Increased PD-L1 expression is associated with cigarette smoke (CS)-exposure. However, the PD-L1 role in CS-associated lung diseases associated with NSCLC, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is still unclear.Methods: In two different cohorts of ever smokers with COPD or NSCLC, and ever and never smoker controls, we evaluated PD-L1 expression: 1) via cutting-edge digital spatial proteomic profiling (Geomx) of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lung tissue sections (n=19); and 2) via triple immunofluorescence staining of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) AMs (n = 83). PD-L1 mRNA expression was also quantified in BAL AMs exposed to CS extract.Results: PD-L1 expression was increased in the bronchiolar wall, parenchyma, and vascular wall from global initiative for chronic lung disease (GOLD) 1-2 COPD patients compared to patients with GOLD 3-4 COPD and controls. Within all the COPD patients, PD-L1 protein expression was strongly directly correlated with the FEV1 % predicted, indicating higher PD-L1 expression in the milder vs. more severe COPD stages. In bronchioles, PD-L1 levels were strongly directly correlated with the number of functionally active AMs. In BAL, we confirmed that AMs from patients with both GOLD 1-2 COPD and NSCLC had the highest and similar, PD-L1 expression levels vs. all the other groups, independently from active cigarette smoking. Intriguingly, AMs from patients with more severe COPD (GOLD 3-4) had reduced AM PD-L1 expression compared to GOLD 1-2 COPD patients. Acute CS extract stimulation increased PD-L1 mRNA expression only in never-and not in ever-smoker AMs. Conclusions: Lungs from patients with mild COPD and NSCLC are characterized by a similar strong PD-L1 expression signature in bronchioles and functionally active AMs compared to patients with severe COPD and controls. Active smoking does not affect PD-L1 levels. These observations represent a new resource in understanding the innate immune mechanisms underlying the link between COPD and lung cancer onset and progression and pave the way to future studies focused on the mechanisms by which CS promotes tumorigenesis and COPD.
Development of sand-plastic composites as floor tiles using silica sand and recycled thermoplastics mixture from post-consumer products - A sustainable approach for cleaner production
Authors: Soni Ashish , Das Pankaj Kumar 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Strict environmental concern, depleting natural recourses and increasing demand of building construction materials has driven the scientific study towards alternative building materials. This research supports the idea of sustainability and circular economy via utilization of waste to produce value-added products. This research explores the potential of waste plastics and silica sand for the development of thermoplastic composite materials as floor tiles. The developed floor tiles were characterized for water absorption compressive strength, flexural strength and sliding wear. The morphological analysis of the sand-plastic interfaces was coved under the umbrella of this study. The maximum compressive and flexural strength obtained to be 46.20 N/mm2 and 6.24 N/mm2 respectively. Moreover, the minimum water absorption (%) and wear rate were found to be 0.039 and 0.143×10− 8 kg/meter respectively. The study suggests the workability of the developed floor tiles in non-traffic areas of public places. Thus, the study provides a green building material through recycling of waste plastics for sustainable development.
Effects of the Intervention Model Based on Telehealth and Education for the Management of Obstetric Emergencies in Latin America
Authors: Escobar María Fernanda , Echavarria María Paula , Vasquez Hilda , Nasner Daniela , Ramos Isabella , Hincapié María Antonia , Pabon Stephanie , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Martínez-Ruíz Diana Marcela , Carvajal Javier Andrés 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Rural populations are commonly characterized by poverty, low educational level, and poor access to health services, and pregnant women often lack adherence to prenatal care. Referral of obstetric patients in critical conditions from these areas is associated with high maternal morbidity/mortality. We thought to identify changes in maternal/perinatal care quality indicators after implementing a model based on telehealth and education for patients with obstetric emergencies between two hospitals in a southwestern region of Colombia.Methods: An ecological study was conducted between 2017 to 2019 to compare before and after obstetric emergency care through telemedicine from a secondary care center (Hospital Francisco de Paula Santander-HFPS) to the referral center (Fundación Valle del Lili-FVL). The project included verification visits to determine the installed capacity of care, a concerted improvement plan, an on-site education project supported by simulation in eight obstetric and perinatal care modules, and the strengthening of non-technical competencies. The communication platform between institutions was a technological development of the FVL, and the telecalls were made through licensed platforms.Findings: 102 patients were treated before, and 148 after telemedicine implementation. The clinical indicators after model implementation showed a significant reduction in perinatal mortality of 29%. An effect statistically significant for outcome maternal did not found, however, was observed a reduction in the need for transfusion of blood products due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), as well as the rate of eclampsia.Interpretation: Implementing a model based on telehealth and education between secondary and tertiary care centers allowed the strengthening of the security of care in obstetric emergencies, and significantly impacted perinatal mortality.Funding: Fundación Valle del Lili
In vivo screening of hydrogel library using cellular barcoding identifies biomaterials that mitigate host immune responses and fibrosis
Authors: Mukherjee Sudip , Km Boram , Cheng Lauren , Doerfert Michael , Li Jiaming , Hernandez Andrea , Liang Lily , Jarvis Maria , Rios Peter , Ghani Sofia , Joshi Ira , Isa Douglas , Ray Trisha , Terlier Tanguy , Song Ping , Miranda Roberto , Oberholzer Jose , Zhang David , Veiseh Omid 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Biomaterials induced host immune responses, and fibrotic overgrowth remains a major barrier to the long-term function of medical devices and biomaterial consisting of tissue grafts. Screening new biomaterials to identify anti-fibrotic formulation requires in vivo testing, which is challenging to multiplex and remains a significant obstacle to progress in this field. Herein, we synthesized a combinatorial chemically modified hydrogel library and developed a cellular barcoding method that enables high-throughput multiplexed in vivo screening of 20 formulations in a single mouse and 100 formulations in a single non-human primate. Our screening method consists of implanting a mixture of biomaterials and each barcoded with human umbilical vein epithelial cells (HUVEC) from different individual donors. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes of the cells were utilized as readouts using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to pair the material identity with material performance. Screening of the library using a xenogeneic transplantation model identified three novel lead hydrogel formulations (Z4-A10, Z1-A3, and Z2-A19) with improved anti-fibrotic properties that enable long-term cell viability. Z4-A10 was used to encapsulate human islets and validated for long-term glycemic control in an STZ-induced C57BL/6J diabetic mouse model. Leads, Z1-A3 and B2-A17, were further validated as immunomodulating coatings for medical-grade catheters to prevent fibrosis and occlusion, highlighting the translation of our screening approach and findings to other medical devices. Our results suggest that the developed cellular barcoding method and in vivo multiplexed screening technique can be leveraged to identify biomaterials for a wide range of clinical applications. Significantly, our newly discovered leads can improve the long-term performance of medical devices and encapsulated cell-based therapeutics.
Visual Speech Recognition for Multiple Languages in the Wild
Authors: Ma Pingchuan , Stavros Petridis , Pantic Maja 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Visual speech recognition (VSR) aims to recognise the content of speech based on the lip movements without relying on the audio stream. Advances in deep learning and the availability of large audio-visual datasets have led to the development of much more accurate and robust VSR models than ever before. However, these advances are usually due to larger training sets rather than the model design. In this work, we demonstrate that designing better models is equally important to using larger training sets. We propose the addition of prediction-based auxiliary tasks to a VSR model and highlight the importance of hyper-parameter optimisation and appropriate data augmentations. We show that such model works for different languages and outperforms all previous methods trained on publicly available datasets by a large margin. It even outperforms models that were trained on non-publicly available datasets containing up to to 21 times more data. We show furthermore that using additional training data, even in other languages or with automatically generated transcriptions, results in further improvement.
AKD emulsions stabilized by guar gel: a highly efficient agent to improve cellulose paper hydrophobicity
Authors: Li Yingpu , Liu Xiaona , Wang Huili , Song Zhaoping , Tan Congping , Li Guodong , Li Shan , Yu Dehai , Liu Wenxia 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
To improve the sizing efficiency of alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), we obtained AKD emulsions (AKDEs) stabilized by guar gel prepared by hydrogen bond cross-linking sodium tetraborate and guar gum in this work. The cross-linking was confirmed by combining FTIR and SEM. The effect of guar gel on the performance of the AKDEs were also studied by testing AKDEs stabilized by different guar gel concentrations. The results showed that with increasing guar gel concentration, the stability of the AKDEs improved, the droplet diameter decreased, and the hydrophobicity and water resistance of the sized cellulose paper were gradually enhanced. Through SEM, the guar gel film covering the AKDE droplet surface and the three-dimensional structure in the aqueous dispersion phase were assessed. This study constructed a scientific and efficient preparation method for AKDEs and provided a new method for the application of carbohydrate polymer gels.
Prevalence and correlates of joint pain among Chinese breast cancer survivors receiving aromatase inhibitor treatment
Authors: WANG Tao , Huang Yu-Yan , Liu Xian-Liang , Molassiotis Alex , Yao Li-Qun , Zheng Si-Lin , Tan Jing-Yu (Benjamin) , Huang Hou-Qiang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Aromatase inhibitor (AI)-induced joint pain is a common toxicity of AIs treatment. It has believed that the genetic variation at population level is associated with the phenotype of joint pain. Given the differences of genetic structure in different ethnicities and the limited information about AI-induced joint pain in Chinese breast cancer survivors, this cross-sectional study was therefore conducted to examine the prevalence of AIs-induced joint pain among Chinese breast cancer survivors receiving AIs treatment and the correlates of pain. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in China. Breast cancer survivors undergoing AIs treatment were recruited to complete the following questionnaires: a self-designed baseline data form, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the RAND 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). Based on the assessment results of NMQ (if the participant indicated pain in specific body parts), participants were then invited to complete other questionnaires to specifically assess the joint symptoms, including the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), and the Manchester Foot Pain Disability Questionnaire (MFPDQ). Descriptive analysis was used to analyse participants’ baseline data and the prevalence of pain. Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify the correlates of pain. Results: Four hundred and ten participants were analysed. According to the NMQ, 71.7% of the participants experienced joint symptoms in at least one joint, and the most frequently mentioned joint was knee (39.0%). The diagram in BPI indicated that 28.0% of the participants had the worst pain around knees. In patients with knee pain, the mean OKS score was 40.46±6.19. The sub-scores of BPI for pain intensity and pain interference were 1.30 ±1.63 and 1.24 ±1.79, respectively. Patients’ poorer physical well-being/functioning, previous use of AIs treatment, presence of osteoarthritis, and receiving of physiotherapy were identified as four common correlates of a greater severity of pain and pain interference (p < 0.05).Conclusions:Chinese breast cancer survivors can experience joint pain at various locations, particularly knees. In addition to increase the use of interventions for pain alleviation, a comprehensive assessment of survivors’ conditions such as physical functioning, history of AIs treatment, and presence of osteoarthritis should be emphasized to identify survivors who need more attention and tailored interventions.
Sources of Economic Growth in Africa and East Asian countries: A Growth Accounting and Panel Causality Analysis
Authors: Asmare Tigist Zelalem 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper examines the sources of growth in selected African and East Asian countries, using the growth accounting framework on data from 1960 to 2016. We demonstrated the causal association between labor quantity, total capital service, TFP, and economic growth. The lower growth in GDP during the 1980s and 90s in Africa matches with the slower growth in total capital service in Africa. The TFP growth doesn’t explain the economic growth difference among countries; it contributed negatively to GDP growth in the two regions until the 2000s. However, in African countries, its positive contribution returned to negative in the 2010s, while Asian countries continued driving a positive contribution up to 28.9 percent from TFP growth in the 2010s. In all East Asian countries, total capital service contributed more than half of their growth in GDP, which makes their growth capital-driven, while African countries growth in GDP is more dependent on labor quantity growth. In Africa, we discovered bi-directional causality between labor quantity and GDP Total capital service and GDP, as well as uni-directional causality running from GDP to TFP. In East Asia, we only found a one-way causality running from GDP to total capital service and TFP.
Efficacy of SEE and TREAT in a Cervical Screening Program With Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid (VIA)
Authors: Pangtey Priyanka , Shamsunder Saritha , MALIK SUNITA , AHLUWALIA CHARANJEET 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective:SEE and TREAT at Colposcopy has been described in cytology based screening when a high grade lesion in association with a high grade abnormality in the Pap smear is treated by Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ) to minimize loss to follow up in the multiple step management protocol for CIN. With a vast burden of cervical cancer in developing countries, our aim was to study the efficacy of this approach in patients coming to colposcopy clinic after a positive VIA screening test.Methods:Women in the age group of 25-50years and coming to the general gynecology clinic had opportunistic screening with VIA; those who were VIA + underwent Colposcopy. If colposcopy suggested a high grade lesion, SEE and TREAT using LLETZ was performed.Treatment was described as effective if there was CIN of any grade in the LLETZ cone; overtreatment if there was no CIN.Results:Colposcopy was carried out for 688 women who were VIA positive; of them 101 had a high grade lesion and underwent LLETZ. All of them had CIN on histopathology. Thirty-five (34.6%) had CIN 1, 55 (54.5%) had CIN 2 and 11 (10.9%) has CIN 3. The SEE and TREAT approach was effective in all with no overtreatment. Complete excision was achieved in 96.04% of the women while 3.96% had positive ectocervical margin. There were no major complications.Conclusion:Thus we conclude that a SEE AND TREAT approach in a low-resource setting with VIA followed by Colposcopy and treatment can help in reducing the number of visits and loss to follow up.