bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frozen Soil Advances the Effect of Spring Snow Cover Anomalies on Subsequent Precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yang Kai , Wang Chenghai 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Frozen soil distributed over alpine cold regions causes obvious changes in the soil hydrothermal regime and influences the water–heat exchanges between land and atmosphere. In this study, by comparing the effects of snow cover anomalies and frozen soil thawing anomalies on the soil hydrothermal regime, the impact of the frozen soil thawing anomalies in spring on precipitation in early summer over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) was investigated via diagnostic analysis and model simulations. The results show that a delay (advance) in the anomalies of frozen soil thawing in spring can induce distinct cold (warm) anomalies in the soil temperature in the eastern TP. These soil temperature cold (warm) anomalies further weaken (enhance) the surface diabatic heating over the mideastern TP; meanwhile, the anomalies in the western TP are inconspicuous. Compared to the albedo effect of snow cover anomalies, impacts of frozen soil thawing anomalies on soil hydrothermal regime and surface diabatic heating can persist longer from April to June. Corresponding to the anomalous delay (advance) of frozen soil thawing, the monsoon cell is weakened (enhanced) over the southern and northern TP, resulting in less (more) water vapor advection over the eastern TP and more (less) water vapor advection over the southwestern TP. This difference in water vapor advection induces a west–east reversed pattern of precipitation anomalies in June over the TP. The results have potential for improving our understanding of the interactions between the cryosphere and climate in cold regions.

Significance Statement
Frozen soil and snow are widely distributed over alpine and high-latitude cold regions, and their feedbacks to climate have attracted much attention. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of frozen soil in effects of snow cover anomalies on surface diabatic heating and its feedback to subsequent precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau. The results highlight that frozen soil modulates the effect of snow cover anomalies on the soil hydrothermal regime from April to June and interseasonal variations of frozen soil thawing anomaly zones result in a thermal contrast between the western and eastern Tibetan Plateau, which further lead to a reversed pattern of early summer precipitation anomalies over the Tibetan Plateau. These findings emphasize the role of frozen soil in land–atmosphere interactions.
Retrieval of Peak Thunderstorm Wind Velocities Using WSR-88D Weather Radars
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim , Kopp Gregory A. , Sills David M. L. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The current study develops a variant of the VAD method to retrieve thunderstorm peak event velocities using low-elevation WSR-88D radar scans. The main challenge pertains to the localized nature of thunderstorm winds, which complicates single-Doppler retrievals as it dictates the use of a limited spatial scale. Since VAD methods assume constant velocity in the fitted section, it is important that retrieved sections do not contain background flow. Accordingly, the current study proposes an image processing method to partition scans into regions, representing events and the background flows, that can be retrieved independently. The study compares the retrieved peak velocities to retrievals using another VAD method. The proposed technique is found to estimate peak event velocities that are closer to measured ASOS readings, making it more suitable for historical analysis. The study also compares the results of retrievals from over 2600 thunderstorm events from 19 radar–ASOS station combinations that are less than 10 km away from the radar. Comparisons of probability distributions of peak event velocities for ASOS readings and radar retrievals showed good agreement for stations within 4 km from the radar while more distant stations had a higher bias toward retrieved velocities compared to ASOS velocities. The mean absolute error for velocity magnitude increases with height ranging between 1.5 and 4.5 m s−1. A proposed correction based on the exponential trend of mean errors was shown to improve the probability distribution comparisons, especially for higher velocity magnitudes.
Clinical and imaging features of six Han patients with SAPHO syndrome
Authors: Ruan Dan-dan , Wang Ruo-li , Hu Ya-nan , Lin Xing , Luo Jie-wei , Yu Qing-hua , Wu Jia-bin 
Published: December 2022

Background Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by skin or osteoarticular damage. SAPHO syndrome is often misdiagnosed or missed diagnosis due to lack of overall understanding of the disease by clinicians. Purpose To analyze the clinical symptoms and imaging features of six Han patients with SAPHO syndrome in order to provide reference for doctors to diagnose SAPHO syndrome. Material and Methods This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of six Han patients with SAPHO syndrome. Results All six Han patients with SAPHO syndrome had severe acne or pustulosis of the hands and feet, and all of them had osteoarticular damage, including five cases involving the sternoclavicular joint. Some patients showed a specific and typical “bull's head” sign on 99mTc-labeled methylene diphosphonate bone imaging. Among the six patients recruited, there was one thoracic vertebra, one cervical vertebra, one sacroiliac joint, and one peripheral joint involvement. Two patients had limited activity due to severe osteoarticular damage. Conclusion Due to the atypical clinical symptoms of SAPHO syndrome, most patients will experience a tortuous and long diagnostic process, while a correct understanding and timely intervention of SAPHO syndrome are essential to improve the prognosis of patients.
Dapansutrile ameliorated chondrocyte inflammation and osteoarthritis through suppression of MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Tang L , Sim I , Moqbel SAA , Wu L 
Published: December 2022

Introduction Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint diseases in the elderly population. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), play an important role in the development and progression of OA. Dapansutrile is a specific inhibitor of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Methods In this study, we investigated the protective effect and the underlying mechanism of dapansutrile on cartilage degeneration in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, chondrocytes were isolated from rats and then were treated with dapansutrile. After that, the expression of ( Cox-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase ( iNOS), Mmp-3, Mmp-9, Mmp-13 and IL-10) were evaluated at RNA level, then the expression of (COX-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, SOX-9 and COL2) were evaluated at protein level. Subsequently, the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway was tested using western blotting (WB). Additionally, the rat OA model was developed to evaluate the protective effects of dapansutrile in vivo. Results The results showed that dapansutrile had no obvious cytotoxicity on rat chondrocytes at 24 h (0, 1, 2, 5 and 10 μM). Dapansutrile significantly decreased IL-1β-induced upregulation of COX2, iNOS, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), 9 (MMP9) and 13 (MMP13), and reversed IL-1β-induced the downregulation of IL-10, SOX9 and COL2. Dapansutrile also inhibited IL-1β-induced upregulation of the MAPK signaling pathway by downregulating the expression levels of phospho-ERK, and phospho-P38 in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, dapansutrile exhibited protective effects in rat OA model with lower Mankin’s score and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) score. Conclusion Our study suggested that dapansutrile effectively inhibited chondrocyte inflammation by suppressing MAPK signaling pathway in vitro, and ameliorated cartilage degeneration in vivo, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect in OA treatment.
Channeling of Brain Towards Engaging Sensorimotor Tasks for Inducing Hedonic Pleasure to Alleviate Blood Pressure in Hypertension
Authors: Taranikanti Madhuri , Mudunuru Aswin Kumar , Gaur Archana , Kauser Anzala , Taranikanti Sai Shriya , Umesh Madhusudhan , Ganji Vidya , Medala Kalpana , Katta Roja , Sakthivadivel Varatharajan , Dronamraju Akhila , Guntuka Rohith Kumar 
Published: December 2022

Background: Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is responsible for major deaths due to stroke and coronary heart disease. Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for reducing blood pressure have been tried earlier. Modulating brain regions such as prefrontal cortex (PFC) to channelize activities is an effective tool to target blood pressure. Purpose: Prefrontal cortex (PFC) exerts inhibitory control over sympathoexcitatory circuits, which was explored using a novel reaction time paradigm. Methods: Thirty participants of both genders in the age group 40–70 years with established hypertension were included. A structured reaction time paradigm was designed to include psychomotor and visuomotor elements with integrated sensory attention and motor performance tasks. Blood pressure, Lead II ECG, and EEG from F3 and F4 were recorded. A paired t-test was used to examine the variations in these parameters across tasks. Results: A significant reduction in mean arterial pressure by 4.04 mmHg ( p = .0232) during the visuomotor task and a reduction of 3.38 mmHg during the auditory cue task ( p = .0446) were observed. Analysis of the difference in heart rate has shown a profound decrease after passive listening tasks by 3.7 beats ( p < .0001*). Spectral analysis from F3 and F4 shows high power in low-frequency zone of EEG indicating a relaxed state during auditory cues and passive listening. Conclusion: The reaction time paradigm, when applied to hypertensives, helped decrease blood pressure and heart rate and improved the high frequency (HF) component of heart rate variability, indicating parasympathetic dominance. Such reward-oriented paradigms may act as biofeedback modules that cause hyperactivity of the PFC to suppress the sympathoexcitatory circuit with increased parasympathetic activity beneficial to hypertensive individuals.
Selective vulnerability of brainstem and cervical spinal cord regions in people with non-progressive multiple sclerosis of Black or African American and European ancestry
Authors: Okuda Darin T , Stanley Thomas , McCreary Morgan , Smith Alexander , Wilson Andrew , Pinho Marco C , Yu Fang F , Billiet Thibo , Van Hecke Wim , Ribbens Annemie , Zeydan Burcu , Kantarci Orhun , Guo Xiaohu , Moog Tatum M 
Published: December 2022

Background: We evaluated imaging features suggestive of neurodegeneration within the brainstem and upper cervical spinal cord (UCSC) in non-progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Standardized 3-Tesla three-dimensional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were prospectively acquired. Rates of change in volume, surface texture, curvature were quantified at the pons and medulla-UCSC. Whole and regional brain volumes and T2-weighted lesion volumes were also quantified. Independent regression models were constructed to evaluate differences between those of Black or African ancestry (B/AA) and European ancestry (EA) with non-progressive MS. Results: 209 people with MS (pwMS) having at least two MRI studies, 29% possessing 3–6 timepoints, resulted in 487 scans for analysis. Median follow-up time between MRI timepoints was 1.33 (25th–75th percentile: 0.51–1.98) years. Of 183 non-progressive pwMS, 88 and 95 self-reported being B/AA and EA, respectively. Non-progressive pwMS demonstrated greater rates of decline in pontine volume ( p < 0.0001) in B/AA and in medulla-UCSC volume ( p < 0.0001) for EA pwMS. Longitudinal surface texture and curvature changes suggesting reduced tissue integrity were observed at the ventral medulla-UCSC ( p < 0.001), dorsal pons ( p < 0.0001) and dorsal medulla ( p < 0.0001) but not the ventral pons ( p = 0.92) between groups. Conclusions: Selectively vulnerable regions within the brainstem-UCSC may allow for more personalized approaches to disease surveillance and management.
DeepTSS: multi-branch convolutional neural network for transcription start site identification from CAGE data
Authors: Grigoriadis Dimitris , Perdikopanis Nikos , Georgakilas Georgios K. , Hatzigeorgiou Artemis G. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The widespread usage of Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE) has led to numerous breakthroughs in understanding the transcription mechanisms. Recent evidence in the literature, however, suggests that CAGE suffers from transcriptional and technical noise. Regardless of the sample quality, there is a significant number of CAGE peaks that are not associated with transcription initiation events. This type of signal is typically attributed to technical noise and more frequently to random five-prime capping or transcription bioproducts. Thus, the need for computational methods emerges, that can accurately increase the signal-to-noise ratio in CAGE data, resulting in error-free transcription start site (TSS) annotation and quantification of regulatory region usage. In this study, we present DeepTSS, a novel computational method for processing CAGE samples, that combines genomic signal processing (GSP), structural DNA features, evolutionary conservation evidence and raw DNA sequence with Deep Learning (DL) to provide single-nucleotide TSS predictions with unprecedented levels of performance.

Results
To evaluate DeepTSS, we utilized experimental data, protein-coding gene annotations and computationally-derived genome segmentations by chromatin states. DeepTSS was found to outperform existing algorithms on all benchmarks, achieving 98% precision and 96% sensitivity (accuracy 95.4%) on the protein-coding gene strategy, with 96.66% of its positive predictions overlapping active chromatin, 98.27% and 92.04% co-localized with at least one transcription factor and H3K4me3 peak.

Conclusions
CAGE is a key protocol in deciphering the language of transcription, however, as every experimental protocol, it suffers from biological and technical noise that can severely affect downstream analyses. DeepTSS is a novel DL-based method for effectively removing noisy CAGE signal. In contrast to existing software, DeepTSS does not require feature selection since the embedded convolutional layers can readily identify patterns and only utilize the important ones for the classification task.
This study highlights the key role that DL can play in Molecular Biology, by removing the inherent flaws of experimental protocols, that form the backbone of contemporary research. Here, we show how DeepTSS can unleash the full potential of an already popular and mature method such as CAGE, and push the boundaries of coding and non-coding gene expression regulator research even further.
Systemic thrombo-embolic events in a middle-aged male with Loeffler endocarditis without peripheral eosinophilia—a case report
Authors: Bohné Mintje , Bohnen Sebastian , Voigt Hans-Christian , van der Schalk Hendrik , Chung Da-Un , Willems Stephan , Klingel Karin , Kivelitz Dietmar , Bahlmann Edda 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Loeffler-endocarditis (LE) is considered a chronic restrictive cardiomyopathy and manifestation of eosinophilic myocarditis characterized by eosinophilic infiltration. LE is a rare underdiagnosed disease and associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 46-year-old man suffering from LE associated with thromboembolic events without peripheral eosinophilia. The patient presented with typical clinical signs of acute onset of limb ischaemia, predominantly on the right limb, indicating immediate iliacal thrombectomy and due to a severe compartment syndrome additional fasciotomy. Total occlusion also of left popliteal artery suggesting an impaired chronic and aggravated impaired perfusion indicated also urgent left sided revascularization. Subsequent echocardiography revealed severe left ventricular dysfunction with a striking amount of spontaneous echo-contrast, noticeable in the left ventricular cavity. Furthermore the initial CT scan demonstrated asymptomatic left kidney- and brain infarctions. Diagnostic workup including endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) of the left ventricle, uncovered an underlying LE without peripheral eosinophilia.

Conclusions
This case demonstrates and highlights the findings, treatment and outcome of a patient with LE and associated thrombo-embolic events without peripheral eosinophilia and emphazises the importance of awareness for LE in patients presenting with an acute cardiac decompensation and thrombo-embolic events. EMB should be performed early in unstable patients unsuitable for cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.
Mitral valve repair and concomitant maze procedure versus catheter ablation in the treatment of atrial functional mitral regurgitation
Authors: Fan Xingli , Tang Yangfeng , Ma Ye , Zhang Boyao , Lu Jie , Han Lin , Chen Yongbing 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
To compare mitral valve (MV) repair and concomitant maze procedure with catheter ablation in treating patients with atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR).

Methods
We retrospectively identified 126 patients with AFMR from January 2012 to December 2015. Of these patients, 60 patients underwent MV repair and concomitant maze procedure, and 66 patients received catheter ablation. Patients were followed up for 7.98 ± 2.01 years. The survival, readmission of heart failure (HF), persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), persistent moderate-severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid Regurgitation (TR), and echocardiographic data were analyzed in the follow-up. Predictors of readmission of HF were analyzed.

Results
There was no significant difference in baseline and echocardiographic characteristics, in-hospital mortality, and other adverse events postoperatively between two groups. The surgical group was associated with lower rates of MR > 2 + grade either at discharge (P = 0.0023) or in the follow-up (P = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of overall survival between the two groups. The surgical group was associated with a lower rate of readmission of HF and AF in the follow-up. Univariable and multivariable analysis confirmed AF at discharge, moderate-severe MR at discharge, no MV surgery, moderate-severe TR at discharge, and LA volume as predictors of readmission of HF. Both groups experienced significant reverse cardiac remodeling.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that for the treatment of AFMR with persistent or long-standing persistent AF and moderate-severe MR, MV repair and concomitant maze procedure may achieve a better outcome than catheter ablation procedure.
The overestimated prevalence of hypertension in a population survey: a cross-sectional study from Hebei province, China
Authors: Geng Xue , Zhou Yaqing , Gao Xiaoli , Li Feng , Gu Guoqiang , Bai Long , Cui Wei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Objective
Currently, the prevalence of hypertension is mainly ascertained using a one-visit population survey, which may lead to overestimation. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of hypertension prevalence determined by a one-visit population survey.

Methods
For this cross-sectional study, we continuously enrolled 1116 volunteers without a hypertension history in Hebei province from January 2018 to December 2019. The study population included 511 (45.80%) males and 605 (54.20%) females with a mean age of 48 years. The hypertension prevalence was assessed using two methods: one-visit screening and daytime ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring. We directly compared the performances of daytime ambulatory BP monitoring and one-visit screening in the same group of subjects. In addition, we explored possible thresholds to improve the detection of hypertension.

Results
During the one-visit survey, the mean BP value was about 8 mmHg higher than that determined by daytime ambulatory BP monitoring. The prevalence of hypertension was 29.84% and 14.07% during the one-visit and daytime multiple visit surveys, respectively. The risk factors for overestimated hypertension were female sex, body mass index < 24.00 kg/m2, and diastolic BP of 100 mmHg. The positive predictive value of the one-visit population survey for diagnosing hypertension was 36.34%. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that in males, the best diagnostic threshold for hypertension diagnosis was 148/96 mmHg.

Conclusion
The hypertension prevalence was likely overestimated by 2-fold in the one-visit survey group compared to the daytime ambulatory BP monitoring group. Thus, the threshold for one-visit BP screening should be raised to 148/96 mmHg to improve the accuracy of hypertension diagnosis.
End-of-life care for people with dementia on a green care farm during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
Authors: Smit Kirsten D. , Bolt Sascha R. , de Boer Bram , Verbeek Hilde , Meijers Judith M. M. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Objective
Green care farms combine agriculture production with health-related, social and educational services. In the Netherlands, they form an alternative to traditional nursing homes for people with dementia. Green care farms that offer 24-hour care, also offers end-of-life care. To date, little is known about end-of-life care for people with dementia on green care farms. This study aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare workers and family caregivers with end-of-life care for people with dementia who died on a green care farm.

Design
An explorative, descriptive qualitative design with a phenomenological approach.

Setting and participants
A purposive sample of 15 participants – seven healthcare workers and eight family caregivers - from three green care farms in the Netherlands.

Methods
Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to explore participants’ experiences with end-of-life care, including topics such as advance care planning, the influence of COVID-19, and bereavement support. Transcripts were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke’s approach.

Results
Four main themes were extracted: 1) tailored care and attention for the individual resident, 2) reciprocal care relationships between healthcare workers and family caregivers, 3) compassionate care and support in the dying phase, and 4) the influence of COVID-19 on end-of-life care.

Conclusion and implications
The overall experience of the healthcare workers and family caregivers was that end-of-life care offered on green care farms is person-centred and compassionate and is tailored to the person with dementia and their family caregivers. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers and family caregivers were satisfied with end-of-life care on the green care farms. Green care farms may offer a valuable alternative care setting for people with dementia in their last phase of life. More research is needed to investigate green care farms’benefits compared to other, more traditional settings.