bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tear proteomics reveals the molecular basis of the efficacy of human recombinant nerve growth factor treatment for Neurotrophic Keratopathy
Authors: Pieragostino Damiana , Lanzini Manuela , Cicalini Ilaria , Cufaro Maria Concetta , Damiani Verena , Mastropasqua Leonardo , De Laurenzi Vincenzo , Nubile Mario , Lanuti Paola , Bologna Giuseppina , Agnifili Luca , Del Boccio Piero 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNeurotrophic Keratopathy (NK), classified as an orphan disease (ORPHA137596), is a rare degenerative corneal disease characterized by epithelial instability and decreased corneal sensitivity caused by the damage to the corneal nerves. The administration of human recombinant nerve growth factor (rhNGF) eye drops, as a licensed-in-Europe specific medication for treatment of moderate and severe NK, has added promising perspectives to the management of this disorder by providing a valid alternative to the neurotization surgery. However, few studies have been conducted to the molecular mechanism underlying the response to the treatment. Here, we carried out tears proteomics to highlight the protein expression during pharmacological treatment of NK (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD025408).Our data emphasized a proteome modulation during rhNGF treatment related to an increase in DNA synthesis, an activation of both BDNF signal and IL6 receptor. Furthermore, the amount of neuronal Extracellular Vesicles EVs (CD171+) correlated with the EVs carrying IL6R (CD126+) together associated to the inflammatory EVs (CD45+) in tears. Such scenario determined drug response, confirmed by an in vivo confocal microscopy analysis, showing an increase in length, density and number of nerve fiber branches during treatment. In summary, rhNGF treatment seems to determine an inflammatory micro-environment, mediated by functionalized EVs, defining the drug response by stimulating protein synthesis and fiber regeneration.
A large scale mass spectrometry-based histone screening for assessing epigenetic developmental toxicity
Authors: Verhelst Sigrid , Van Puyvelde Bart , Willems Sander , Daled Simon , Cornelis Senne , Corveleyn Laura , Willems Ewoud , Deforce Dieter , De Clerck Laura , Dhaenens Maarten 
Published: January 2022

AbstractToxicoepigenetics is an emerging field that studies the toxicological impact of compounds on protein expression through heritable, non-genetic mechanisms, such as histone post-translational modifications (hPTMs). Due to substantial progress in the large-scale study of hPTMs, integration into the field of toxicology is promising and offers the opportunity to gain novel insights into toxicological phenomena. Moreover, there is a growing demand for high-throughput human-based in vitro assays for toxicity testing, especially for developmental toxicity. Consequently, we developed a mass spectrometry-based proof-of-concept to assess a histone code screening assay capable of simultaneously detecting multiple hPTM-changes in human embryonic stem cells. We first validated the untargeted workflow with valproic acid (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor. These results demonstrate the capability of mapping the hPTM-dynamics, with a general increase in acetylations as an internal control. To illustrate the scalability, a dose–response study was performed on a proof-of-concept library of ten compounds (1) with a known effect on the hPTMs (BIX-01294, 3-Deazaneplanocin A, Trichostatin A, and VPA), (2) classified as highly embryotoxic by the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) (Methotrexate, and All-trans retinoic acid), (3) classified as non-embryotoxic by ECVAM (Penicillin G), and (4) compounds of abuse with a presumed developmental toxicity (ethanol, caffeine, and nicotine).
Randomised controlled trial for evaluation of an ultrasound-guided palpation intervention for palpation skill training
Authors: Kitagawa Takashi , Aoki Yuma , Sugimoto Hotaka , Ozaki Natsumi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAlthough there are increasing reports on the usefulness of sonopalpation with ultrasound imaging, many previous studies have reported interventions without a control group. This single-blind, parallel-group randomised controlled trial aimed to determine whether educational instruction with sonopalpation for physical therapy students has a more superior effect on skill improvement than traditional instruction without ultrasonography. Twenty-nine physical therapy students participated in the study and were randomised using block randomisation into an ultrasound imaging group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 14). Subsequently, they underwent three training sessions focusing on the shoulder joint. Participants underwent a scoring assessment of their palpation skills at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up 3 months after training. The raters were blinded to the subjects’ group. The Friedman and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for data analysis. The intervention group showed a significant increase in scores at post-intervention and the 3-month follow-up; the effect sizes were large (0.849 and 0.849, respectively). A comparison of the scores at different time points after the intervention at the 3-month follow-up revealed no significant difference between the groups. Education using ultrasound imaging may be non-inferior to education without it; nevertheless, further studies are needed to demonstrate superiority.
Type of residual astigmatism and uncorrected visual acuity in pseudophakic eyes
Authors: Hasegawa Yumi , Honbo Masato , Miyata Kazunori , Oshika Tetsuro 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIt is difficult to assess the pure impact of the type of residual astigmatism (with-the-rule; WTR, against-the-rule; ATR, and oblique astigmatism) on uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) in pseudophakic eyes due to different age distribution of patients between those subgroups. We conducted the current study to investigate the association between astigmatism type and UDVA in eyes after cataract surgery with consideration for various confounding factors such as age. Data were retrospectively collected from 1535 pseudophakic eyes with corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/20 or better, and spherical equivalent between − 0.125 D and 0.0 D. They were classified based on the pattern of residual refractive astigmatism into four groups; minimum astigmatism (< 0.5 D), WTR, ATR, and oblique astigmatism groups. The stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed that the magnitude of residual refractive astigmatism (standardized partial regression coefficient β = 0.559, p < 0.001), CDVA (β = 0.381, p < 0.001), minimum astigmatism group (β = − 0.188, p < 0.001), and WTR astigmatism group (β = − 0.058, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with UDVA (r2 = 0.795). Variables excluded from the multivariate regression model include age, preoperative corneal astigmatism, axial length, anterior chamber depth, intraocular lens power, and postoperative spherical equivalent. These results indicate that UDVA is significantly better in eyes with minimum and WTR astigmatism than in those with ATR and oblique astigmatism, after adjustment for confounding parameters. In pseudophakic eyes, oblique and ATR astigmatism exerts a greater impact on UDVA than WTR astigmatism does, even after controlling for age.
Investigation of actual exposure to facial sheet mask preceding its risk assessment
Authors: Zhou Lihong , Chen Jian , Chen Tian , Chang Huailong , Cui Wenguang , She Yuanyuan , Li Zhu , Tang Wenhua , Yuan Dengfeng , Chen Zhitao , Su Jin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe present study aimed to reveal the amount per application of facial sheet masks and its influencing factors in Chinese population to form the base for an accurate exposure assessment. A total of 175 healthy subjects aged 18 years or older were recruited and divided into two subgroups: one group of 35 subjects were asked to apply same mask for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 min respectively, and the other 140 subjects were instructed to apply one of four types of facial sheet masks presented in the market for 15 min. Furthermore, phenoxyethanol and methylparaben were measured to reflect actual exposure to chemicals. The sharp increase in the relative exposure to phenoxyethanol (CAS NO.122-99-6) and methylparaben at 25 min and longer suggests applying facial sheet masks for longer than 20 min may drive the exposure to hazardous chemicals to increase significantly. The 90th percentile of amount per application for plant-cellulose, bamboo charcoal fiber, bio-cellulose, and binchotan charcoal fiber-based masks was 5.753, 5.371, 5.017, and 4.821 g respectively. In addition, men and subjects with sebaceous skin demonstrated lower amount per application compared to women and subjects with dry skin, respectively. Finally, our data showed that the larger the contacting area between face and mask, the more amount per application. We concluded that the appropriate time of application should be less than 20 min. And mask fabrics, gender, sebum content, and contacting area could significantly impact the risk assessment of facial sheet masks. Our data for the first time provides insights into a realistic risk assessment of facial sheet masks in Chinese population.
Nonconformity of biofilm formation in vivo and in vitro based on Staphylococcus aureus accessory gene regulator status
Authors: Jordan S. Caroline , Hall Pamela R. , Daly Seth M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic, pathogenic bacteria that causes significant morbidity and mortality. As antibiotic resistance by S. aureus continues to be a serious concern, developing novel drug therapies to combat these infections is vital. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSI) dampen S. aureus virulence and facilitate clearance by the host immune system by blocking quorum sensing signaling that promotes upregulation of virulence genes controlled by the accessory gene regulator (agr) operon. While QSIs have shown therapeutic promise in mouse models of S. aureus skin infection, their further development has been hampered by the suggestion that agr inhibition promotes biofilm formation. In these studies, we investigated the relationship between agr function and biofilm growth across various S. aureus strains and experimental conditions, including in a mouse model of implant-associated infection. We found that agr deletion was associated with the presence of increased biofilm only under narrow in vitro conditions and, crucially, was not associated with enhanced biofilm development or enhanced morbidity in vivo.
An oncogenic splice variant of PDGFRα in adult glioblastoma as a therapeutic target for selective CDK4/6 inhibitors
Authors: Hamada Taiji , Akahane Toshiaki , Yokoyama Seiya , Higa Nayuta , Kirishima Mari , Matsuo Kei , Shimokawa Michiko , Yoshimoto Koji , Tanimoto Akihide 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUnderstanding human genome alterations is necessary to optimize genome-based cancer therapeutics. However, some newly discovered mutations remain as variants of unknown significance (VUS). Here, the mutation c.1403A > G in exon 10 of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRA) gene, a VUS found in adult glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), was introduced in human embryonal kidney 293 T (HEK293T) cells using genome editing to investigate its potential oncogenic functions. Genome editing was performed using CRISPR/Cas9; the proliferation, drug sensitivity, and carcinogenic potential of genome-edited cells were investigated. We also investigated the mechanism underlying the observed phenotypes. Three GBM patients carrying the c.1403A > G mutation were studied to validate the in vitro results. The c.1403A > G mutation led to a splice variant (p.K455_N468delinsN) because of the generation of a 3’-acceptor splice site in exon 10.PDGFRA-mutated HEK293T cells exhibited a higher proliferative activity via PDGFRα and the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4/CDK6-cyclin D1 signaling pathway in a ligand-independent manner. They showed higher sensitivity to multi-kinase, receptor tyrosine kinase, and CDK4/CDK6 inhibitors. Of the three GBM patients studied, two harbored the p.K455_N468delinsN splice variant. The splicing mutation c.1403A > G inPDGFRAis oncogenic in nature. Kinase inhibitors targeting PDGFRα and CDK4/CDK6 signaling should be evaluated for treating GBM patients harboring this mutation.
Dimensional accuracy of 3D printing navigation templates of chemical-based sterilisation
Authors: Zhang Wenxi , Lin Xia , Jiang Junfeng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract3D printed navigational templates have facilitated the accurate treatment of orthopaedic patients. However, during practical operation, it is found that the location hole occasionally deviates from the ideal channel. As such, there will be a security risk in clinical applications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of chemical-based sterilisation methods on the dimensional accuracy of different materials and the influence of module parameters on the degree of deformation. We found that polylactic (PLA) modules sterilised with ethylene oxide (EO) would undergo micro-deformation, and these micro-deformation characteristics depend on the building direction, i.e., the module stretches in the Z direction and shrinks in the X and Y directions. Heat-resisting polylactide (HR-PLA) has the same melting temperature (Tm) as PLA, but its glass transition temperature (Tg) is greater than the EO sterilisation temperature, so there is no obvious deformation after EO sterilisation. The layer height of the module were inversely proportional to the degree of deformation in the same sterilisation method. The deformation time of the module is concentrated within 2 h after heating. The micro-deformation of the 3D printing module depends on its Tg, sterilisation temperature, and duration of the sterilisation cycle.
Possible atmospheric source of NH2SO3H: the hydrolysis of HNSO2 in the presence of neutral, basic, and acidic catalysts
Authors: Zhang Tianlei , Zhang Yongqi , Tian Shiyu , Zhou Mi , Liu Dong , Lin Ling , Zhang Qiang , Wang Rui , Muthiah Balaganesh 
Published: January 2022

The hydrolysis reaction of HNSO2 without and with neutral, basic and acidic catalysts have been studied theoretically. The results were shown that neutral, basic and acidic catalysts could promote the formation of NH2SO3H both kinetically and thermodynamically.
Investigation and demonstration of all‐optical hybrid fiber‐FSO‐fiber CDMA communication system
Authors: Peng Fang , Ji Jianhua , Song Yufeng , Wang Ke , Xu Ming 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe authors investigate and demonstrate an all‐optical hybrid fiber‐free space optical (FSO)‐fiber communication system based on optical code division multiple access (OCDMA). Under different turbulence effects, the interception probability and interception distance are used as security metrics, and optimal parameters are obtained when the system meets the requirements of reliability and security simultaneously. The interception probability increases with the enhancement of turbulence effect, and decreases as the number of interfering users increases. In the case of strong turbulence, the maximum interception probability is 4.14 × 10−4. The authors design and build a 10 Gb/s all‐optical hybrid fiber‐FSO‐fiber CDMA communication system. It is shown that, under the soft‐decision forward‐error‐correction threshold of 2 × 10−2, this scheme can guarantee physical layer security in the second 20‐km optical fiber link under different turbulence conditions, while the interception distance is 8 km in the first optical fiber link. Under the hard‐decision forward‐error‐correction threshold of 3.38 × 10−3, the whole system can ensure the physical layer security.
Effect of LiCoO2 on the positive temperature coefficient effect (PTC) properties of semiconductive composites and its ability to inhibit space charge injection
Authors: Wang Ciyao , Chen Shumei , Long Yu , Liu Yujia , Hao Chuncheng , Lei Qingquan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe semiconductive shield layer is between the conductive core and the insulation layer of high voltage direct current transmission cables and plays an important role in suppressing the accumulation of space charge in the insulation layer. Since the prevalent positive temperature coefficient effect (PTC) of the semiconducting layer leads to cable ageing and failure, this paper proposes the use of lithium cobaltate to modify the semiconducting shield to suppress its PTC effect and improve its ability to inhibit space charge injection. The ionic conductor LiCoO2 was prepared by the sol–gel method. LiCoO2 particles with particle sizes ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometres were obtained by ball milling. The prepared LiCoO2 was used as a filler to modify the carbon black (CB)/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites. After melt blending and moulding cross‐linking, LiCoO2/CB/EVA/LDPE semiconductive shielding specimens were successfully fabricated. Resistivity, Thermally Stimulated Depolarisation Currents (TSDC), and pulsed electro‐acoustic measurements were conducted for the prepared specimens. The PTC effect, which is common in polymer composites, was successfully suppressed, and the PTC strength was reduced by 17%. The resistivity of the semiconductive shielding layer was significantly reduced. The ability of the semiconducting shield to inhibit space charge injection from the conductive core to the insulation layer was significantly improved. When LiCoO2 content is 0.5 wt%, the semiconductive shielding layer has the best performance, and the space charge in the insulation layer was reduced by 70% compared to the undoped semiconducting shield.
Sub‐synchronous interaction damping controller for a series‐compensated DFIG‐based wind farm
Authors: Abdeen Mohamed , Li Hui , Mohamed Mohamed Abd‐El‐Hakeem , Kamel Salah , Khan Baseem , Chai Zhaosen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSub‐synchronous interaction (SSI) phenomenon is one of the dynamic system problems that have an adverse influence on the safety and stability of the system.The use of supplementary damping controllers (SDCs) in the double‐fed induction generator (DFIG) converter controllers is quite promising due to their simplicity,low costs, effectiveness, and easiness of tuning. This paper presents a new effective input control signal, rotor voltage, to the SDC for damping SSI in a series‐compensated DFIG‐based wind farm. The proposed SDC is embedded into both the q‐axis and d‐axis of the rotor‐side converter inner current loops. Particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to identify the optimum parameters of the SDC which maintain the system stability at various operation conditions. Both eigenvalue analysis and time‐domain simulations have been carried out to demonstrate the capability of the proposed SDC for enhancing the system stability and damping SSI. Compared to the conventional SDC, the proposed SDC has the best performance where it can quickly and robustly damp the SSI at different compensation levels, different wind speeds, and sub‐synchronous control interaction.
Revisiting Lunotriquetral Arthrodesis in Chronic Lunotriquetral Ligamentous Injuries
Authors: Nickel Kevin J. , Curran Matthew W.T. , Morhart Michael 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background Chronic lunotriquetral (LT) ligament tears are a source of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Left untreated, complete tears of the LT ligament may progress to a volar intercalated segment instability deformity and eventual carpal arthritis. Various treatments have been proposed, one of which is LT arthrodesis. LT arthrodesis has been criticized for high rates of nonunion frequently requiring reoperation, and therefore has largely fallen out of favor. However, our experience has been quite different from the literature. This study examines a single surgeon's experience with LT arthrodesis over a 15-year period.
Methods A retrospective review of the senior author's practice over a 15-year period was performed. All adult cases of LT arthrodesis for chronic LT injuries were included. Headless compression screw and cancellous bone graft from the distal radius were used for primary arthrodesis in all cases. The primary outcome was rate of union, and secondary outcomes were time to union, secondary or salvage procedures, and range of motion. Nonparametric statistical analysis was used to calculate differences in outcomes.
Results Twenty-eight patients met inclusion criteria. The median age was 45.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 35–50) years and 75% were male. The dominant hand was most commonly affected. Eighty-six percent of patients achieved union, one patient required redo arthrodesis, and one patient went on to wrist salvage. Three patients developed a pain-free pseudoarthrosis. Median time to radiographic union was 8.8 (IQR 5.9–11.9) weeks.
Conclusion Despite multiple previous reports, this study demonstrates that LT arthrodesis for chronic LT injuries is a safe technique with high rates of successful union. Further comparative studies are warranted to determine the optimal treatment for chronic LT injuries.
Urological Impact of Epididymo-orchitis in Patients with Anorectal Malformation: An ARM-Net Consortium Study
Authors: Morandi Anna , Fanjul Maria , Iacobelli Barbara Daniela , Samuk Inbal , Aminoff Dalia , Midrio Paola , de Blaauw Ivo , Schmiedeke Eberhard , Pini Prato Alessio , Feitz Wout , van der Steeg Hendrik J. J. , Minoli Dario Guido , Sloots Cornelius E. J. , Fascetti-Leon Francesco , Makedonsky Igor , Garcia Araceli , Stenström Pernilla 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Introduction To investigate the current experience of the ARM-Net Consortium in the management of epididymo-orchitis (EO) in patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs), and to identify specific risk factors and the need for urological care involvement.
Materials and Methods We retrospectively collected data of EO in patients with ARM between 2015 and 2019. Data on urological aspects, ARM type, surgical approach, associated anomalies, diagnosis, and treatment of EO were collected and analyzed.
Results Twenty-nine patients were reported by 12 centers. Twenty-six patients with EO (90%) had ARM with a rectourinary fistula. Median age at first EO was 2 years (range: 15 days–27 years). Twenty patients (69%) experienced multiple EO, and 60% of recurrences were ipsilateral. Associated urological anomalies included vesicoureteral reflux (48%), urethral anomalies (41%), neurogenic bladder (41%), and ectopic vas (10%). A positive urine culture during EO was present in 69%. EO was treated with antibiotics (90%), limiting surgical exploration to 14%. Prevention of recurrences included surgery (bulking agents 15%, vasectomy 15%, and orchiectomy 5%) and antibiotic prophylaxis (20%).
Conclusion Urologists may encounter patients with EO in ARM patients, frequently with positive urine culture. An appropriate urologic work-up for most ARM patients is necessary to identify and treat underlying risk factors. A practical scheme for the work-up is suggested for a close collaboration between pediatric surgeons and urologists.
High speed imaging of Z-pinch gas discharge in extreme ultraviolet and model-based three-dimensional reconstruction of emitting volume
Authors: Melsheimer F. , Ranis M. , Grützmacher D. , Juschkin L. 
Published: January 2022

We constructed a time-resolved imaging setup with 5 ns time step and 2 ns exposure to record plasma dynamics inside the electrode system of a gas discharge extreme ultraviolet source. To analyze the three-dimensional distribution of the emitting plasma, a model-based reconstruction method is implemented. It is applied to the experimentally recorded time-series images to visualize the transient dynamics of the emitting volume in the radial and otherwise inaccessible axial direction. The focus of this paper is the description of the experimental setup and the introduction of the three-dimensional image reconstruction technique for transparent axisymmetric sources. The influence of different fuel gases on plasma dynamics is discussed as an exemplary case.