bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OCT guided micro-focal ERG system with multiple stimulation wavelengths for characterization of ocular health
Authors: Carlson Michael , Kim Sanghoon , Aparicio-Domingo Silvia , Li Kang V. , Puig Ben , Batabyal Subrata , Canto-Soler M. Valeria , Mohanty Samarendra 
Published: March 2022

AbstractInherited retinal disorders and dry age-related macular degeneration are characterized by the degeneration and death of different types of photoreceptors at different rate and locations. Advancement of new therapeutic interventions such as optogenetics gene therapy and cell replacement therapies are dependent on electrophysiological measurements at cellular resolution. Here, we report the development of an optical coherence tomography (OCT) guided micro-focal multi-color laser stimulation and electroretinogram (ERG) platform for highly localized monitoring of retina function. Functional evaluation of wild type and transgenic pigs affected by retinal degeneration was carried out using OCT guided micro-focal ERG (μfERG) with selected stimulation wavelengths for S, M and L cones as well as rod photoreceptors. In wild type pigs, μfERG allowed functional recording from rods and each type of cone photoreceptor cells separately. Furthermore, functional deficits in P23H transgenic pigs consistent with their retinal degeneration phenotype were observed, including decrease in the S and M cone function and lack of rod photoreceptor function. OCT guided μfERG based monitoring of physiological function will enable characterization of animal models of retinal degenerative diseases and evaluation of therapeutic interventions at the cellular level.
Extracellular pyruvate kinase M2 promotes osteoclastogenesis and is associated with radiographic progression in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Han Dong Woo , Choi Yong Seok , Kim Hye Won , Shin Seunghwan , Ha You-Jung , Kang Eun Ha , Park Jun Won , Park Jin Kyun , Shin Kichul , Song Yeong Wook , Lee Yun Jong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractExtracellular PKM2 (exPKM2) levels have been reported to be increased in several cancers and inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to investigate the association of circulating exPKM2 levels with radiographic progression in RA patients and the effect of exPKM2 on osteoclastogenesis. Plasma and synovial fluid exPKM2 levels were significantly elevated in RA patients. Plasma exPKM2 levels were correlated with RA disease activity and were an independent predictor for radiographic progression in RA patients with a disease duration of ≤ 12 months. CD14+ monocytes but not RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes secreted PKM2 upon stimulation with inflammatory mediators. Recombinant PKM2 (rPKM2) increased the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinuclear cells and resorption pit in osteoclast precursors, dose-dependently, even in the absence of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). rPKM2 treatment upregulated the expression of dendrocyte-expressed seven transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP) and MMP-9 via the ERK pathway. Although rPKM2 did not directly bind to RAW264.7 cells, extracellular application of pyruvate, the end-product of PKM2, showed effects similar to those seen in rPKM2-induced osteoclastogenesis. These results suggest that exPKM2 is a potential regulator of RA-related joint damage and a novel biomarker for subsequent radiographic progression in patients with early-stage RA.
Zeolite-based monoliths for water softening by ion exchange/precipitation process
Authors: Campanile A. , Liguori B. , Ferone C. , Caputo D. , Aprea P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this work, the design of a monolithic softener obtained by geopolymer gel conversion is proposed. The softener used consists in a geopolymeric macroporous matrix functionalized by the co-crystallization of zeolite A and X in mixture. The dual nature of the proposed material promotes a softening process based on the synergistic effect of cation exchange and alkaline precipitation. A softening capacity of 90% and 54% for Ca2+ and Mg2+ respectively was attained in 24 h. In fact, the softener reported a Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) value of 4.43 meq g−1. Technical features such as density, porosity and mechanical resistance were also measured. The use of this monolithic softener can improve performance and sustainability of hardness removal from tap water, reducing the production of sludge and adding the possibility to partially regenerate or reuse it.
Comparison between external fixation and pelvic binder in patients with pelvic fracture and haemodynamic instability who underwent various haemostatic procedures
Authors: Jang Ji Young , Bae Keum Soek , Kang Byung Hee , Lee Gil Jae 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHaemostatic procedures such as preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP), pelvic angiography (PA), and internal iliac artery ligation are used for haemorrhage control in pelvic fracture patients with haemodynamic instability. Pelvic external fixation (PEF) and pelvic binder (PB) are usually applied with haemostatic procedures to reduce the pelvic volume. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between patients who underwent PEF and PB. Among 173 patients with pelvic fracture admitted to the emergency room of three regional trauma centres between January 2015 and December 2018, the electronic charts of haemodynamically unstable patients were retrospectively analysed. Among the 84 patients included in the analysis, 20 underwent PEF with or without PB, and 64 underwent only PB. There were significant differences in tile classification and laparotomy between the PEF and PB groups (p = 0.023 and p = 0.032). PPP tended to be more frequently preformed in the PEF group (p = 0.054), whereas PA tended to be more commonly performed in the PB group than in the PEF group (p = 0.054). After propensity score matching to adjust for differences in patient characteristics and adjunct haemostatic procedure, there was no significant difference in 7-day, 30-day, and overall mortality rates between the PEF and PB groups (10.5% vs 21.1%, p = 0.660, 21.1% vs 26.3%, p = 1.000, and 26.3% vs 26.3%, p = 1.000). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis and multivariate analysis for correction of covariates (age, lactate, and abdominal injury) showed that PEF was not an independent factor for 30-day mortality compared with PB (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.526; 95% confidence interval, 0.092–3.002; p = 0.469). Among the volume reduction procedures performed with other haemostatic procedures in patients with pelvic fracture and haemodynamic instability, PEF did not significantly reduce the 30-day mortality rate compared to PB.
Lumbar zygapophyseal joints injections under ultrasound guidance an alternative to fluoroscopy guidance in the management of low back pain
Authors: Touboul Estelle , Salomon-Goëb S. , Boistelle M. , Sobhy Danial J. , Deprez V. , Goëb V. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUltrasound-guided injections are an alternative to evaluate in the management of low back pain associated with osteoarthritis of the lumbar facet joints: it eliminates the risk of ionizing radiation for both the patient and the practitioner. This study aims to compare the short-term clinical efficacy of lumbar facet joints injections between ultrasound-guided injections and fluoroscopy-guided injections. Observational, retrospective, single-center study. Patients received one or two lumbar zygapophyseal joints injections under fluoroscopy or ultrasound and a follow-up consultation at one month. Data from 54 patients was collected. The median of the evolution of VAS at one month was − 30 mm [−50.0; −20.0] in the ultrasound group and – 29.5 mm [−47.0; −15.0] (p < 0.001) in the fluoroscopy group with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.835). There were no injection-related complications in either group during the follow-up. The percentage of patients who stopped NSAIDs was not statistically significant between the two groups (p = 1.00). Injections of corticosteroids of lumbar facet joints under ultrasound guidance significantly reduced pain after one month, with no difference found between the two techniques. Ultrasound-guided injections are reliable, accessible and a safe alternative that should be preferred over those under fluoroscopy.
Detection of temporal, spatial and spatiotemporal clustering of malaria incidence in northwest Ethiopia, 2012–2020
Authors: Nigussie Teshager Zerihun , Zewotir Temesgen T. , Muluneh Essey Kebede 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMalaria is one of Ethiopia's most targeted communicable diseases for elimination. Malaria transmission varies significantly across space and time; and Ethiopia had space–time disparity in its transmission intensities. Considering heterogeneity and transmission intensity at the district level could play a crucial role in malaria prevention and elimination. This study aimed to explore temporal, spatial, and spatiotemporal clusters of malaria incidence in northwest Ethiopia. The analysis is based on monthly malaria surveillance data of districts and collected from the Amhara public health institute. The Kulldorff's retrospective space–time scan statistics using a discrete Poisson model were used to detect temporal, spatial, and space–time clusters of malaria incidence with and without adjusting the altitude + LLIN arm. Monthly malaria incidence had seasonal variations, and higher seasonal indices occurred in October and November. The temporal cluster occurred in the higher transmission season between September and December annually. The higher malaria incidence risk occurred between July 2012 and December 2013 (LLR = 414,013.41, RR = 2.54, P < 0.05). The purely spatial clustering result revealed that the most likely cluster occurred in the north and northwest parts of the region while secondary clusters varied in years. The space–time clusters were detected with and without considering altitude + LLIN arm. The most likely space–time cluster was concentrated in northwestern and western parts of the region with a high-risk period between July 2012 and December 2013 (LLR = 880,088.3, RR = 5.5, P < 0.001). We found eight significant space–time clusters using the altitude + LLIN arm. The most likely space–time cluster occurred in the western and northwestern parts of the region in July 2012–December 2013 (LLR = 886,097.7, RR = 5.55, P < 0.05). However, secondary clusters were located in eastern, northwestern, western parts of regions, which had different cases and relative risks in each cluster. Malaria transmission had temporal, spatial, and space–time variation in the region at the district level. Hence, considering these variations and factors contributing to malaria stratification would play an indispensable role in preventing and controlling practices that ultimately leads to malaria eliminations.
Spread of gambling abstinence through peers and comments in online self-help chat forums to quit gambling
Authors: Yokotani Kenji 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHabit formation occurs in relation to peer habits and comments. This general principle was applied to gambling abstinence in the context of online self-help forums to quit gambling. Participants in this study, conducted between September 2008 and March 2020, were 161 abstinent and 928 non-abstinent gamblers who participated in online self-help chat forums to quit gambling. They received 269,317 comments during their first 3 years of forum participation. Gamblers had an increased likelihood of 3-year continuous gambling abstinence if they had many peers in the forums. However, they had a decreased likelihood of gambling abstinence if they received rejective comments from the forums. Based on these results, online social network-based interventions may be a new treatment option for gamblers.
Nectin cell adhesion molecule 4 regulates angiogenesis through Src signaling and serves as a novel therapeutic target in angiosarcoma
Authors: Tanaka Yuka , Murata Maho , Tanegashima Keiko , Oda Yoshinao , Ito Takamichi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAngiosarcoma is a rare, life-threatening soft tissue sarcoma with malignant endothelial cells that is mainly found in the skin. Multidisciplinary approaches are used to treat patients with unresectable metastasized lesions; considering the cellular origin of angiosarcoma, anti-angiogenic therapy has also been used recently. However, these treatments have limited efficacy, and the survival rate remains low. Thus, more effective treatments need to be developed. Nectin cell adhesion molecule 4 (NECTIN4) is highly expressed in malignant tumors and promotes tumor progression. Thus, NECTIN4 is expected to be a novel therapeutic target for cancer. However, the significance of NECTIN4 in angiosarcoma remains unknown. Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated NECTIN4 expression in 74 tissue samples from angiosarcoma patients, finding variable NECTIN4 expression. In addition, we investigated NECTIN4 expression and function in human angiosarcoma cell lines. NECTIN4 expression was higher in angiosarcoma cells than normal endothelial cells, and angiosarcoma cells were sensitive to monomethyl auristatin E, the cytotoxic part of a NECTIN4-targetting antibody–drug conjugate. NECTIN4 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and angiogenesis of angiosarcoma cells, and Src kinase signaling was shown to be involved in NECTIN4 function, at least in part. NECTIN4-targeted therapy has the potential to be a novel treatment strategy for angiosarcoma.
A novel Streptococcus pneumoniae human challenge model demonstrates Treg lymphocyte recruitment to the infection site
Authors: Szylar Gabriella , Wysoczanski Riccardo , Marshall Helina , Marks Daniel J. B. , José Ricardo , Ehrenstein Michael R. , Brown Jeremy S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTo investigate local tissue responses to infection we have developed a human model of killedStreptococcus pneumoniaechallenge by intradermal injection into the forearm.S. pneumoniaeintradermal challenge caused an initial local influx of granulocytes and increases in TNF, IL6 and CXCL8. However, by 48 h lymphocytes were the dominant cell population, mainly consisting of CD4 and CD8 T cells. Increases in local levels of IL17 and IL22 and the high proportion of CD4 cells that were CCR6+suggested a significant Th17 response. Furthermore, at 48 h the CD4 population contained a surprisingly high proportion of likely memory Treg cells (CCR6 positive and CD45RA negative CD4+CD25highCD127lowcells) at 39%. These results demonstrate that the intradermal challenge model can provide novel insights into the human response toS. pneumoniaeand that Tregs form a substantial contribution of the normal human lymphocyte response to infection with this important pathogen.
Feasibility of the Olympic marathon under climatic and socioeconomic change
Authors: Oyama Takahiro , Takakura Jun’ya , Fujii Minoru , Nakajima Kenichi , Hijioka Yasuaki 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThere are concerns about the impact of climate change on Olympic Games, especially endurance events, such as marathons. In recent competitions, many marathon runners dropped out of their races due to extreme heat, and it is expected that more areas will be unable to host the Games due to climate change. Here, we show the feasibility of the Olympic marathon considering the variations in climate factors, socioeconomic conditions, and adaptation measures. The number of current possible host cities will decline by up to 27% worldwide by the late twenty-first century. Dozens of emerging cities, especially in Asia, will not be capable of hosting the marathon under the highest emission scenario. Moving the marathon from August to October and holding the Games in multiple cities in the country are effective measures, and they should be considered if we are to maintain the regional diversity of the Games.
Targeted mesenchymal stem cell therapy equipped with a cell-tissue nanomatchmaker attenuates osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Nasiri Nahid , Hosseini Samaneh , Reihani-Sabet Fakhreddin , Baghaban Eslaminejad Mohamadreza 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are at the forefront of research for a wide range of diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). Despite having attracted the attention of orthopedists, current MSC therapy techniques are limited by poor MSC implantation in tissue defects and lack of lateral tissue integration, which has restricted the efficacy of cell therapy to alleviate OA symptoms only. Here, we developed targeted MSC therapy for OA cartilage using a cell-tissue matchmaking nanoconstruct (C-TMN). C-TMN, as an MSC vehicle, consists of a central iron oxide nanoparticle armed with two types of antibodies, one directed at the MSC surface and the other against articular cartilage. We treated rat OA articular cartilage with intra-articular injections of C-TMN with and without exogenous MSCs. We observed substantial improvements in both symptomatic and radiographic OA caused by C-TMN, which was independent of exogenous MSCs. This new approach could predict a promising future for OA management.
An exploratory study on the role of serum fatty acids in the short-term dietary therapy of gingivitis
Authors: Kruse Anne B. , Gärtner Maximilian , Vach Kirstin , Grueninger Dirk , Peikert Stefanie A. , Ratka-Krüger Petra , Tennert Christian , Woelber Johan P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA previous randomised controlled trial showed that an anti-inflammatory diet (AID) significantly reduced gingival inflammation despite constant plaque values. This exploratory study investigated the role of serum fatty acids in relation to the observed clinical effects. Therefore, data of thirty participants with gingivitis, following either a pro-inflammatory dietary pattern (PID) rich in saturated fat, omega 6 fatty acids, and refined carbohydrates or an AID for 4 weeks, were correlated with corresponding serum samples for a variety of fatty acids. Changes in the fatty acid profile and effects on clinical periodontal parameters were analysed. Results showed that the polyunsatured:saturated fatty acids ratio (PUFA:SFA ratio) and nervonic acid level were significantly higher in the AID group than in the PID group at the end of the study. Significant intragroup differences were seen only in the AID group. Diverse fatty acids showed heterogeneous relations to clinical parameters. This study demonstrated that the serum fatty acid profile was not fundamentally associated with the clinical gingivitis-lowering effects of an AID in short-term, although some fatty acids showed individual relations to clinical parameters with respect to inflammation. Hence, short-term effects of dietary therapy on gingivitis may be rather based on carbohydrate-related effects and/or micronutrients.
Evaluating an internet-delivered fear conditioning and extinction protocol using response times and affective ratings
Authors: Björkstrand Johannes , Pine Daniel S. , Frick Andreas 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPavlovian fear conditioning is widely used to study mechanisms of fear learning, but high-throughput studies are hampered by the labor-intensive nature of examining participants in the lab. To circumvent this bottle-neck, fear conditioning tasks have been developed for remote delivery. Previous studies have examined remotely delivered fear conditioning protocols using expectancy and affective ratings. Here we replicate and extend these findings using an internet-delivered version of the Screaming Lady paradigm, evaluating the effects on negative affective ratings and response time to an auditory probe during stimulus presentation. In a sample of 80 adults, we observed clear evidence of both fear acquisition and extinction using affective ratings. Response times were faster when probed early, but not later, during presentation of stimuli paired with an aversive scream. The response time findings are at odds with previous lab-based studies showing slower as opposed to faster responses to threat-predicting cues. The findings underscore the feasibility of employing remotely delivered fear conditioning paradigms with affective ratings as outcome. Findings further highlight the need for research examining optimal parameters for concurrent response time measures or alternate non-verbal indicators of conditioned responses in Pavlovian conditioning protocols.
3D modelling and simulation of the dispersion of droplets and drops carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a railway transport coach
Authors: Armand Patrick , Tâche Jérémie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractComputational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling and 3D simulations of the air flow and dispersion of droplets or drops in semi-confined ventilated spaces have found topical applications with the unfortunate development of the Covid-19 pandemic. As an illustration of this scenario, we have considered the specific situation of a railroad coach containing a seated passenger infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (and not wearing a face mask) who, by breathing and coughing, releases droplets and drops that contain the virus and that present aerodynamic diameters between 1 and 1000 µm. The air flow is generated by the ventilation in the rail coach. While essentially 3D, the flow is directed from the bottom to the top of the carriage and comprises large to small eddies visualised by means of streamlines. The space and time distribution of the droplets and drops is computed using both an Eulerian model and a Lagrangian model. The results of the two modelling approaches are fully consistent and clearly illustrate the different behaviours of the drops, which fall down close to the infected passenger, and the droplets, which are carried along with the air flow and invade a large portion of the rail coach. This outcome is physically sound and demonstrates the relevance of CFD for simulating the transport and dispersion of droplets and drops with any diameter in enclosed ventilated spaces. As coughing produces drops and breathing produces droplets, both modes of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in human secretions have been accounted for in our 3D numerical study. Beyond the specific, practical application of the rail coach, this study offers a much broader scope by demonstrating the feasibility and usefulness of 3D numerical simulations based on CFD. As a matter of fact, the same computational approach that has been implemented in our study can be applied to a huge variety of ventilated indoor environments such as restaurants, performance halls, classrooms and open-plan offices in order to evaluate if their occupation could be critical with respect to the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus or to other airborne respiratory infectious agents, thereby enabling relevant recommendations to be made.