bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer Algorithm‐Based Hydroxyurea Dosing Facilitates Titration to Maximum Tolerated Dose in Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Oldham Mahogany , Conrey Anna , Pittman Corinne , Fisher Cameron , Hargrett Simone , West Kamille , Jackson Mary , Martin Staci , Hsieh Matthew M. , Jeffries Neal , Kaplarevic Mihailo , Johnson Dachelle , Olkhanud Purevdorj , Fitzhugh Courtney D. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAdults with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience acute and chronic complications and die prematurely. When taken at maximum tolerated dose (MTD), hydroxyurea prolongs survival; however, it has not consistently reversed organ dysfunction. Patients also frequently do not take hydroxyurea, at least in part because of physician discomfort with prescribing hydroxyurea. We sought to develop a computer program that could easily titrate hydroxyurea to MTD. This was a single‐arm, open‐label pilot study. Fifteen patients with homozygous SCD were enrolled in the protocol, and 10 patients were followed at baseline and then for 1 year after hydroxyurea initiation or dose titration. Fetal hemoglobin significantly increased in all 10 patients from 8.3% to 25.1% (P < .001). Nine patients were titrated to MTD in an average of 7.9 months, and the tenth patient's hydroxyurea dose was increased to 33 mg/kg/day. Computer program dosing recommendations were the same as manual dosing decisions made using the same algorithm for all patients and at all times. We also evaluated markers of cardiopulmonary, liver and renal damage. Although cardiopulmonary function did not significantly improve, direct bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase levels significantly decreased (P < .001 and P < .01, respectively). Last, although kidney function did not improve, degree of proteinuria was significantly reduced (P < .05). We have developed a computer program that reliably titrates hydroxyurea to MTD. A larger study is indicated to test the program either as a computer program or a downloadable application.
Assessment of 20th‐century reanalysis circulation patterns associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation impacts on the tropical Atlantic and northeastern Brazil rainy season
Authors: Pinheiro Enzo , da Rocha Rosmeri Porfirio , Drumond Anita 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe present study investigates how the 20th‐century atmospheric reanalyses (ERA‐20C and NOAA‐20CR) reproduce the known impacts of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the tropical North Atlantic (TNA) atmospheric circulation from the boreal winter to spring and the consequences on northeastern Brazil (NEB) precipitation during its rainy season (boreal spring). For the period 1979–2010, comparisons of atmospheric patterns associated with ENSO events are made through the use of anomaly composites of variables provided by ERA‐20C, NOAA‐20CR and satellite‐era reanalyses (ERA‐Interim and NCEP‐Reanalysis 2). We also evaluate the ability of the reanalyses to reproduce the interannual variability of precipitation during the boreal spring over Ceará state (located in NEB) by statistically comparing them with Funceme rain‐gauge and Global Precipitation Climatology Center (GPCC) datasets. As the main result, both 20th‐century reanalyses capture the major features in the tropical Pacific representing the climatic system during ENSO years as well as its impacts on the tropical Atlantic, in agreement with previous studies. However, some differences are noted, such as (a) NOAA‐20CR differs from the other reanalyses since it indicates stronger (weaker) near‐surface (upper levels) wind anomalies over the central‐western equatorial Pacific in both El Niño and La Niña composites; (b) over the tropical Atlantic, all reanalyses indicate the existence of an omega anomalies dipole between 10°N and 10°S for both ENSO phases although a weaker signal is seen in NOAA‐20CR; (c) NOAA‐20CR underestimates the intensity of the precipitation anomalies over the NEB during El Niño and La Niña years, and this is associated with the weaker vertical velocity anomalies. These results indicate that ERA‐20C is the most appropriate 20th‐century reanalysis to study the long‐term interannual variability in the tropical Atlantic associated with ENSO and its impacts on precipitation in northeastern Brazil.
Effects of dietary ferulic acid on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of heifers
Authors: Peña‐Torres Edgar Fernando , Dávila‐Ramírez José Luis , Peña‐Ramos Etna Aida , Valenzuela‐Melendres Martín , Pinelli‐Saavedra Araceli , Avendaño‐Reyes Leonel , González‐Ríos Humberto 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDFerulic acid is a natural occurring compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial bioactive properties, and recently was proposed as a new alternative growth promoter in meat‐producing animals without changing meat quality parameters. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of two doses of ferulic acid (FA) on the feedlot performance, carcass traits, and physicochemical and sensory characteristics of meat quality in commercial heifers. Ninety heifers (3/4 Bos taurus; n = 270; body weight = 480 ± 10 kg) were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments (30 days): Control, fed with a basal diet; FA250 or FA500 offered the same diet further supplemented with FA at 250 or 500 mg kg−1 feed, respectively. Feedlot performance, carcass traits, and physicochemical and meat sensory characteristics were evaluated.RESULTSFA supplementation increased average daily gain (ADG) by 21%, hot carcass weight by 1.8% and cold carcass weight by 1.6% with respect to the control (P < 0.05). FA500 treatment caused a decrease (P < 0.05) in some carcass traits. However, carcass characteristics of economic importance, such as cold carcass dressing and LT muscle area, were improved by FA250 supplementation (P < 0.05), causing a possible growth promoter effect. Physicochemical and sensory parameters of meat were not altered by FA supplementation (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONFerulic acid has the potential for use as a growth promoter additive in finishing heifers without negatively affecting the meat quality, as occurs with some synthetic growth promotants compounds used in animal production. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of ultrafiltrated cow's whey for the production of whey cheese with Kefir or probiotics
Authors: Pires Arona F , Marnotes Natali G , Bella Amal , Viegas Jorge , Gomes David M , Henriques Marta H F , Pereira Carlos J D 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn Southern European countries, whey cheeses are normally produced with ovine or caprine whey. Cow's cheese whey can also be used, although the whey cheese yield is low (2–3%, w/v) which discourages its use. In the present study, bovine cheese whey was concentrated by ultrafiltration for the production of four types of whey cheeses (Requeijão): conventional, without any addition (WC); with 10% (w/w) addition of cream (WCC); with cream fermented with Kefir culture (WCCK); and with cream fermented with Bifidobacterium sp. culture (WCCBB12).RESULTSWhey cheeses with cream presented lower protein content (330–360 g kg−1, dry basis) and higher levels of total solids (220–250 g kg−1) and fat (300–330 g kg−1, dry basis) than WC. C16:0 and C18:1 were the most abundant fatty acids present, with 31% and 38%, respectively. The small differences found concerning instrumental determination of colour and texture were not perceived by panelists. However, the presence of Kefir and probiotics decreased the elastic modulus (G') of the samples, as well as their viscosity. Fermentation with Kefir presented the highest counts of lactic acid bacteria (7 logUFC g−1). However, after 14 days of refrigerated storage, the counts of yeasts and moulds reached 6 logUFC g−1 in all products, indicating the need for appropriate packaging solutions.CONCLUSIONUltrafiltration of bovine whey allows for the efficient production of bovine whey cheeses. The addition of cream fermented with Kefir or BB12 appears to be an efficient methodology to incorporate Kefir or probiotic bacteria in Requeijão, improving its nutritional and sensory characteristics, alongside the potential for the extension of its shelf‐life. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanical and biological characterization of a composite annulus fibrosus repair strategy in an endplate delamination model
Authors: Alexeev Dmitriy , Cui Shangbin , Grad Sibylle , Li Zhen , Ferguson Stephen J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study compares the mechanical response of the commonly used annulus fibrosus (AF) puncture injury model of the intervertebral disc (IVD) and a newly proposed AF failure at the endplate junction (delamination) on ex vivo bovine IVDs. Biocompatibility and mechanics of a newly developed repair strategy comprising of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold and fibrin‐genipin (FibGen) adhesive was tested on the delamination model. The study found no significant difference in the mechanical response to compressive loading between the two models. Primary goals of the repair strategy to create a tight seal on the damage area and restore mechanical properties, while showing minimal cytotoxicity, were broadly achieved. Postrepair, the IVDs showed a significant restoration of mechanical properties compared to the injured samples for the delamination model. The FibGen glue showed a limited toxicity in the AF and produced a resilient and mechanically stable seal on the damaged area.
Gender Representation at Conferences, Executive Boards, and Program Committees in Otolaryngology
Authors: Barinsky Gregory L. , Daoud Deborah , Tan Didem , Cerasiello Samantha Y. , Silva Nicole A. , Grube Jordon G. , Baredes Soly , Gray Stacey T. , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveWomen represent approximately 28.0% of academic otolaryngologists. Previous studies have shown that women in academic medicine, including surgical subspecialties, have disparate career advancement opportunities and grant funding compared to male counterparts. Representation at major academic meetings is an important career advancement opportunity. In this study, we assess the representation of women at otolaryngology conferences.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis of otolaryngology conference programs.MethodsAll publicly available scientific programs from The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation Annual Meeting (AAO‐HNSF), the Triological Society Annual Combined Sections Meeting (TS), and the Triological Society Annual Meeting at Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings (TS‐COSM) were obtained and analyzed. Name and gender were collected, along with the type of role: speaker, panelist, oral session moderator, and other leadership positions. Yearly trends were analyzed and compared between the conferences and in aggregate.ResultsAAO‐HNSF had available scientific programs from 2012–2017, while TS and TS‐COSM had programs available from 2003–2018. Across all conferences and years, 16.9% of recorded opportunities were occupied by women, with an upward trend from 2005 to 2018. Program committees had the highest proportion of women (21.4%) and presidential citation and guest of honor recipients had the lowest (9.1%). Of all panels, 87.5% did not have any women panelists in 2003, but by 2018 only 24.0% panels were male‐only. There was marked repetition among women occupying roles, with only 423 unique women occupying a total of 1,733 filled spots.ConclusionMeasured representation of women in academic otolaryngology conferences has improved from 2003–2018. Despite this improvement, gender disparity still exists.Level of Evidence5 Laryngoscope, 131:E373–E379, 2021
Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children—Management and Outcomes: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wood Joshua W. , Shaffer Amber D. , Kitsko Dennis , Chi David H. 
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveTo identify which patient characteristics and treatments are associated with hearing improvement in patients with pediatric sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were systematically searched for articles published before February 5, 2019, and references of relevant articles were screened. Original English‐language case series and cohort studies were included if they addressed SSNHL in patients <20 years of age. Study characteristics, patient demographics, symptoms, treatments, and hearing outcomes were extracted. The primary outcome was hearing improvement.ResultsThirteen studies were included, totaling 605 patients (670 ears). Hearing did not improve in 46.7% of ears (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.4% to 59.0%). Imaging (computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging) results were described in three studies, and 24.2% of ears (95% CI: 7.7% to 40.6%) had abnormal findings. The most common serological finding was cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (Ig)G or IgM (34.3% of ears tested, 95% CI: −2.9% to 71.6%). Unilateral hearing loss (odds ratio [OR]:3.85, P < .001), tinnitus (OR: 2.20, P = .003), age >12 years (OR: 2.11, P = .002), and ascending audiogram (OR: 3.66, P = .005), but not systemic or intratympanic steroids, were associated with increased odds of partial or complete improvement. In contrast, profound hearing loss (OR: 0.29, P < .001) and treatment delay of >6 days (OR: 0.27, P < .001) were associated with decreased odds of improvement.ConclusionsDespite treatment, half of patients had no improvement in hearing. Prognostic factors associated with hearing improvement were generally consistent with those established in the adult population. Further research with consistent definitions for hearing improvement is needed to improve the understanding and treatment of pediatric SSNHL.Level of Evidence  Laryngoscope, 131:425–434, 2021
FIRe glider: Mapping in situ chlorophyll variable fluorescence with autonomous underwater gliders
Authors: Carvalho Filipa , Gorbunov Maxim Y. , Oliver Matthew J. , Haskins Christina , Aragon David , Kohut Josh T. , Schofield Oscar 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNutrient and light availability regulate phytoplankton physiology and photosynthesis in the ocean. These physiological processes are difficult to sample in time and space over physiologically and ecologically relevant scales using traditional shipboard techniques. Gliders are changing the nature of data collection, by allowing a sustained presence at sea over regional scales, collecting data at resolution not possible using traditional techniques. The integration of a fluorescence induction and relaxation (FIRe) sensor in a Slocum glider allows autonomous high‐resolution and vertically‐resolved measurements of photosynthetic physiological variables together with oceanographic data. In situ measurements of variable fluorescence under ambient light allows a better understanding of the physical controls of primary production (PP). We demonstrate this capability in a laboratory setting and with several glider deployments in the Southern Ocean. Development of these approaches will allow for the in situ evaluation of phytoplankton light stress and photoacclimation mechanisms, as well as the role of vertical mixing in phytoplankton dynamics and the underlying physiology, especially in remote locations and for prolonged duration.
Assessing water literacy at a primarily undergraduate university in Ohio
Authors: Johnson Delaney R. , Courter Jason R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAs the impacts of water quality on human health become better understood, universities have an opportunity to equip students to become more informed and responsible citizens. We define water literacy as possessing the scientific knowledge to understand the links between water availability and usage, and being equipped to constructively discuss water‐related issues that affect society. Water literacy has been positively correlated with education level and water‐related experiences in adults, but less is known about water literacy in college students. We surveyed 224 students about water literacy at Malone University, a primarily undergraduate institution in Ohio with regard to gender, student year, residency status, and hometown. Of survey respondents, 62% first considered whether water was safe before drinking it, 44% primarily drank bottled water on campus, and more females (45%) than males (22%) took additional measures to filter campus tap water. Most (54%) reported seeking water‐related information online and only 27% were able to identify key threats to water quality in Ohio. Of the 38% of respondents who were able to identify the source of their hometown drinking water, most were from rural areas and drank well water. Our results indicate a low degree of water literacy among students, which has been reported elsewhere in Ohio and nationally. Our survey approach could be useful for universities seeking to identify knowledge gaps before implementing new curricula.
Significant enhancement of dielectric properties of graphene oxide filled polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposites: Effect of ionic liquid and temperature
Authors: Sahu Ganeswar , Tripathy Jasaswini , Sahoo Bibhu Prasad 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFabrication of polymer nanocomposites with excellent dielectric properties in an environmentally friendly approach is a challenging job. Nanocomposites based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and graphene oxide (GO) are fabricated using deionized water by solvent casting technique. The agglomerations, intercalation, and exfoliation pattern of dispersion of GO phase in the interface are observed in HRTEM and FESEM photomicrographs.1‐Allyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium chloride (AMIC) as ionic liquid (IL) is incorporated for better dispersion and compatibility. The Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman analysis confirms the establishment of hydrogen bonding and cation‐π interaction between AMIC and GO platelets. The enhancement of the tensile results up to 2 wt% of GO loading ensures the reinforcing nature of GO. Further increase in tensile strength in IL contend systems ensure the bridging activity, which facilitates the stress transfer at the interface. The effect of GO loading, IL, and temperature on the dielectric properties, such as dielectric permittivity (ε′), AC conductivity (σac), impedance (Z′ and Z″), and Nyquist plot are explored. The significant enhancement in ε′ with the incorporation of GO loading level and IL in an external electric field is mostly due to the increase in polarizable dipoles and migration of electric charge carriers, which result the accumulation of charge particles with different relaxation time at the interface. The interfacial polarization phenomena become more frequent at higher temperature, which again results increase in ε′. A remarkable increase in σac and reduction of Z′ and Z″ of the fabricated PVA/GO systems with an increase in GO loading level ensures the pronounced tunneling and hopping phenomenon at the interface. The diminished area obtained under the Nyquist plots with increase in GO loading level and temperature ensures about the decrease in bulk resistivity (RB) and increase in charge storing ability of the developed systems. The significant improvement in dielectric properties at higher temperature reveals the negative temperature coefficient behavior of resistance (NTC) of the developed systems.
A survey of the rheological properties, phase morphology, and crystallization behavior of PP‐POSS materials with weak phase separation
Authors: Bianchi Otávio , Ornaghi Jr Heitor Luiz , N. Martins Johnny , Dal Castel Charles , Bresciani Canto Leonardo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPolypropylene (PP) compounds with varying amounts (0.4‐8.2 vol%) of tailored allyl‐isobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were prepared by melt‐blending. The dependence of the crystallization behavior and crystalline structure of PP on the melt‐state phase morphology of PP‐POSS materials is addressed. PP‐POSS systems were predicted to exhibit weak phase separation in both the molten and solid states based on Bagley plot using Hansen solubility parameters. Small‐amplitude shear rheometry analysis suggested that the highest loaded (8.2 vol%) PP‐POSS system behaves as a two‐liquid emulsion, whereas the low‐content POSS (0.4‐4.0 vol%) systems deviate from this model, resembling a polymer nanocomposite. Based on these findings we hypothesized the formation of a heterogeneous phase morphology in the molten state comprised of nano‐size “pseudo‐solid” POSS clusters and micrometer‐size “pseudo‐liquid” POSS droplets dispersed within the PP matrix, depending on the POSS content. Upon cooling, POSS droplets comingle, forming cube‐like micrometer‐sized crystal domains. The nonisothermal crystallization of PP is enhanced by the presence of POSS clusters. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering analysis revealed the formation of thinner and more heterogeneous folded chain PP lamellae in the PP‐POSS systems.
Factors influencing loneliness in cancer caregivers: A longitudinal study
Authors: Ross Alyson , Perez Avery , Wehrlen Leslie , Lee Lena J. , Yang Li , Cox Robert , Bevans Margaret , Ding Alice , Wiener Lori , Wallen Gwenyth R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe levels of loneliness in cancer caregivers over a 6 month time period, and to examine factors that influence changes in loneliness in caregivers over time.MethodsProspective, repeated measures design was utilized to examine levels of loneliness and factors that influence loneliness in 129 family caregivers of individuals undergoing cancer treatment at three time points over a 6 month period. Measures included: PROMIS global health and sleep disturbance; NIH Toolbox loneliness, self‐efficacy and perceived stress; Family Care Inventory mutuality scale; and Caregiver Reaction Assessment.ResultsApproximately one third (30.2%, n = 39) of the caregivers had high levels of loneliness, and levels of loneliness did not change over the three time points (P = .985). For any given time point, caregivers who were not married (P = .008), not working (P = .027), with worse mental health (P = .015), more perceived‐stress (P < .0001), and more caregiver burden (P = .003) reported higher levels of loneliness.ConclusionThis study provides guidance for clinicians attempting to identify at‐risk caregivers by confirming the findings of previous research that caregivers with higher burden, stress and in poor mental health are at increased risk for loneliness. This study provides preliminary evidence that continuing to work during the caregiving trajectory may be beneficial to caregivers by reducing levels of loneliness. Future research is needed to confirm these findings and to examine novel interventions to reduce loneliness in cancer caregivers.