bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defining IL‐6 levels in healthy individuals: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Said Elias A. , Al‐Reesi Iman , Al‐Shizawi Nawal , Jaju Sanjay , Al‐Balushi Mohammed S. , Koh Crystal Y. , Al‐Jabri Ali A. , Jeyaseelan Lakshmanan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is produced by and impacts different cell types in human. IL‐6 is associated with different diseases and viral infections, including COVID‐19. To our knowledge, no normal values were reported for IL‐6 in the blood of healthy individuals. We have reviewed and performed a meta‐analysis on a total of 140 studies, including 12,421 values for IL‐6 in the blood of healthy adult donors. Among these studies, 83 did not report a mean value and the standard deviation. Therefore, for the statistical analysis, we used the values reported in 57 studies, which included 3166 values for IL‐6.ResultsThe reported values for IL‐6 in the blood of healthy donors varied between 0 and 43.5 pg/ml. The pooled estimate of IL‐6 was 5.186 pg/ml (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.631, 5.740). As the age increased by 1 year, IL‐6 values increased by 0.05 pg/ml (95% CI: 0.02, 0.09; p < .01). Though the heterogenicity, as determined by I2 statistics, was high in our study, the differences in IL‐6 values are still at the level of a few pg/ml, which might be related to the differences in the conditions that influence IL‐6 production in the healthy population.ConclusionsThis is the first meta‐analysis reporting the levels of IL‐6 in the blood of healthy donors based on a large number of studies and donors. Therefore the 95% CI values determined in our study could well serve as a reference range for quick decision‐making in clinical interventions, particularly those aiming to inhibit IL‐6, especially urgent interventions, for example, COVID‐19.
Historical trends of seasonal Greenland blocking under different blocking metrics
Authors: Wachowicz Lori J. , Preece Jonathon R. , Mote Thomas L. , Barrett Bradford S. , Henderson Gina R. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAs the Arctic continues to warm, a weakening of upper‐tropospheric westerly winds is hypothesized to induce a meandering jet stream and slower propagation of Rossby waves. As such, current hypotheses suggest an increase in Greenland blocking due to increased stationarity of the high amplitude waves. These hypotheses have been supported observationally with the Greenland blocking index (GBI). However, given an expected increase in overall geopotential heights corresponding to increased temperatures in the region, we assess the robustness of trends in Greenland blocking using additional blocking metrics in addition to the GBI, which has largely been the focused blocking metric for this region to date. Our results show sensitivity of the GBI‐based increases in blocking to global and zonally averaged 500‐hPa geopotential heights, which results in inconsistent increasing trends over the 1979–2018 period when compared with other blocking metrics. Seasonal blocking frequencies of the GBI show a significant increase in blocking for JJA, though no significant trend in JJA blocking occurs for most metrics. Other indices suggest a decrease in blocking frequency in September–November (SON) and December–February (DJF), though these trends are not statistically significant. Yet, when smoothed using a 5‐year running mean, these other metrics suggest an increase in both DJF and JJA blocking with a decrease only in SON blocking, which are consistent with findings of significant changes in GBI. We report no best metric for identifying Greenland blocking. Instead, we present some shortcomings of the different metrics used in this study. These results provide insight into selection of Greenland blocking events for future research, as over‐ or under‐estimation of blocking activity can impact estimates of surface mass balance of the ice sheet.
Maternal periodontal status, oral inflammatory load, and systemic inflammation are associated with low infant birth weight
Authors: Mahapatra Annuroopa , Nayak Rashmita , Satpathy Anurag , Pati Basanta Kumar , Mohanty Rinkee , Mohanty Gatha , Beura Rajdeep 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontal disease and pregnancy outcomes have been claimed to be associated with conflicting reports. The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the association between maternal periodontal status, oral inflammatory load and serum C‐ reactive protein (CRP) level, and infant birth weight.MethodsA total of 156 pregnant women (age 26.62 ± 3.93 years) within the gestational age group of 13 to 32 weeks participated in this cross‐sectional study. Oral inflammatory load (OIL) was assessed in a salivary rinse sample using fluorescence microscopy. Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded and serum C‐reactive protein level (CRP) was assessed. Participants were followed till delivery, details of parturition and infant birth weight (IBW) was recorded.ResultsOIL was significantly more in participants with mild and moderate periodontitis as compared to those with gingivitis in mid and late stages of pregnancy. Periodontal and systemic inflammatory parameters were positively correlated. A significant negative correlation was found between IBW and OIL (P = 0.006) and serum CRP (P < 0.001). The GI score (P = 0.039), BOP% (P = 0.023), serum CRP level (P < 0.001) and oral polymorphonuclear neutrophil (oPMN) count (P < 0.001) was significantly more in mothers delivering babies with low IBW. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that only oPMN (β = – 0.244, P = 0.021) and serum CRP (β = – 0.226, P = 0.019) were included in the best model (R2 = 0.12, F(3,152) = 7.15, P < 0.001) for significantly predicting the infant birth weight.ConclusionsPoor maternal periodontal status, increased oral inflammatory load and increased systemic inflammation have an adverse effect on infant birth weight.
Characterization of tea tree essential oil and large‐ring cyclodextrins (CD9–CD22) inclusion complex and evaluation of its thermal stability and volatility
Authors: Cao Chuan , Wei Dongmei , Xu Li , Hu Jinwei , Qi Jun , Zhou Yibin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlthough the structure and physicochemical properties of large ring cyclodextrins (LR‐CDs) exhibit unique characteristics, and also possess very strong water solubility and high safety, little is known about the embedding performance of macrocyclodextrin. Encapsulation refers to a complex of tea tree oil (TTO) with the wall material, protecting the core material or changing its properties from adverse external factors, controlling its release rate against the evaporation and degradation of essential oils. In the present study, LR‐CDs complexed with TTO were prepared by co‐precipitation methods.RESULTSThe mass ratio of LR‐CDs‐TTO was six and the maximum complexation efficiency was 86.23%.Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis presented the loss of characteristic peaks related to TTO in the complex and no other additional peaks were observed. X‐ray diffraction examination demonstrated several sharp peaks and intensity peaks at the diffraction angle of the TTO‐LR‐CDs complex. 1H‐NMR indicated a chemical shift as a result of the interaction between the molecules in the inclusion complex. Moreover, the thermal stability and aqueous solubility of TTO were enhanced after synergy with LR‐CDs; particularly, the solubility of the complex was increased by 329‐fold. The volatile characteristics of the encapsulated and original TTO were identical.CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study show that TTO was efficaciously complexed with LR‐CDs and exhibited enhanced solubility and thermal stability. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Green and efficient removal of heavy metals from Porphyra haitanensis using natural deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Yang Xi , Zang Yuan‐Yuan , Yang Sha , Chen Zhi‐Gang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDPorphyra haitanensis now faces serious heavy metal pollution problems. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have been recognized as a novel class of sustainable solvents, which can be used for heavy metal removal. In this study, 28 kinds of NADESs were prepared and investigated as eluent in the removal of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and copper (Cu) from P. haitanensis for the first time, and the adsorption mechanism of NADESs was also studied.RESULTSThe removals were greatly improved by NADESs compared with control where the removal rates of Pb, Cd, Cr, As and Cu were 17.4–87.54%, 57.54–100%, 9.8–48.59%, 21.32–78.24% and 11.68–79.73%, respectively. The optimal condition was 10% water content and solid–liquid ratio of 1:20. Moreover, the addition of 20% natural surfactant arabic gum can further increase the heavy metals removal rates of NADESs. The adsorption mechanism experiments showed that the pseudo second‐order model and the Freundlich adsorption model can better explain the adsorption mechanism of NADESs on heavy metals removal.CONCLUSIONTaken together, a green and efficient method for removing heavy metals from P. haitanensis was established. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of systemic allergenicity of tropomyosin from shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponense) and anaphylactic reactions in digestive tract
Authors: Xie Yanhai , Shao Huming , Hu Xin , Hua Xiwei , Meng Xuanyi , Chen Hongbing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDTropomyosin (TM) is the major allergen of crustaceans. The allergenicity of TM from Macrobrachium nipponense (MnTM) and the anaphylactic reaction in the digestive tract are still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the allergenicity of MnTM and the anaphylactic reaction in the digestive tract.RESULTSSerum IgE and IgG1 binding ability in the TM group were significantly higher than those in the PBS and CT groups (P < 0.01) and CP group (P < 0.05), while serum IgG and IgG2a binding ability showed no obvious difference between the four groups (P > 0.05). The levels of cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 in TM and CP groups were significantly higher than those in PBS and CT groups. Histamine and β‐hexosaminidase in the TM and CP groups from basophil cell models were significantly higher than those in the PBS group. The highest mRNA expression of IL‐4 and IL‐13 was in the jejunum from TM‐sensitized mice. Histopathological analysis showed that more immune cells infiltrated into the jejunum than the duodenum and ileum from the TM‐sensitized mice.CONCLUSIONSMnTM could promote an allergic response in mice and lead to degranulation in basophil cells. The jejunum was more easily affected by MnTM than duodenum and ileum, and the jejunum may be the major site of allergic response in the digestive tract. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Plus Problem Management (CA‐CBT+) With Afghan Refugees: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Kananian Schahryar , Soltani Yasaman , Hinton Devon , Stangier Ulrich 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCulturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CA‐CBT) is a well‐evaluated, transdiagnostic group intervention for refugees that uses psychoeducation, meditation, and stretching exercises. In the current study, we added problem‐solving training to CA‐CBT and evaluated this treatment (i.e., CA‐CBT+) in a randomized controlled pilot trial with a sample of Farsi‐speaking refugees. Participants (N = 24) were male refugees diagnosed with DSM‐5 PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders who were randomly assigned to either a treatment or waitlist control (WLC) condition. Treatment components were adapted both to the specific cultural background and the current social problems of asylum seekers. Assessments were performed pretreatment, 12‐weeks posttreatment, and 1‐year follow‐up. The primary treatment outcome was the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28); secondary outcome measures included the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Patient Health Questionnaire, Somatic Symptom Scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life, and Emotion Regulation Scale. Eleven of 12 participants were randomized to CA‐CBT+ completed treatment. Based on intent‐to‐treat data, large between‐group effect sizes were seen at posttreatment in the GHQ‐28, d = 3.0, and for most secondary outcome measures. Improvements for individuals in the treatment group decreased at 1‐year follow‐up, but effect sizes demonstrated continued large improvements on all measures as compared to pretreatment levels. In summary, CA‐CBT+ led to large improvements in general psychopathological distress and quality of life, which were maintained in the long term. In addition, the dropout rate was very low, with delivery in group format. Thus, problem‐solving training appears to be a promising addition to CA‐CBT.
Synchronized autonomous sampling reveals coupled pulses of biomass and export of morphologically different diatoms in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Blain Stéphane , Rembauville Mathieu , Crispi Olivier , Obernosterer Ingrid 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Southern Ocean hosts a large diversity of diatoms that play a major role in carbon fluxes. How the seasonal dynamics in the abundance of specific taxa in surface waters are linked to their contribution to carbon export remains, however, poorly understood. We present here synchronized observations from autonomous samplers deployed in the mixed layer (42 m) and at depth (300 m) during an entire productive season (October 2016 to March 2017) in the iron fertilized region of the central plateau of Kerguelen. Microscopic observations of surface water collected every 11 d revealed 30 different diatom taxa, each contributing to > 1% of total carbon biomass throughout the season. The synchronized sampling revealed a common pattern for diatom taxa belonging to 12 different genera, consisting, for a given taxon, in short pulses of abundance in surface waters followed by export. We explain these coupled dynamics by the formation of aggregates that are produced when a critical diatom cell abundance is reached. This control of the maximum abundance of a given diatom drives the seasonal change in the slope of the size‐class distribution of the diatom community. It further constrains the total carbon diatom biomass in a narrow range of values due to the inverse relationship between total diatom abundance and their community‐weighted mean biomass. This coupling let us conclude that aggregate formation, and the export to depth, occurs throughout the season for diatoms with different morphologies.
Skeletal muscle magnetic resonance imaging in Pompe disease
Authors: Díaz‐Manera Jordi , Walter Glenn , Straub Volker 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPompe disease is characterized by a deficiency of acid alpha‐glucosidase that results in muscle weakness and a variable degree of disability. There is an approved therapy based on enzymatic replacement that has modified disease progression. Several reports describing muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Pompe patients have been published. Most of the studies have focused on late‐onset Pompe disease (LOPD) and identified a characteristic pattern of muscle involvement useful for the diagnosis. In addition, quantitative MRI studies have shown a progressive increase in fat in skeletal muscles of LOPD over time and they are increasingly considered a good tool to monitor progression of the disease. The studies performed in infantile‐onset Pompe disease patients have shown less consistent changes. Other more sophisticated muscle MRI sequences, such as diffusion tensor imaging or glycogen spectroscopy, have also been used in Pompe patients and have shown promising results.
A microwave‐based one‐pot process for homogeneous surface coating: improved electrochemical performance of Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)O2 with a nano‐scaled ZnO:Al layer
Authors: Wolff Michael , Lobe Sandra , Dellen Christian , Uhlenbruck Sven , Ribeiro Caue , Guichard Xavier H. , Niederberger Markus , Makvandi Ardavan , Peterlechner Martin , Wilde Gerhard , Fattakhova‐Rohlfing Dina , Guillon Olivier 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this article, a versatile process based on microwave‐assisted sol–gel synthesis is introduced in order to apply a surface coating on cathode material for lithium‐ion batteries. Here, a nano‐scaled ZnO:Al (AZO) layer is coated homogeneously onto Li(Ni1/3Mn1/3Co1/3)O2 (NMC111) powder at temperatures below 210°C within a few minutes. In contrast to other wet‐chemical coating techniques, the method described here is conducted in a one‐pot reaction and does not require a post‐annealing step at elevated temperatures. Investigations via high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and inductively‐coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) promote a thorough understanding of coating microstructure and quality in dependence of reaction temperature, duration and precursor concentration. The AZO protective coating on NMC111 significantly reduces capacity fading during cycling in the voltage range of 3.0‐4.5 V. Furthermore, applying optimal quantities of the coating agent on NMC111 lead to enhanced specific capacities compared to the uncoated material.
Zinc Supplementation Decreases Obesity‐Related Neuroinflammation and Improves Metabolic Function and Memory in Rats
Authors: de Oliveira Simone , Feijó Grace dos Santos , Neto João , Jantsch Jeferson , Braga Matheus Filipe , Castro Luís Felipe dos Santos , Giovenardi Márcia , Porawski Marilene , Guedes Renata Padilha 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) supplementation on metabolic and neuroinflammatory parameters in cafeteria diet (CAF)‐induced obesity in Wistar rats.MethodsAnimals were divided into four groups: control diet (CT); CT+Zn; CAF; CAF+Zn. The diet was administered for 20 weeks; Zn treatment (10 mg/kg/d) started at week 16 and it was conducted until the end of the diet protocol. Weight gain, visceral fat, and plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides, insulin, TNF‐α, and IL‐6, as well as homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, were assessed. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba‐1) expression in the cerebral cortex and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were evaluated. Memory was assessed by the novel object recognition test.ResultsCAF diet increased weight gain, visceral fat, and plasma glucose, triglyceride, and TNF‐α levels. Zn reversed the hyperglycemia caused by CAF diet and reduced IL‐6 levels. In the cerebral cortex, GFAP was similar between groups; Iba‐1 was increased by CAF diet but reduced in the CAF+Zn group. Zn reduced CAF‐dependent TLR‐4 increase in the hippocampus but not in the cerebral cortex. CAF‐fed animals showed impaired recognition memory, whereas Zn reversed it.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that Zn partially reverted obesity‐related metabolic dysfunction and reduced neuroinflammation and memory deficit caused by CAF diet.
Urban Women and the Transformations ofBraedpraes1in Honiara2
Authors: Jourdan Christine , Labbé Fabienne 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTIn the capital city of the Solomon Islands, brideprice is often given to formalize the marriage of young couples from the island of Malaita. For the young wife, brideprice is a reminder that she is expected to work and produce children for the lineage of her husband, an obligation that is at times strongly impressed upon her by her in‐laws. Data gathered in Honiara over the last 15 years, most recently in 2015–2016, show the emergence of a variety of patterns among Malaitan women living in Honiara regarding their productive and reproductive autonomy, and their role in brideprice. Beyond their diversity, what these data reveal, we argue, is that the interstitial cultural spaces created by the urbanization of social and economic relations afford young urban women the possibility of engaging with brideprice in a way that had not been possible until then. We demonstrate that, as members of an emerging new middle‐class, these women seek (either in agreement with their husbands, or in spite of them) to transform the meaning of brideprice: while showing respect to their in‐laws and to tradition, their goal is to gain greater control over their lives within the confines of brideprice sociality.
Light‐Driven Continual Oscillatory Rocking of a Polymer Film
Authors: Pilz da Cunha Marina , Peeketi Akhil R. , Ramgopal Adithya , Annabattula Ratna K. , Schenning Albert P. H. J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAchieving oscillatory motion in polymers without requiring on/off switching of stimuli is a current challenge. Hereby, a free‐standing liquid crystal polymer (LCP) is demonstrated to undergo a sustained oscillatory motion when triggered by light, moving back and forth, resembling the motion of a rocking‐chair. Two polymer films having different azobenzene photo‐switches have been studied, revealing photoswitch requirements as well as illumination conditions necessary to sustain oscillations. The motion presented here shows how feedback loops involving light‐triggered actuation, self‐shadowing and a shifting center of gravity can be utilized to achieve self‐sustained motion in free‐standing polymers.
Six‐step etoposide desensitization protocol: A pediatric, adolescent, and young adult case series
Authors: Stockton Winifred , Lam Fionna , Nguyen Theresa , Nguyen Tran , Kirov Ivan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEtoposide administration can be complicated by hypersensitivity reactions. Desensitization may provide a strategy to prevent hypersensitivity recurrence. One challenge with desensitization is regimen complexity. This case series describes 12 pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients who received a simplified six‐step etoposide desensitization protocol. This protocol contains 50% fewer titration steps compared with previously described protocols and eliminates infusion rate changes during titration. Simplified titration may minimize risk of error during administration and improve safety. This protocol was tolerated by 92% of patients. Given increasing frequency and duration of drug shortages, a simplified desensitization protocol provides a valuable treatment option.
Use of direct‐acting oral anticoagulants in solid organ transplantation: A systematic review
Authors: Bixby Alexandra L. , Lichvar Alicia B. , Salerno David , Park Jeong M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe use of direct‐acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) has increased secondary to the mounting evidence for comparable efficacy and potentially superior safety to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in the general population. However, insufficient data regarding DOAC use in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and numerous pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations limit their use in this highly selected patient population. A systematic review of recent clinical evidence on the safety and efficacy of DOACs compared to VKAs in SOT recipients was conducted. Additional considerations including transplant‐specific strategies for DOAC reversal and common pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic concerns were also reviewed. Although current evidence is limited to single‐center retrospective analyses, DOACs, especially apixaban, appear to be a safe and effective alternative to VKAs for SOT recipients with stable graft function and without drug‐drug interactions. Reliable data on DOAC reversal at the time of transplant surgery are lacking, and clinicians should consider idarucizumab, andexanet alfa, and other non‐specific reversal agents on an individual patient basis. There is no evidence supporting deviations from the Food and Drug Administration labeling recommendations for DOAC dosing in the setting of drug‐drug interactions, obesity, and renal function, especially in patients on hemodialysis.