bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance comparison of EasyFix G26 and HYDRASYS 2 SCAN for the detection of serum monoclonal proteins
Authors: Amin Nordin Fatimah Diana , Mohd Khalid Mohd Khairul Nizam , Abdul Aziz Siti Mastura , Mohamad Bakri Nor Aina , Ahmad Ridzuan Siti Nurwani , Abdul Jalil Julaina , Habib Anasufiza , Yakob Yusnita 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundSerum protein electrophoresis (SPE) is a widely used laboratory technique to diagnose patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and other disorders related to serum protein. In patients with MM, abnormal monoclonal protein can be detected by SPE and further characterized using immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE). There are several semi‐automated agarose gel‐based systems available commercially for SPE and IFE. In this study, we sought to evaluate the analytical performance of fully automated EasyFix G26 (EFG26) and semi‐automated HYDRASYS 2 SCAN (H2SCAN) for both SPE and IFE. MethodsBoth instruments were operated according to manufacturer's instructions. Samples used include a commercially available normal control serum (NCS) and patients' specimens. The following were evaluated: precision and comparison studies for SPE, and reproducibility and comparison studies for IFE. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel.ResultsFor SPE repeatability study, our results showed that EFG26 has higher coefficient of variation (%CV) compared with H2SCAN for both samples except for monoclonal component with %CV of 0.97% and 1.18%, respectively. Similar results were obtained for SPE reproducibility study except for alpha‐1 (4.16%) and beta (3.13%) fractions for NCS, and beta fractions (5.36%) for monoclonal sample. Subsequently, reproducibility for IFE was 100% for both instruments. Values for correlation coefficients between both instruments ranged from 0.91 to 0.98 for the five classic bands.ConclusionBoth instruments demonstrated good analytical performance characterized by high precision, reproducibility and correlation.
Association of heme oxygenase‐1 single nucleotide polymorphisms with susceptibility to tuberculosis in Chinese Han population
Authors: Wu Jingcan , Wu Shouquan , Liu Qianqian , Wang Yu , Ji Guiyi , Sandford Andrew J. , He Jian‐Qing 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease, caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, which is associated with oxidative stress and the induction of host antioxidants to counteract this response. The heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) single nucleotide polymorphisms have been reported to be associated with many critical diseases. Our purpose was to investigate the association of HO‐1 single nucleotide polymorphisms with the susceptibility to tuberculosis in Chinese Han population.MethodsA case‐control study was performed on Chinese Han population, and a group of 638 TB patients was compared to 610 healthy controls. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including rs2071746, rs5995098, and rs8140669 were genotyped using the MassARRAY platform. The genotype frequency was compared between TB patients and healthy controls. The association between the three genetic models of the three SNPs and TB risk was further investigated.ResultsThe results showed that, in the case of additive model, there was significant difference of the genotype frequencies of SNP rs8140669 between the TB patients and control groups (P = .038). In the case of dominant model, the genotype frequencies of SNP rs8140669 may have difference between the two cohorts (P = .051), while the allele frequency and genotype distribution for other two SNPs showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > .05).ConclusionHO‐1 polymorphism was associated with TB susceptibility in Chinese Han population.
Transmission dynamics of the COVID‐19 outbreak and effectiveness of government interventions: A data‐driven analysis
Authors: Fang Yaqing , Nie Yiting , Penny Marshare 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUsing the parameterized susceptible‐exposed‐infectious‐recovered model, we simulated the spread dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak and impact of different control measures, conducted the sensitivity analysis to identify the key factor, plotted the trend curve of effective reproductive number (R), and performed data fitting after the simulation. By simulation and data fitting, the model showed the peak existing confirmed cases of 59 769 arriving on 15 February 2020, with the coefficient of determination close to 1 and the fitting bias 3.02%, suggesting high precision of the data‐fitting results. More rigorous government control policies were associated with a slower increase in the infected population. Isolation and protective procedures would be less effective as more cases accrue, so the optimization of the treatment plan and the development of specific drugs would be of more importance. There was an upward trend of R in the beginning, followed by a downward trend, a temporary rebound, and another continuous decline. The feature of high infectiousness for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS‐CoV‐2) led to an upward trend, and government measures contributed to the temporary rebound and declines. The declines of R could be exploited as strong evidence for the effectiveness of the interventions. Evidence from the four‐phase stringent measures showed that it was significant to ensure early detection, early isolation, early treatment, adequate medical supplies, patients’ being admitted to designated hospitals, and comprehensive therapeutic strategy. Collaborative efforts are required to combat the novel coronavirus, focusing on both persistent strict domestic interventions and vigilance against exogenous imported cases.
Soluble Dietary Fiber Reduces Feeding Intolerance in Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Randomized Study
Authors: Chen Ting , Ma Yuanyuan , Xu Lei , Sun Cheng , Xu Hongxia , Zhu Jingci 
Published: March 2020

BackgroundFeeding intolerance of enteral nutrition (EN) frequently occurs in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) because of intestinal motility disorders. Soluble dietary fiber (SDF) modulates the intestinal motility. The present study examined whether SDF can improve intestinal motility and permeability, and thereby reduce feeding intolerance, in patients with SAP.MethodsThis study was a single‐blind, randomized, controlled, single‐center trial. Forty‐nine patients with SAP were included. The control and SDF groups received the same EN solution via a nasojejunal tube. The SDF group additionally received 20‐g/d polydextrose. The primary outcome was the time to reach the energy goal. Follow‐up was continued for 28 days after admission or until discharge from the hospital.ResultsAmong 49 randomized patients, 46 patients (n = 22, control group; n = 24, SDF group) were included in the intent‐to‐treat analysis. The time to reach the energy goal was 7.00 (6.00, 8.25) days and 5.00 (4.25, 6.00) days in the control and SDF groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The rates of feeding intolerance were significantly reduced in the SDF group (59.09% vs 25.00%,P < .05). SDF was associated with decreases in the incidence of abdominal distension (72.73% vs 29.17%,P < .01), diarrhea (40.91% vs 8.33%,P < .05), and constipation (72.73% vs 12.50%,P < .001). The time to first flatus and first defecation were significantly shorter in the SDF group (P < .001). The intestinal mucosal barrier function and levels of gastrointestinal hormone were improved by SDF, as evidenced by significantly reduced blood levels of diamine oxidase, D‐lactic acid, endotoxin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (P < .05).ConclusionsSDF shortens the time to reach the energy goal during EN and improves intestinal permeability and motility disorders, thus reducing the incidence of feeding intolerance in SAP patients.
Noninvasive Near‐Field Spectroscopy of Single Subwavelength Complementary Resonators
Authors: Hale Lucy L. , Keller Janine , Siday Thomas , Hermans Rodolfo I. , Haase Johannes , Reno John L. , Brener Igal , Scalari Giacomo , Faist Jérôme , Mitrofanov Oleg 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSubwavelength metallic resonators provide a route to achieving strong light–matter coupling by means of tight confinement of resonant electromagnetic fields. Investigation of such resonators however often presents experimental difficulties, particularly at terahertz (THz) frequencies. A single subwavelength resonator interacts weakly with THz beams, making it difficult to probe it using far‐field methods, whereas arrays of resonators exhibit inter‐resonator coupling, which affect the resonator spectral signature and field confinement. Here, traditional far‐field THz spectroscopy is systematically compared with aperture‐type THz near‐field microscopy for investigating complementary THz resonators. While the far‐field method proves impractical for measuring single resonators, the near‐field technique gives high signal‐to‐noise spectral information, only achievable in the far‐field with resonator arrays. At the same time, the near‐field technique allows to analyze single resonators without significant interaction with the near‐field probe. Furthermore, the near‐field technique allows highly confined fields and surface waves to be mapped in space and time. This information gives invaluable insight into spectral response in resonator arrays. This near‐field microscopy and spectroscopy method enables investigations of strong light–matter coupling at THz frequencies in the single‐resonator regime.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy and Non‐Contact Selective‐Field Radiofrequency on Abdominal Adiposity in Adolescents With Obesity
Authors: Elnaggar Ragab K. 
Published: March 2020

Background and ObjectivesStructured physical activities and dietary control have traditionally been used with the aim of controlling obesity. However, effective auxiliary modalities still needed to reduce local obesity, specifically abdominal obesity. This study examined the adjunct effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), and non‐contact selective‐field radiofrequency (NcRF) on abdominal adiposity in adolescents with obesity.Study Design/Materials and MethodsFifty‐four adolescents with obesity (33 females and 21 males) took part in this study and were distributed randomly into three treatment‐based groups. Control group (n = 18, age; 14.61 ± 1.14 years), PBMT group (n = 18, age; 14.22 ± 0.88 years), and NcRF group (n = 18, age; 15.11 ± 0.96 years). A dietary control plan of 1,000–1,200 kcal/day, and a 60‐minute aerobic exercise program conducted day‐by‐day over 4 weeks were provided for all participants. Additionally, the PBMT group received 12 20‐minute PBMT on the abdominal area (energy/session ~4.08 J/cm2) thrice/week, and the NcRF group underwent four 30‐minute treatments with NcRF on the abdominal area once/week. Waist/hip ratio (W‐to‐H ratio), intra‐abdominal fat thickness (IAFT), and the subcutaneous‐abdominal fat thickness (SAFT) were observed at the baseline and after 4 weeks.ResultsThe W‐to‐H ratio and SAFT reduced significantly in the PBMT group compared with either the control group (P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively) or the NcRF group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.046, respectively) post‐intervention. However, the IAFT and IAFT/SAFT ratio did not differ significantly among the study groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionOur analysis shows that PBMT is more efficient than NcRF for the reduction of W‐to‐H ratio and SAFT in adolescents with obesity. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
LEADING WITH PURPOSE: THE LEADER OF LEADERS ON CHANGING THE  RACE NARRATIVE
Authors: Spriggs Skip 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe article discusses the author’s experience as chief executive officer (CEO) of The Executive Leadership Council (The ELC), with 1,000 members, powerful black corporate executives and top‐tier entrepreneurs, all either current or former CEOs or executives within one or two reports of their CEOs at Fortune 1,000 companies. It notes that The ELC has a responsibility to leverage its collective power and influence in business to the story of being black in America. The purpose of the organization is described as to increase the number of blacks on the top 500 corporations’ boards and CEO offices, while keeping the pipeline behind them full of the next generation of leaders; and to open channels of opportunity for the development of black executives and black entrepreneurs to make positive impacts on business and our communities overall. Also discussed are unique, black‐focused leadership development programs, stretching from the classroom to the boardroom, that draw almost 2,000 aspiring business leaders every year, such as awarding more than $500,000 annually in student scholarships; and consulting directly with corporate CEOs, their executive committees, business schools, politicians, and policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels about how to achieve meaningful inclusion.
Towards unconstrained compartment modeling in white matter using diffusion‐relaxation MRI with tensor‐valued diffusion encoding
Authors: Lampinen Björn , Szczepankiewicz Filip , Mårtensson Johan , van Westen Danielle , Hansson Oskar , Westin Carl‐Fredrik , Nilsson Markus 
Published: March 2020

PurposeTo optimize diffusion‐relaxation MRI with tensor‐valued diffusion encoding for precise estimation of compartment‐specific fractions, diffusivities, and T2 values within a two‐compartment model of white matter, and to explore the approach in vivo.MethodsSampling protocols featuring different b‐values (b), b‐tensor shapes (bΔ), and echo times (TE) were optimized using Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLB). Whole‐brain data were acquired in children, adults, and elderly with white matter lesions. Compartment fractions, diffusivities, and T2 values were estimated in a model featuring two microstructural compartments represented by a “stick” and a “zeppelin.”ResultsPrecise parameter estimates were enabled by sampling protocols featuring seven or more “shells” with unique b/bΔ/TE‐combinations. Acquisition times were approximately 15 minutes. In white matter of adults, the “stick” compartment had a fraction of approximately 0.5 and, compared with the “zeppelin” compartment, featured lower isotropic diffusivities (0.6 vs. 1.3 μm2/ms) but higher T2 values (85 vs. 65 ms). Children featured lower “stick” fractions (0.4). White matter lesions exhibited high “zeppelin” isotropic diffusivities (1.7 μm2/ms) and T2 values (150 ms).ConclusionsDiffusion‐relaxation MRI with tensor‐valued diffusion encoding expands the set of microstructure parameters that can be precisely estimated and therefore increases their specificity to biological quantities.
Nutrition Status and Health‐Related Quality of Life Among Outpatients With Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Mulasi Urvashi , Vock David M. , Jager‐Wittenaar Harriët , Teigen Levi , Kuchnia Adam J. , Jha Gautam , Fujioka Naomi , Rudrapatna Venkatesh , Patel Manish R. , Earthman Carrie P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis pilot study evaluated nutrition status and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes among outpatients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Data were collected from 19 patients (18 males, 1 female) during 3 time points: once before chemoradiotherapy (CRT) initiation and 1 and 3 months after CRT. Nutrition status was evaluated using the Scored Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA). Malnutrition was defined as PG‐SGA stage B (moderate/suspected malnutrition) or stage C (severely malnourished). HRQOL was assessed through the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and its HNC‐specific module (QLQ‐H&N35). We found that well‐nourished patients reported having fewer issues with pain, fatigue, appetite loss, chewing, sticky saliva, coughing, and social eating than those categorized as malnourished (P < .05). The association between the global quality‐of‐life score and PG‐SGA score was statistically significant but weak in strength (r = −0.37, P = .012). Although PG‐SGA identified 70% as either moderately or severely malnourished before treatment initiation, the mean body mass index was in the overweight category (29 ± 5 kg/m2). Compared with pretreatment, patients reported more severe problems with chewing, swallowing, sticky saliva, dry mouth, speech, social eating, and taste and smell sensations at 1‐month follow‐up, although issues with dry mouth persisted 3 months post treatment (P = .003). In conclusion, malnourished patients reported having worse HRQOL symptoms compared with well‐nourished patients. Routine nutrition and psychosocial assessment through PG‐SGA and EORTC tools might help identify patients in need of nutrition and psychosocial care.
Relatively low sex hormone‐binding globulin concentration is a risk factor for hyperuricemia in middle‐aged Japanese men
Authors: Fujihara Yuya , Hamanoue Nobuya , Akehi Yuko , Motonaga Ryoko , Tanaka Tomoko , Iwaya Chikayo , Yano Hiromi , Tanabe Makito , Nomiyama Takashi , Yanase Toshihiko 
Published: March 2020

SummaryObjectiveLow testosterone and hyperuricemia are associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, little is known about the nature of the relationships between serum testosterone and sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations, and hyperuricemia.MethodsWe evaluated the relationships between serum testosterone (calculated bioavailable testosterone [cbT], calculated free testosterone [cFT], SHBG, and total testosterone [TT]) and metabolic indices, including serum uric acid, in 363 Japanese males (mean age 51.1 ± 8.7 years) at routine health examinations.ResultsParticipants with hyperuricemia (≥7.0 mg/dL) demonstrated lower adiponectin, cbT, cFT, SHBG, and TT, but a higher MetS prevalence and higher values of various MetS‐related parameters than those without hyperuricemia (<7.0 mg/dL). Binary regression analysis revealed that less than 52 nmol/L SHBG, less than 5.0 μg/mL serum adiponectin, greater than or equal to 7.0 g/dL total protein, and greater than or equal to 1.0 mg/dL creatinine were statistically significant risk factors for hyperuricemia. Receiver operating characteristic analysis confirmed that less than 46.5 nmol/L (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.645) SHBG and less than 3.68 μg/mL (AUC = 0.691) adiponectin concentrations were significant risk factors for hyperuricemia.ConclusionsWe provide evidence that low SHBG provides an important marker for hyperuricemia in middle‐aged Japanese men. This finding provides clinical evidence that low SHBG is closely associated with MetS, which is often accompanied with hyperuricemia.
Ficolin‐1 gene (FCN1) −144 C/A polymorphism is associated with adverse outcome of severe pneumonia in the under‐five Egyptian children: A multicenter study
Authors: Elkoumi Mohamed A. , Abdellatif Sawsan H. , Mohamed Faisal Y. , Sherif Ahmed H. , Elashkar Shaimaa S. A. , Saleh Rabab M. , Boraey Naglaa F. , Abdelaal NourEldin M. , Akeel Nagwa E. , Elhewala Ahmed A. , Mosbah Amira A. , Zakaria Mervat T. , Soliman Mohammed M. , Salah Ahmed , Sedky Yasser M. , Sobieh Alaa A. , Mashali Mohamed H. , Waked Nevin M. , Elshreif Anas M. , Hafez Sahbaa F. , Hashem Mustafa I. A. , Shehab Mohamed M. , Soliman Attia A. , Emam Ahmed A. , Ahmed Abdelrahman A. A. , Fahim Mohamed S. , Elshehawy Naglaa A. , Abdel‐Aziz Marwa M. , Abdou Adel M. , El‐Shehawy Ahmed A. , Youssef Manal A. A. , Fahmy Dalia S. , Malek Mai M. , Osman Sherif F. , Ibrahim Mohamed A. M. , Alanwar Mohamed I. , Zeidan Nancy M. S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundPneumonia is the foremost cause of child death worldwide. M‐ficolin is encoded by the FCN1 gene and represents a novel link between innate and adaptive immunity.ObjectivesTo investigate the FCN1 −144 C/A (rs10117466) polymorphism as a potential marker for pneumonia severity and adverse outcome namely complications or mortality in the under‐five Egyptian children.MethodsThis was a prospective multicenter study that included 620 children hospitalized with World Health Organization‐defined severe pneumonia and 620 matched healthy control children. Polymorphism rs10117466 of the FCN1 gene promoter was analyzed by PCR‐SSP, while serum M‐ficolin levels were assessed by ELISA.ResultsThe FCN1 A/A genotype and A allele at the −144 position were more frequently observed in patients compared to the control children (43.4% vs 27.6%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.62; [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.18‐2.2]; for the A/A genotype) and (60.8% vs 52.5%; OR: 1.4; [95% CI: 1.19‐1.65]; for the A allele); P < .01. The FCN1 −144 A/A homozygous patients had significantly higher serum M‐ficolin concentrations (mean: 1844 ± 396 ng/mL) compared with those carrying the C/C or C/A genotype (mean: 857 ± 278 and 1073 ± 323 ng/mL, respectively; P = .002). FCN1 −144 A/A genotype was an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in children with severe pneumonia (adjusted OR = 4.85, [95% CI: 2.96‐10.25]; P = .01).ConclusionThe FCN1 A/A genotype at the −144 position was associated with high M‐ficolin serum levels and possibly contributes to enhanced inflammatory response resulting in the adverse outcome of pneumonia in the under‐five Egyptian children.
Ab initio folding of a trefoil‐fold motif reveals structural similarity with a β‐propeller blade motif
Authors: Tenorio Connie A. , Longo Liam M. , Parker Joseph B. , Lee Jihun , Blaber Michael 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMany protein architectures exhibit evidence of internal rotational symmetry postulated to be the result of gene duplication/fusion events involving a primordial polypeptide motif. A common feature of such structures is a domain‐swapped arrangement at the interface of the N‐ and C‐termini motifs and postulated to provide cooperative interactions that promote folding and stability. De novo designed symmetric protein architectures have demonstrated an ability to accommodate circular permutation of the N‐ and C‐termini in the overall architecture; however, the folding requirement of the primordial motif is poorly understood, and tolerance to circular permutation is essentially unknown. The β‐trefoil protein fold is a threefold‐symmetric architecture where the repeating ~42‐mer “trefoil‐fold” motif assembles via a domain‐swapped arrangement. The trefoil‐fold structure in isolation exposes considerable hydrophobic area that is otherwise buried in the intact β‐trefoil trimeric assembly. The trefoil‐fold sequence is not predicted to adopt the trefoil‐fold architecture in ab initio folding studies; rather, the predicted fold is closely related to a compact “blade” motif from the β‐propeller architecture. Expression of a trefoil‐fold sequence and circular permutants shows that only the wild‐type N‐terminal motif definition yields an intact β‐trefoil trimeric assembly, while permutants yield monomers. The results elucidate the folding requirements of the primordial trefoil‐fold motif, and also suggest that this motif may sample a compact conformation that limits hydrophobic residue exposure, contains key trefoil‐fold structural features, but is more structurally homologous to a β‐propeller blade motif.