bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute‐onset smell and taste disorders in the context of COVID‐19: a pilot multicentre polymerase chain reaction based case–control study
Authors: Beltrán‐Corbellini Á. , Chico‐García J. L. , Martínez‐Poles J. , Rodríguez‐Jorge F. , Natera‐Villalba E. , Gómez‐Corral J. , Gómez‐López A. , Monreal E. , Parra‐Díaz P. , Cortés‐Cuevas J. L. , Galán J. C. , Fragola‐Arnau C. , Porta‐Etessam J. , Masjuan J. , Alonso‐Cánovas A. 
Published: April 2020

Background and purposeSpecific respiratory tract infections, including COVID‐19, may cause smell and/or taste disorders (STDs) with increased frequency. The aim was to determine whether new‐onset STDs are more frequent amongst COVID‐19 patients than influenza patients.MethodThis was a case–control study including hospitalized patients of two tertiary care centres. Consecutive patients positive for COVID‐19 polymerase chain reaction (cases) and patients positive for influenza polymerase chain reaction (historical control sample) were assessed during specific periods, employing a self‐reported STD questionnaire.ResultsSeventy‐nine cases and 40 controls were included. No significant differences were found in basal features between the two groups. New‐onset STDs were significantly more frequent amongst cases (31, 39.2%) than in the control group (5, 12.5 %) [adjusted odds ratio 21.4 (2.77–165.4, P = 0.003)]. COVID‐19 patients with new‐onset STDs were significantly younger than COVID‐19 patients without STDs (52.6 ± 17.2 vs. 67.4 ± 15.1, P < 0.001). Amongst COVID‐19 patients who presented STDs, 22 (70.9%) recalled an acute onset and it was an initial manifestation in 11 (35.5%). Twenty‐five (80.6%) presented smell disorders (mostly anosmia, 14, 45.2%) and 28 (90.3%) taste disorders (mostly ageusia, 14, 45.2%). Only four (12.9 %) reported concomitant nasal obstruction. The mean duration of STD was 7.5 ± 3.2 days and 12 patients (40%) manifested complete recovery after 7.4 ± 2.3 days of onset.ConclusionNew‐onset STDs were significantly more frequent amongst COVID‐19 patients than influenza patients; they usually had an acute onset and were commonly an initial manifestation. The use of STD assessment in anamnesis as a hint for COVID‐19 and to support individuals’ self‐isolation in the current epidemic context is suggested.
Comparison of the colic incidence in a horse population with or without inclusion of germinated barley in the diet
Authors: Troya L. , Blanco J. , Romero I. , Re M. 
Published: April 2020

SummarySprouted cereals have a better digestibility and contain oligosaccharides that act as prebiotics improving and stabilising the intestinal flora. Supplementation with germinated malted barley could help to prevent the occurrence of colic in horses. The objective of this study was to determine if the inclusion of germinated barley as a supplement decreased the incidence of colic in a population of horses. An observational prospective study was designed to record the colic incidence of an equestrian centre horse population in Madrid (Spain). Data were collected during two 21 months periods, only including horses that were maintained at the centre for the whole time. Age, sex, housing and colic events were recorded during Period 1 (control period) and Period 2 (with germinated barley supplementation, Equinocol®). Sixty‐three horses were included in the study of which 43 were stabled 12 h/day (Group A) and 20 that lived at pasture all‐day long (Group B). Colic incidence of the total population, Group A and group B during Period 1 was 18.1, 23.9 and 5.7 cases/100 horses at risk‐year, respectively. With the inclusion of germinated barley, there was a significant decrease in the colic events in the total population (5.4 cases/100 horses at risk‐year) and group A (5.3 cases/100 horses at risk‐year). It was concluded that supplementation with germinated barley might decrease the appearance of colic in stabled horses. Further investigation is warranted to identify the potentially beneficial substances and the repeatability of the results.
Development of optimal water supply plan using integrated fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy ELECTRE III methods—Case study of the Gamasiab basin
Authors: Noori Amir , Bonakdari Hossein , Morovati Khosro , Gharabaghi Bahram 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a novel method for the development of an optimal water supply plan showcased using data from the Gamasiab basin, located in Kermanshah province, Iran, concerning new dams that are being constructed in this semi‐arid region. In this paper, a new group multi‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) plan is proposed by combining two MCDM methods based on the fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy ELECTRE III methods that convert the experts' opinions to triangular fuzzy numbers based on the level of uncertainty associated with various quantitative and qualitative criteria. Considering the opinions of four non‐stakeholder experts and data analysis using the fuzzy Delphi method, the criteria were evaluated. Then, by analysing the results using the fuzzy ELECTRE III method, the final ranking of scenarios is obtained. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effect of uncertainty on the performance of the decision‐making system in scenarios ranking. The total expense, flood control, reservoir capacity and diversion and water transfer played a significant role in selecting the optimal scenario. Additionally, a hydrologic model was developed to evaluate the performance of the optimal scenario in terms of qualitative criteria. The data indicated that there was a good agreement between the results obtained from the hydrological model and the scenario ranking by the employed method. Altogether, a comparison of the proposed method with other MCDM methods, including fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy technique for order preference by simulation of ideal solution, indicated that the results of the employed method matched more closely to the local experts' opinion.
Patterns of infant‐only wake bouts and night feeds during early infancy: An exploratory study using actigraphy in mother‐father‐infant triads
Authors: Adams Elizabeth L. , Master Lindsay , Buxton Orfeu M. , Savage Jennifer S. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryBackgroundInfants' ability to fall back to sleep without parental involvement may reduce nighttime feeding frequency.ObjectiveWe describe the associations between infant‐only wake bouts (“self‐soothing”) and nighttime feeds using actigraphy from 6 to 24 weeks of age.MethodsMother‐father‐infant triads (N = 20) wore sleep monitors, and mothers recorded infant night feeds, when infants were 6, 15 and 24 weeks of age. Actigraphy data were matched within‐families to quantify infant‐only wake bouts (infants woke; mothers/fathers remained asleep). Mixed models tested associations between infant‐only wake bouts and night feeding frequency.ResultsThe proportion of infant‐only wake bouts/night increased from 6 to 15 weeks of age (6 weeks: 52% [95% CI: 45‐59]; 15 weeks: 64% [57‐71]; 24 weeks: 62% [55‐69]; P < .01). For every 10% increase in the proportion of infant‐only wake bouts/night, there were 0.36 fewer feeds/night (P < .01) at 24 weeks; these concurrent associations were not found at 6 and 15 weeks. The proportion of infant‐only wake bouts/night at 6 weeks predicted a faster rate of decline in the number of feeds/night from 6 to 24 weeks (P < .01).ConclusionInfants' ability to fall back to sleep without parent involvement at 6 weeks was associated with the trajectory of nighttime feeding frequency across early infancy.
Evaluation of the efficacy of topical sucralfate on healing haemorrhoidectomy incision wounds and reducing pain severity: A randomised clinical trial
Authors: Vejdan Amir K. , Khosravi Maliheh , Amirian Zahra , Daneshmand Maryam , Babak Bahman , Samira Khorashdi , Azin Seifi , Kosar Salehitorabi , Razie Khodadadzadeh 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe healing of haemorrhoidectomy wounds is a main concern of surgeons and patients. Various modalities can improve the quality of wound care after surgery. Antibiotics and topical agents, such as solutions and ointments, have been evaluated. The current research investigates the effects of sucralfate ointment on wound healing (epithelialisation) and postoperative pain after open haemorrhoidectomy. This trial involves two groups of randomly collected patients (n = 40) who underwent open haemorrhoidectomy surgery by the Milligan‐Morgan method. A 10% topical sucralfate ointment was applied to the investigated group's wounds, while the control group patients used Vaseline as a placebo. The present work measured the two outcomes as follows: pain severity by a Visual Analogues Scale (VAS) score and epithelialisation by a surgeon's visual inspection. During the postoperative phase, the mean VAS was 3.70 for the investigated group and 6.90 for the control group. On the average, the completion of epithelialisation for the investigated group was on day 13 as opposed to day 20 for the control group. The topical application of sucralfate ointment on post‐haemorrhoidectomy wound is an effective method for the promotion of healing, also lessens the severity of pain, and reduces the need for analgesics.
Correlation between the grain size and phase structure, electrical properties in BiScO3‐PbTiO3‐based piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Dong Yazhu , Zhou Zhiyong , Liang Ruihong , Dong Xianlin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAs one of the most promising candidates of high‐temperature piezoelectric sensors, BiScO3‐PbTiO3 (BS‐PT)‐based ceramics are commonly modified by end‐member substitution to modify the phase structures and electrical properties. In this work, BS‐PT‐based piezoelectric ceramics with various grain sizes (1.4‐3.7 μm) of the composition 0.98(0.36BiScO3‐0.64PbTiO3)‐0.02Bi(Sn1/3Nb2/3)O3 were prepared by conventional solid‐state reaction method at different sintering temperatures from 1100℃ to 1180℃. X‐Ray diffraction results show that the tetragonal phase content increases from 68.9% to 85.7% with the increasing sintering temperature. Transmission electron microscope characterizations reveal that micromorphology and domain morphology are sensitive to grain size. In addition, the dielectric and ferroelectric properties are almost independent on the sintering temperature, whereas an optimal piezoelectric constant d33 of 450 pC/N is achieved when the sintering temperature is 1120℃, which can be due to the suitable coexistence of the rhombohedral and tetrahedral phase, as well as the coexistence of nanodomains and subsize strip‐like domain. All of the results not only open a new window to improve d33 of piezoelectric ceramics but also help to further understand microstructure‐property relationships in piezoelectric ceramics.
Dehydrocostus lactone inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by PI3K/Akt/Bad and ERS signalling pathway in human laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Ren , Hao Ji , Wu Qingming , Guo Kaiwen , Wang Chao , Zhang Wei Kevin , Liu Wanxin , Wang Qiang , Yang Xinzhou 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe anti‐cancer effect of dehydrocostus lactone (DHL) derived from Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipech against laryngeal carcinoma was assessed. The cytotoxic activity of DHL against laryngeal carcinoma is still obscure. Therefore, our study investigated the role of DHL in the growth inhibition of laryngeal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo, and the molecular mechanism of DHL‐induced apoptosis in cancer cells of the larynx. The results showed that DHL inhibits the viability, migration and proliferation of Hep‐2 and TU212 cells with little toxic effects on human normal larynx epithelial HBE cell line. Flow cytometry analysis (FAC) analysis and staining assay (Hoechst 33258) indicated that DHL stimulated Hep‐2 and TU212 cell apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, DHL is capable of inhibiting Hep‐2 and TU212 cell viability via promoting p53 and P21 function, meanwhile DHL dose‐dependently induces Hep‐2 and TU212 cells apoptosis via activating mitochondrial apoptosis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/Bad pathway and stimulating endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated apoptosis pathway. In vivo, DHL inhibited the growth of the Hep‐2 nude mouse xenograft model and observed no significant signs of toxicity in the organs of nude mice. In vivo experiments further confirmed the anti‐cancer effect of DHL on laryngeal carcinoma cells in vitro, and DHL‐treated nude mice can reduce the volume of tumours. Together, our study indicated that DHL has the potential to inhibit human laryngeal carcinoma via activating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/Bad signalling pathway and stimulating endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated apoptosis pathway, providing a strategy for the treatment of human laryngeal carcinoma.
Molecular and phenotypic characterization of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from carcass swabs and carcass drips of chickens slaughtered in the informal market in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Adigun Oluwatola , Gcebe Nomakorinte , Jambwa Kudakwashe , Fasina Folorunso , Adesiyun Abiodun A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe study was conducted to characterize Staphylococcus aureus strains from swabs and drips of dressed chicken carcasses sold at outlets in six townships in the informal market in Gauteng province, South Africa, using molecular and phenotypic methods. Seven genes (6 toxins and 1 antimicrobial resistance) comprising staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA), B (SEB), C (SEC), D (SED), exfoliative toxin A, toxic shock syndrome toxin, and MecA encoding methicillin resistance were assayed using polymerase chain reaction. The resistance of the S. aureus strains to 18 antimicrobial agents was determined using the disk diffusion method. The frequency of detection of the six toxin genes was sea (52.2%), followed by seb (10.9%), sec (6.5%), sed (2.2%), eta (93.5%), and tst (19.6%). The mecA gene was detected in 4.3% of the isolates. The predominant profiles of toxin genes detected were sea‐eta (37.0%). All 63 isolates of S. aureus were resistant to one or more antimicrobial agents. The frequency of resistance was high to spectinomycin (98.4%), nalidixic acid (85.7%), and penicillin (84.1%), but low to gentamycin (1.6%) and cefotaxime (1.6%). The high frequency of toxin genes and antimicrobial resistance gene observed in S. aureus isolates from chicken could pose a challenge to food safety and may have therapeutic and zoonotic implications.
Amyloid‐β oligomers in cellular models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Fontana Igor C. , Zimmer Aline R. , Rocha Andreia S. , Gosmann Grace , Souza Diogo O. , Lourenco Mychael V. , Ferreira Sergio T. , Zimmer Eduardo R. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAmyloid‐β (Aβ) dysmetabolism is tightly associated with pathological processes in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Currently, it is thought that, in addition to Aβ fibrils that give rise to plaque formation, Aβ aggregates into non‐fibrillar soluble oligomers (AβOs). Soluble AβOs have been extensively studied for their synaptotoxic and neurotoxic properties. In this review, we discuss physicochemical properties of AβOs and their impact on different brain cell types in AD. Additionally, we summarize three decades of studies with AβOs, providing a compelling bulk of evidence regarding cell‐specific mechanisms of toxicity. Cellular models may lead us to a deeper understanding of the detrimental effects of AβOs in neurons and glial cells, putatively shedding light on the development of innovative therapies for AD.
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Genetic spectrum of MCM3AP and its relationship with phenotype of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Dong Hai‐Lin , Wei Qiao , Li Jia‐Qi , Li Hong‐Fu , Bai Ge , Ma Huan , Wu Zhi‐Ying 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMutations in MCM3AP have recently been reported to cause autosomal recessive Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT). However, only nine CMT families with MCM3AP mutations have been reported and genotype‐phenotype correlation remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the genetic spectrum of MCM3AP and its relationship with phenotype of CMT. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed in the family and variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. Reverse transcription‐PCR (RT‐PCR) were performed in splicing analysis. We reported a novel splicing variant (c.5634‐1G>T) and a known missense variant (c.2633G>A, p.Arg878His). Functional studies showed that c.5634‐1G>T led to splicing defect and aberrant transcript eliminated by nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. The symptom of the patient was less severe and slowly progressed with axonal peripheral neuropathy compared to the reported CMT patients. Genotype‐phenotype correlation analysis indicated that affected individuals with null mutations presented with delayed independent walking. The percentage of intellectual disability and loss of ambulation in the null group tended to be greater, although this failed to reach statistical significance. Our findings expand the genetic spectrum of MCM3AP and suggest that genotype‐phenotype correlation would help genetic counseling of MCM3AP in CMT patients.
Full‐face skin resurfacing using a combination of fractional and full spot ablative 2940 nm erbium laser
Authors: Mani Nasrin , Pajk Franja , Vizintin Zdenko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundFull‐field deep ablative laser resurfacing is a popular method for skin rejuvenation due to maximum improvement in a single treatment. However, it is associated with disadvantages such as pain, prolonged erythema, swelling, crusting, infections, pigmentary changes, and scarring. Patients are increasingly seeking less invasive options with comparable effect.AimsThe aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of full‐face resurfacing using a combination of full spot and fractional erbium (Er:YAG) laser resurfacing.Patients/MethodsAbout 109 patients, mostly females over 50 years old, were treated with a two‐phase protocol: full spot ablation (5 J/cm2, three passes) and fractional ablation (132 J/cm2, 5% coverage, three passes). We recorded time to re‐epithelization and duration of post‐treatment erythema. Any side effects observed at follow‐up or reported by the patient were recorded. Patient satisfaction questionnaire and blinded evaluation of pre‐ and post‐treatment photographs were used to assess efficacy.ResultsA single session was performed in 96% of cases. Postoperative re‐epithelization lasted on average 6.4 ± 2.9 days. Post‐treatment erythema lasted on average 13.8 ± 15.2 days. One patient had hyperpigmentation, one infection, one hypo‐pigmentation, and one ulcer. All side effects resolved without complications. According to the blinded assessment of photographs, 78% of patients showed improvement. About 97% of patients were satisfied with the results of the treatment.ConclusionsA combination of fractional and full spot ablative Er:YAG laser is a safe and effective option for full‐face resurfacing.
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles by using Ferula persica Willd. gum essential oil: production, characterization and in vitro anti-cancer effects
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Neda , Shomali Tahoora , Hosseinzadeh Saeid , Raouf Fard Fatemeh , Pourmontaseri Maryam , Fazeli Mehdi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Synthesizing and characterization of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) by Ferula persica gum essential oil and investigating in vitro anti-cancer effects.

Methods
Characterization of NPs was performed. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were determined on cancerous CT26 and non-cancerous Vero cells using MTT assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, respectively. Clonogenic assay was also performed.

Key findings
The absorption peak in UV-visible spectroscopy was at 530 nm. In TEM image, Au NPs were spherical in shape with average size of 37.05 nm (78.6 nm in DLS analysis). Comparison of the FTIR spectrum of the Au NPs with the essential oil revealed the presence of compounds responsible for reducing and capping the gold ions. XRD pattern showed metal crystal structure. Au NPs exerted dose-dependent cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 0.0024 and 0.0307 mg/ml against CT26 and Vero cell lines, respectively. Au NPs induced apoptosis on both cell lines with statistically more intense effect on CT26 cells (P &lt; 0.0001). Colony formation of CT26 and Vero cells was also inhibited in comparison to untreated cells (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
Ferula persica gum can be successfully used for green production of Au NPs. Au NPs show in vitro anti-cancer activity including cytotoxic, apoptotic and antiproliferative effects.
BxCDP1 from the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is recognized as a novel molecular pattern
Authors: Hu Long‐Jiao , Wu Xiao‐Qin , Li Hai‐Yang , Wang Yuan‐Chao , Huang Xin , Wang Yan , Li Yu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe migratory plant‐parasitic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the causal agent of pine wilt disease, which causes serious damage to pine forests in China. Plant immunity plays an important role in plant resistance to multiple pathogens. Activation of the plant immune system is generally determined by immune receptors, including plant pattern recognition receptors, which mediate pattern recognition. However, little is known about molecular pattern recognition in the interaction between pines and B. xylophilus. Based on the B. xylophilus transcriptome at the early stages of infection and Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transient expression and infiltration of recombinant proteins produced by Pichia pastoris in many plant species, a novel molecular pattern (BxCDP1) was characterized in B. xylophilus. We found that BxCDP1 was highly up‐regulated at the early infection stages of B. xylophilus, and was similar to a protein in Pararhizobium haloflavum. BxCDP1 triggered cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana when secreted into the apoplast, and this effect was dependent on brassinosteroid‐insensitive 1‐associated kinase 1, but independent of suppressor of BIR1‐1. BxCDP1 also exhibited cell death‐inducing activity in pine, Arabidopsis, tomato, pepper, and lettuce. BxCDP1 triggered reactive oxygen species production and the expression of PAMP‐triggered immunity marker genes (NbAcre31, NbPTI5, and NbCyp71D20) in N. benthamiana. It also induced the expression of pathogenesis‐related genes (PtPR‐3, PtPR‐4, and PtPR‐5) in Pinus thunbergii. These results suggest that as a new B. xylophilus molecular pattern, BxCDP1 can not only be recognized by many plant species, but also triggers innate immunity in N. benthamiana and defence responses of P. thunbergii.