bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decrease of disease‐related metabolites upon fasting in a hemizygous knock‐in mouse model (Mut‐ko/ki) of methylmalonic aciduria
Authors: Lucienne Marie , Mathis Déborah , Perkins Nathan , Fingerhut Ralph , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Froese D. Sean 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMethylmalonyl‐CoA mutase (MMUT) is part of the propionyl‐CoA catabolic pathway, responsible for the breakdown of branched‐chain amino acids, odd‐chain fatty acids and the side‐chain of cholesterol. Patients with deficient activity of MMUT suffer from isolated methylmalonic aciduria (MMAuria), frequently presenting in the newborn period with failure to thrive and metabolic crisis. Even well managed patients remain at risk for metabolic crises, of which one known trigger is acute illness, which may lead to poor feeding and vomiting, putting the patient in a catabolic state. This situation is believed to result in increased breakdown of propionyl‐CoA catabolic pathway precursors, producing massively elevated levels of disease related metabolites, including methylmalonic acid and propionylcarnitine. Here, we used fasting of a hemizygous mouse model (Mut‐ko/ki) of MMUT deficiency to study the role of induced catabolism on metabolite production. Although mice lost weight and displayed markers consistent with a catabolic state, contrary to expectation, we found strongly reduced levels of methylmalonic acid and propionylcarnitine in fasted conditions. Switching Mut‐ko/ki mice from a high‐protein diet to fasted conditions, or from a standard diet to a no‐protein diet, resulted in similar reductions of methylmalonic acid and propionylcarnitine levels. These results suggest, in our mouse model at least, induction of a catabolic state on its own may not be sufficient to trigger elevated metabolite levels.
Simultaneous Multislice Readout‐Segmented Echo Planar Imaging for Diffusion‐Weighted MRI in Patients With Invasive Breast Cancers
Authors: Song Sung Eun , Woo Ok Hee , Cho Kyu Ran , Seo Bo Kyoung , Son Yo Han , Grimm Robert , Liu Wei , Moon Woo Kyung 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundIn diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of breast MRI, simultaneous multislice acceleration techniques can be used for readout‐segmented echo planar imaging (rs‐EPI) to shorten the scan time.PurposeTo compare the image quality, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and scan time of rs‐EPI and simultaneous multislice rs‐EPI (SMS rs‐EPI) sequences.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsIn all, 134 consecutive women (mean age: 55.3 years) with invasive breast cancer who underwent preoperative MRI.Field Strength/ Sequences3.0T; rs‐EPI sequence, prototypic SMS rs‐EPI sequence and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) sequenceAssessmentFor quantitative comparison, two radiologists independently measured the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), lesion contrast, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). For qualitative comparison, image quality, lesion conspicuity, and reader preference were assessed with a reference of DCE‐MRI.Statistical TestsPaired t‐tests and Mann–Whitney tests were used.ResultsFor SNR and CNR, there were no differences between the sequences (P = 0.342 and 0.665 for reader 1; P = 0.606 and P = 0.116 for reader 2). Lesion contrast of SMS rs‐EPI was higher than that of rs‐EPI (P < 0.05 for both reader 1 and reader 2). Mean tumor ADC was similar in rs‐EPI and SMS rs‐EPI sequences (0.98 ± 0.22 vs. 1.00 ± 0.22; P = 0.291 for reader 1, 0.98 ± 0.21 vs. 1.00 ± 0.22; P = 0.418 for reader 2). Regarding qualitative comparison, image quality and lesion conspicuity were higher in SMS rs‐EPI than in rs‐EPI (both P < 0.05 for both readers). The two readers regarded SMS rs‐EPI as superior or equal to rs‐EPI in over 90% of cases. The acquisition time was 4:30 minutes for rs‐EPI and 2:31 minutes for SMS rs‐EPI.Data ConclusionThe SMS rs‐EPI sequence resulted in a similar ADC value and better image quality than the rs‐EPI sequence in a 44.1% reduced scan time.Level of Evidence4Technical Efficacy3
National trends in the presentation of surgically resected appendiceal adenocarcinoma over a decade
Authors: Shannon Adrienne B. , Song Yun , Roses Robert E. , Fraker Douglas L. , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundRates of nonoperative management of acute appendicitis and appendiceal adenocarcinoma have increased over a decade, but the presentation and outcomes of appendiceal adenocarcinoma over this period is not well‐characterized.MethodsPatients with surgically resected Stage I–III appendiceal adenocarcinoma were identified from the 2006 to 2015 National Cancer Data Base and classified into two cohorts, 2006–2010 and 2011–2015, based on year of diagnosis. Three‐year overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates.ResultsOf 4233 patients, 1369 (32.3%) and 2864 (67.7%) were diagnosed in 2006–2010 and 2011–2015, respectively. Following multivariable analysis, patients in 2011–2015 were more likely to be <40 years of age (6.4% vs. 4.7%, odds ratio [OR] 1.53, p .015), present with pT4 tumors (40.2% vs. 34.4%, OR 1.46, p .004), and undergo hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (4.4% vs. 2.4%, OR 1.97, p .001). Comparing patients diagnosed in 2011–2015 to 2006–2010, adjusted 3‐year OS was no different among all patients (81.1% vs. 79%, p .778).ConclusionsThere has been an increase in the proportion of patients with pT4 appendix tumors over time, primarily among older (≥60 years) patients. Even so, these shifts in presentation have not resulted in differences in survival outcomes.
Modeling Hearing Loss Progression and Asymmetry in the Older Old: A National Population‐Based Study
Authors: Sharma Rahul K. , Lalwani Anil K. , Golub Justin S. 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveThe progression and asymmetry of age‐related hearing loss has not been well characterized in those 80 years of age and older because public datasets mask upper extremes of age to protect anonymity. We aim to characterize the progression, severity, and asymmetry of hearing loss in those 80 years of age and older using a representative, national database.MethodsCross‐sectional, multicentered U.S. epidemiologic analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005 to 2006, 2009 to 2010, and 2011 to 2012 cycles. Subjects included noninstitutionalized, civilian adults aged 80 years and older (n = 621). Federal security clearance was granted to access publicly restricted age data. Outcome measures included pure‐tone average (PTA) air conduction thresholds and the 4‐frequency PTA.ResultsSix hundred and twenty‐one subjects were 80 years old or older (mean = 84.2 years, range = 80–104 years), representing 10,600,197 Americans. The average PTA was 38.9 dB (95% confidence interval [CI] = 37.8, 40.0). Hearing loss exhibited constant acceleration across the adult lifespan at a rate of 0.0052 dB/year2 (95% CI = 0.0049, 0.0055). This model predicted mean PTA within 2 dB of accuracy for most ages between 20 and 100 years. From age 80 years to approximately 100 years, the average PTA difference between the better and worse ear was 6.75 dB (95% CI = 5.8, 7.1). This asymmetry was relatively constant (i.e., nonsignificant linear regression coefficient of asymmetry over age = 0.07 [95% CI = −0.01, 0.2]).ConclusionHearing loss steadily and predictably accelerates across the adult lifespan to at least age 100 years, becoming near universal. These population‐level statistics will guide treatment and policy recommendations for hearing health in the older old.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:879–884, 2021
Nitrogen and phosphorus additions accelerate decomposition of slow carbon pool and lower total soil organic carbon pool in alpine meadows
Authors: Li Jin Hua , Cheng Bing Heng , Zhang Rui , Li Wen Jin , Shi Xiao Ming , Han Yong Wei , Ye Lu Feng , Ostle Nicholas J. , Bardgett Richard D. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) additions reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) contents and stocks in alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau. However, little is known about microbial mechanisms behind SOC decline. This study investigated the effects of long‐term N and P additions on microbial community composition and SOC decomposition (C mineralization (Cm), mean resistant times for active C pool (MRTa), and slow C pool (MRTs) in alpine meadows. Results showed that the total SOC pool was reduced by 2–9% under N and P additions, of which slow C pool decreased by 3–10%, while active C pool increased by 4–75% compared to the Control. N and P additions shortened MRTs by 34–40% but prolonged MRTa by 30–62%. The relative abundance of four bacterial families was related to Cm or MRTa, while that of most of the fungal families affected SOC decomposition (including Cm, MRTa, and MRTs). N and P additions increased fungal diversity, differentially affected microbial community composition and structure through modifying microbial preference, and increasing the abundance of microbes which are capable of decomposing complex carbohydrate. Soil pH, available N, and total P were main factors determining microbial abundances. Microbial changes due to N and P additions accelerated decomposition of recalcitrant SOC, thus led to declines in slow C pool and total SOC pool but increases in active C pool. Therefore, long‐term N and P additions weaken soil functioning as C pool in alpine meadows.
Improved Desalination Performance of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Hollow Fiber Membranes by the Intermediate Role of Surfactants
Authors: Kong Xiao , Lu Xiaolong , Liu Juanjuan , Wu Chunrui , Zhang Shaozhe 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPolymer hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) are the core or base membranes of various membrane processes (e.g., ultrafiltration and membrane distillation). Preparing polymer HFMs with higher water flux helps improve the efficiency of the membrane processes. Using pore‐forming additives is the commonly used and efficient method to improve the water flux. The current dilemma is that the conventional methods that increase the amounts or the molecular weight of the additives to improve the water flux usually lead to the decrease in membrane mechanical strength. Herein, different from the conventional research strategy, increasing the surfactant surface activity (SA) is first found to deeply promote the core of nonsolvent‐induced phase separation (NIPS) that of the mutual diffusion between water and dopes. As a result, this method distinctly improves the surface porosity (from 0.8% to 9.7%) and optimizes the pore size distribution of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) HFMs. Benefit from these, the water flux of ultrafiltration (3.1‐fold increase, maximally) and direct contact membrane distillation (2.3‐fold increase, maximally) are increased greatly. Moreover, the mechanical strength is not negatively affected due to the additive amount of small molecule surfactants is constant and small (2.0 wt%).
Coping with multiple identities related to meat consumption
Authors: Randers Louise , Grønhøj Alice , Thøgersen John 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGlobal meat consumption poses a threat to environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, moral and health‐related norms connected to eating meat are changing and consumers experience conflicts when choosing between meat and nonmeat options in various situations. To achieve a better understanding of the nature of these conflicts and how consumers cope with them, we study identities related to meat consumption and how they are organized. Identity theories are used as the lens to address the self‐relevance of meat to consumers. Thirteen Danish consumers shared how and why they ate, reduced, or avoided meat in a food‐based photo‐diary and in‐depth interviews, supported by a visualization approach, developed from self‐brand connection methods. Three higher‐order identities (pragmatic idealist, ethical foodie, and healthy hedonist) emerged, governing the consumption, reduction, or avoidance of different meat categories. Identity conflicts between health, moral (e.g., animal welfare), and hedonic concerns were present, but also identity stigma. Coping mechanisms include change of salience and changing patterns of meat consumption. Campaigners promoting a reduction in meat consumption and developers of alternative protein foods can use these insights to target identities and facilitate conflict resolutions. However, more research is needed on how generalizable results are.
Formulation, tribological performance, and characterization of base oil with ZnO, graphene, and ZnO/graphene nanoparticles additives
Authors: Alghani W. , Karim M.S.A. , Bagheri S. , Zaharinie T. , Gulzar M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis research article investigates carefully the effect of different nanoparticles zinc oxide (ZnO), graphene, and combinations thereof in API base oil group ΙΙ (PBO−GΙΙ). The morphology of zinc oxide and graphene nanomaterials are depicted by transmission electron microscopy. Sonication treatment and dispersion stability investigations are carried out after the preparation of nanoparticles with surfactant (oleic acid) and pure base oil group ΙΙ for certain concentrations. Oil formulations tested by using a four‐ball machine to find out the coefficient of friction (COF), wear scar diameter (WSD), and specific wear rate (SWR) for each sample. Additionally, scarred balls are characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX/EDS), elements mapping, Raman spectroscopy, and a three‐dimensional surface texture analyzer to study the morphology of sliding balls after the tribological experiments and to confirm the presence of (zinc oxide+graphene) on the machined balls. Surface roughness measurements implemented for identifying surface finish of scarred balls. The experimental results and surface analyses showed that (0.4 wt.% ZnO+0.2 wt.% graphene) nanolubricant has outperformed behavior compared to base oil group ΙΙ due to the formation of tribofilm on the contacting surfaces during sliding motion.
Different reinforcement strategies of hybrid surface composite AA6061/(B4C+MoS2) produced by friction stir processing
Authors: Sharma D.K. , Patel V. , Badheka V. , Mehta K. , Upadhyay G. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAluminum surface composites have gained huge importance in material processing due to their noble tribological characteristics. The reinforcement of solid lubricant particles with hard ceramics further enriches the tribological characteristics of surface composites. In the current study, friction stir processing was chosen to synthesize hybrid surface composites of aluminum containing B4C and MoS2 particles with anticipated improved tribological behavior. B4C and MoS2 powder particles in 87.5: 12.5 ratio were reinforced into the AA6061 by hole and groove method. Microstructural observations indicated that reinforcement particles are well distributed in the matrix. The hardness and wear resistance of hybrid surface composites improved as compared to the base material, due to well distributed abrasive B4C and solid lubricant MoS2 particles in AA6061. The hybrid surface composites achieved ∼32 % increased average hardness as compared to the base material. Hole method revealed ∼13 % better wear resistance compared to the groove method for friction stir processed hybrid surface composite, attributing to an improved homogeneity of particle distribution shown by zigzag hole pattern. Moreover, friction stir processed AA6061 without reinforcement particles exhibited reduced hardness and wear resistance due to loss of strengthening precipitates during multi‐pass friction stir processing.
Exact elasticity solutions to rotating pressurized axisymmetric vessels made of functionally graded materials (FGM)
Authors: Kacar İ. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this study the plane elasticity equations of pressurized and rotating structures, generalized analytical closed‐form solutions are presented for hollow cylinders, spheres and thin disks. Three well known material pairs are graded in radial direction by using the power rule for various boundary and load conditions. Stress and displacement solutions are obtained. The effect of a constant rotational velocity is also investigated separately in absence of the internal and external pressures. Crucial results are also presented in tabular form.
Connectivity Correlates of Anxiety Symptoms in Drug‐Naive Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: De Micco Rosa , Satolli Sara , Siciliano Mattia , Di Nardo Federica , Caiazzo Giuseppina , Russo Antonio , Giordano Alfonso , Esposito Fabrizio , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Tessitore Alessandro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety symptoms are common in Parkinson's disease (PD). A link between anxiety and cognitive impairment in PD has been demonstrated.ObjectivesUsing resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated intrinsic brain network connectivity correlates of anxiety symptoms in a cohort of drug‐naive, cognitively unimpaired patients with PD.MethodsThe intrinsic functional brain connectivity of 25 drug‐naive, cognitively unimpaired PD patients with anxiety, 25 without anxiety, and 20 matched healthy controls was compared. All patients underwent a detailed behavioral and neuropsychological evaluation. Anxiety presence and severity were assessed using the Parkinson's Disease Anxiety Scale. Single‐subject and group‐level independent component analyses were used to investigate functional connectivity differences within and between the major resting‐state networks.ResultsDecreased connectivity within the default‐mode and sensorimotor networks (SMN), increased connectivity within the executive‐control network (ECN), and divergent connectivity measures within salience and frontoparietal networks (SN and FPN) were detected in PD patients with anxiety compared with those without anxiety. Moreover, patients with anxiety showed a disrupted inter‐network connectivity between SN and SMN, ECN, and FPN. Anxiety severity was correlated with functional abnormalities within these networks.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that an abnormal intrinsic connectivity within and between the most reported large‐scale networks may represent a potential neural correlate of anxiety symptoms in drug‐naive PD patients even in the absence of clinically relevant cognitive impairment. We hypothesize that these specific cognitive and limbic network architecture changes may represent a potential biomarker of treatment response in clinical trials. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
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Reconstruction of lower lip defects with free super‐thin anterolateral thigh flap
Authors: Bali Zulfukar Ulas , Ozkan Burak , Parspancı Aziz , Kececi Yavuz , Yoleri Levent 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundLower lip is a vital organ with important functions as well as aesthetic importance. It is critical to provide an aesthetically appealing lower facial subunit with maintenance of understandable speech and oral competence. Achieving these targets is very difficult especially in total lower lip defects. This report presents a technique using super‐thin anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps with fascia graft for reconstruction of large, complex oral sphincter defects.Patients and methodsSix patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and one patient with a gunshot injury were presented in this report. All of them had full‐thickness defects including skin, orbicularis muscle and oral mucosa. The mean age was 58 (range, 32–85) years. Defects of the lower lip were reconstructed with a super‐thin ALT flap. Super‐thin flaps were obtained by planning as close to the knee as possible and elevating at the level of superficial fascia. The fascia graft was used for achieving lip suspension.ResultsOverall flap survival was 100%. The flap size ranged from 8 × 6 cm to 14 × 10 cm. The follow‐up periods ranged from 6 to 14 months. All the patients achieved acceptable oral competence, both in the resting condition and during speaking and eating, except for one patient who had a drooping lower lip developed in the post‐operative 3rd month and underwent a secondary tightening procedure. Another patient needed liposuction due to bulky appearance.ConclusionSuper‐thin ALT flaps seem to be a useful option for functional and aesthetic reconstruction of extensive lip defects.
Numerical investigation of tunable multistacked metamaterial‐based graphene grating
Authors: Parmar Juveriya , Patel Shobhit K. , Ahmed Kawsar , Dhasarathan Vigneswaran 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe present a tunable multistacked metamaterial‐based graphene grating structure for the lower THz frequency range. Circular gold wire is placed between graphene layers to obtain wideband response. Reflectance, transmittance, absorption, and refractive index parameters are analyzed for metamaterial‐based graphene grating structure. The results show wideband reflectance response ranging from 1 to 2.5 THz frequency. Reflectance in grating can be controlled by different chemical potentials of the graphene sheet. The design results are also analyzed for different incident angles ranging from 0° to 80°. The proposed grating structure has the wideband tunable reflectance response and is envisioned to become basic building blocks of several THz systems which is going to be applicable in circulator, sensor, and imaging applications.
Nonablative transurethral Erbium:YAG laser treatment for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Gaspar Adrián , Silva Joaquín , Silva Gustavo , Anchelerguez Raúl , Prats Jorge , Sagaz Alejandro , Rovere Eduardo , Alastra Mauricio , Pino Juan , Jauregui Alejandro , Farrugia Marcos , Villaroel Fabricio , Guareschi Jonathan , Vega Maximiliano , Biasiori Emanuel , Moyano Emanuel , La Rosa Antonio , Hreljac Irena , Vižintin Zdenko 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimsThis prospective study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between the use of Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser in a nonablative mode, to the use of the pharmacological treatment of oral tadalafil for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).MethodsThe laser group received two sessions of Erbium:YAG laser, administered intraurethrally in a long, nonablative train of long pulses (SMOOTH™ mode), applied at the level of the male prostatic urethra. Tadalafil group received oral tadalafil at a dose of 5 mg/day, consecutively for 2 months. Effectiveness was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, VAS (visual analogue scale) pain score, and maximum urethral flow at follow‐up visits up to 12 months after initiating treatment. Adverse effects were recorded after each treatment and follow‐up sessions.ResultsThe results show a significant decrease in the IPSS score in both groups up to the 12‐month follow‐up. The increase in Q‐max was evident up to 3‐months follow‐up in the tadalafil group and up to 6 months in the laser group. The decrease in the VAS pain score was also significant in both treatment groups, lasting up to 3 months in the tadalafil group and up to 6 months in the laser group.ConclusionsThe nonablative Er:YAG SMOOTH™ laser seems to be a promising treatment for this widely occurring condition. More studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.