bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tyrosine‐derived polycarbonate nerve guidance tubes elicit proregenerative extracellular matrix deposition when used to bridge segmental nerve defects in swine
Authors: Burrell Justin C. , Bhatnagar Divya , Brown Dan P. , Murthy N. Sanjeeva , Dutton John , Browne Kevin D. , Laimo Franco A. , Ali Zarina S. , Rosen Joseph M. , Kaplan Hilton M. , Kohn Joachim , Cullen D. Kacy 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPromising biomaterials should be tested in appropriate large animal models that recapitulate human inflammatory and regenerative responses. Previous studies have shown tyrosine‐derived polycarbonates (TyrPC) are versatile biomaterials with a wide range of applications across multiple disciplines. The library of TyrPC has been well studied and consists of thousands of polymer compositions with tunable mechanical characteristics and degradation and resorption rates that are useful for nerve guidance tubes (NGTs). NGTs made of different TyrPCs have been used in segmental nerve defect models in small animals. The current study is an extension of this work and evaluates NGTs made using two different TyrPC compositions in a 1 cm porcine peripheral nerve repair model. We first evaluated a nondegradable TyrPC formulation, demonstrating proof‐of‐concept chronic regenerative efficacy up to 6 months with similar nerve/muscle electrophysiology and morphometry to the autograft repair control. Next, we characterized the acute regenerative response using a degradable TyrPC formulation. After 2 weeks in vivo, TyrPC NGT promoted greater deposition of pro‐regenerative extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents (in particular collagen I, collagen III, collagen IV, laminin, and fibronectin) compared to commercially available collagen‐based NGTs. This corresponded with dense Schwann cell infiltration and axon extension across the lumen. These findings confirmed results reported previously in a mouse model and reveal that TyrPC NGTs were well tolerated in swine and facilitated host axon regeneration and Schwann cell infiltration in the acute phase across segmental defects ‐ likely by eliciting a favorable neurotrophic ECM milieu. This regenerative response ultimately can contribute to functional recovery.
Comprehensive laboratory reference intervals for routine biochemical markers and pro‐oxidant‐antioxidant balance (PAB) in male adults
Authors: Ghazizadeh Hamideh , Kathryn Bohn Mary , Ghaffarian Zirak Roshanak , Kamel Khodabandeh Atieh , Zare‐Feyzabadi Reza , Saberi‐Karimian Maryam , Timar Ameneh , Jaberi Naghmeh , Mohammadi‐Bajgiran Maryam , Sharifan Payam , Tayefi Maryam , Silakhori Samaneh , Emamian Marzieh , Oladi Mohammad Reza , Esmaily Habibollah , Ferns Gordon A. , Adeli Khosrow , Ghayour‐Mobarhan Majid 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundReference values of biochemical markers are influenced by various parameters including age, sex, region, and lifestyle. Hence, we aimed to determine age‐ and BMI‐specific reference intervals (RIs) for important clinical biomarkers in a healthy adult male population from northeastern Iran. This is also the first study to investigate reference values for pro‐oxidant‐antioxidant balance (PAB).MethodsSeven hundred and twenty (720) healthy men, aged 20‐60 years, were recruited from Sarakhs in the northeast region of Iran. Reference values for lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL‐C and LDL‐C), fasting blood glucose, inflammatory factors (hs‐CRP and PAB), minerals (zinc and copper), uric acid, and blood pressure were measured and statistically analyzed to establish accurate age‐ and BMI‐specific RIs in alignment with CLSI Ep28‐A3 guidelines.ResultsRIs for lipid profiles, inflammatory factors, minerals, and uric acid required no age partitioning with the exception of fasting blood glucose and blood pressure, which demonstrated significantly higher values in subjects aged 50 years and older. Among these biomarkers, only uric acid, blood pressure, and triglycerides demonstrated statistically significant increases in reference value concentrations with increasing BMI.ConclusionIn this study, age‐ and BMI‐specific RIs for several biochemical markers were determined in healthy adult Iranian men. Partitioning by age and BMI was only required for a few analytes with most demonstrating no statistically significant changes with these covariates. These data can be useful to monitor various diseases in male adults with varying BMI in this region and others.
Increased body mass index is associated with decreased imaging quality of point‐of‐care abdominal aortic ultrasonography
Authors: Jeeji Archana K. , Ekstein Samuel F. , Ifelayo Oluwatomilona I. , Oyemade Kafayat A. , Tawfic Sarah S. , Hyde Robert J , Laughlin Michael J. , Lohse Christine M. , Mullan Aidan F. , Kummer Tobias , Bellamkonda Venkatesh R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundGiven that abdominal aorta is a retroperitoneal structure, increased body mass index (BMI) may have an adverse effect upon the quality of aortic ultrasonographic imaging.PurposeTo assess the hypothesis that increased BMI is associated with worsening point‐of‐care abdominal aortic ultrasonographic image quality.MethodsThis is a retrospective single‐center study of point‐of‐care abdominal aortic ultrasound examinations performed in an academic emergency department (ED) with fellowship‐trained emergency ultrasonography faculty performing quality assurance review.ResultsMean ± SD BMI was 27.4 ± 6.2, among the 221 included records. The overall quality rating decreased as BMI increased (correlation coefficient − 0.24; P < .001) and this persisted after adjustment for age and sex (P < .001). Although BMI was higher on average in the records that were of insufficient quality for clinical decisions when compared with those of sufficient quality (mean BMI 28.7 vs 27.0), this did not reach statistical significance in a univariable setting (P = .11) or after adjusting for age and sex (P = .14).ConclusionThis study data shows a decrease in point‐of‐care abdominal aorta ultrasound imaging quality as BMI increases, though this difference did not result in a statistically significant impairment in achieving the minimum quality for clinical decisions. This finding may help ameliorate some clinician concerns about ultrasonography for patients with high BMI.
Artemia salina: A microcrustacean to assess engineered nanoparticles toxicity
Authors: Pecoraro Roberta , Scalisi Elena Maria , Messina Giuseppina , Fragalà Giuseppe , Ignoto Sara , Salvaggio Antonio , Zimbone Massimo , Impellizzeri Giuliana , Brundo Maria Violetta 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe focus of this work was to investigate the toxicity of different metal nanoparticles (gold nanoparticles [AuNPs], silver nanoparticles [AgNPs], titanium dioxide nanoparticles [TiO2NPs]) on brine shrimpArtemia salina. We investigated if nanoparticles could have an influence on hatching of cysts and on mortality of larvae. Larvae (also called nauplii) and cysts were exposed to NPs for 24 hr in artificial seawater on microplates. At the end of the test, we assessed the endpoint (immobility/death) for the larvae by a stereomicroscope. Nauplii that appeared completely motionless, were counted as dead, and the percentages of mortality were calculated for each treatment. Instead for the cysts, the percentages of not‐hatched nauplii for each concentration considered were calculated by counting the number of whole cysts. Currently, nanoparticles toxicity has been investigated in several research; in our study we highlighted the nontoxicity of TiO2NPs onA. salinanauplii as shown by low percentages of immobilization and on cysts because TiO2NPs do not affect their hatching. Despite AuNPs exerted toxic effects on hatching, they did not affect larvae development as well as TiO2NPs. Otherwise, AgNPs induced mortality of the larvae and inhibited cysts hatching.
Identifying groups of people with similar sociobehavioural characteristics in Malawi to inform HIV interventions: a latent class analysis
Authors: Merzouki Aziza , Styles Amanda , Estill Janne , Orel Erol , Baranczuk Zofia , Petrie Karen , Keiser Olivia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionWithin many sub‐Saharan African countries including Malawi, HIV prevalence varies widely between regions. This variability may be related to the distribution of population groups with specific sociobehavioural characteristics that influence the transmission of HIV and the uptake of prevention. In this study, we intended to identify groups of people in Malawi with similar risk profiles.MethodsWe used data from the Demographic and Health Survey in Malawi (2015 to 2016), and stratified the analysis by sex. We considered demographic, socio‐behavioural and HIV‐related variables. Using Latent Class Analysis (LCA), we identified groups of people sharing common sociobehavioural characteristics. The optimal number of classes (groups) was selected based on the Bayesian information criterion. We compared the proportions of individuals belonging to the different groups across the three regions and 28 districts of Malawi.ResultsWe found nine groups of women and six groups of men. Most women in the groups with highest risk of being HIV positive were living in female‐headed households and were formerly married or in a union. Among men, older men had the highest risk of being HIV positive, followed by young (20 to 25) single men. Generally, low HIV testing uptake correlated with lower risk of having HIV. However, rural adolescent girls had a low probability of being tested (48.7%) despite a relatively high HIV prevalence. Urban districts and the Southern region had a higher percentage of high‐prevalence and less tested groups of individuals than other areas.ConclusionsLCA is an efficient method to find groups of people sharing common HIV risk profiles, identify particularly vulnerable sub‐populations, and plan targeted interventions focusing on these groups. Tailored support, prevention and HIV testing programmes should focus particularly on female household heads, adolescent girls living in rural areas, older married men and young men who have never been married.
A bioinformatic prediction of antigen presentation from SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein revealed a theoretical correlation of HLA‐DRB1*01 with COVID‐19 fatality in Mexican population: An ecological approach
Authors: Romero‐López José Pablo , Carnalla‐Cortés Martha , Pacheco‐Olvera Diana L. , Ocampo‐Godínez Juan Moisés , Oliva‐Ramírez Jacqueline , Moreno‐Manjón Julia , Bernal‐Alferes Brian , López‐Olmedo Nancy , García‐Latorre Ethel , Domínguez‐López María Lilia , Reyes‐Sandoval Arturo , Jiménez‐Zamudio Luis 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 infection is causing a pandemic disease that is reflected in challenging public health problems worldwide. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐based epitope prediction and its association with disease outcomes provide an important base for treatment design. A bioinformatic prediction of T cell epitopes and their restricted HLA Class I and II alleles was performed to obtain immunogenic epitopes and HLA alleles from the spike protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus. Also, a correlation with the predicted fatality rate of hospitalized patients in 28 states of Mexico was done. Here, we describe a set of 10 highly immunogenic epitopes, together with different HLA alleles that can efficiently present these epitopes to T cells. Most of these epitopes are located within the S1 subunit of the spike protein, suggesting that this area is highly immunogenic. A statistical negative correlation was found between the frequency of HLA‐DRB1*01 and the fatality rate in hospitalized patients in Mexico.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus infection in Central‐West of Tunisia
Authors: Ayouni Kaouther , Kharroubi Ghassen , Mallekh Rym , Hammami Walid , Marouani Ridha , Mhamdi Moncef , Ben Salah Afif , Triki Henda , Bettaieb Jihène 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHepatitis A infections still represent a major global health concern. During the past years, a transition pattern of the hepatitis A epidemiology was noted in many parts of the world. In Tunisia, there is not a recent survey on age‐specific hepatitis A virus seroprevalence. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus infection in Central‐West Tunisia, representative of regions with lowest socioeconomic level in the country, before vaccine implementation. Sera obtained from the blood samples of subjects were screened for the detection of hepatitis A virus. The seroprevalence was evaluated by detection of total antibodies to hepatitis A virus using commercially available immunoassay kits. A total of 1379 subjects, aged 5–75 years (mean age: 29.0 ± 17.3 years) were studied. The global anti‐hepatitis A virus seroplevalence was 84.7% (95% confidence interval: [82.6–86.5]). A higher hepatitis A virus seroprevalence was showed in subjects aged 10–14 years compared to those aged less than 10 years (50.0% vs. 31.0%). In subjects aged 20–29 years, a rapid increase in the hepatitis A virus prevalence was noted; it reached 97.0%. The seroprevalence of anti‐hepatitis A virus differed by zone of residence (81.1% in rural area vs. 72.4% in urban area, p = .005) and increased significantly with lower level of education (p = .019). There was no statistical significant seroprevalence difference between male and female: 84.2% versus 85.2%, respectively. Our study confirm the transition pattern of the hepatitis A virus endemicity in Tunisia from high to intermediate and provide an evaluation of the hepatitis A virus epidemiological situation before vaccine implementation.
Retarded decline of the share of SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive children in North Rhine‐Westphalia, Germany
Authors: Häusler Martin , van Helden Josef , Kleines Michael 
Published: September 2020

AbstractKnowledge on the mechanisms of viral spread, of time‐related changes, and age‐specific factors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections is important to develop recommendations aimed at controlling the pandemic. In this context, longitudinal data on proportions of positive results in different age groups are rare. Data on total positive counts and on shares of positive counts deriving from a private (MVZ) and a University (RWTH) laboratory were analyzed retrospectively and compared with public data on total positive counts of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). Data were covered for Weeks 9–24 of the year 2020 and all patient ages. Total positive counts were lower in children compared to adults. Proportions of children and adults tested positive were 3%–5% and 5%–7%, respectively. RKI and MVZ data showed similar time‐related patterns. Patients of 20–60 years of age did account for the initial virus spread (maximum infection rates at Weeks 9–11). Thereafter, infection rates decreased in older patients whereas children did not show a comparable time‐related decrease. Pediatric data generated in outpatient settings and hospitals differed markedly which should be considered in further studies. In summary, compared with adults children are less affected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections and are unlikely to account for the initial viral spread. However, children show sustained viral activity and may serve as a viral reservoir.
Sleep problems in Rett syndrome animal models: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Xinyan , Lin Jian‐Sheng , Spruyt Karen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDue to the discovery of Rett Syndrome (RTT) genetic mutations, animal models have been developed. Sleep research in RTT animal models may unravel novel neural mechanisms for this severe neurodevelopmental heritable rare disease. In this systematic literature review we summarize the findings on sleep research of 13 studies in animal models of RTT. We found disturbed efficacy and continuity of sleep in all genetically mutated models of mice, cynomolgus monkeys, and Drosophila. Models presented highly fragmented sleep with distinct differences in 24‐hr sleep/wake cyclicity and circadian arrhythmicity. Overall, animal models mimic sleep complaints reported in individuals with RTT. However, contrary to human studies, in mutant mice, attenuated sleep delta waves, and sleep apneas in non‐rapid eye movement sleep were reported. Future studies may focus on sleep structure and EEG alterations, potential central mechanisms involved in sleep fragmentation and the occurrence of sleep apnea across different sleep stages. Given that locomotor dysfunction is characteristic of individuals with RTT, studies may consider to integrate its potential impact on the behavioral analysis of sleep.
Monolithic full‐color microdisplay using patterned quantum dot photoresist on dual‐wavelength LED epilayers
Authors: Li Peian , Zhang Xu , Li Yangfeng , Qi Longheng , Tang Chak Wah , Lau Kei May 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA passive‐matrix monolithic full‐color InGaN light emitting diode (LED) microdisplay with 40 × 40 full‐color pixels is demonstrated. Each full‐color pixel consists of red, green, and blue (RGB) subpixels that have a pitch size of 40 μm × 120 μm. The full‐color microdisplay is monolithically fabricated on blue/green dual‐wavelength LED epilayers, using red quantum dot photoresist as a color converter. Pure RGB emission and a wide color gamut are achieved, as shown by electroluminescence spectra. Full‐color patterns with controllable grayscale and color mixing can be clearly rendered driven by a full‐color microdisplay controller, indicating tremendous potential of this novel approach for full‐color LED microdisplays in the future.
Resting Energy Expenditure, Fetal Biometric Parameters by Ultrasound, and Birthweight in Chinese Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Liu Fang , Quan Haiying , Lai Yaping , Gu Xiaoning , Liu Dongmei , Yang Min 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesTo explore the relationships between resting energy expenditure (REE) according to indirect calorimetry, fetal biometric parameters by ultrasound, and birthweight in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).MethodsSixty‐five women with GDM and 60 in the control group were enrolled. The REE, birthweight, and fetal biometric parameters according to ultrasound, including biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length, were measured.ResultsThe AC at 29 to 32 weeks and 37 to 40 weeks was larger in the GDM than in the control group (P < 0.01), birthweight was higher in the GDM than in the control group (P < 0.01), and women in the GDM group had higher REE than those in the control group at all stages of pregnancy (P < 0.01). In the control group, all fetal biometric parameters were correlated with birthweight at 37 to 40 weeks (r= 0.418, 0.678, 0.741, and 0.635 for biparietal diameter, head circumference, AC, and femur length, respectively,P < 0.05); however, in the GDM group, only AC was correlated with birthweight at 37 to 40 weeks (r= 0.707;P < 0.05). In the GDM group, REE was correlated with birthweight at all three stages of pregnancy (r= 0.369, 0.381, and 0.446 for 21 to 24, 29 to 32, and 37 to 40 weeks, respectively,P < 0.05), and REE was correlated with AC at 37 to 40 weeks (r= 0.431;P < 0.05).ConclusionsREE is correlated with birthweight in women with GDM from the middle to the end of pregnancy. REE by indirect calorimetry might be potential index for medical nutrition therapy in GDM.
Modified Posterior Pedicle Middle Turbinate Flap: An Additional Option for Skull Base Resurfacing
Authors: Pistochini Andrea , Russo Federico , Coden Elisa , Sileo Giorgio , Battaglia Paolo , Bignami Maurizio , Volpi Luca , Castelnuovo Paolo 
Published: September 2020

Objectives/HypothesisAlthough the Hadad‐Bassagusteguy flap represents the first choice for middle and posterior skull base reconstruction and coverage of exposed bony areas, in some cases it is unavailable. The aim of this study is to describe, as an alternative option in selected cases, a modified posterior pedicle middle turbinate flap (mPPMTF) extended to the lacrimal area. Anatomical features, step‐by‐step harvesting technique, and surgical applications are presented.Study designAnatomic dissection study and case report.MethodsFour mPPMTFs were raised in two fresh‐frozen cadaver heads. A study of the vascular supply and measurements of length, width, and area of the flap were performed. The ability of the flap to cover the ventral skull base, particularly the upper clivus area, was tested. A clinical case in which an mPPMTF was used for clivus resurfacing after osteoradionecrosis is reported.ResultsThe vascular supply of the mPPMTF was identified as the middle turbinate branch of the sphenopalatine artery. The flap had a mean length of 6.92 cm, mean maximum width of 1.08 cm, and mean total area of 5.33 cm2. The flap was able to reach the upper clivus, with a clival coverage ratio of 70.66%. In the clinical case, good surgical outcomes were observed, with accelerated re‐epithelization without complications.ConclusionsThe mPPMTF represents an alternative to the Hadad‐Bassagusteguy flap for posterior cranial fossa and nasopharynx resurfacing. The main drawbacks are its technically demanding and time‐consuming harvesting.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E767–E774, 2021
The cathodic protection potential criteria: Evaluation of the evidence
Authors: Googan Chris 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRecent publications have ascribed the mechanism of cathodic protection (CP) in soils to the development of passivity at the steel surface. This view has, in turn, prompted discussion on the need to re‐evaluate the long‐established criteria for protection. This paper presents a contribution to that discussion. It advances, or rather it restates, the proposition that neither immunity nor passivity is necessarily relevant. It argues that protection is simply a consequence of a potential‐driven lowering of the anodic dissolution rate. However, it also emerges that elucidating any mechanism convincingly requires dependable field or laboratory data on the very low corrosion rates occurring on cathodically polarised specimens. A critical review of published data highlights a lack of reliability in this area.
A 3D hybrid‐shot spiral sequence for hyperpolarized imaging
Authors: Tyler Andrew , Lau Justin Y. C. , Ball Vicky , Timm Kerstin N. , Zhou Tony , Tyler Damian J. , Miller Jack J. 
Published: September 2020

PurposeHyperpolarized imaging experiments have conflicting requirements of high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution. Spectral‐spatial RF excitation has been shown to form an attractive magnetization‐efficient method for hyperpolarized imaging, but the optimum readout strategy is not yet known.MethodsIn this work, we propose a novel 3D hybrid‐shot spiral sequence which features two constant density regions that permit the retrospective reconstruction of either high spatial or high temporal resolution images post hoc, (adaptive spatiotemporal imaging) allowing greater flexibility in acquisition and reconstruction.ResultsWe have implemented this sequence, both via simulation and on a preclinical scanner, to demonstrate its feasibility, in both a

phantom and with hyperpolarized

pyruvate in vivo.ConclusionsThis sequence forms an attractive method for acquiring hyperpolarized imaging datasets, providing adaptive spatiotemporal imaging to ameliorate the conflict of spatial and temporal resolution, with significant potential for clinical translation.