bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periodontal inflammation and distinct inflammatory profiles in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid compared with serum and joints in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Arvikar Sheila L. , Hasturk Hatice , Strle Klemen , Stephens Danielle , Bolster Marcy B. , Collier Deborah S. , Kantarci Alpdogan , Steere Allen C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe association of periodontitis and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is incompletely understood. To gain further insights, we evaluated periodontal status, oral, serum and joint inflammatory profiles, and Pg biomarkers in RA patients.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, we evaluated 33 patients with predominantly untreated new‐onset RA, 20 healthy individuals (HIs), and 20 non‐RA chronic periodontitis patients. Thirteen mediators (IFN‐γ, IL‐10, IL‐17A, IL‐6, IL‐8, CXCL10, TNF‐α, CXCL13, IL‐23, MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐8, MMP‐9) were measured in serum, synovial fluid, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) by multiplex immunoassay. Serum Pg IgG antibodies and subgingival Pg DNA were determined.ResultsMost RA patients (91%) received routine dental care; only one currently smoked. Ten (30.3%) had periodontal health, 13 (39.4%) had gingivitis, and 10 (30.3%) had periodontitis. Th1 and innate immune responses predominated in serum. Many mediators were concentrated in joints, particularly IL‐6, IL‐8, and CXCL10. However, salivary and GCF profiles were more restricted, emphasizing neutrophilic inflammation (IL‐8, MMP‐8) and MMP‐9. Compared with HI, most RA patients, regardless of periodontal status, had significantly elevated oral fluid levels of these mediators, with suppression of GCF IL‐10, a pattern similar to non‐RA periodontitis patients. Pg antibodies or DNA however were primarily associated with clinical periodontitis.ConclusionsDespite routine dental care, RA patients often had inflammation in oral fluids, but inflammatory profiles differed from serum and joints. Neutrophilic inflammatory profiles in oral fluids, regardless of periodontal status, suggests that gingival tissues are a common, and often unrecognized, site of extra‐articular inflammation in RA.
An efficient primary screening of COVID‐19 by serum Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yin Gang , Li Lintao , Lu Shun , Yin Yu , Su Yuanzhang , Zeng Yilan , Luo Mei , Ma Maohua , Zhou Hongyan , Orlandini Lucia , Yao Dezhong , Liu Gang , Lang Jinyi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe outbreak of COVID‐19 coronavirus disease around the end of 2019 has become a pandemic. The preferred method for COVID‐19 detection is the real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR)‐based technique; however, it also has certain limitations, such as sample‐dependent procedures with a relatively high false negative ratio. We propose a safe and efficient method for screening COVID‐19 based on Raman spectroscopy. A total of 177 serum samples are collected from 63 confirmed COVID‐19 patients, 59 suspected cases, and 55 healthy individuals as a control group. Raman spectroscopy is adopted to analyze these samples, and a machine learning support‐vector machine (SVM) method is applied to the spectrum dataset to build a diagnostic algorithm. Furthermore, 20 independent individuals, including 5 asymptomatic COVID‐19 patients and 5 symptomatic COVID‐19 patients, 5 suspected patients, and 5 healthy patients, were sampled for external validation. In these three groups—confirmed COVID‐19, suspected, and healthy individuals—the distribution of statistically significant points of difference showed highly consistency for intergroups after repeated sampling processes. The classification accuracy between the COVID‐19 cases and the suspected cases is 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85–0.88), and the accuracy between the COVID‐19 and the healthy controls is 0.90 (95% CI: 0.89–0.91), while the accuracy between the suspected cases and the healthy control group is 0.68 (95% CI: 0.67–0.73). For the independent test dataset, we apply the obtained SVM model to the classification of the independent test dataset to have all the results correctly classified. Our model showed that the serum‐level classification results were all correct for independent test dataset. Our results suggest that Raman spectroscopy could be a safe and efficient technique for COVID‐19 screening.
Synthesis, characterization and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy study of a new family of different substituted cruciform molecular systems deposited on gold nanoparticles
Authors: Sánchez‐González Rodrigo , Imbarack Elizabeth , Suazo Constanza , Soto Juan Pablo , Leyton Patricio , Sánchez‐Cortés Santiago , Campos‐Vallette Marcelo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this work, the adsorption and orientation on gold nanoparticles (AuNps) of a new family of cruciform systems consisting of thiophene rings and imino groups were studied. The structural modification and its influence on the adsorbate‐substrate interaction were evaluated by UV–Vis spectroscopy and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The absence of SERS spectrum for (N,N′‐bis(4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzylidene)‐2,5‐di (thiophene‐2‐yl)‐1,4‐diaminobenzene) CFF shows that the inclusion of a trifluoromethyl group (‐CF3) on the benzylidene fragment limits the interaction of the CFF system with the gold substrate, in contrast, to that obtained for (N, N′‐dibenzylidene‐2,5‐di (thiophene‐2‐yl) ‐1,4‐diaminobenzene) 2‐CF and (N, N′‐bis (4‐methoxybenzylidene) ‐2,5‐di (thiophene‐2yl) ‐1,4‐diaminobenzene) CMF, where the adsorption took place preferentially through the thiophene rings, resulting in partial quinoidization. On the other hand, the interaction for compound (N, N′‐bis (4‐methylenepyridinyl) ‐2,5‐di (thiophene‐2‐yl) ‐1,4‐diaminobenzene) CPy with the surface was conducted by means of the pyridinic fragments. The systematic modification of the bifunctional cruciform systems, with groups of different nature, makes it possible to rationalize the structural aspects that directly influence the adsorbate‐substrate interaction and molecular orientation on gold substrates. These structural parameters are the basis to the development of stable molecular assemblies, which can act as basic building blocks in the manufacture of molecular switches.
Cigarette smoke extract promotes DNA methyltransferase 3a expression in dendritic cells, inducing Th‐17/Treg imbalance via the c‐Jun/allograft inflammatory factor 1 axis
Authors: Huang Dan , Zhou Bin , Luo Zhen‐Zhong , Yu Shu‐Chun , Tang Bin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory disorder. Although numerous studies on COPD have been conducted, therapeutic strategies for COPD are limited, and its pathological mechanism is still unclear. The present study aimed to explore the role of DNA methyltransferase 3a (DNMT3a) in dendritic cells (DCs) and the possible role of the Th‐17/Treg cell balance in COPD. Immature DCs (iDCs) were induced and cocultured with CD4+ T cells. An in vitro COPD model was established by treatment with cigarette smoke extract (CSE). DNMT3a or allograft inflammatory factor 1 (AIF1) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) were inhibited and overexpressed, respectively, by transfection with sh‐DNMT3a or sh‐AIF1 and JNK overexpression plasmids. The 3‐ (4,5‐cimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to measure cell viability. The Th17/Treg cell ratio was determined by flow cytometry. The expression levels of DNMT3a, c‐Jun and AIF1 were measured using RT‐qPCR or western blotting. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) was used to confirm the interaction between c‐Jun and the AIF1 promoter region. CSE stimulation promoted the expression of DNMT3a, and AIF1, and the ratio of p‐c‐Jun/c‐Jun in iDCs. Besides, the iDC‐mediated differentiation of Th17 cells was in a dose‐dependent manner. However, knockdown of DNMT3a or AIF1 reversed the above effects caused by CSE. Inhibition of c‐Jun signaling by treatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125 also suppressed the iDC‐mediated differentiation of Th17 cells, which was promoted by CSE. CHIP analysis showed that c‐Jun could bind to the promoter region of AIF1. DNMT3a could regulate the iDC‐mediated Th17/Treg balance by regulating the c‐Jun/AIF1 axis.
Intrinsic Disruption of the M1 Cortical Network in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Aeed Fadi , Cermak Nathan , Schiller Jackie , Schiller Yitzhak 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) disrupts motor performance by affecting the basal ganglia system. Yet, despite the critical position of the primary motor cortex in linking basal ganglia computations with motor performance, its contribution to motor disability in PD is largely unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize the role of the primary motor cortex in PD‐related motor disability.MethodsTwo‐photon calcium imaging and optogenetic stimulation of primary motor cortex neurons was done during performance of a dexterous reach‐to‐grasp motor task in control and 6‐hydroxydopamine‐induced PD mice.ResultsExperimental PD disrupted performance of the reach‐to‐grasp motor task and especially initiation of the task, which was partially restored by optogenetic activation of the primary motor cortex. Two‐photon calcium imaging during task performance revealed experimental‐PD affected the primary motor cortex in a cell‐type‐specific manner. It suppressed activation of output layer 5 pyramidal tract neurons, with greater effects on freeze versus nonfreeze trials. In contrast, it did not attenuate the initial movement‐related activation response of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons while diminishing the late inhibitory phase of their response. At the network level, experimental PD disrupted movement‐related population dynamics of the layer 5 pyramidal tract network while almost not affecting the dynamics of the layer 2/3 neuronal population. It also disrupted short‐ and long‐term robustness and stability of the pyramidal tract subnetwork, with reduced intertrial temporal accuracy and diminished reproducibility of motor parameter encoding and temporal recruitment of the output pyramidal tract neurons over repeated daily sessions.ConclusionsExperimental PD disrupts both external driving and intrinsic properties of the primary motor cortex. Motor disability in experimental PD results primarily from the inability to generate robust and stable output motor sequences in the parkinsonian primary motor cortex output layer 5 pyramidal tract subnetwork. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Analysis of characteristics of images acquired with a prototype clinical proton radiography system
Authors: Sarosiek Christina , DeJongh Ethan A. , Coutrakon George , DeJongh Don F. , Duffin Kirk L. , Karonis Nicholas T. , Ordoñez Caesar E. , Pankuch Mark , Rykalin Victor , Winans John R. , Welsh James S. 
Published: February 2021

PurposeVerification of patient‐specific proton stopping powers obtained in the patient’s treatment position can be used to reduce the distal and proximal margins needed in particle beam planning. Proton radiography can be used as a pretreatment instrument to verify integrated stopping power consistency with the treatment planning CT. Although a proton radiograph is a pixel by pixel representation of integrated stopping powers, the image may also be of high enough quality and contrast to be used for patient alignment. This investigation quantifies the accuracy and image quality of a prototype proton radiography system on a clinical proton delivery system.MethodsWe have developed a clinical prototype proton radiography system designed for integration into efficient clinical workflows. We tested the images obtained by this system for water‐equivalent thickness (WET) accuracy, image noise, and spatial resolution. We evaluated the WET accuracy by comparing the average WET and rms error in several regions of interest (ROI) on a proton radiograph of a custom peg phantom. We measured the spatial resolution on a CATPHAN Line Pair phantom and a custom edge phantom by measuring the 10% value of the modulation transfer function (MTF). In addition, we tested the ability to detect proton range errors due to anatomical changes in a patient with a customized CIRS pediatric head phantom and inserts of varying WET placed in the posterior fossae of the brain. We took proton radiographs of the phantom with each insert in place and created difference maps between the resulting images. Integrated proton range was measured from an ROI in the difference maps.ResultsWe measured the WET accuracy of the proton radiographic images to be ±0.2 mm (0.33%) from known values. The spatial resolution of the images was 0.6 lp/mm on the line pair phantom and 1.13 lp/mm on the edge phantom. We were able to detect anatomical changes producing changes in WET as low as 0.6 mm.ConclusionThe proton radiography system produces images with image quality sufficient for pretreatment range consistency verification.
Stochastic modeling of multiline orders in integrated storage‐order picking system
Authors: Bansal Vishal , Roy Debjit 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDue to demanding service levels in e‐commerce order fulfillment, modeling and analysis of integrated storage and order picking processes in warehouses deserve special attention. The upstream storage system can have a significant impact on the performance of the downstream order picking process. With a particular focus on multiline e‐commerce orders, we develop an analytical modeling framework for integrated analysis of upstream (shuttle‐based storage and retrieval system) and downstream (pick system) networks. To capture the consolidation delays in fulfilling multiline orders, the downstream pick system is modeled with a closed queuing network that includes synchronization nodes. The configuration of the synchronization station is adapted to model the variety of order profiles handled at the pick station. For the downstream closed queuing network, we propose a decomposition‐based solution methodology that results in good solution accuracy. The resulting semi‐open queuing network (SOQN) of the integrated system is analyzed using the matrix‐geometric method (MGM). To improve the accuracy of analytical estimates of the measures, we propose a hybrid simulation/analytical framework, where the performance measures of complex subnetworks are obtained from simulation. We also develop a detailed simulation model of the physical system for validating the analytical and hybrid estimates of the performance measures. The results from experiments indicate that the hybrid simulation/analytical approach reduces the error in the throughput time estimates to 3% from 18% obtained from the analytical model. Then, we investigate the effect of the upstream network configuration (such as the number of storage aisles) and the downstream network configuration (such as the mixed vs. dedicated picking, CONWIP control for orders, order batching) on the order throughput times. Our analysis provides a threshold on the maximum numbers of allowable orders (CONWIP control) and number of aisles beyond which the improvement in average throughput time of the integrated system is marginal. Numerical experiments with high‐order arrivals also highlight that mixed picking in the downstream network can result in significant throughput time reduction in comparison to dedicated picking.
The roots of the gender pay gap for nonprofit CEOs
Authors: Lee Young‐Joo , Lee Chang Kil 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA simple comparison of male and female nonprofit executives' salaries cannot give an accurate picture of the gender pay gap because it ignores the gender disparity in executive hiring among large nonprofit organizations, where the CEO receives a higher salary. This study examines CEO salaries at 668 regional chapters of a public benefit nonprofit organization in the U.S., while taking the connection between hiring and compensation disparities into consideration. The findings reveal that the underrepresentation of women CEOs in more resourceful organizations is at the root of gender pay gap for nonprofit executives. This study concludes that improving the gender equity in hiring will help narrow the pay disparity between male and female CEOs.
Suicide prevention strategies for older persons—An integrative review of empirical and theoretical papers
Authors: Holm Anne Lise , Salemonsen Elin , Severinsson Elisabeth 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo synthesize suicide prevention strategies for older adults. The review question was Which suicide prevention strategies are useful for older adults?DesignIntegrative review.Data sourcesAcademic Search Premier, CINAHL, Ovid PsycINFO and PubMed were searched for articles published between January 2009 and December 2019.Review methodsAn integrative review of quantitative, qualitative and theoretical papers with a qualitative thematic analysis.ResultsKey aspects of the included studies contributed to the formulation of four themes: (1) Recognizing older adults’ physical and/or mental health problems and referring them for help and treatment, (2) Designing an educational programme, (3) Communication and dialogue about warning signs and (4) Social support and awareness of causing significant others emotional pain. The findings indicate an urgent need to identify effective suicide prevention strategies for older adults.
Effects of traditional Chinese exercise on patients with cognitive impairment: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Chen , Zheng Dongxiang , Luo Jinglan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review the effectiveness of four types of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) on patients with cognitive impairment (CI) and to rank these four TCE types.DesignA Bayesian network meta‐analysis.MethodsFour English databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, and three Chinese databases, including CNKI, VIP and Wanfang, were searched from their inception to December 2019. Randomized control trials conducted to verify the effects of TCE on patients with CI were included. We used network meta‐analysis to evaluate the relative effects and rank probabilities of the four types of TCE.ResultsThe results of the network meta‐analysis indicated that baduanjin (N = 9), tai chi (N = 11), liuzijue (N = 2) and qigong (N = 1) all had significant benefits compared with control conditions. According to the ranking probabilities, baduanjin was most likely to be associated with substantial improvement in cognition, followed by tai chi, liuzijue and qigong.ConclusionOur study revealed the effectiveness of TCE for improving global cognition in adults with cognitive impairment. Baduanjin may be the most effective exercise type. The evidence summarized in our study still contains bias, and more research should be carried out to verify the validity of TCE.
Psychometric properties of Postpartum Partner Support Scale—Persian version
Authors: Eslahi Zahra , Alimoradi Zainab , Bahrami Nasim , Lin Chung‐Ying , Griffiths Mark D. , Pakpour Amir H 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to translate the Postpartum Partner Support Scale (PPSS) into Persian and evaluate its psychometric properties among postpartum women.DesignA total of 248 women aged 18–39 years participated in this psychometric study. The PPSS was translated into Persian using a forward‐backward method. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Rasch model analysis were used to assess the psychometric properties of the PPSS. In addition, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was completed simultaneously to assess the construct validity. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed by calculating the Cronbach's alpha coefficient and corrected item‐total correlation.ResultsThe unidimensionality of the PPSS was supported in both CFA and Rasch analysis. The PPSS had a significant negative association with EPDS (r = −0.39p < .001). The scale had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94) and the correlation between items and total score was satisfactory.ConclusionThe Persian version of PPSS with 20 items is a valid and reliable scale to assess postpartum support.
Sense of coherence and coping strategies: How they influence quality of life in Iranian women with breast cancer
Authors: Zamanian Hadi , Amini‐Tehrani Mohammadali , Mahdavi Adeli Aliyeh , Daryaafzoon Mona , Arsalani Mahnaz , Enzevaei Anahita , Farjami Maryam 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate the mediation/moderation effect between Coping Behaviors (CBs) and Sense of Coherence (SOC) in the prediction of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer patients.DesignCross‐sectional.MethodsA total of 221 patients were included in this study. The 13‐item Orientation to Life Questionnaire, Brief COPE and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Breast were investigated. Pearson's correlation coefficient and mediation/moderation analysis were performed.ResultsSignificant correlations were observed for SOC, active coping, acceptance, positive reframing (PR), planning, use of emotional support (UES), use of instrumental support, behaviour disengagement and self‐blame with HRQoL. Except for planning and acceptance, SOC partially mediated the CBs' effect on HRQoL. The UES and PR's effects on HRQoL were significant at lower SOC levels and diminished at higher SOC levels.ConclusionPractitioners can incorporate SOC and adaptive CBs, including PR and UES, into the rehabilitation programmes to improve HRQoL in patients.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a quality nursing care scale from nurses’ perspective
Authors: Liu Ying , Aungsuroch Yupin , Gunawan Joko , Sha Liyan , Shi Tieying 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo develop and evaluate psychometric property of quality nursing care scale (QNCS) from nurses’ perspective in the Chinese context.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design.MethodsThis study was conducted in two phases. In Phase I, literature review and interviews were conducted to develop the items. In Phase II, content validity was evaluated by five experts. Construct validity was tested through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) among 302 nurses and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) among 510 nurses from October 2014 to January 2015. Additionally, internal consistency reliability was tested.ResultsThe EFA extracted six factors including staff characteristics, task‐oriented activities, human‐oriented activities, physical environment, patient outcomes and precondition. All six factors accounted for 74.78% of the total variance to explain quality nursing care. The modified measurement model of the final version of QNCS was supported by the CFA with 48 items in six dimensions. The internal consistency reliability of final QNCS was acceptable.