bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptation and validation of the Nigerian Igbo Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support in patients with chronic low back pain
Authors: Igwesi-Chidobe Chinonso Nwamaka , Kitchen Sheila , Sorinola Isaac Olubunmi , Godfrey Emma Louise 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Social support may be important in the perpetuation of symptoms in chronic low back pain (CLBP). The multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS) is one of the best measures of social support with applicability in Africa.

Aims
The aims of this study were to translate, culturally adapt, test–retest, and assess cross-sectional psychometric properties of the Igbo-MSPSS.

Methods
Forward and backward translation of the MSPSS was done by clinicians and non-clinician translators and evaluated by a specialist review committee. The adapted measure was piloted amongst twelve adults with CLBP in rural Nigeria. Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficient were used for investigating internal consistency. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC: two-way random effects model, average of raters’ measurements, absolute definition of agreement) reflecting both the degree of correlation and agreement between measurements was used for the statistical investigation of test–retest reliability. Criterion validity of the adapted measure was investigated with the eleven-point box scale, back performance scale, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, and World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule amongst 200 people with CLBP in rural Nigeria using Spearman’s correlation analyses. Exploratory factor analyses conducted using Kaiser criterion and parallel analysis as methods for determining dimensionality were used to determine the structural validity of the adapted measure amongst the same sample of 200 rural dwellers.

Results
Igbo-MSPSS had excellent internal consistency (0.88) and ICC of 0.82. There were moderate correlations with measures associated with the social support construct. The same item–factor pattern in the three-dimensional structure (with Kaiser criterion) as in the original measure and a two-dimensional structure (with parallel analysis) were produced.

Conclusions
Igbo-MSPSS is a measure of social support with some evidence of validity and reliability and can be used clinically or for research. Future studies are required to confirm its validity and reliability.
Electricity generation and pollutants removal of landfill leachate by osmotic microbial fuel cells with different forward osmosis membranes
Authors: Jiang Nan , Huang Li , Huang Manhong , Cai Teng , Song Jialing , Zheng Shengyang , Guo Jili , Kong Zhuang , Chen Liang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this study, thin-film composite with embedded polyester screen, cellulose triacetate with a cast nonwoven and cellulose triacetate with embedded polyester screen (CTA-ES) was examined as the intermediate membranes in osmotic microbial fuel cells (OsMFCs). The reactors were fed with actual landfill leachate and the performance was studied in two operation modes: active layer facing draw solution and active layer facing feed solution (AL-FS). The OsMFC with CTA-ES exhibited the best energy generation (maximum power density: 0.44 W m− 2) and pollutant removal efficiency (ammonia nitrogen: 70%, total nitrogen: 74%) in the AL-FS mode, which could be ascribed to the lowest internal resistance (237 Ω) and highest microbial richness. Pseudomonas was the highest proportion of microbial in OsMFCs. The result of this study has demonstrated the potential of OsMFCs for landfill leachate treatment.
Safety and efficacy of direct-acting antiviral drugs in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in patients with thalassemia: a prospective study
Authors: Ghoneem Elsayed , Saleh Ahmed , El-Etreby Shahira Aly , Mortada Metwaly Ibrahim , Ghannam Mayada A. , El-Ashwah Shaimaa , Eisa Noha 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality among thalassemic patients. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) are highly effective and well-tolerated by chronic HCV patients.

Results
The mean age of our patients was 29 years. Sustained virologic response (SVR) at 12 and 24 weeks was achieved in all patients (100%). The most common side effects were fatigue (18%), anemia (13.63%), and headache (4.5%). There was no statistically significant difference in the hemoglobin level before and after treatment (p = 0.48). There was a significant improvement in serum bilirubin and mean ALT levels after treatment compared to baseline data (p < 0.0005 each).

Conclusions
DAAs, namely, sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir or sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir, are effective and well-tolerated regimens in thalassemic patients with chronic HCV.
Cocrystallization of gliclazide with improved physicochemical properties
Authors: Eesam Shivarani , Bhandaru Jaswanth S. , Akkinepally Raghuram Rao , Bobbala Ravi Kumar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Cocrystallization is one of the crystal engineering strategies used to alter the physicochemical properties of drugs that are poorly water-soluble. Gliclazide (GLZ), an antidiabetic drug, belongs to Biopharmaceutical Classification System class-II (low solubility and high permeability) and has low bioavailability, resulting in poor therapeutic effects in patients. Therefore, to impart better solubility and bioavailability of GLZ, the study was carried out by preparing GLZ cocrystals using liquid-assisted grinding method with three coformers [3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS), 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid (PDA), and L-proline (LPN)], and these were characterized using Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectral studies. Further, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, accelerated stability, solubility, in vitro dissolution studies, and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies were performed in male Wistar rats.

Results
DSC and PXRD analysis confirmed the formation of the GLZ cocrystals. Hydrogen bonding between pure GLZ and its coformers was demonstrated based on FTIR and Raman analysis. SEM data showed morphological images for GLZ cocrystals differed from those of pure GLZ. In comparison with pure GLZ, these GLZ cocrystals have greatly improved solubility, in vitro dissolution, and in vivo profiles. Among the three, GLZ–DNS cocrystals outperformed the pure drug in terms of solubility (6.3 times), degradation (1.5 times), and relative bioavailability (1.8 times).

Conclusion
Hence, cocrystallization of GLZ leads to improved physicochemical properties of poorly soluble drug gliclazide.
Cosmological horizons radiate
Authors: Leonhardt Ulf 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Gibbons and Hawking (Phys. Rev. D, 15 (1977) 2738) have shown that the horizon of de Sitter space emits radiation in the same way as the event horizon of the black hole. But actual cosmological horizons are not event horizons, except in de Sitter space. Nevertheless, this paper proves Gibbons' and Hawking's radiation formula as an exact result for any flat space expanding with strictly positive Hubble parameter. The paper gives visual and intuitive insight into why this is the case. The paper also indicates how cosmological horizons are related to the dynamical Casimir effect, which makes experimental tests with laboratory analogues possible.
The FOS/AP-1 Regulates Metabolic Changes and Cholesterol Synthesis in Human Periovulatory Granulosa Cells
Authors: Choi Yohan , Jeon Hayce , Akin James W , Curry Thomas E , Jo Misung 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
FOS, a subunit of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor, has been implicated in various cellular changes. In the human ovary, the expression of FOS and its heterodimeric binding partners JUN, JUNB, and JUND increases in periovulatory follicles. However, the specific role of the FOS/AP-1 remains elusive. The present study determined the regulatory mechanisms driving the expression of FOS and its partners and functions of FOS using primary human granulosa/lutein cells (hGLCs). Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) induced a biphasic increase in the expression of FOS, peaking at 1 to 3 hours and 12 hours. The levels of JUN proteins were also increased by hCG, with varying expression patterns. Coimmunoprecipitation analyses revealed that FOS is present as heterodimers with all JUN proteins. hCG immediately activated protein kinase A and p42/44MAPK signaling pathways, and inhibitors for these pathways abolished hCG-induced increases in the levels of FOS, JUN, and JUNB. To identify the genes regulated by FOS, high-throughput RNA sequencing was performed using hGLC treated with hCG ± T-5224 (FOS inhibitor). Sequencing data analysis revealed that FOS inhibition affects the expression of numerous genes, including a cluster of genes involved in the periovulatory process such as matrix remodeling, prostaglandin synthesis, glycolysis, and cholesterol biosynthesis. Quantitative PCR analysis verified hCG-induced, T-5224-regulated expression of a selection of genes involved in these processes. Consistently, hCG-induced increases in metabolic activities and cholesterol levels were suppressed by T-5224. This study unveiled potential downstream target genes of and a role for the FOS/AP-1 complex in metabolic changes and cholesterol biosynthesis in granulosa/lutein cells of human periovulatory follicles.
Integrated Analysis of Transcriptome and Histone Modifications in Granulosa Cells During Ovulation in Female Mice
Authors: Shirafuta Yuichiro , Tamura Isao , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Maekawa Ryo , Doi-Tanaka Yumiko , Takagi Haruka , Mihara Yumiko , Shinagawa Masahiro , Taketani Toshiaki , Sato Shun , Tamura Hiroshi , Sugino Norihiro 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe ovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge induces rapid changes of gene expression and cellular functions in granulosa cells (GCs) undergoing luteinization. However, it remains unclear how the changes in genome-wide gene expression are regulated. H3K4me3 histone modifications are involved in the rapid alteration of gene expression. In this study, we investigated genome-wide changes of transcriptome and H3K4me3 status in mouse GCs undergoing luteinization. GCs were obtained from mice treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) before, 4 hours, and 12 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin injection. RNA-sequencing identified a number of upregulated and downregulated genes, which could be classified into 8 patterns according to the time-course changes of gene expression. Many genes were transiently upregulated or downregulated at 4 hours after hCG stimulation. Gene Ontology terms associated with these genes included steroidogenesis, ovulation, cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) expansion, angiogenesis, immune system, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, inflammatory response, metabolism, and autophagy. The cellular functions of DNA repair and cell growth were newly identified as being activated during ovulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation–sequencing revealed a genome-wide and rapid change in H3K4me3 during ovulation. Integration of transcriptome and H3K4me3 data identified many H3K4me3-associated genes that are involved in steroidogenesis, ovulation, COC expansion, angiogenesis, inflammatory response, immune system, ROS metabolism, lipid and glucose metabolism, autophagy, and regulation of cell size. The present results suggest that genome-wide changes in H3K4me3 after the LH surge are associated with rapid changes in gene expression in GCs, which enables GCs to acquire a lot of cellular functions within a short time that are required for ovulation and luteinization.
A Metabolomic Signature of Glucagon Action in Healthy Individuals With Overweight/Obesity
Authors: Vega Rick B , Whytock Katie L , Gassenhuber Johan , Goebel Britta , Tillner Joachim , Agueusop Inoncent , Truax Agnieszka D , Yu Gongxin , Carnero Elvis , Kapoor Nidhi , Gardell Stephen , Sparks Lauren M , Smith Steven R 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Context
Glucagon is produced and released from the pancreatic alpha-cell to regulate glucose levels during periods of fasting. The main target for glucagon action is the liver, where it activates gluconeogenesis and glycogen breakdown; however, glucagon is postulated to have other roles within the body.

Objective
We sought to identify the circulating metabolites that would serve as markers of glucagon action in humans.

Methods
In this study (NCT03139305), we performed a continuous 72-hour glucagon infusion in healthy individuals with overweight/obesity. Participants were randomized to receive glucagon 12.5 ng/kg/min (GCG 12.5), glucagon 25 ng/kg/min (GCG 25), or a placebo control. A comprehensive metabolomics analysis was then performed from plasma isolated at several time points during the infusion to identify markers of glucagon activity.

Results
Glucagon (GCG 12.5 and GCG 25) resulted in significant changes in the plasma metabolome as soon as 4 hours following infusion. Pathways involved in amino acid metabolism were among the most affected. Rapid and sustained reduction of a broad panel of amino acids was observed. Additionally, time-dependent changes in free fatty acids and diacylglycerol and triglyceride species were observed.

Conclusion
These results define a distinct signature of glucagon action that is broader than the known changes in glucose levels. In particular, the robust changes in amino acid levels may prove useful to monitor changes induced by glucagon in the context of additional glucagon-like peptide-1 or gastric inhibitory polypeptide treatment, as these agents also elicit changes in glucose levels.
Organometallic Iridium Complexes of (Z)-1-Phenyl-2-(4′,4′-dimethyl-2′-oxazolin-2′-yl)-eth-1-en-1-ate: Structural Aspects, Reactivity and Applications in the Catalytic Dehydrogenation of Alkanes
Authors: May Kathleen L , Clément Roxanne , Lough Alan J , Gossage Robert A 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe treatment of [IrCl(cod)]2 with (Z)-1-phenyl-2-(4′,4′-dimethyl-2′-oxazolin-2′-yl)-eth-1-en-1-ol (HL) in the presence of base yields the first Ir complex of this ligand class: Ir(κ2-N,O-L)(cod) (3). Complex 3 is reactive with MeI or HSnPh3 to yield the oxidative addition products 4 (trans-Ir(Me)I(κ2-N,O-L)(cod)) and 5 (cis-IrH(SnPh3)(κ2-N,O-L)(cod)), respectively. All three of these derivatives have been fully characterised including via single crystal X-ray diffraction data. Complex 3 is generally resistant to cod ligand substitution but shown to be reactive with CO (g) to give Ir(κ2-N,O-L)(CO)2 (6). In addition, 3 is demonstrated to be a dehydrogenation catalyst for the conversion of C8H16 into cyclooctene and H2 under acceptor-free conditions.
Photoluminescent Ionic Solids of S-Bridged Gold(I)-Gallium(III) and Gold(I)-Indium(III) Hexanuclear Complexes
Authors: Itai Takuma , Kuwamura Naoto , Kojima Tatsuhiro , Yoshinari Nobuto , Rujiwatra Apinpus , Konno Takumi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Reactions of [Au2(dppe)(d-Hpen)2] (dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, d-H2pen = d-penicillamine) with M(NO3)3 (M = GaIII, InIII) afforded charge-separation-type ionic solids, [Au4M2(dppe)2(d-pen)4](NO3)2, in which each M center is surrounded by two d-pen ligands to form an N2O2S2 octahedral geometry. The ionic solids exhibited blue emission originating from the LLCT excited state in the solid state.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome kyphoscoliotic type 2 caused by mutations in the FKBP14 gene: an analysis of five cases
Authors: Semyachkina Alla Nikolaevna , Nikolaeva Ekaterina Alexandrovna , Galeeva Nailya Mansurovna , Polyakov Alexander Vladimirovich , Kurnikova Maria Andreevna , Belova Vera Аlexandrovna , Shulyakova Irina Valerievna , Dantsev Ilya Sergeevich , Dzhivanshiryan Goar Vladimirovna 
Published: June 2021

Background. This study deals with a rare (orphan) monogenic connective tissue disorder - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome kyphoscoliotic type 2 (EDSKS2). Kyphoscoliotic type 2 Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the FKBP14 gene (7p14.3), which encodes the FKBP22 protein. According to the 2017 classification, this type is in group seven - collagen spatial structure and cross-linking defects. We present results of clinical examination and molecular genetic analysis for five patients with age varying from two to fifteen years. Methods. Five patients were examined using clinical and laboratory methods. DNA samples used for the analysis were extracted from whole blood samples using a Wizard® Genomic DNA Purification Kit (Promega, USA) according to the manufacturer's protocol. Results. The major clinical findings were kyphoscoliosis, early motor development delay, muscular weakness, hypotonia and hearing loss. Molecular genetic analysis detected a homozygous c.362dupC duplication in exon 3 of the FKBP14 gene in all five patients. This mutation is common in various countries. Differential diagnostics were carried out to exclude other Ehlers-Danlos syndrome types and myopathies. Conclusions. Literature analysis and examination of five EDSKS2 patients demonstrated the involvement of major organs and systems, such as joints, spine, muscles, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, hearing, and vision, into the pathological process. Kidney mobility increases and nephroptosis seems to be secondary caused by muscular weakness. During molecular genetic analysis, to verify EDSKS2 it is recommended to initially search for the c.362dupC duplication, which appears to be common in European countries, including Russia.
Simple and robust method for determination of laser fluence thresholds for material modifications: an extension of Liu’s approach to imperfect beams
Authors: Garcia-Lechuga Mario , Grojo David 
Published: June 2021

The so-called D-squared or Liu’s method is an extensively applied approach to determine the irradiation fluence thresholds for laser-induced damage or modification of materials. However, one of the assumptions behind the method is the use of an ideal spatial Gaussian beam that can lead in practice to significant errors depending on beam imperfections. In this work, we rigorously calculate the bias corrections required when applying the same method to Airy-disk like profiles. Those profiles are readily produced from any beam by insertion of an aperture in the optical path. Thus, the correction method gives a robust solution for exact threshold determination without any added technical complications as for instance advanced control or metrology of the beam. Illustrated by two case-studies, the approach holds potential to solve the strong discrepancies existing between the laser-induced damage thresholds reported in the literature. It provides also an appropriate tool for new studies with the most extreme laser radiations.
Design of financial incentive interventions to improve lifestyle behaviors and health outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Miranda J. Jaime , Pesantes M. Amalia , Lazo-Porras María , Portocarrero Jill , Diez-Canseco Francisco , Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M. , Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Trujillo Antonio J. , Aldridge Robert W. 
Published: June 2021

Background: Financial incentives may improve the initiation and engagement of behaviour change that reduce the negative outcomes associated with non-communicable diseases. There is still a paucity in guidelines or recommendations that help define key aspects of incentive-oriented interventions, including the type of incentive (e.g. cash rewards, vouchers), the frequency and magnitude of the incentive, and its mode of delivery. We aimed to systematically review the literature on financial incentives that promote healthy lifestyle behaviours or improve health profiles, and focused on the methodological approach to define the incentive intervention and its delivery. The protocol was registered at PROSPERO on 26 July 2018 (CRD42018102556). Methods: We sought studies in which a financial incentive was delivered to improve a health-related lifestyle behaviour (e.g., physical activity) or a health profile (e.g., HbA1c in people with diabetes). The search (which took place on March 3rd 2018) was conducted using OVID (MEDLINE and Embase), CINAHL and Scopus. Results: The search yielded 7,575 results and 37 were included for synthesis. Of the total, 83.8% (31/37) of the studies were conducted in the US, and 40.5% (15/37) were randomised controlled trials. Only one study reported the background and rationale followed to develop the incentive and conducted a focus group to understand what sort of incentives would be acceptable for their study population. There was a degree of consistency across the studies in terms of the direction, form, certainty, and recipient of the financial incentives used, but the magnitude and immediacy of the incentives were heterogeneous. Conclusions: The available literature on financial incentives to improve health-related lifestyles rarely reports on the rationale or background that defines the incentive approach, the magnitude of the incentive and other relevant details of the intervention, and the reporting of this information is essential to foster its use as potential effective interventions.
Three genes associated with anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Kim Stuart K. , Nguyen Condor , Avins Andrew L. , Abrams Geoffrey D. 
Published: June 2021

Aims The aim of this study was to screen the entire genome for genetic markers associated with risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury. Methods Genome-wide association (GWA) analyses were performed using data from the Kaiser Permanente Research Board (KPRB) and the UK Biobank. ACL and PCL injury cases were identified based on electronic health records from KPRB and the UK Biobank. GWA analyses from both cohorts were tested for ACL and PCL injury using a logistic regression model adjusting for sex, height, weight, age at enrolment, and race/ethnicity using allele counts for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The data from the two GWA studies were combined in a meta-analysis. Candidate genes previously reported to show an association with ACL injury in athletes were also tested for association from the meta-analysis data from the KPRB and the UK Biobank GWA studies. Results There was a total of 2,214 cases of ACL and PCL injury and 519,869 controls within the two cohorts, with three loci demonstrating a genome-wide significant association in the meta-analysis: INHBA, AEBP2, and LOC101927869. Of the eight candidate genes previously studied in the literature, six were present in the current dataset, and only COL3A1 (rs1800255) showed a significant association (p = 0.006). Conclusion Genetic markers in three novel loci in this study and one previously-studied candidate gene were identified as potential risk factors for ACL and PCL injury and deserve further validation and investigation of molecular mechanisms. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(6):414–421.
Line-scan Raman scattering image and multivariate analysis for rapid
and noninvasive detection of restructured beef
Authors: Li Xuecheng , Liu Zhenfang , Huang Min , Zhu Qibing 
Published: June 2021

The mean spectral (MS) features were extracted from Raman scattering images (RSI) of beef samples over the region of interest covering the spectral range of

789

−

1710

c
m

−
1

and the spatial offset range of 0–5 mm (for two sides of the incident laser). The RSI monitored the main change in the protein, amide bands, lipids, and amino acid residues. The classification model performance based on MS features compared the conventional Raman spectral features and confirmed the usefulness of RSI. Finally, the results showed that RSI technology is a reliable tool for rapid and noninvasive detection of restructured beef.