bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thirdhand cigarette smoke leads to age‐dependent and persistent alterations in the cecal microbiome of mice
Authors: He Li , Zhou Yan‐Xia , Zhang Yuqing , Hang Bo , Chang Hang , Schick Suzaynn F. , Celniker Susan E. , Xia Yankai , Snijders Antoine M. , Mao Jian‐Hua 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe gut microbiome composition is influenced by many factors including environmental exposures. Here, we investigated the effect of thirdhand cigarette smoke (THS) and exposure age on gut microbiome diversity. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to THS at human exposure relevant levels for three weeks during three different life stages: postnatal (0–3 weeks of age), pubescent (4–7 weeks of age), and adult (9–12 weeks of age), respectively. Cecal microbiome profiles were assessed at 17 weeks of age by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that age at THS exposure strongly influenced the cecal microbiome composition. Although postnatal THS exposure significantly influenced the microbial composition, pubescent and adulthood exposures only had minor effects. The microbiome of postnatally THS‐exposed mice significantly increased several degradation pathways that regulate glycolysis and pyruvate decarboxylation, and significantly decreased coenzyme A biosynthesis and pyrimidine deoxyribonucleoside salvage. Our results indicate that mouse postnatal development is particularly susceptible to persistent THS exposure effects on the gut microbiome.
Development of anExercise‐SpecificParkinson's Disease Questionnaire: ThePDQ‐Exercise
Authors: Morley David , Dummett Sarah , Kelly Laura , Jenkinson Crispin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundExercise is now a significant and key component in the management of Parkinson's disease. However, no self‐report, Parkinson's‐specific measure of exercise currently exists.ObjectiveTo develop a patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) for use in studies and clinical trials that aim to assess the efficacy of exercise therapy for people with Parkinson's (PwP).MethodsParticipants were recruited via Parkinson's UK. To generate meaningful items, PwP participated in exploratory cognitive interviews. To pretest the items generated, PwP took part in two rounds of cognitive debrief interviews. Items were subsequently tested through an online survey that also included the eight‐item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ‐8) and Oxford Participation and Activities Questionnaire (Ox‐PAQ).ResultsTwenty PwP were interviewed for item generation. Analyses identified issues related to adopting and maintaining exercise, resulting in the generation of 10 items. Fourteen PwP took part in subsequent cognitive debrief interviews. Following the first 10 interviews, one item was removed, and minor adjustments were made to the wording of two items. Four final interviews verified that no further adjustments were required. Consequently, nine items were included in the validation survey, which was fully completed by 398 PwP. Inspection of floor and ceiling effects resulted in the removal of two further items. A principal component analysis identified a single seven‐item factor explaining 61.6% of variance. Further analyses indicated that the measure demonstrates sound reliability and validity.ConclusionsResults indicate that the PDQ‐Exercise is an acceptable, reliable, and valid PROM. Further assessment of its psychometric properties is in progress. © 2021 The Authors.Movement Disorderspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Lymphatico‐venous anastomosis in chronic ulcer with venous insufficiency: A case report
Authors: Cigna Emanuele , Pierazzi Diletta Maria , Sereni Simone , Marcasciano Marco , Losco Luigi , Bolletta Alberto 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPatients presenting with chronic wounds in venous insufficiency often represent a challenge, like other conditions, like lymphatic impairment, may complicate the wound healing process. The purpose of this report is to highlight how the treatment of lymphatic impairment may be beneficial in patients affected by chronic ulcers with concomitant venous insufficiency. We present the case of a 78‐year‐old woman affected by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) with long‐lasting ulcers secondary to sclerosing agents treatment for varicose veins. The patient's condition was refractory to both conservative and surgical treatment. Since the patient also presented with severe lymphorrhea, with a significant amount of daily secretion, ICG‐lymphography was performed subcutaneously, to visualize the pathway of lymphatic drainage and leakage. It also allowed marking on the skin the exact location of lymphatic vessels distally to the wound area. Hence, two lymphatico‐venous anastomoses were performed between the two major collecting lymphatic vessels and two subcutaneous veins of adequate size. The postoperative course was uneventful and the procedure allowed for immediate resolution of lymphatic leakage and complete wound healing within 2 weeks with no recurrence in the follow‐up time of 1.5 years. Based on the outcomes of this case, it is possible to consider the use of CVI treatment and lymphedema surgery as a combined approach to complicated cases of long‐standing venous ulcers with lymphorrhea.
Programming by Methyl Donor Deficiency during Pregnancy and Lactation Produces Cardiomyopathy in Adult Rats Subjected to High Fat Diet
Authors: Li Zhen , Kosgei Viola J. , Bison Anais , Alberto Jean‐Marc , Umoret Remi , Maskali Fatiha , Brunaud Laurent , Guéant Jean‐Louis , Guéant‐Rodriguez Rosa‐Maria 
Published: May 2021

ScopeVitamin B12 and folate (methyl donors) deficiency is frequent during pregnancy. Experimental rat models with methyl donor deficit during pregnancy and lactation (Initial methyl donor deficit (iMDD)) produce impaired myocardium fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial energy metabolism at weaning.Methods and ResultsThe consequences of iMDD on heart of rat pups under normal diet after weaning and high fat diet (HF) between day (D) 50 and D185 are investigated. iMDD/HF induces increased histological fibrosis and increased B‐type natriuretic peptide blood level. Inflammation is evidenced by increased protein expression of NFkB, Caspase1, and IL1β and fibrosis by increased expression of αSMA, col1a1, and col1a2 in females, but not in males. Fibrosis is related to increased angiotensin at D50 and D185 and increased protein expression of TGFB1 and AT1 angiotensin receptors at D185. The limited fibrosis in males is consistent with increased expression of AT2, the antagonist receptor of AT1. The increased expression of GLUT4 and decreased expression of PGC1α and PPARα reflect a shift from fatty acid oxidation to glycolysis.ConclusionDevelopmental programming by iMDD produces cardiomyopathy in female offspring exposed to HF. The cardiomyopathy is linked to inflammation and fibrosis through angiotensin‐AT2 and TGFB1 pathways and alteration of energy metabolism.
The LEGATOS technique: A new tissue‐validated dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI method for whole‐brain, high‐spatial resolution parametric mapping
Authors: Li Ka‐Loh , Lewis Daniel , Coope David J. , Roncaroli Federico , Agushi Erjon , Pathmanaban Omar N. , King Andrew T. , Zhao Sha , Jackson Alan , Cootes Timothy , Zhu Xiaoping 
Published: May 2021

PurposeA DCE‐MRI technique that can provide both high spatiotemporal resolution and whole‐brain coverage for quantitative microvascular analysis is highly desirable but currently challenging to achieve. In this study, we sought to develop and validate a novel dual‐temporal resolution (DTR) DCE‐MRI‐based methodology for deriving accurate, whole‐brain high‐spatial resolution microvascular parameters.MethodsDual injection DTR DCE‐MRI was performed and composite high‐temporal and high‐spatial resolution tissue gadolinium‐based‐contrast agent (GBCA) concentration curves were constructed. The high‐temporal but low‐spatial resolution first‐pass GBCA concentration curves were then reconstructed pixel‐by‐pixel to higher spatial resolution using a process we call LEGATOS. The accuracy of kinetic parameters (Ktrans, vp, and ve) derived using LEGATOS was evaluated through simulations and in vivo studies in 17 patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) and 13 patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Tissue from 15 tumors (VS) was examined with markers for microvessels (CD31) and cell density (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E]).ResultsLEGATOS derived parameter maps offered superior spatial resolution and improved parameter accuracy compared to the use of high‐temporal resolution data alone, provided superior discrimination of plasma volume and vascular leakage effects compared to other high‐spatial resolution approaches, and correlated with tissue markers of vascularity (P ≤ 0.003) and cell density (P ≤ 0.006).ConclusionThe LEGATOS method can be used to generate accurate, high‐spatial resolution microvascular parameter estimates from DCE‐MRI.
Temperature evolution, atomistic hot‐spot effects and thermal runaway during microwave heating of polyacrylonitrile: A ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Wang Chenhui , Liu Han , Song Lijian , Tan Jing , Yang Weimin , Cheng Lisheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMicrowave is of promising applications in various chemical and material processes, however, the interactions between the microwave and the molecules from atomistic scales are lack of understanding. ReaxFF reactive molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to get insights into the interactions between the microwave and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) during microwave heating. It was found that the temperature evolution of the system was dependent on the electric field strength and frequency of the microwave. The alternate change of the electric field of the microwave leads to the alternate fluctuation of the temperature. We surprisingly predicted the atomistic hot‐spot effect of microwave heating of PAN that the cyano groups were selectively heated. With an electric field intensity of 0.6 V Å‐1 and a frequency of 60 GHz, the temperature of the hot‐spot atoms was 300 and 500 K higher than the carbon and hydrogen atoms in the PAN backbone, respectively. We also analyzed the thermal runaway behavior of the system during microwave irradiations and found that it was attributed to the decomposition of PAN into smaller polar molecules. This work suggests that it is possible to selectively and effectively activate the cyano groups of PAN to improve their reactivity.
Factorization of completely positive matrices using iterative projected gradient steps
Authors: Boţ Radu Ioan , Nguyen Dang‐Khoa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe aim to factorize a completely positive matrix by using an optimization approach which consists in the minimization of a nonconvex smooth function over a convex and compact set. To solve this problem we propose a projected gradient algorithm with parameters that take into account the effects of relaxation and inertia. Both projection and gradient steps are simple in the sense that they have explicit formulas and do not require inner loops. Furthermore, no expensive procedure to find an appropriate starting point is needed. The convergence analysis shows that the whole sequence of generated iterates converges to a critical point of the objective function and it makes use of the Łojasiewicz inequality. Its rate of convergence expressed in terms of the Łojasiewicz exponent of a regularization of the objective function is also provided. Numerical experiments demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method, in particular in comparison to other factorization algorithms, and emphasize the role of the relaxation and inertial parameters.
Associations between maternal circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration and birth outcomes—Mode of delivery and episiotomy rate: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Gómez‐Carrascosa Inmaculada , Sánchez‐Ferrer María L. , Arense‐Gonzalo Julian J. , Prieto‐Sánchez María T. , Alfosea‐Marhuenda Emilia , Iniesta Miguel A. , Mendiola Jaime , Torres‐Cantero Alberto M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimThe objective of this study was to evaluate associations between maternal concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OHD)) and birth outcomes: mode of delivery and episiotomy rate.Design and MethodsOne hundred and seventeen pregnant women were enrolled in an observational, longitudinal, prospective cohort study. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to assess relationships between maternal 25(OHD) concentrations and mode of delivery. To account for systematic temporal variation in 25(OHD), a cosinor model to the data was fitted.ResultsNo significant statistical associations were found between adjusted maternal 25(OHD) concentrations and risk of eutocic vaginal delivery, instrumented delivery (OR 1.05 [95% CI: 0.97–1.13]), primary Caesarean section (OR 0.99 [95% CI: 0.88–1.11]) or Caesarean section for any other causes (OR 1.04 [95% CI: 0.95–1.14]). High 25(OHD) levels tended to show a protective effect on performance of episiotomy, without reaching statistical significance (OR 0.36 [95% CI: 0.09, 1.37]).
Unexpected shift to introductory soil field activity at home: Teacher and student experience
Authors: Wolters Bethany , Lepcha Isaac 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductory soil science courses are an important part of the undergraduate curriculum in agriculture, environmental sciences, and natural resource management and traditionally include an in‐person laboratory where students acquire both hands‐on learning and practice important skills. This all changed when all classes quickly transitioned to completely online because of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The objective of this paper is to document student and instructor experiences transitioning two field‐based labs into asynchronous, online distance labs and evaluate students’ performance in an introductory soil science lab course. Two lab sessions were modified so that students could complete them from home using household equipment and pre‐lab instruction was delivered using online videos. After the course, student performance on learning objectives for each lab, evaluated using rubrics, and student grades were analyzed. Students performed well on soil color and texture but struggled with new concepts like identifying landscape positions. Students were able to practice hands‐on skills and learn more about soils near their homes. The lessons learned from the experience were that students need to submit photos or maps to document their lab exercises and to be used in grading and verification, to ensure that students have equipment and tools they need to complete the labs, and frequent feedback or communication during laboratory exercises is needed.
What Links Maternal Prepregnancy BMI to Early Childhood BMI: A Serial Mediation Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Mei Hong , Xu Ke , Li Chunan , Xia Zhiguo , Tan Yafei , Yang Shaoping , Zhang Jianduan 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the potential impact of maternal gestational weight gain (GWG), infant birth weight, and postnatal weight change (ΔWAZ) on the relationship between maternal prepregnancy BMI (ppBMI) and childhood BMI.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed a data set from Wuhan, China. The mediation effect of targeted mediators on the association between maternal BMI and childhood BMI at the age of 2 years was analyzed.ResultsIn the mediation model comprising maternal GWG, infant birth weight, and the first‐6‐month ΔWAZ as mediators of the association between ppBMI and children's BMI, the per unit increase in ppBMI resulted in a 0.01‐kg/m2increase in children's BMI, through all three mediators. For the model comprising infant birth weight and the first‐6‐month ΔWAZ as mediators but maternal GWG as a moderator, the indirect effects of the first‐6‐month ΔWAZ on the relationship between ppBMI and childhood BMI was 0.0018 higher when maternal GWG increased from average values to 1 SD above the average values.ConclusionsMaternal GWG, infant birth weight, and the first‐6‐month ΔWAZ mediated the effects of maternal ppBMI on children's BMI. Interventions targeting these factors can mitigate the risk of childhood obesity.
The challenge of addressing obesity in people with poorly controlled asthma
Authors: Dixon Anne E. , Blake Kathryn V. , DiMango Emily A. , Dransfield Mark T. , Feemster Laura C. , Johnson Olivia , Roy Gem , Hazucha Heather , Harvey Jean , McCormack Meredith C. , Wise Robert A. , Holbrook Janet T. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveThere is a high prevalence of obesity in people with asthma, and obesity is associated with poorly controlled asthma. Significant weight loss might improve asthma control: the purpose of this study was to investigate patient characteristics and factors that might affect implementation of a weight loss and/or roflumilast intervention, to target both obesity and asthma.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of people with obesity and poorly controlled asthma performed at 13 sites across the United States.ResultsOne hundred and two people participated in this study. Median BMI was 37 (IQR 35–42). The majority, 55%, were African American and 76% were female. Fifty two percent had very poorly controlled asthma. Most participants were quite sedentary (70% reported being inactive or participating only in light‐intensity activities according to the Stanford Brief Activity Survey). Participants reported significant impairments related to physical function on the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life‐Lite questionnaire (median score 67 [IQR 41–84]). Thirty‐five percent of participants reported mild, and 2 % moderate, depressive symptoms as assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9.ConclusionsPoorly controlled asthma and obesity often affect minority populations and are associated with significant impairments in health related to physical function and low levels of physical activity that might complicate efforts to lose weight. Interventions targeted at poorly controlled asthma associated with obesity in the United States need to address factors complicating health in underserved communities, such as increasing opportunities for physical activity, while also managing activity limitations related to the combination of asthma and obesity.
High prevalence of BRAFV600E in patients with cholestasis, sclerosing cholangitis or liver fibrosis secondary to Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Carrere Xiomara , Pinto Nicolas , Gene Olaciregui Nagore , Galluzzo Laura , Rossetti Estefania , Celis Passini Veronica , Salvador Marcos Noelia , Chantada Guillermo , Braier Jorge , Lavarino Cinzia , Felizzia Guido 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTargeted therapies with MAPK inhibitors have proven to modulate the clinical manifestations of patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). We explored the presence of BRAFV600E mutation in our cohort of patients with LCH and cholestasis, sclerosing cholangitis, or liver fibrosis that presented resistance to chemotherapy. The BRAFV600E mutation was detected either in the diagnosis (skin and bone) or liver biopsy in our cohort of 13 patients. Thus, we observed a high incidence of BRAFV600E mutation in 100% either in diagnostic biopsy (skin and bone) or liver biopsy in patients with progressive liver disease, sequela, or liver transplant requirement.
Evaluation of mechanical properties of novel GLARE laminates filled with nanoclay
Authors: Ponnarengan Hariharasakthisudhan , Kamaraj Logesh , Balachandran Surya Rajan , Kathar Basha Sathickbasha 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this research work, we have investigated the effect of nanoclay fillers in the epoxy adhesive on improving the interfacial adhesion and the mechanical properties of glass‐reinforced aluminum laminates. The laminates were prepared with a varying weight percentage of nanoclay fillers (i.e., 3, 4, and 5 wt%) in the epoxy resin using the hand lay‐up method. During the tensile test, the laminate's anisotropic nature was investigated using the samples cut in different orientations to the rolling direction (i.e., 0, 45, and 90°). The flexural, lap shear, and impact tests were conducted as per ASTM standards. After each test, the failure mechanisms of laminates were studied using the scanning electron microscope. The results showed that 3 wt% of nanoclay added in the epoxy enhanced the laminates' overall mechanical properties than other composites. The fiber metal laminates (FML) containing the nano clay more than 3 wt% showed deterioration in the mechanical property due to the improper distribution of nanoclay in the epoxy matrix. The FML's mechanical properties with nano clay filler were compared with other fillers' performance in the previous studies. It was found that the mechanical properties of FML with nano clay filler were more significant than others.
Influence of POSS nanoparticles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Kurtulus Cenk , Kuyumcu Mustafa , Ciftci Mustafa , Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe possibility to design composites with superior properties by incorporation of nanoscale reinforcing material still remains to be fulfilled. In the current study, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether‐based epoxy resin has been successfully modified with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles to give epoxy/POSS nanocomposites. Carbon fiber reinforced composites with different fiber orientations are processed via vacuum bagging technique using this composite as the matrix. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that POSS nanofillers homogeneously distributed in the matrix. As proved by the tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear strength tests, the inclusion of POSS nanofillers in the polymer matrix has promoted significant improvements in the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber reinforced POSS/epoxy hybrid composites compared to the analogues with neat epoxy matrix. Thus, hybrid composites with exceptional properties are obtained via a straightforward modification in the matrix and a novel paradigm without using any expensive compound has been added to the library of nanocomposite formulations.
Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer/Mg–Al‐layered double hydroxide nanocomposite membranes applied in CO2/N2 gas separation
Authors: Huang Nai‐Yi , Wang Cheng‐Chien , Chen Chuh‐Yung 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSeries of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposite membranes with 40 wt% vinyl acetate content (EVA/12AA–LDH) were prepared by solution blending and casting, and applied in membrane gas separation. The organically modification of LDH nanolayers (12AA–LDH) was manufactured by using 12‐aminododecanoic acid (12AA) as an intercalation agent via co‐precipitation method. The distance between the 12AA–LDH nanolayers was approximately 2.10 nm from calculation of the XRD diffraction pattern, which resulted from the successful intercalation of 12AA within the LDH. The result of CO2 adsorption isotherms shows that 12AA–LDH is much more attractive than the neat LDH, which enhances the performance in membrane separation. Furthermore, the exfoliated/intercalated morphology of 12AA–LDH/LDH structures within EVA matrix was prepared successfully and can be observed clearly by transmission electron microscopy micrographs. The gas permeation performance of the EVA/12AA–LDH nanocomposite membranes was measured, and the results show that the best selectivity of CO2/N2 increased to 20 with a CO2 permeability of 119.21 barrer for the composite membrane containing 1.0 wt% 12AA–LDH. This result not only attributed to the exfoliation of the 12AA–LDH nanolayers within the EVA matrix, but also the amino group of 12AA interacted more with CO2 compared with N2 and O2. This result illustrated that 12AA–LDH shows highly potential for use as an additive in CO2 capture membranes.