bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymer monoliths for the concentration of viruses from environmental waters: A review
Authors: Vitek Renan , do Nascimento Fernando H. , Masini Jorge C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEven at low concentrations in environmental waters, some viruses are highly infective, making them a threat to human health. They are the leading cause of waterborne enteric diseases. In agriculture, plant viruses in irrigation and runoff water threat the crops. The low concentrations pose a challenge to early contamination detection. Thus, concentrating the virus particles into a small volume may be mandatory to achieve reliable detection in molecular techniques. This paper reviews the organic monoliths developments and their applications to concentrate virus particles from waters (waste, surface, tap, sea, and irrigation waters). Free‐radical polymerization and polyaddition reactions are the most common strategies to prepare the monoliths currently used for virus concentration. Here, the routes for preparing and functionalizing both methacrylate and epoxy‐based monoliths will be shortly described, following a revision of their retention mechanisms and applications in the concentration of enteric and plant viruses in several kinds of waters.
Sound Opportunities: Factors That Impact Referral for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Evaluation
Authors: Park Lisa R. , Preston Elizabeth , Eskridge Hannah , King English R. , Brown Kevin D. 
Published: June 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo identify barriers to and opportunities for referral among children who could be considered for cochlear implantation.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsAudiological and medical records were reviewed on all children who had diagnostic or hearing aid care through a statewide healthcare system over 5‐year span to identify children who met newly established clinical cochlear implant (CI) referral criteria. Data were collected for 869 potential CI candidates regarding demographic, socio‐economic, audiological, medical, and family factors that may influence referral. A binomial logistic regression was completed to investigate the potential contributions of these predictors toward referral for a CI evaluation.ResultsChildren who met traditional candidacy criteria of severe‐to‐profound bilateral hearing loss were referred at very high rates, while nontraditional candidates were referred less frequently. Factors influencing referral included race, age, insurance source, hearing thresholds, audiologist, physician, and family request.ConclusionsResults suggest that bilateral traditional candidates are being referred at high percentages; however, current practices and trends in pediatric cochlear implantation should be shared with families and providers to increase referral rates for nontraditional candidates. Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2904–E2910, 2021
MUFAs in High‐Fat Diets Protect against Obesity‐Induced Bias of Hematopoietic Cell Lineages
Authors: Lemus‐Conejo Ana , Medrano Mayte , Lopez Sergio , Millan‐Linares Maria C. , Rosillo Maria A. , Perez‐Simon Jose A. , Muriana Francisco J. G. , Abia Rocio 
Published: June 2021

ScopeThe role of dietary fatty acids in the generation of bone marrow (BM) immune cells and their trafficking to extramedullary compartments in the obesity is not yet fully understood.Methods and ResultsC57BL/6J mice are randomly assigned to isocaloric high‐fat diets (HFDs) formulate with dietary fats rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) or MUFAs fortified with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids for 20 weeks, followed by profiling of the obese metabolic phenotype and immunophenotypic features of immune cells in blood, spleen, and BM. All HFDs induce an obese phenotype, but it becomes largely less disruptive after the HFDs are enriched in MUFAs, which also induce signs of granulopoiesis and an expansion of long‐term hematopoietic stem and granulocyte‐macrophage progenitor cells in BM. In contrast, a HFD enriched in SFAs disturbs the fitness of medullary lymphocytes and promotes monopoiesis in favor of pro‐inflammatory activated subsets.ConclusionThe reshaping of the fatty acid pools with MUFAs from the diet serves to manipulate the generation and trafficking of immune cells that are biased during obesity. These findings reveal a novel strategy by which dietary MUFAs may be instrumental in combating HFD‐induced dysfunctional immune systems.
The repeatability of measurements of male pelvic floor anatomy and function made from transperineal ultrasound images of healthy men and those before and after prostatectomy
Authors: Cowley David , Stafford Ryan E. , Hodges Paul W. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsTo investigate the inter‐ and intratester repeatability of measurement of the location and displacement of five pelvic landmarks related to pelvic floor muscles with transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) imaging recorded from healthy men and men before and after prostatectomy.MethodsTPUS images were selected from four different participant groups: healthy men, men awaiting prostatectomy, men 2 weeks after prostatectomy, and men 12 months after prostatectomy. On two separate occasions, two assessors with different levels of experience performed analysis of location and displacement of five pelvic landmarks in images made at rest and during voluntary contraction. A two‐way mixed effects, single measurement, absolute agreement intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to investigate the repeatability.ResultsIntertester reliability of all locations at rest for all groups was excellent (ICCs > 0.8) except for the craniocaudal coordinate of the ventral urethrovesical junction for men 2 weeks postprostatectomy and the anorectal junction for men with a cancerous prostate. Intertester reliability of the measurement of landmark displacement was acceptable (>0.5) for the dorsoventral axis of motion but not for the craniocaudal axis of motion for all landmarks across all groups. The more experienced assessor was consistently more repeatable. More deeply placed landmarks were more often excluded from analysis and had poorer reliability.ConclusionsAnalysis of TPUS images across clinical groups is repeatable for both location and displacement of pelvic landmarks related to pelvic floor muscles when measures are made twice. Analysis experience, landmark depth and optimization of ultrasound settings appear to be important factors in reliability.
Abnormal functional connectivity within the prefrontal cortex in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS): A pilot study using resting state functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (rs‐fNIRS)
Authors: Pang Dongqing , Liao Limin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the abnormalities of functional connectivity (FC) within the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) based on resting state functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (rs‐fNIRS) data using FC matrix analysis.Materials and MethodsTen patients with IC/BPS (females, 9; mean age, 56.9 ± 12.432 years) and 15 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HC) (females, 12; mean age, 55.067 ± 7.46 years) participated in this rs‐fNIRS study. Two rs‐fNIRS scans were performed (when the bladder was empty and when the desire to void was strong). The Pearson's correlation coefficient between the time series of the 22 channels was calculated to obtain a 22 × 22 FC matrix for each subject. A two‐sample t‐test (p < .05) was performed to compare group differences in the FC matrix between patients with IC/BPS and HC.ResultsFC was significantly decreased within the PFC in the IC/BPS group based on a two‐sample t‐test (p < .05) compared with HC. FC decreased in a wider range of brain regions during the strong desire to void state (4 brain regions and 28 edges) when compared with the empty bladder state (3 brain regions and 18 edges).ConclusionFC abnormalities in IC/BPS patients may lead to frontal lobe disorders involved in processing sensory integration, motivation drive, emotional control, and decision‐making whether to urinate, leading to urinary control dysfunction manifested as typical clinical IC/BPS symptoms. Our results may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of IC/BPS and new brain biomarkers for diagnosis.
Modulation of phase transition of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐based microgels for pulsatile drug release
Authors: Li Zhifeng , Liang Bing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis work aims to synthesize poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐based microgels with sharp phase transition by introducing a specific secondary structure to achieve pulsatile drug release near body temperature. To achieve this, N‐isopropylacrylamide (NiPAM) based microgels were synthesized by surfactant free‐radical polymerization of NiPAM in the presence of polyalanine terminated α‐methallyl poly(ethylene glycol) ether (HPEG‐Alax) as a macro‐comonomer and N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as a chemical crosslinker. A series of microgels were characterized by TEM, DLS, UV–Vis, 1H NMR, and other analytical methods. The introduction of hydrophilic HPEG allows the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) to move towards the body temperature, and α‐helix structure confers a high deswelling ratio and response sensitivity to the microgel, overcoming the disadvantage of a broadened phase transition caused by hydrophilic monomers. The presence of HPEG‐Alax significantly improves the stability of the microgel in the electrolyte solution at high temperatures. The drug release of the microgels was investigated with the model drugs, hydrophilic DOX and hydrophobic curcumin, showing that the microgels can release hydrophilic drugs in a pulsatile mechanism.
Impact of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and moderate lung hypoplasia
Authors: Cruz‐Martínez Rogelio , Shazly Sherif , Martínez‐Rodríguez Miguel , Gámez‐Varela Alma , Luna‐García Jonahtan , Juárez‐Martínez Israel , López‐Briones Hugo , Coronel‐Cruz Fausto , Villalobos‐Gómez Rosa , Ibarra‐Rios Daniel , Ordorica‐Flores Ricardo , Nieto‐Zermeño Jaime 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effect of Fetal Endoscopic Tracheal Occlusion (FETO) on neonatal survival in fetuses with left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and moderate lung hypoplasia.Study DesignCDH fetuses with moderate pulmonary hypoplasia (observed/expected lung area to head ratio between 26% and 35%, or between 36% and 45% with liver herniation) were prospectively recruited. Included patients were matched to a control group who were ineligible for FETO. Primary outcomes were survival at 28 days, at discharge, and at 6 months of age, respectively.Results58 cases were recruited, 29 treated with FETO and 29 matched controls. Median gestational age (GA) at balloon placement and removal were 29.6 and 33.6 weeks, respectively. FETO group showed significantly lower GA at delivery (35.2 vs. 37.1 weeks, respectively, p < 0.01), higher survival at 28 days (51.7 vs. 24.1%, respectively, p = 0.03), at discharge (48.3 vs. 24.1%, respectively, p = 0.06), and at six months of age (41.4 vs. 24.1%, respectively, p = 0.16), and significantly lower length of ventilatory support (17.8 vs. 32.3 days, p = 0.01) and NICU stay (34.2 vs. 58.3 days, p = <0.01) compared to controls.ConclusionFETO was associated with a non‐significant increase in survival and significantly lower neonatal respiratory morbidity among CDH fetuses with moderate lung hypoplasia.
Evaluation of the rheological and electrical percolation of high‐density polyethylene/carbon black composites using mathematical models
Authors: da SiIva Moacy P. , Cavalcanti Shirley N. , Alves Amanda M. , Freitas Daniel M. G. , Agrawal Pankaj , Vilar Eudesio O. , de Mélo Tomás. J. A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this work, conductive polymer composites (CPCs) of bio‐based polyethylene (BioPe) containing different concentrations of carbon black (CB) were developed. By using oscillatory rheology analysis, a Newtonian plateau was observed in BioPe, and all BioPe/CB composites had a behavior of a pseudo‐solid and that composites with volume fractions ranging from 0.24 to 0.56 presented higher viscosity, storage, and loss modulus. This suggests the formation of a percolated network and by using the power‐law models, it was observed that the electrical percolation threshold was higher than the rheological percolation threshold. The electrical conductivity was measured using the four‐point probe method and a sigmoid model was used to predict the CPCs' electrical conductivity percolation threshold. The results indicated that the four‐point probe method presented satisfactory results according to the calculated standard deviations and voltage–current characteristics for each round of measurements considering the same ranging as used in rheology analysis. The analytical model used showed a coefficient of determination (R2) higher than 95%, allowing the prediction of the electrical conductivity of the CPC and the percolation threshold as a function of the volumetric fraction of the CB.
Daratumumab provides a survival benefit in relapsed and refractory Multiple Myeloma, independent of baseline clinical characteristics: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Congcong , Zhou Xin , Ma Qun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDaratumumab was approved in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) who previously received proteasome inhibitors or immunomodulatory drugs. However, the efficacy and safety of the addition of daratumumab in subpopulations of patients with relapsed or refractory MM is still unknown. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials (inception to September 2020). All phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which were conducted in patients with relapsed or refractory MM and compared the efficacy or safety with the addition of daratumumab versus control were adopted. Three studies including 1497 patients met our criteria. The addition of daratumumab increased the rates of overall response (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.15–1.28, p < .001), complete response or better (RR 2.43, 95% CI 2.00–2.96, p < .001), very good partial response or better (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.48–1.80, p < .001) compared with those with control. No clear evidence of heterogeneity was found in comparisons of progression‐free survival obtained from subsets of studies grouped by the age of participant, ISS disease stage, type of measurable MM, the level of baseline renal function, cytogenetic profile. The results showed progression‐free survival benefit was consistent between the treatment groups regarding previous clinical therapy information. Patients receiving daratumumab had higher risks of lymphopenia and infusion‐related reactions of any grade and grade 3 or 4. In conclusions, this study provides a clear proof of beneficial effects of daratumumab‐based therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory MM with an acceptable safety profile. The progression‐free survival benefit was consistent regardless of patient's baseline characteristics or previous therapy agents.
Quantum Sensing for Energy Applications: Review and Perspective
Authors: Crawford Scott E. , Shugayev Roman A. , Paudel Hari P. , Lu Ping , Syamlal Madhava , Ohodnicki Paul R. , Chorpening Benjamin , Gentry Randall , Duan Yuhua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOn its revolutionary threshold, quantum sensing is creating potentially transformative opportunities to exploit intricate quantum mechanical phenomena in new ways to make ultrasensitive measurements of multiple parameters. Concurrently, growing interest in quantum sensing has created opportunities for its deployment to improve processes pertaining to energy production, distribution, and consumption. Safe and secure utilization of energy is dependent upon addressing challenges related to material stability and function, secure monitoring of infrastructure, and accuracy in detection and measurement. A summary of well‐established and emerging quantum sensing materials and techniques, as well as the corresponding sensing platforms that have been developed for their deployment is provided here. Specifically, the enhancement of existing advanced sensing technologies with quantum methods and materials is focused on, enabling the realization of an unprecedented level of sensitivity, placing an emphasis on relevance to the energy industry. The review concludes with a discussion on high‐value applications of quantum sensing to the energy sector, as well as remaining barriers to sensor deployment.
Altered H19/miR‐675 expression in skeletal muscle is associated with low muscle mass in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Antoun Elie , Migliavacca Eugenia , Garratt Emma S , Barton Sheila J , Titcombe Phil , Westbury Leo D , Baczynska Alica , Dodds Richards , Roberts Helen C , Sayer Avan A , Shaw Sarah , Syddall H.E. , Sheppard Allan , McFarlane Craig , Karnani Neerja , Forrester Terrence , Cooper Cyrus , Feige Jerome N , Patel Harnish P , Godfrey Keith M , Lillycrop Karen A ,   the EpiGen Global Research Consortium
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite increasing knowledge of the pathogenesis of muscle ageing, the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Based on an expression analysis of muscle biopsies from older Caucasian men, we undertook an in‐depth analysis of the expression of the long non‐coding RNA, H19, to identify molecular mechanisms that may contribute to the loss of muscle mass with age.MethodsWe carried out transcriptome analysis of vastus lateralis muscle biopsies from 40 healthy Caucasian men aged 68–76 years from the Hertfordshire Sarcopenia Study (HSS) with respect to appendicular lean mass adjusted for height (ALMi). Validation and replication was carried out using qRT‐PCR in 130 independent male and female participants aged 73–83 years recruited into an extension of the HSS (HSSe). DNA methylation was assessed using pyrosequencing.ResultsLower ALMi was associated with higher muscle H19 expression (r2 = 0.177, P < 0.001). The microRNAs, miR‐675‐5p/3p encoded by exon 1 of H19, were positively correlated with H19 expression (Pearson r = 0.192 and 0.182, respectively, P < 0.03), and miR‐675‐5p expression negatively associated with ALMi (r2 = 0.629, P = 0.005). The methylation of CpGs within the H19 imprinting control region (ICR) were negatively correlated with H19 expression (Pearson r = −0.211 to −0.245, P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, RNA and protein levels of SMAD1 and 5, targets of miR‐675‐3p, were negatively associated with miR‐675‐3p (r2 = 0.792 and 0.760, respectively) and miR‐675‐5p (r2 = 0.584 and 0.723, respectively) expression, and SMAD1 and 5 RNA levels positively associated with greater type II fibre size (r2 = 0.184 and 0.246, respectively, P < 0.05).ConclusionsIncreased expression profiles of H19/miR‐675‐5p/3p and lower expression of the anabolic SMAD1/5 effectors of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling are associated with low muscle mass in older individuals.
Modeling the dynamics of total suspended solids in a mountain basin using network theory
Authors: García‐Usuga Jorge M. , Olivar‐Tost Gerard , Mesa‐Mazo Mónica J. , Acosta‐Minoli César A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe watersheds of the Quindío River in Colombia South America have high levels of contamination by total suspended solids (TSS). The objective of this work was to represent the entire hydrographic network of the watersheds of the Quindío department by means of a graph and, using network theory, analyze the different centrality measures to identify areas most prone to TSS contamination. Similarly, partial differential equations were used to simulate the transport of TSS pollutants between specific points of the basin. For this purpose, a network of 409 nodes and 408 edges was created based on topographic maps and reports from the corporations in charge of preserving these watersheds. With information on contamination zones, the network, and partial differential equations, TSS transport was calculated throughout the hydrological network, identifying eight critical zones with high levels of this parameter. Some of these zones are on major rivers, such as the Quindío River near the city of Armenia; the Roble, Espejo, and San Juan rivers also have considerable levels.
Typification of fourteen Linnaean names in the genus Hieracium (Compositae)
Authors: Ferrer‐Gallego P. Pablo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe typification of fourteen Linnaean names in Hieracium, viz. H. aurantiacum, H. auricula, H. chondrilloides, H. cymosum, H. dubium, H. glutinosum, H. hedypnoides, H. incanum, H. murorum var. pilosissimum, H. murorum var. sylvaticum, H. porrifolium, H. pumilum, H. sabaudum and H. tomentosum, is discussed. The designation of the nomenclatural types is based on the consultation of Linnaeus's original material and the literature cited in the respective protologue. The names are lectotypified using specimens preserved at UPS‐BURSER and LINN, and two illustrations of Boccone and Dillenius. Linnaeus's original material of H. pumilum and H. pyrenaicum var. helveticum could not be found. A specimen in S‐LINN that best conforms with the diagnosis for H. pumilum is selected as the neotype for that name. The application of the name H. pyrenaicum var. helveticum appears uncertain, and therefore it is treated as nomen ambiguum. Finally, epitypes are designated for H. porrifolium and H. tomentosum due to ambiguity in the interpretation of the lectotypes.
Parameter estimation in fluorescence recovery after photobleaching: quantitative analysis of protein binding reactions and diffusion
Authors: Williamson Daniel E. , Sahai Erik , Jenkins Robert P. , O’Dea Reuben D. , King John R. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a common experimental method for investigating rates of molecular redistribution in biological systems. Many mathematical models of FRAP have been developed, the purpose of which is usually the estimation of certain biological parameters such as the diffusivity and chemical reaction rates of a protein, this being accomplished by fitting the model to experimental data. In this article, we consider a two species reaction–diffusion FRAP model. Using asymptotic analysis, we derive new FRAP recovery curve approximation formulae, and formally re-derive existing ones. On the basis of these formulae, invoking the concept of Fisher information, we predict, in terms of biological and experimental parameters, sufficient conditions to ensure that the values all model parameters can be estimated from data. We verify our predictions with extensive computational simulations. We also use computational methods to investigate cases in which some or all biological parameters are theoretically inestimable. In these cases, we propose methods which can be used to extract the maximum possible amount of information from the FRAP data.
Unravelling HP1 functions: post-transcriptional regulation of stem cell fate
Authors: Casale Assunta Maria , Cappucci Ugo , Piacentini Lucia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHeterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) is a non-histone chromosomal protein first identified in Drosophila as a major component of constitutive heterochromatin, required for stable epigenetic gene silencing in many species including humans. Over the years, several studies have highlighted additional roles of HP1 in different cellular processes including telomere maintenance, DNA replication and repair, chromosome segregation and, surprisingly, positive regulation of gene expression. In this review, we briefly summarize past research and recent results supporting the unexpected and emerging role of HP1 in activating gene expression. In particular, we discuss the role of HP1 in post-transcriptional regulation of mRNA processing because it has proved decisive in the control of germline stem cells homeostasis in Drosophila and has certainly added a new dimension to our understanding on HP1 targeting and functions in epigenetic regulation of stem cell behaviour.