bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodistribution of Exosomes and Engineering Strategies for Targeted Delivery of Therapeutic Exosomes
Authors: Choi Hojun , Choi Yoorim , Yim Hwa Young , Mirzaaghasi Amin , Yoo Jae-Kwang , Choi Chulhee 
Published: July 2021

AbstractExosomes are cell-secreted nano-sized vesicles which deliver diverse biological molecules for intercellular communication. Due to their therapeutic potential, exosomes have been engineered in numerous ways for efficient delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients to various target organs, tissues, and cells. In vivo administered exosomes are normally delivered to the liver, spleen, kidney, lung, and gastrointestinal tract and show rapid clearance from the blood circulation after systemic injection. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetics (PK) of exosomes can be modulated by engineering various factors such as cellular origin and membrane protein composition of exosomes. Recent advances accentuate the potential of targeted delivery of engineered exosomes even to the most challenging organs including the central nervous system. Major breakthroughs have been made related to various imaging techniques for monitoring in vivo biodistribution and PK of exosomes, as well as exosomal surface engineering technologies for inducing targetability. For inducing targeted delivery, therapeutic exosomes can be engineered to express various targeting moieties via direct modification methods such as chemically modifying exosomal surfaces with covalent/non-covalent bonds, or via indirect modification methods by genetically engineering exosome-producing cells. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of biodistribution and PK of exosomes, factors determining the targetability and organotropism of exosomes, and imaging technologies to monitor in vivo administered exosomes. In addition, we highlight recent advances in strategies for inducing targeted delivery of exosomes to specific organs and cells.
Eruption pattern of the maxillary canines: features of natural eruption seen in PTG at the late mixed stage—Part I
Authors: Ristaniemi J. , Rajala W. , Karjalainen T. , Melaluoto E. , Iivari J. , Pesonen P. , Lähdesmäki R. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Aim
To describe the variation of eruption pattern of maxillary canines in the late mixed stage of dentition seen in PTG when eruption was later natural.

Methods
Material for this longitudinal and retrospective register-based study consisted of 1454 PTGs of children living in Eastern Finland (mean age 9.3 years, SD 0.6). Natural eruption of a canine consisted of 744 PTGs (336 girls and 408 boys) including 1488 maxillary canines. The variables examined were treatment/natural eruption, overlapping, inclination, dental age, developmental stage of the canine and lateral incisor.

Results
Only 2.0% of maxillary canines had clear overlapping and 56.2% no overlapping was detected at the age of 8.5–10.5 years. Large inclination angle (≥ 25°) was found for 5.5% of examined canines. Overlapping of canine with lateral incisor root decreased as the development of canine root exceeded 1/3. Larger inclinations occurred at earlier stages but decreased significantly as the root developed from 1/3 to 1/2. Mean inclination was significantly larger at children with normal dental age and/or incomplete lateral incisors when overlapping occurred. Regardless overlapping mean inclination was larger if dental age was delayed and/or lateral incisors incomplete.

Conclusion
Some overlapping and larger inclination in maxillary canine are features of normal eruption pattern at an earlier stage of canine development and while lateral incisor is incomplete in PTG (8.5–10.5 years). In addition to the overlapping and inclination, stages of canine and lateral incisor root as well as dental age should be observed radiologically when evaluating erupting maxillary canine in children of this age.
Clinical trial on the effects of oral magnesium supplementation in stable-phase COPD patients
Authors: Zanforlini Bruno Micael , Ceolin Chiara , Trevisan Caterina , Alessi Agnese , Seccia Daniele Michele , Noale Marianna , Maggi Stefania , Guarnieri Gabriella , Vianello Andrea , Sergi Giuseppe 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background and aims
COPD is a common chronic condition in older age that impacts on daily activities and quality of life. Previous studies suggest that magnesium deficit in COPD patients affects bronco-obstruction, inflammation, and physical performance. We investigated whether oral magnesium supplementation in stable-phase COPD patients improves lung function, physical performance, and quality of life.

Methods
We conducted a double-blind randomized-controlled clinical study with 49 participants divided into two groups: one given 300 mg/day of magnesium citrate (n = 25) and the other one sachet/day of a placebo (n = 24). The following parameters were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months: lung function (spirometry), physical performance (handgrip strength, lower limb strength, six-minute walk test), inflammation (e.g., C-reactive protein, CRP), disease-related symptoms, and quality of life (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, EuroQoL-5D, the Modified British Medical Research Council Questionnaire).

Results
Linear mixed models revealed significantly lower CRP values in the intervention group than in the placebo group at the 6 month follow-up (β = − 3.2, 95% CI − 6.0, − 0.4, p = 0.03). Moreover, the maximum work for flexion tended to increase in both groups between the 3 and the 6 month assessments, especially in the placebo group. No significant differences within and between groups over the study period were observed for the other parameters tested.

Conclusions
Although the established minimum sample size was not reached, our results suggests that oral magnesium supplementation may have a potential anti-inflammatory role. On the other hand, it does not seem to substantially influence lung function, physical performance, and quality of life in COPD patients.

Trial registration
The study is registered in clinicaltrial.gov (Trial Registration: NCT02680769, 13 June 2016, retrospectively registered).
Face masks suitable for preventing COVID-19 and pollen allergy. A study in the exposure chamber
Authors: Bergmann Karl-Christian , Kugler Sebastian , Zuberbier Torsten , Becker Sylvia 
Published: July 2021

Summary
Background
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the population in Germany has been asked to wear face masks in public areas. The masks are accepted by the public. People with a pollen allergy have an interest in knowing whether masks can also provide protection against pollen and thus prevent symptoms even without medication.

Method
In order to evaluate the potential ‘antipollen effect’ of face masks, 14 adults with confirmed grass pollen-induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis were exposed to grass pollen for a period of two hours following a standardised protocol. The test was conducted outside of the grass pollen season. The subjects wore either no mask, a medical mask or a FFP2 mask.

Results
Subjects wearing either mask were clearly able to avoid both nasal and conjunctival symptoms. There were no significant differences between the two masks in terms of effect. Mask wearing to prevent pollen exposure clearly supports overall well-being.

Conclusion
Wearing a mask during pollen season can be recommended as an effective nondrug option for people with a pollen allergy.
Experimental study on the membrane distillation of highly mineralized mine water
Authors: Qi Ji , Lv Jiafeng , Bian Wei , Li Jingfeng , Liu Shuqin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMembrane distillation (MD) is a promising membrane separation technique used to treat industrial wastewater. When coupled with cheap heat sources, MD has significant economic advantages. Therefore, MD can be combined with solar energy to realize the large-scale and low-cost treatment of highly mineralized mine water in the western coal-producing region of China. In this study, highly mineralized mine water from the Ningdong area of China was subjected to vacuum MD (VMD) using polyvinylidene fluoride hollow-fiber membranes. The optimal operation parameters of VMD were determined by response surface optimization. Subsequently, the feasibility of VMD for treating highly mineralized mine water was explored. The fouling behavior observed during VMD was further investigated by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). Under the optimal parameters (pressure =  − 0.08 MPa, temperature = 70 °C, and feed flow rate = 1.5 L/min), the maximum membrane flux was 8.85 kg/(m2 h), and the desalination rate was 99.7%. Membrane fouling could be divided into three stages: membrane wetting, crystallization, and fouling layer formation. Physical cleaning restored the flux and salt rejection rate to 94% and 97% of the initial values, respectively; however, the cleaning interval and cleaning efficiency decreased as the VMD run time increased. SEM–EDS analysis revealed that the reduction in flux was caused by the precipitation of CaCO3. The findings also demonstrated that the membrane wetting could be attributed to the formation of NaCl on the cross section and outer surface of the membrane. Overall, the results confirm the feasibility of MD for treating mine water and provide meaningful guidance for the industrial application of MD.
Implementation of viscosity and density models for improved numerical analysis of melt flow dynamics in the nozzle during extrusion-based additive manufacturing
Authors: Mishra Ases Akas , Momin Affaf , Strano Matteo , Rane Kedarnath 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is an Additive Manufacturing (AM) process that builds up a part via layer by layer deposition of polymeric material. The purpose of this study is to implement viscosity and density models for improving the assessment of melt flow behavior inside the nozzle during deposition. Numerical simulations are carried out for different combinations of important process parameters like extrusion velocity Ve, extrusion temperature Te, and filament material (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polylactic Acid (PLA)). Cross-Williams–Landel–Ferry (Cross-WLF) viscosity and Pressure–Volume–Temperature (PVT) density models are incorporated to get realistic results. Distribution of printing parameters like pressure, temperature, velocity and viscosity inside the nozzle are observed at steady state and their relationship with the print quality is discussed. Effect of the PVT model on polymer deposition is illustrated by comparing it with deposition considering a constant density. Velocity profiles are obtained for the different cases considered and locations where the flow is fully developed, along the axial distance of the nozzle, are determined and termed as stable zones. A direct correlation between the position of the developed melt flow profile and printing quality is established and the best combination of printing parameters is proposed for ABS and PLA. Extended stable zones are obtained for the polymer melt in the nozzle at Ve = 60 mm/s, Te = 220 °C for ABS and Ve = 30 mm/s and Te = 195 °C for PLA and hence, these can be considered as the optimum values of the printing parameters.
Increased Level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) Leads to Downregulation of Nitrergic Neurons Following Bilateral Cavernous Nerve Injury and Modulates Penile Smooth Tone
Authors: Matsui Hotaka , Sopko Nikolai A. , Campbell Jeffrey D. , Liu Xiaopu , Reinhardt Allison , Weyne Emmanuel , Castiglione Fabio , Albersen Maarten , Hannan Johanna L. , Bivalacqua Trinity J. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundErectile dysfunction (ED) after injury to peripheral cavernous nerve (CN) is partly a result of inflammation in pelvic ganglia, suggesting that ED may be prevented by inhibiting neuroinflammation.AimThe aim of this study is to examine temporal changes of TNF-α, after bilateral CN injury (BCNI), to evaluate effect of exogenous TNF-α on neurite outgrowth from major pelvic ganglion (MPG), and to investigate effect of TNF-α signal inhibition to evaluate effects of TNF-α on penile tone with TNF-α receptor knockout mice (TNFRKO).MethodsSeventy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to undergo BCNI or sham surgery. Sham rats’ MPGs were harvested after 48 hours, whereas BCNI groups’ MPGs were at 6, 12, 24, 48 hours, 7, or 14 days after surgery. qPCR was used to evaluate gene expression of markers for neuroinflammation in MPGs. Western blot was performed to evaluate TNF-α protein amount in MPGs. MPGs were harvested from healthy rats and cultured in Matrigel with TNF-α. Neurite outgrowth from MPGs was measured after 3 days, and TH and nNOS immunofluorescence was assessed. Wild type (WT) and TNFRKO mice were used to examine effect of TNF-α inhibition on smooth muscle function after BCNI. MPGs were harvested 48 hours after sham or BCNI surgery to evaluate gene expression of nNOS and TH.OutcomesGene expression of TNF-α signaling pathway, Schwann cell and macrophage markers, protein expression of TNF-α in MPGs, and penile smooth muscle function to electrical field stimulation (EFS) were evaluated.RESULTSBCNI increased gene and protein expression of TNF-α in MPGs. Exogenous TNF-α inhibited MPG neurite outgrowth. MPGs cultured with TNF-α had decreased gene expression of nNOS (P &lt; .05). MPGs cultured with TNF-α had shorter nNOS+ neurites than TH+ neurites (P &lt; .01). Gene expression of nNOS was enhanced in TNFRKO mice compared to WT mice (P &lt; .01). WT mice showed enhanced smooth muscle contraction of penises of WT mice was enhanced to EFS, compared to TNFKO (P &lt; .01). Penile smooth-muscle relaxation to EFS was greater in TNFKO mice compared to WT (P &lt; .01).Clinical TranslationTNF-α inhibition may prevent ED after prostatectomy.Strength/LimitationsTNF-α inhibition might prevent loss of nitrergic nerve apoptosis after BCNI and preserve corporal smooth muscle function but further investigation is required to evaluate protein expression of nNOS in MPGs of TNFKO mice.CONCLUSIONSTNF-α inhibited neurite outgrowth from MPGs by downregulating gene expression of nNOS and TNFRKO mice showed enhanced gene expression of nNOS and enhanced penile smooth-muscle relaxation.
Profiles of Sexual Disorders and Eating Disorder Symptoms: Associations with Body Image
Authors: Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Spivak-Lavi Zohar 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlthough the empirical evidence supporting the co-occurrence of sexual disorders and eating disorders is growing, it is not yet known how often these 2 conditions co-occur, and whether the comorbidities of sexual disorders and eating disorders differ in any specific ways.AimTo examine the co-occurrence of sexual disorders and eating disorders.MethodsIn the current study, we used latent profile analysis to identify distinct profiles of sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms among a large non-clinical sample of women (n = 985). We also examined how these profiles differed in terms of body image self-consciousness. The study was conducted as an online survey among a convenience sample of Israeli women.Main Outcome MeasuresFor sexual disorders we used the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, and for eating disorders we used the Eating Disorders Inventory 2.RESULTSLatent profile analysis revealed 4 profiles: no disorder (low levels of sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms), eating disorder symptoms (low levels of sexual disorders and high levels of eating disorder symptoms), sexual disorders (high levels of sexual disorders and low levels of eating disorder symptoms), and comorbidity (high levels of both sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms). Women in the comorbidity group had significantly more body image self-consciousness during sexual activity than did women in the other groups.CONCLUSIONThe 4 profiles identified in the study support the co-occurrence of sexual disorders and eating disorder symptoms, yet also raise many clinical considerations. Limitations of the study, directions for future research, and clinical implications are discussed.
Rethinking digital identity for post-COVID-19 societies: Data privacy and human rights considerations
Authors: Beduschi Ana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the need for more contactless interactions, leading to an acceleration in the design, development, and deployment of digital identity tools and contact-free solutions. A potentially positive outcome of the current crisis could be the development of a more data privacy and human rights compliant framework for digital identity. However, for such a framework to thrive, two essential conditions must be met: (1) respect for and protection of data privacy irrespective of the type of architecture or technology chosen and (2) consideration of the broader impacts that digital identity can have on individuals’ human rights. The article draws on legal, technology-facing, and policy-oriented academic literature to evaluate each of these conditions. It then proposes two ways to leverage the process of digitalization strengthened by the pandemic: a data privacy-centric and a human rights-based approach to digital identity solutions fit for post-COVID-19 societies.
Jacobitism, Coastal Policing, and Fiscal-Military Reform in England after the Glorious Revolution, 1689–1702
Authors: Ziegler Hannes 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCustoms activity during the 1690s has mainly been studied from a fiscal-military perspective that attributes administrative growth and bureaucratic efficiency to the rise of fiscal necessities in the wake of the Nine Years’ War. This article challenges that view with a focus on the one truly momentous change of the Customs during the 1690s: the establishment of a preventive coastal police. Changes in the Customs were occasioned not primarily by fiscal concerns but resulted from the government's preoccupation with Jacobitism and the successful lobbying of Parliament by the wool interest. As the politics of the wool ban before 1689 demonstrate, coastal policing was a losing bargain in fiscal terms and mainly reflected the interests of certain sections of the merchant community. Fiscal pressures alone do not, therefore, explain the fundamental reform of the Customs in the wake of the Glorious Revolution. The beginnings of systematic coastal policing are instead linked to the rise of Parliament and anti-Jacobite precautions of William III's government. The article offers a new, coherent picture of such changes and calls into question the validity of a central assumption about the rise of the fiscal-military state in Britain after the Glorious Revolution, suggesting a more complicated explanation for fiscal reforms.
Identification and dynamic expression profiling of circadian clock genes in Spodoptera litura provide new insights into the regulation of sex pheromone communication
Authors: Xu Ji-Wei , Li Lu-Lu , Wang Meng , Yang Hui-Hui , Yao Wei-Chen , Dewer Youssef , Zhu Xiu-Yun , Zhang Ya-Nan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSpodoptera litura is an important pest that causes significant economic damage to numerous crops worldwide. Sex pheromones (SPs) mediate sexual communication in S. litura and show a characteristic degree of rhythmic activity, occurring mainly during the scotophase; however, the specific regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we employed a genome-wide analysis to identify eight candidate circadian clock genes in S. litura. Sequence characteristics and expression patterns were analyzed. Our results demonstrated that some circadian clock genes might regulate the biosynthesis and perception of SPs by regulating the rhythmic expression of SP biosynthesis-related genes and SP perception-related genes. Interestingly, all potential genes exhibited peak expression in the scotophase, consistent with the SP could mediate courtship and mating behavior in S. litura. Our findings are helpful in elucidating the molecular mechanism by which circadian clock genes regulate sexual communication in S. litura.
Pension Reforms, Population Aging, and Retirement Decision of the Elderly in a Neoclassical Growth Model
Authors: Hirono Makoto , Mino Kazuo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study explores the linkage between the labor force participation of the elderly and the long-run performance of the economy in the context of a two-period-lived overlapping generations model. We assume that the old agents are heterogeneous in their labor efficiency and they continue working if their income exceeds the pension that can be received in the case of full retirement. We first inspect the key factors that determine the retirement decision of the elderly. We then examine analytically as well as numerically the long-run impact of labor participation of the elderly on capital accumulation and income distribution.
Separating the Political from the Economic: The Russia–Traffic in Transit Panel Report
Authors: Crivelli Pramila , Pinchis-Paulsen Mona 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper reviews the World Trade Organization (WTO) Panel Report Russia – Measures Concerning Traffic in Transit of April 2019. It constitutes the first attempt to disentangle the legal and political aspects related to the invoked essential security interests from the economic considerations underlying the measures imposed on the transit through Russia of goods exported from Ukraine to the Republic of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. One the one hand, the panel's interpretation of Article XXI of the GATT denies Members unilateral determination over security exceptions. It further enables a pathway for future WTO panels to review possible abuses of security exceptions – a growing concern due to the rising complexity of transnational economic relations. On the other hand, our economic analysis suggests a stricter assessment of Russia's transit restrictions was necessary. In particular, it argues that the panel adopted a circular assessment when considering the plausibility of whether Russia implemented its measures for the protection of its essential security interests at a time of emergency in international relations. Ultimately, although the panel's focus on finding a diplomatic and legal path forward failed economic scrutiny a legal assessment argues that the panel's findings fit the legal design of Article XXI:b of the GATT.