bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone suppression test and suicide attempts in schizophrenic patients
Authors: Płocka-Lewandowska M. , Araszkiewicz A. , Rybakowski J.K. 
Published: July 2002

SummaryThe suicide attempts were assessed in 32 schizophrenic patients on whom the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was done twice in the course of illness: in the years 1985–91 and 1996–97. In the 1985–91 period, both baseline and post-dexamethasone cortisol levels were significantly higher in the patients with previous suicide attempts and baseline cortisol was higher in the patients who were to make a future attempt. In 1996–97, DST non-suppression was shown in more than half of the patients with a history of suicide attempt and in none of those without such history: all cortisol levels were significantly higher in the patients with a history of suicide attempt. Although the mean intensity of depression was higher in the patients with a history of suicide attempt, no association between the intensity of depression and present or previous DST non-suppression status was found. It is suggested that the hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may constitute an element of diathesis for suicidal behavior in schizophrenic patients.
Clinical Trials Update: CAPRICORN, COPERNICUS, MIRACLE, STAF, RITZ‐2, RECOVER and RENAISSANCE and cachexia and cholesterol in heart failure. Highlights of the Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology, 2001
Authors: Louis Amala , Cleland John G.F. , Crabbe Sheran , Ford Sarah , Thackray Simon , Houghton Tim , Clark Andrew 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThis is a synopsis of presentations made at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in 2001 summarising recent research developments relating to heart failure. Clinical studies of particular interest to physicians with an interest in heart failure and its prevention are reviewed. The COPERNICUS trial lends further support to the use of the beta‐blocker, carvedilol, in severe heart failure and the CAPRICORN trial to its use in patients with post‐infarction left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The MIRACLE study reinforces the evidence from three smaller trials that cardiac resynchronisation therapy is an effective treatment for the relief of symptoms in patients with severe heart failure and cardiac dyssynchrony. The STAF trial casts further doubt on the wisdom of cardioversion as a routine strategy for the management of chronic atrial fibrillation. The RITZ‐2 trial suggests that an intravenous, non‐selective endothelin antagonist is effective in improving haemodynamics and symptoms and possibly in reducing morbidity in severe heart failure. Observational studies in heart failure suggest that a moderate excess of body fat and elevated blood cholesterol may be desirable in patients with heart failure, challenging the current non‐evidenced‐based vogue for cholesterol lowering therapy in heart failure. The RENAISSANCE and RECOVER outcome studies of etanercept, a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor analogue that blocks the effect of TNF, were stopped because of lack of evidence of benefit shortly after the ACC.
Assessment of Breastfeeding Knowledge of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse‐Midwives
Authors: Hellings Pam , Howe Carol 
Published: July 2002

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to replicate a national study of physician knowledge, experience, and attitudes about breastfeeding. All family, pediatric, and women's health care nurse practitioners and nurse‐midwives in a northwestern state were surveyed using a mail questionnaire; the response rate was 60.4%. Respondents were nearly unanimous in believing that “breast is best” and in recommending breastfeeding to expectant mothers as a part of their role. In general, 70% of respondents considered themselves effective or very effective in meeting the needs of breastfeeding patients. Although respondents were very supportive of breastfeeding, they were less knowledgeable about specific management strategies. There were differences in attitudes among nursing specialties and with years of experience. Overall, this statewide sample of nurse practitioners and nurse‐midwives had a better understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding and an increased sense of effectiveness in managing breastfeeding problems than the physician participants in the national study. A national sample of nurse practitioners and nurse‐midwives is needed to verify and expand on the results from this single jurisdiction, where 40% of the respondents were graduates of the home institution of the co‐investigators.
Examining the Relationship Between Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multimorbidity, and Adverse Health‐Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Canning Jordan , Siebert Stefan , Jani Bhautesh D. , Harding‐Edgar Louisa , Kempe Isla , Mair Frances S. , Nicholl Barbara I. 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveMultimorbidity (the coexistence of two or more long‐term conditions) is highly prevalent in people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The present work systematically reviewed the literature to determine the effect of multimorbidity on all‐cause mortality, functional status, and quality of life in RA.MethodsSix electronic databases were searched: CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Full‐text longitudinal observational studies in English were selected. Quality appraisal of studies was undertaken using the Cochrane‐developed QUIPS tool and a narrative synthesis of findings conducted.ResultsThe search strategy identified 5,343 articles, with 19 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Nine studies had mortality as an outcome, 9 reported functional status and/or quality of life, and 1 study reported both mortality and functional status. The number of participants ranged from 183 to 18,485, with studies conducted between 1985 and 2018. The mean age of participants ranged from 52.0 to 66.6 years, and 60.0–88.0% were female. Nine studies showed a significant association between multimorbidity and higher risk of mortality in people with RA. Ten studies reported significant associations between multimorbidity and reduced functional status in RA. Three studies also showed a further association with reduced quality of life. Only one study investigated the influence of mental health comorbidities on outcomes.ConclusionOur review findings indicate that multimorbidity is a significant predictor for higher mortality and poorer functional status/quality of life in people with RA and should be considered in clinical management plans.
Phase Manipulating toward Molybdenum Disulfide for Optimizing Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing in Gigahertz
Authors: Ning Mingqiang , Jiang Peiheng , Ding Wei , Zhu Xuebin , Tan Guoguo , Man Qikui , Li Jingbo , Li Run‐Wei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMolybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been proved to be a potential electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorber. However, the limited EMW attenuation mechanisms and conductivity have always been recognized as the major challenges impeding their further developments. In this study, a new dielectric tuning strategy giving rise to high EMW attenuation performance by manipulating phase content (with 0, 24, 50, and 100 wt% 1T phase) toward MoS2 is demonstrated. The greatly introduced 2H/1T interfaces facilitate the dipole distribution dynamics, and the metal‐semiconductor mixed phase enhances the electron transfer ability. Benefiting from the structural merits, the MoS2 with 50 wt% 1T absorber delivers the maximum reflection loss of −45.5 dB and effective absorbing bandwidth of ≈3.89 GHz, corresponding to nearly ten times higher than that of pure 2H counterpart. Moreover, the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) simulation and Lorentz transmission electron microscope are performed to visualize the structural advantages of MoS2 absorbers with mixed 2H/1T phases. By manipulating the phase compositions, this study provides a deep understanding and opens an avenue in developing efficient and high performance transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., WS2, MoSe2, and WSe2) absorbers.
Constitutive secretory expression and characterization of nitrilase from Alcaligenes faecalis in Pichia pastoris for production of R‐mandelic acid
Authors: Zhang Xinhong , Wang Chuyan , Ge Yang , Meng Qingnan , Zhang Yi 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTNitrilases can directly hydrolyze nitrile compounds into carboxylic acids and ammonium. To solve the current problems of bioconversions using nitrilases, including the difficult separation of products from the resting cells used as the catalyst and high costs of chemical inducers, a nitrilase from Alcaligenes faecalis was heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris X33. The stable nitrilase‐expressing strain No.39‐6‐4 was obtained after three rounds of screening based on a combined detection method including dot‐blot, SDS‐PAGE, and western blot analyses, which confirmed the presence of recombinant nitrilase with a molecular mass of about 50 kDa. The temperature and pH optima of the nitrilase were 45°C and pH 7.5, respectively. Cu2+, Zn2+, and Tween 80 strongly inhibited the enzyme activity, but the optical purity of the product R‐mandelic acid (R‐MA) was stable, with practically 100% enantiomeric excess (ee). The nitrilase‐producing P. pastoris strain developed in this study provides a basis for further research on the enzyme.
Ending a diagnostic odyssey—The first case of Takenouchi–Kosaki syndrome in an African patient
Authors: Flynn Kaitlyn , Feben Candice , Lamola Lindiwe , Carstens Nadia , Krause Amanda , Lombard Zané ,   for DDD‐Africa as members of the H3Africa Consortium
Published: March 2021

AbstractFirst reported case of Takenouchi–Kosaki syndrome in an African patient with a de novo likely pathogenic missense variant identified in the CDC42 gene.
Relationship between lymphocyte subsets values andC‐reactiveprotein inCOVID‐19 patients
Authors: Mangano Carmelo , Oliva Bianca Maria ,   The GOM‐COVID‐19 Working Group
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe enrolled 33 patients with COVID‐19 (23 men and 10 women; age 59 ± 15; males,n= 23; females,n= 10) admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases of Grande Ospedale Metropolitano “Bianchi‐Melacrino‐Morelli” of Reggio Calabria, Italy, between March and May 2020. Whole blood samples were collected before the start of therapeutic treatment using all virus spread containment measures. Sample preparation protocols were designed in order to minimize operators direct specimen's manipulation. On univariate analysis, circulating levels of CRP were strongly and inversely related to CD3+ (rho = −0.77,p < 0.001), CD3+4+ (rho = −0.74,p < 0.001), and CD3+8+ (rho = −0.66,p= 0.001) implying that the shared variances between absolute values T cells and CRP ranged from 44 to 59%. Of note, the strength of these associations was higher in patients with relatively lower (below the median value) white blood cells (WBC) as compared to those with WBC above the median value. CRP also correlated with NK bright (rho = −0.56,p= 0.005) but failed to be related with CD19+ (rho = −0.38,p= 0.07), CD4+/CD8+ ratio (rho = 0.03,p= 0.89), CD16+ CD56+ (rho = −0.18,p= 0.43), and NKdim (rho = −0.15,p= 0.49). Lymphocyte subsets alteration monitoring in COVID‐19 positive patients may be a valid aid to control treatment efficacy of therapy and to choose better clinical approach. In particular, the negative correlation between CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+ T cells values and CRP could be a useful tool to predict patient's response to therapy, particularly in patients with relatively lower WBC.
Accurate Quantification of Nervous System Drugs in Aqueous Samples at Trace Levels by Binary Solvent Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction-Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Dalgıç Bozyiğit Gamze , Fırat Ayyıldız Merve , Selali Chormey Dotse , Onkal Engin Güleda , Bakırdere Sezgin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Pharmaceutical products are widely consumed globally and are commonly found in wastewaters as a result of constant excretion and disposal into sewers. The present study proposes an efficient binary solvent dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (BS-DLLME) method that was developed for preconcentration of 7 nervous system drug active compounds from aqueous media for their determination at trace levels by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The drug analytes included 3 antidepressants, 2 antipsychotics, 1 antiepileptic, and 1 antidementia. Optimum conditions of the BS-DLLME method were acquired by univariate optimization of parameters including type of binary solvents, ratio of binary solvents, type of disperser solvent, volume of binary solvents, and volume of disperser solvent. Detection and quantification limits were calculated in the range of 0.28 to 6.5 µg/L. Municipal wastewater, medical wastewater, synthetic domestic wastewater, and lake water were utilized as real samples in spike recovery experiments; and the results (94–106%) indicated the method's applicability and accuracy at quantifying the analytes in complex matrices. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1570-1575. © 2021 SETAC
Abstract
Graphical representation of the binary solvent dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction-gas chromatography mass spectrometry method. A mixture of 0.50 mL isopropyl alcohol, 37.5 µL carbon tetrachloride, and 112.5 µL 1,2-dichloroethane was used to preconcentrate the analytes from 8.0 mL aqueous sample solutions. CTC = carbon tetrachloride; 1,2-DCE = 1,2-dichloroethane.
Determination of Labile Cadmium in Soils Using a New Sodium Alginate-Polyglutamic Acid-Diffusive Gradient in Thin Films
Authors: Chen Rui , Wang Qi , Ren Fumin , Ding Guoyu , Shi Rongguang , Cheng Jing , Cai Xuying , Cheng Nuo , Liu Jiaxing , Li Lanxin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sodium alginate-polyglutamic acid was used to develop a new diffusive gradient in thin films (SA-PGA-DGT) device, which was proven to be suitable for the investigation of labile Cd in soil. The adsorption capacity of Cd was calculated to be approximately 16.8 μg/cm2, which was hardly affected by factors including pH (5–9), ionic strength (0.1–100 mM), and the presence of other metals (Pb, Cu, Ni, and Cr). The SA-PGA gel has dense and uneven pores with large specific surface area, which ensures the adsorption of Cd by functional groups of the gel. A kinetics study indicated that the adsorption rate of Cd by the binding gel can be described as a pseudo-second-order reaction. Deployment of the SA-PGA-DGT in the soils of Tang Gu (located in Binhai New District, Tianjin, China) showed a strong positive linear correlation between Cd measured by the device and exchangeable Cd measured by the Tessier method (R = 0.73, p &lt; 0.01). Cadmium determined by the SA-PGA-DGT device was less affected by soil properties. This new SA-PGA-DGT has obvious advantages over other methods in respect of the labile Cd analysis in soil. The innovative novel device expands the variety of existing DGT technologies and can be utilized to monitor the level of labile Cd in soil effectively. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1559–1569. © 2021 SETAC
A numerical study of mixed convection in a two‐sided lid‐driven tall cavity containing a heated triangular block for non‐Newtonian power‐law fluids
Authors: Kumar Sudhanshu , Gangawane Krunal M. , Oztop Hakan F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe study of hydrodynamics and thermal characteristics inside a lid‐driven cavity has been one of the most captivating problems in computational fluid dynamics. In this numerical work, the mixed convection phenomenon inside a two‐dimensional, tall lid‐driven cavity with top and bottom lids moving in opposite directions, +x and –x, respectively, has been explored for non‐Newtonian power‐law fluids. The cavity contains a uniformly heated equilateral triangular obstacle at its geometric center. Numerical experimentation is performed for a range of flow governing parameters, such as aspect ratio (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75), Prandtl number (1, 50, and 100) Richardson number (0.1, 1, and 10), power‐law index (0.6–1.4) and Grashof number of 104. The physical perceptions of the cavity are explained by using streamline and isotherm contours. The fluid movement is limited adjacent to the moving wall concerning the Richardson number at the lower Prandtl number. With a rise in the aspect ratio of the cavity, the flow‐pattern becomes more dispersed inside the cavity. Heat transfer enhancement is observed at a lower aspect ratio equal to 0.25.
IgG Immunocomplexes Drive the Differentiation of a Novel Subset of Osteoclasts Independent of RANKL and Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Zeng Ke-Qin , Gong Fang-Yuan , Pan Xiao-Hua , Miao Jie , Gong Zheng , Wang Jun , Zhong Qiao , Dai Xia-Qiu , Gao Xiao-Ming 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Potentiation of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis by IgG immunocomplexes (ICs) is generally considered an important pathway leading to cartilage and bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, whether IgG ICs possess pro-osteoclastogenic potential independent of RANKL and inflammatory cytokines is unclear. Here we demonstrate that by fully cross-linking human FcγRIIa (hFcγRIIa) or co-ligating hFcγRIIa and TLR4, IgG ICs alone could drive the differentiation of human blood monocytes into nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1-negative nonclassical osteoclasts (NOCs). Surprisingly, IgG ICs could also overrule RANKL-induced classical osteoclast (COC) differentiation in vitro. In mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis, hFcγRIIa-transgenic, but not nontransgenic control, mice suffered from cartilage/bone destruction accompanied by the presence of NFATc1− NOCs lining the eroded cartilage surface in affected joints. Our results not only identify a novel subset of IC-induced NOCs but also provide a possible explanation for the uncoupling of FcγR-mediated cartilage destruction from RANKL-related bone erosion in autoinflammatory arthritis. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)..
Application of ultrasound technology in the field of solid‐state fermentation: increasing peptide yield through ultrasound‐treated bacterial strain
Authors: Wang Yucheng , Xu Kangkang , Lu Feng , Wang Yining , Ouyang Ningning , Ma Haile 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe increase of peptide yield contributed to reducing the usage of antibiotics in solid‐state fermented feed. Ultrasound technology is used in the field of liquid‐state fermentation to improve yield of fermented products but has not been utilized in the field of solid‐state fermentation (SSF). The main objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of improving peptide yield in SSF products through ultrasound‐treated bacterial strain.RESULTSThe highest peptides content in soybean meal SSF products reached 153.28 mg g−1, which increased by 15.05% compared with the control. This content value was acquired through treating the bacteria of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by ultrasound before inoculating into soybean meal under the optimized mode and parameters (simultaneous dual‐frequency ultrasound mode, frequency combination of 40/60 kHz, total power density of 40 W L−1, time of 20 min, pulse‐on and pulse‐off times of 40 and 60 s, delayed inoculation time of 0 h). Fermenting with ultrasound‐treated bacterial strain can effectively increase peptide yield, biomass and protease activity of soybean meal fermented products during the SSF prophase. After treating by ultrasound, the latent phase and logarithmic phase of the bacterial strain shortened by 1 and 3 h while the generation time reduced by 23.64%. In qualitative test of protease activity, diameter ratio (DR) value of ultrasound‐treated bacterial cells enlarged by 12.0% compared with the control.CONCLUSIONPeptide yield of soybean meal SSF products can be improved through ultrasound‐treated bacterial inoculum, which attributed to the promoting effect of ultrasound treatment on growth activity and protease production capability of bacterial cells. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Epidemiological trends of Bell's palsy treated with steroids in Korea between 2008 and 2018
Authors: Lee Jung Soo , Kim Yeo Hyung 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionContemporary epidemiological data on Bell's palsy are crucial to clarify disease burden and improve management strategies. We aimed to examine the epidemiology of, and factors associated with, Bell's palsy treated with steroids in Korea.MethodsUsing the National Health Insurance claims data from 2008 to 2018, we determined the incidence, recurrence rate, and management trends of Bell's palsy treated with steroids. We defined Bell's palsy cases based on diagnostic codes and concurrent treatment with steroids.ResultsThe incidence of Bell's palsy showed an increasing trend (from 23.0 per 100 000 persons in 2008 to 30.8 per 100 000 persons in 2018). Age (60–69 y), sex (men), and month (January) were risk factors of Bell's palsy. The recurrence rate of Bell's palsy over the 11‐y period was 1.5%. Male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–1.2) and physiotherapy (HR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8–0.99) were independently associated with the recurrence of Bell's palsy. During the study period, the use of electrodiagnostic testing steadily increased, whereas that of physiotherapy steadily decreased, and antiviral therapy fluctuated,.DiscussionThe incidence and recurrence rates presented in this study are comparable with those reported in earlier studies that included patients with Bell's palsy, regardless of the use of steroids, and documented an increase in the burden of Bell's palsy. Further randomized controlled trials are required to ascertain the long‐term effects of physiotherapy on recurrent Bell's palsy.
A procedure to estimate cutoff wall transport properties from monitoring wells
Authors: Guida Giulia , Musso Guido , Sanetti Gianluigi , di Prisco Claudio , Della Vecchia Gabriele 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOwing to their capability in limiting the transport of pollutants in the subsoil, cutoff walls are popular solutions for the confinement of contaminants. These barriers are often made of soil‐bentonite or cement‐bentonite mixtures, which are characterized by low hydraulic conductivity, low hydrodynamic dispersion, and long‐term durability. However, the aggressive chemical environment to which these walls are subjected might negatively impact on their performance. Assessment of their performance with time is thus a crucial issue in wall design. The use of dedicated monitoring wells, cast in place inside the wall during construction when the bentonitic mixture is still fluid, can be particularly suitable for both intercepting and detecting the fluids flowing through the barrier. In this research, the results of a numerical study aimed at providing a methodology to estimate the transport properties of the backfill material at the site scale are presented. The methodology relies on abaci and only requires (i) flow and concentration of contaminant data within a monitoring well inside the barrier and (ii) hydraulic head at inlet and outlet of the barrier to be known.
Comparative poisson clinical trials of multiple experimental treatments vs a single control using the negative multinomial distribution
Authors: Chiarappa Joseph A. , Hoover Donald R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper introduces a method which conditions on the number of events that occur in the control group to determine rejection regions and power for comparative Poisson trials with multiple experimental treatment arms that are each compared to one control arm. This leads to the negative multinomial as the statistical distribution used for testing. For one experimental treatment and one control with curtailed sampling, this is equivalent to Gail's (1974) approach. We provide formulas to calculate exact one‐sided overall Type I error and pointwise power for tests of treatment superiority and inferiority (vs the control). Tables of trial design parameters for combinations of one‐sided overall Type I error = 0.05, 0.01 and pointwise power = 0.90, 0.80 are provided. Curtailment approaches are presented to stop follow‐up of experimental treatment arms or to stop the study entirely once the final outcomes for each arm are known.