bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunological Aspects of AXL/GAS‐6 in the Context of Human Liver Regeneration
Authors: Ortmayr Gregor , Brunnthaler Laura , Pereyra David , Huber Heidemarie , Santol Jonas , Rumpf Benedikt , Najarnia Sina , Smoot Rory , Ammon Daphni , Sorz Thomas , Fritsch Fabian , Schodl Michael , Voill‐Glaninger Astrid , Weitmayr Barbara , Födinger Manuela , Klimpfinger Martin , Gruenberger Thomas , Assinger Alice , Mikulits Wolfgang , Starlinger Patrick 
Published: December 2021

AXL and its corresponding ligand growth arrest–specific 6 (GAS‐6) are critically involved in hepatic immunomodulation and regenerative processes. Pleiotropic inhibitory effects on innate inflammatory responses might essentially involve the shift of macrophage phenotype from a pro‐inflammatory M1 to an anti‐inflammatory M2. We aimed to assess the relevance of the AXL/GAS‐6‐pathway in human liver regeneration and, consequently, its association with clinical outcome after hepatic resection. Soluble AXL (sAXL) and GAS‐6 levels were analyzed at preoperative and postoperative stages in 154 patients undergoing partial hepatectomy and correlated with clinical outcome. Perioperative dynamics of interleukin (IL)‐6, soluble tyrosine‐protein kinase MER (sMerTK), soluble CD163 (sCD163), and cytokeratin (CK) 18 were assessed to reflect pathophysiological processes. Preoperatively elevated sAXL and GAS‐6 levels predicted postoperative liver dysfunction (area under the curve = 0.721 and 0.722; P < 0.005) and worse clinical outcome. These patients failed to respond with an immediate increase of sAXL and GAS‐6 upon induction of liver regeneration. Abolished AXL pathway response resulted in a restricted increase of sCD163, suggesting a disrupted phenotypical switch to regeneratory M2 macrophages. No association with sMerTK was observed. Concomitantly, a distinct association of IL‐6 levels with an absent increase of AXL/GAS‐6 signaling indicated pronounced postoperative inflammation. This was further supported by increased intrahepatic secondary necrosis as reflected by CK18M65. sAXL and GAS‐6 represent not only potent and easily accessible preoperative biomarkers for the postoperative outcome but also AXL/GAS‐6 signaling might be of critical relevance in human liver regeneration. Refractory AXL/GAS‐6 signaling, due to chronic overactivation/stimulation in the context of underlying liver disease, appears to abolish their immediate release following induction of liver regeneration, causing overwhelming immune activation, presumably via intrahepatic immune regulation.
Role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as a prognostic indicator for COVID‐19
Authors: Amer Samar A. , Albeladi Omar A. , Elshabrawy Arafa M. , Alsharief Naif H. , Alnakhli Fatimah M , Almugathaui Amani F. , Almashahadi Samar S. , Dawood Hosam M , Malik Muhammad Bilal , Shah Jaffer , Aiash Hani 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a new pandemic disease, associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Its diagnosis requires centralized facilities and time.AimsTo describe the exposure history and clinical picture of the COVID‐19 patients, to study the SARS‐CoV‐2 Virus load and some determinants that may correlate with its prognosis, and to evaluate the role of inflammatory index NLR as an early predictor of COVID‐19 prognosis.MethodologyA prospective follow‐up study included laboratory‐confirmed 179 COVID‐19 cases out of 660 suspected COVID‐19 cases, at El‐Madinah El‐Monawarah General Hospital in April 2020. Confirmed cases were managed by the Saudi Protocol and followed up every 2 weeks by PCR, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for 1 month. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire and by qualified infection control staff.ResultsThe majority of the COVID‐19 cases were 67 (37.4%) aged 30 to <45 years, 157 (87.7%) males, 76.0% working outside the medical field. 38.0% were asymptomatic and 26.3% had severe symptoms, while the main presenting symptoms were fever and dry cough (49.7% and 43.6%), respectively. The case fatality was 7.8%. The male, nonmedical occupation, and low level of education had a statistically significant relationship with the baseline PCR. There was an inverse significant correlation between baseline PCR readings and the recovery duration and health status outcomes. NLR was noted to be significantly higher among old age, illiterate nonmedical occupation, case with severe symptoms, MICU admission, and worst health status outcomes, but it was paradoxically higher among nonadmitted positive cases.ConclusionAdmitted COVID‐19 cases outcomes (disease severity, ICU admission, and mortality) significantly correlated to NLR and not to the baseline PCR viral load. NLR could be a beneficial prognostic and triaging parameter especially old nonmedical COVID‐19 patients.
Exposure to armed conflict as a factor associated with very low birth weight: Case‐control population study
Authors: Cabra‐Bautista Ginna , Granados Rugeles Claudia Marcela , Grillo‐Ardila Carlos Fernando , Gil Laverde Fabián Armando 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the association between armed conflict and very low birth wright (VLBW), which is a multifactorial etiology public health problem that includes aspects of poverty and violence.MethodsCase‐control population study matched by year of delivery conducted in Cauca, Colombia, between 2010 and 2016. Cases of VLBW, with weights between 500 and 1499 g and controls weighing between 2500 and 3999 g. Cases and controls were identified through the vital statistics registry, and exposure was determined using a multidimensional index designed by the Colombian State. Multiple gestations were excluded. Conditional logistic regression for matched data was used, adjusting for confounding variables.ResultsOverall, 7068 matched participants (1767 cases and 5301 controls) were included. Cases and controls had similar baseline characteristics. Participants were predominantly women in the second and third decades of life, 3222 (46%) were exposed to armed conflict, and 1902 (27%) were of African‐Colombian or indigenous ethnicity. Maternal exposure to armed conflict significantly increased the odds of VLBW among women with rural birth (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.74–5.45) and inadequate prenatal care (aOR 10.38, 95% CI 8.20–13.12).ConclusionExposure to armed conflict increases the odds of VLBW neonates. This factor needs to be considered in prenatal care.
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Authors: Zhang Shu , Pang Jinbo , Cheng Qilin , Yang Feng , Chen Yu , Liu Yu , Li Yufen , Gemming Thomas , Liu Xiaoyan , Ibarlucea Bergoi , Yang Jiali , Liu Hong , Zhou Weijia , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Rümmeli Mark H. 
Published: December 2021

Two‐dimensional van der Waals heterostructures possess potentials of atomic‐layer thick p‐n junctions for ultrathin optoelectronics. The tungsten diselenide becomes one of the most important building blocks because of its p‐type charge carrier conductivity. To date, strict monolayer tungsten diselenide film is still required. Jinbo Pang, Hong Liu, Gianaurelio Cuniberti and Mark H. Rummeli reported a synthesis approach to achieve monolayer tungsten diselenide with sub‐1 cm homogeneity, titled High‐performance electronics and optoelectronics of monolayer tungsten diselenide full film from pre‐seeding strategy (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12259).In this cover, tungsten oxides were first deposited over the substrates by dip‐coating methods (top right). Then, tungsten oxides nanoparticles act as heterogeneous nucleation sites, which transform to tungsten diselenide upon selenization and grow to form larger individual grains (Middle left). After the incorporation of tungsten oxides and selenium vapor sources, WSe2 domains continue to increase and coalesce into seamless full‐coverage monolayer film (bottom background), featured self‐limiting mechanism.image
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Authors: Liang Kun , Tabassum Anika , Majed Ahmad , Dun Chaochao , Yang Feipeng , Guo Jinghua , Prenger Kaitlyn , Urban Jeffrey J. , Naguib Michael 
Published: December 2021

In this article, Michael Naguib and co‐authors (DOI: 10.1002/inf2.12269) report on the successful synthesis and characterization of a new 2D carbonitride MXene, viz. Ti2C0.5N0.5, which is the only second carbonitride MXene. They explore the performance of this new MXene as electrode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) and it outperformed its carbide counterpart (i.e., Ti2C) and all the other reports for multi‐layer MXenes in SIBs and it showed a stable electrochemical performance over 500 cycles.
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Maximizing seedhead suppression of Poa annua L. in Michigan through use of growing degree‐days to predict optimum application timing for ethephon and ethephon plus trinexapac‐ethyl
Authors: Calhoun Ronald N. , Frank Kevin W. , Hathaway Aaron D. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractResearch was conducted from 2002 to 2006 to determine optimum application timings for the chemical seedhead suppression of annual bluegrass (AB) [Poa annua L. var. reptans (Hauskins) Timm.] by single applications of the plant growth regulators ethephon (EP) (2‐chloroethylphosphonic acid) or EP plus trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) [4‐(cyclopropyl‐alpha‐hydroxymethylene)‐3, 5‐dioxo‐cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester]. The objectives were to evaluate AB seedhead suppression from single applications of EP and EP plus TE, and to evaluate the simple average‐calculated growing degree‐days (GDD) and Baskerville–Emin GDD models for their reliability to predict best application timing dates from year to year. Plots were established on a 10‐ to 15‐yr‐old AB fairway maintained at 1.5 cm and receiving 0.5 to 0.6 cm daily automatic irrigation throughout the growing season and 120 kg N ha–1 yr–1 from 2002 to 2006. The soil type is a Marlette sandy loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, semiactive, mesic Oxyaquic Glossudalf). Plant growth regulators were applied at 3.74 and 0.08 kg a.i. ha–1 for EP and TE, respectively, between 24 March and 13 May. Ethephon interacted with application timing in 2002 and 2003. Ethephon plus TE interacted with application timing in 2004, but not 2005 or 2006. Ethephon and EP plus TE did not provide less than 10% seedhead cover in 2003 or 2006, respectively. For EP and EP plus TE, application timing affected seedhead control in 3 of 5 yr.
Efficacy of soap and water‐based skin decontamination using in vitro animal models: A systematic review
Authors: Green Maxwell , Kashetsky Nadia , Feschuk Aileen M. , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWater and/or soap and water solutions have historically been used as first‐line decontamination strategies for a wide variety of dermal contaminants from workplace exposure, environmental pesticides, and civilian chemical warfare. Although water and/or soap and water solutions are often considered a gold standard of decontamination, many studies have found other decontamination methods to be superior. This systematic review summarizes the available data on in vitro animal models contaminated with a various chemicals and their decontamination with water and/or soap and water solutions using in vitro animal models. A comprehensive literature search was performed using Concordance, Embase, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to find in vitro animal studies that provided data on dermal decontamination using water and/or soap and water solutions. Five studies were included that analyzed 11 contaminants across two in vitro animal models (rats and pigs). Water alone was used as a decontamination method for 63.6% of the contaminants (n = 7/11) and water and soap solutions for decontamination in 54.6% of contaminants (n = 6/11). Water alone provided incomplete contaminant removal of five of seven contaminants studied; soap and water did not show significant difference in decontamination when compared with other solutions for all four contaminants and was superior to water for both contaminants studied. Water and/or soap and water are used as decontamination strategies for a variety of dermal contamination events, but for many contaminants, they do not provide complete contamination when compared with newer decontamination solutions studied with in vitro animal models.
Improved hemocompatibility of polysulfone hemodialyzers with Endexo® surface modifying molecules
Authors: Fisher Colleen , Shao Hui , Ho Chih‐Hu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAnticoagulation therapy is widely used to reduce clotting during hemodialysis (HD), but may cause adverse effects in end‐stage kidney disease patients. A new hemodialyzer with a membrane modified by surface modifying molecule was developed to improve hemocompatibility that aimed to reduce the need for anticoagulation during dialysis treatments. We compared membrane surface characteristics and in vitro hemocompatibility of the new hemodialyzer to the standard polysulfone (PSF) hemodialyzer membrane. Scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurement (68° ± 3° test vs. 41.6° ± 6° control), and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry measurement for fluorine atomic % (7.4% ± 0.4% test vs. not detectable control), showed that the membrane surface was modified with surface modifying macromolecule (SMM1) but maintained membrane structure and surface hydrophilicity. Zeta potential of the blood‐contacting surface showed that the absolute surface charge was reduced at neutral pH (−3.3 mV ± 1.1 mV test vs. −15.6 mV ± 1.0 mV control). Platelet count reduction was significantly less for the SMM1‐modified dialyzer (40.88% ± 21.89%) compared to the standard PSF dialyzer (62.62% ± 34.13%), along with Platelet Factor 4 (1824.10 ng/ml ± 436.26 ng/ml test vs. 2479.00 ng/ml ± 852.96 ng/ml control). These studies demonstrate the successful incorporation of SMM1 into the new hemodialyzer with the expected results. Our in vitro experiments indicate that the SMM1‐modified hemodialyzers could improve hemocompatibility compared to standard PSF hemodialyzers and have the potential to minimize the patient's anticoagulant requirements during HD. Additional research with SMM1 additives incorporated into the entire dialysis circuit and use in a clinical settings are required to confirm these promising findings.
Mechanistic study of cobalt(I)‐catalyzed asymmetric coupling of ethylene and enynes to functionalized cyclobutanes
Authors: Huang Runfeng , Cai Jiali , Yao Lei , Bai Yuna , Guo Kai , Zhao Lili 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDensity functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to gain insight into the reaction mechanism of the Co(I)‐catalyzed asymmetric [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of enyne 1a with ethylene 2 to give the functionalized cyclobutene E‐4a possessing a chiral, all‐carbon quaternary center in the ring framework (Science, 361, 68–72). This study reveals that the whole catalysis can be characterized via three stages: (i) oxidative dimerization followed by reductive elimination gives the intermediate IM3, (ii) the alkenyl‐Co(III) metallacycloheptene IM6 formation with the addition of another equivalent ethylene via an oxidative dimerization process, (iii) β‐Hydrogen elimination and reductive elimination from IM6 to result in the final product E‐4a and regenerate the active speices IM1 for the next catalytic cycle. Each stage is kinetically and thermodynamically feasible for experimental realization under mild conditions, and the formation of the alkenyl‐Co(III) metallacycloheptene IM6, with a barrier of 27.2 kcal mol−1 (i.e., IM2 → TS4), should be the rate‐determining step (RDS) during the whole catalysis. In addition, the origins of enantioselectivity and regioselectivity of the product are discussed.
A novel heterozygous HTRA1 mutation in an Asian family with CADASIL‐like disease
Authors: Cao Hua , Liu Jiahui , Tian Wen , Ji Xiaofei , Wang Qi , Luan Siyu , Dong Xiang , Dong Huijie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundHTRA1 gene mutations are related to the pathogenesis of cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL). However, heterozygous HTRA1 mutations at specific sites can also lead to rare autosomal dominant cerebral artery disease (CADASIL‐like disease). To date, 28 heterozygous mutations in the HTRA1 gene have been reported to be related to CADASIL‐like diseases. Only one case of this disease was caused by a heterozygous mutation of c.497G>T in exon 2 of the HTRA1 gene.MethodsIn this case, we report on an Asian family with CADASIL‐like disease caused by a heterozygous mutation of c.497G>T in exon 2 of the HTRA1 gene. The clinical and imaging characteristics of the proband were summarized, and gene mutations were verified by whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and direct Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe result of the gene sequencing showed a heterozygous missense mutation at the c.497G>T locus of the HTRA1 gene in the proband of one sick family member, resulting in a change in amino acid (p.arg166leu).ConclusionThis is the first reported pathogenic mutation at the c.497G>T locus of the HTRA1 gene in an Asian population. It provides an important theoretical basis for the specific gene‐based diagnosis and treatment of CADASIL‐like diseases.
Associations between frailty trajectories and frailty status and adverse outcomes in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Álvarez‐Bustos Alejandro , Carnicero‐Carreño Jose Antonio , Sanchez‐Sanchez Juan Luis , Garcia‐Garcia Francisco Javier , Alonso‐Bouzón Cristina , Rodríguez‐Mañas Leocadio 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe association between frailty and adverse outcomes has been clearly defined. Frailty is associated with age, but different frailty evolution patterns might determine the incidence of adverse outcomes at older ages. So far, few observational studies have examined how distinct frailty trajectories could be associated with differences in the risk of adverse events and assessing whether frailty trajectories could define risk of death, hospitalization, worsening, and incident disability better than one‐off assessment. Our hypothesis is that prospective increases in frailty levels are associated with higher risk of adverse events compared with subjects that prospectively decreased frailty levels.MethodsParticipants' data were taken from the Toledo Study of Healthy Ageing. Frailty was evaluated using the Frailty Trait Scale 5 (FTS5), being 0 the lower (the most robust) and 50 the highest (the frailest) score. FTS5 scores at baseline and follow‐up (median 5.04 years) were used to construct frailty trajectories according to group‐based trajectory modelling (GBTM). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard and logistic regression models were used to explore associations between frailty status and trajectory membership and the adverse outcomes. Deaths were ascertained through the Spanish National Death Index. Disability was evaluated through the Katz Index. Hospitalization was defined as first admission to Toledo Hospital.ResultsNine hundred and seventy‐five older adults (mean age 73.14 ± 4.69; 43.38% men) were included. GBTM identified five FTS5 trajectories: worsening from non‐frailty (WNF), improving to non‐frailty (INF), developing frailty (DF), remaining frail (RF), and increasing frailty (IF). Subjects belonging to trajectories of increasing frailty scores or showing consistently higher frailty levels presented with an increased risk of mortality {DF [hazard ratio (HR), 95% confidence interval (CI)] = 2.01 [1.21–3.32]; RF = 1.92 [1.18–3.12]; IF = 2.67 [1.48–4.81]}, incident [DF (HR, 95% CI) = 2.06 (1.11–3.82); RF = 2.29 (1.30–4.03); IF = 3.55 (1.37–9.24)], and worsening disability [DF (HR, 95% CI) = 2.11 (1.19–3.76); RF = 2.14 (1.26–3.64); IF = 2.21 (1.06–4.62)], compared with subjects prospectively showing decreases in frailty levels or maintaining low FTS5 scores. A secondary result was a significant dose–response relationship between baseline FTS5 score and adverse events.ConclusionsBelonging to trajectories of prospectively increasing/consistently high frailty scores over time are associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes compared with maintaining low or reducing frailty scores. Our results support the dynamic nature of frailty and the potential benefit of interventions aimed at reducing its levels on relevant and burdensome adverse outcomes.
Muscular sarcoidosis in the eyes of 18F‐FDG PET/CT
Authors: Milojevic Isidora Grozdic , Sobic‐Saranovic Dragana , Milojevic Bogomir , Artiko Vera M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the frequency, symptoms, activity and pattern of muscle sarcoidosis, correlation with laboratory parameters, and to assess its therapy response with 18F‐FDG PET/CT.MethodsStudy included 90 patients with biopsy confirmed sarcoidosis and symptoms/biochemical/imaging findings suggestive of active disease. The exclusion criteria were: presence of cancer or other diseases that resemble sarcoidosis on PET/CT (Wegener syndrome, tuberculosis, aspergillosis), and the glucose level being greater than 11 mmol/L. All patients were screened for muscle sarcoidosis with 18F‐FDG PET/CT examination. Follow‐up examination was done 1 year after the baseline in order to evaluate therapy response.ResultsDisease was very rare and present in only 7/90 patients. Most of the patients had polysymptomatic disease, while muscle pain was less frequent, present only in one‐third of the patients. The disease was usually present in the lower limbs, upper limbs, and skeletal striated muscles. The most common pattern of disease was nodular. Disease activity estimated with SUVmax was not in correlation with the ACE findings, creatine kinase, and aldolase levels (p > 0.05). Follow‐up PET/CT revealed complete remission in one patient and partial remission in two.Conclusion18F‐FDG PET/CT can be useful in asymptomatic young patients with nodular pattern of disease, who have easily relapsing form of disease. It can help in further management of these patients and can affect prognosis of the disease, since most of the laboratory parameters in this entity are within normal limits.
Synthetic strategies of phenazine derivatives: A review
Authors: Che Yu‐Xin , Qi Xiao‐Ni , Qu Wen‐Juan , Shi Bing‐Bing , Lin Qi , Yao Hong , Zhang You‐Ming , Wei Tai‐Bao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSince the growing importance of phenazine derivatives, the efficient synthetic strategies for the preparation of phenazine derivatives have attracted great attention from organic methodology. Herein, we comprehensively review and summarize a series of sustainable and facile synthetic strategies of phenazine derivatives. Moreover, we further discuss the approach of preparation and the superiority of each strategy.
Unintended consequences of microfinance: Effects on credit access for small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Sommer Christoph 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWhile competition in the financial system generally mitigates small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises' (SMEs) financing constraints, this paper theorises that competition by microfinance institutions (MFIs) has adverse effects through aggravating the ‘graduation problem’: Small firms outgrowing microfinance struggle to find financing as conventional financial institutions abstain from downscaling and developing suitable lending instruments for smaller firms if these market segments are narrowed down by upscaling MFIs. Using data from 51 countries between 2002 and 2015, microfinance is found to significantly lower SMEs' access to credit. Credit bureaus can reverse this effect indicating that credit information infrastructure can reconcile a strong microfinance sector with functioning SME finance.