bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corticosteroids and pulmonary rehabilitation reducing long‐term morbidity in a patient with post‐COVID‐19 pneumonitis: A case study
Authors: Fanshawe Jack , Howell Jack , Omar Adhnan , Piper Megan , Simpson Thomas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhilst research efforts have focussed on treatment during the acute phase, little work has focussed on the long‐term sequelae of COVID‐19 infection. This case described a patient who remained symptomatic several weeks after discharge from hospital with what was diagnosed as a COVID‐19 infection. There were significant deficits shown in his functional exercise testing, his pulmonary functions testing and there was evidence of fibrotic changes on his radiology.MethodsAs part of a multidisciplinary clinic, he was started on steroids and a tailored pulmonary rehabilitation course over a course of 6–8 weeks. Thereafter, his exercise testing, pulmonary function tests and radiology were all repeated to see progress.ResultsOn completing the course of corticosteroids and concurrent personalised pulmonary rehabilitation, there was a dramatic improvement in the patient's symptom severity, radiology and pulmonary function. The most significant improvement noted was in his exercise testing, namely a 6‐min walk test and 1 min of sit‐to‐stands. Before treatment, he had a Medical Reserch Council (MRC) score of 2, and after it returned to his baseline of 0.DiscussionUsing corticosteroids and exercise training that allowed quantitative evaluation throughout the stages of recovery was a valuable tool to gauge progress and response to treatment. These therapies present opportunity to prevent the development of irreversible pulmonary fibrosis that could prove to be a major breakthrough in reducing long‐term morbidity and improving the quality of life of those affected.
The symmetric designer protein Pizza as a scaffold for metal coordination
Authors: Vrancken Jeroen P. M. , Noguchi Hiroki , Zhang Kam Y. J. , Tame Jeremy R. H. , Voet Arnout R. D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSymmetric proteins are currently of interest as they allow creation of larger assemblies and facilitate the incorporation of metal ions in the larger complexes. Recently this was demonstrated by the biomineralization of the cadmium‐chloride nanocrystal via the Pizza designer protein. However, the mechanism behind this formation remained unclear. Here, we set out to investigate the mechanism driving the formation of this nanocrystal via truncation, mutation, and circular permutations. In addition, the interaction of other biologically relevant metal ions with these symmetric proteins to form larger symmetric complexes was also studied. The formation of the initial nanocrystal is shown to originate from steric strain, where His 58 induces a different rotameric conformation on His 73, thereby distorting an otherwise perfect planar ring of alternating cadmium and chlorine ions, resulting in the smallest nanocrystal. Similar highly symmetric complexes were also observed for the other biological relevant metal ions. However, the flexibility of the coordinating histidine residues allows each metal ion to adopt its preferred geometry leading to either monomeric or dimeric β‐propeller units, where the metal ions are located at the interface between both propeller units. These results demonstrate that symmetric proteins are not only interesting to generate larger assemblies, but are also the perfect scaffold to create more complex metal based assemblies. Such metal protein assemblies may then find applications in bionanotechnology or biocatalysis.
Improved FMEA based on IVF and fuzzy VIKOR method: A case study of workpiece box system of CNC gear milling machine
Authors: Yang Haiji , Li Guofa , He Jialong , Wang Liding , Zhou Xinda 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFailure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is a tool used to define, identify, and prevent known or unknown potential risks. An improved FMEA based on interval triangular fuzzy numbers (IVF) and fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method is proposed in this study to solve problems of expression and processing of uncertain information, weights of risk factors, and ranking of failure modes in traditional FMEA. Linguistic variables are used to evaluate failure modes level and relative importance of risk factors and are expressed via interval‐valued triangular fuzzy number. Determining the subjective weights of risk factors using fuzzy AHP, calculating the objective weights of risk factors using the extended VIKOR method, and obtaining the comprehensive weights of risk factors via ICWGT are proposed for solving the weight problem of risk factors. Finally, the fuzzy VIKOR method is used to rank risk priority of failure modes. The proposed method is used to evaluate workpiece box system of CNC gear milling machine and the results are compared with the findings of other methods to verify effectiveness and rationality of the proposed method.
Detection of urinary arimistane metabolites in humans using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry: Complementary results to gas chromatography mass spectrometric data and its application to antidoping analyses
Authors: Martinez Brito Dayamin , Leogrande Patrizia , Botrè Francesco , de la Torre Xavier 
Published: March 2021

RationaleThe metabolism of arimistane (Arim) was first described in 2015, and androst‐3,5‐diene‐7β‐ol‐17‐one was proposed as the main metabolite excreted in urine. Recently, a more detailed study describing the findings in urine after the administration of Arim has been published. This study corroborated the previously described metabolite but also described several phase I and II metabolites, analyzing trimethylsilylated urinary extracts using accurate mass spectrometry coupled to gas chromatography (GC/qTOF). The present communication is an extension of this late investigation aiming to implement the results of Arim metabolism using either accurate mass spectrometry and/or triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry, both coupled to liquid chromatography (LC/qTOF and LC/QqQ).MethodsThe samples used in this study were the same as previously studied using GC/qTOF. One single oral dose of Arim was administered to three volunteers, and samples collected before and up to 10 h after the Arim administration were analyzed. The unconjugated fraction of urine was removed, and the hydrolysis was performed with β‐glucuronidase from Escherichia coli. The extracts were reconstituted in water:acetonitrile before the LC/qTOF and LC/QqQ analysis.ResultsThe presence of the proposed metabolites studied using GC was verified by accurate mass measurements. Twelve metabolites not found in the blank urine samples were identified by the accurate mass spectra with acceptable errors between −7.5 and 8.1 ppm: 4 reduced metabolites, 4 monohydroxylated metabolites, and 4 with an additional hydroxylation (bis‐hydroxylated metabolites). Unlike in the study carried out using GC/qTOF, Arim itself was found in the samples of the three volunteers.ConclusionsTwelve metabolites were identified, and specific transitions were proposed. Despite the good results, some limitations remain. As for GC/qTOF, the α‐ or β configuration of hydroxy groups, as well as the exact position for some unsaturation, cannot be assigned with certainty. Because certified reference materials of these metabolites are not yet available, the molecular structures were hypothesized considering the previous study using GC.
Indication of intravaginal insemination for infertility treatment in couples with sexual dysfunction
Authors: Kaseki Hiroshi , Kaseki Satoshi , Shimizu Makiko , Hayashi Ayako , Suganuma Nobuhiko 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo analyze the usefulness of intravaginal insemination (IVI) for the infertility treatment in couples with sexual dysfunction before applying assisted reproductive technology (ART).MethodsAmong 208 couples who presented sexual dysfunction, 144 couples underwent IVI procedures. The profiles of pregnant and non‐pregnant patients were compared.ResultsOf 144 patients, 58 women conceived successfully (40.3% pregnancy rate). Between the pregnant and non‐pregnant cases, the husband's age and infertility period were significantly higher (P = .0104) and longer (P = .0027) in the unsuccessful cases than the successful ones. The husbands who could not impregnate had a significantly higher ratio of sperm abnormalities (P = .0048). Among the 57 successful cases who underwent IVI treatment, 38 (66.7%) patients became pregnant within 3 times of the procedure, while 48 (84.2%) patients conceived within 6 times.ConclusionThe authors can propose the following inclusion IVI criteria for couples with sexual dysfunction: (a) younger husband (36 years old or less) which may be most important, (b) infertility duration of 3 years or less, (c) normal sperm condition, and (d) IVI trial for 3 times (maximum of 6 times). Since IVI appears to be a simple, noninvasive, and inexpensive way for couples with sexual dysfunction, it can be attempted before ART application.
Estimating the impact of public health strategies on the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2: Epidemiological modelling for Toulouse, France
Authors: Dimeglio Chloé , Miedougé Marcel , Loubes Jean‐Michel , Mansuy Jean‐Michel , Izopet Jacques 
Published: March 2021

SummaryThe spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and the resulting disease COVID‐19 has killed over 2 million people as of 22 January 2021. We have used a modified susceptible, infected, recovered epidemiological model to predict how the spread of the virus in France will vary depending on the public health strategies adopted, including anti‐COVID‐19 vaccination. Our prediction model indicates that the French authorities' adoption of a gradual release from lockdown could lead in March 2021 to a virus prevalence similar to that before lockdown. However, a massive vaccination campaign initiated in January 2021 and the continuation of public health measures over several months could curb the spread of virus and thus relieve the load on hospitals.
Queer Compositions in a U.S. Secondary Classroom: Genre, Citationality, and Linguistic Racism
Authors: Schey Ryan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn recent decades, there has been an increase in literacy education research attending to curriculum inclusive of sexual and gender diversity in secondary classrooms. Although valuable, most of this research has focused on the ideational and representational qualities of curriculum and thus has overlooked the significance of composition and genre. Seeking to add this scholarship, I focused on youth choosing to write about queer topics for compositional assignments in a secondary humanities course that combined English language arts and social studies (U.S. studies). Drawing from a broader literacy ethnography conducted at a high school in a Midwestern U.S. city, I argue that youth in the humanities course drew on curricular ideas and genres in their literacy performances in ways that resisted and reified oppressive values. Genres that encouraged extended dialogue resulted in interrogations of cisheteronormativity that were sustained and intersectional. However, youth’s use of genres cited and reproduced racist and cisheteronormative Eurocentric, anti‐Black, and assimilationist ideologies. Hence, there is a need for approaches to queer‐inclusive curricula that explore intersections of queerness and race and attend to aspects of literacy and language practices beyond ideational and representational content.
First‐Year Teachers’ Informational Reading Instruction: Prevalence, Quality, and Characteristics
Authors: Quinn Alexa M. , Paulick Judy H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInformational reading instruction plays an important role in early literacy but has traditionally received less emphasis than literary text in elementary classrooms. This mixed‐methods study illuminates trends from observed reading instruction of 77 first‐year elementary teachers, drawing on data from 761 lesson segments scored with the Protocol for Language Arts Teaching Observations, a validated observation protocol. In descriptive analyses, we report on the prevalence of informational lessons across grade levels. Then, we integrate quantitative and qualitative data to describe the quality of informational reading instruction among first‐year teachers. Findings suggest a higher percentage of informational reading lesson segments in early elementary than has been shared in previous studies: 27% of observed reading instruction in grade 1 and 41% of observed reading instruction in grade 2. Quality of informational reading lesson segments varied within and among elements of instruction, with the majority of segments rated as low scoring for strategy use. We use qualitative case sampling to illustrate the characteristics of informational reading instruction across a range of score points. Analysis of lesson segments reveals a range of practices in text‐based instruction, strategy instruction, and representations of content, with the highest quality instruction showing a combination of all three. This study contributes to our understanding of the current landscape of informational reading instruction among first‐year teachers, identifies specific instructional practices that could be the focus of improvement efforts, and weighs in on the debate about strategy instruction versus content instruction.
A ball mill‐assisted vortex‐enhanced matrix solid‐phase dispersion method for the extraction and determination of five phenolic compounds from Rubi Fructus by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Yan Chaozhuo , Zhang Yaqian , Du Kunze , Guo Jiading , He Jun , Li Jin , Chang Yan‐xu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRubi Fructus, a common traditional Chinese medicine, is abundant in phenolic components with pharmacodynamical effect. An efficient and rapid ball mill‐assisted vortex‐enhanced matrix solid‐phase dispersion method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of five phenols (ellagic acid, kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside, astragalin, tiliroside, and kaempferol) in Rubi Fructus by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The introduction of the ball mill instrument realized the automation of the first step of matrix solid‐phase dispersion. Several extraction parameters were evaluated, and the best extraction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology. The method exhibited a good linearity for the five compounds (r2 > 0.999). The recoveries of the five target analytes in Rubi Fructus ranged from 98.7% to 102% (RSD≤3.92%) under the optimized conditions: Al‐SBA‐15 as a dispersant, sample/dispersant ratio of 1:3, ball milling time as 2 min, vibration frequency of the ball mill as 1300 rpm, 1.4 mL methanol as eluent and vortex time as 3 min. Consequently, the established ball mill‐assisted vortex‐enhanced matrix solid‐phase dispersion combined with HPLC could be applied to extract and analyze the target phenolic compounds in Rubi Fructus samples.
Preclinical pharmacokinetics of trigonelline using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and pharmacological studies targeting type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wadhwa Geetika , Krishna Kowthavarapu Venkata , Taliyan Rajeev , Tandon Neeraj , Yadav Satyapal Singh , Banerjee Dipankar , Narwaria Avinash , Katiyar Chandra Kant , Dubey Sunil Kumar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTrigonelline is a quaternary base alkaloid and zwitterionic complex that acts by affecting β‐cell regeneration and insulin secretion. Tr inhibits enzymatic activities, lowering the blood glucose and lipid levels due to which it is used in the treatment of co‐morbid diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc. Herein, it was aimed to develop a bioanalytical method for estimation of Tr using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and explore the pharmacokinetic profile. The anti‐diabetic, antilipidemic efficacy studies of Tr in the high‐fat diet‐induced streptozotocin‐diabetic rat model was also explored. The separation of analyte was achieved with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid (20:80) with a flow of 0.4 mL/min. The ionization of the analyte was achieved in positive electrospray ionization mode with the precursor to product ion transitions of Tr (138.14 > 94), and Trigonelline D3 (143.19 > 97.13). The validated assay was effectively applied for the estimation of compartmental pharmacokinetic by using Phoenix WinNolin8.0 (Certera™, USA) and it was observed that the Tr follow two compartmental pharmacokinetic model. The experimental results also suggest that Tr distributed through the central compartment to the peripheral compartment and redistributed to the central compartment. In addition, Tr exhibited significant anti‐hyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic efficacy against high‐fat diet‐induced streptozotocin‐induced type 2 diabetic rats.
Structure of Cardamine hupingshanensis No. 2 Polysaccharide (CHP‐2) and Its Effect on Streptozotocin‐induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Li Meidong , Huang Xiufang , Zhang Qin , Zhou Yifeng , Luo Kai 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFour new types of water‐soluble polysaccharides are isolated from Cardamine hupingshanensis. Herein, this study examines C. hupingshanensis polysaccharide no. 2 (CHP‐2) with a molecular weight of 21.75 kDa. Analysis revealed that CHP‐2 is composed of d‐glucuronic acid, d‐galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and L‐arabinose. It is speculated that the main connecting bond is →4)‐α‐D‐Glc(p)‐(1→), →t)‐α‐D‐Glcp‐(1→). Through perfusion experiments using streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, oral CHP‐2 solution is found to significantly reduce food intake, water intake, and fasting blood glucose levels, while increasing the weights of rats. In addition, CHP‐2 significantly reduces the serum and liver malondialdehyde contents and increases the activity of the corresponding antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the effect elicited by the CHP‐2 solution is similar to that of phenformin hydrochloride solution. Hence, the results of this study suggest that CHP‐2 exhibits blood sugar‐lowering and anti‐oxidation effects.
A macrolide from Streptomyces sp. modulates apoptosis and autophagy through Mcl‐1 downregulation in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Chiu Chang‐Fang , Chiu Shih‐Jiuan , Bai Li‐Yuan , Feng Chia‐Hsien , Hu Jing‐Lan , Lin Wei‐Yu , Huang Hao‐Yu , Weng Jing‐Ru 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSecondary metabolites in marine organisms exhibit various pharmacological activities against diseases, such as cancer. In this study, the anti‐proliferative effect of JBIR‐100, a macrolide isolated from Streptomyces sp., was investigated in breast cancer cells. Cell growth was inhibited in response to JBIR‐100 treatment concentration‐ and time‐dependently in both MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. JBIR‐100 caused apoptosis, as verified by caspase activation and the cleavage of PARP. Western blotting revealed that JBIR‐100 modulated the expression of Akt/NF‐κB signaling components and Bcl‐2 family members. Overexpression of Mcl‐1 partially rescued MCF‐7 cells from JBIR‐100‐induced cytotoxicity. In addition, transmission electron microscopy analyses, confocal analysis, and western blot assay indicated that JBIR‐100 inhibited autophagy in MCF‐7 cells. Exposure to the autophagy inhibitor did not synergize JBIR‐100‐induced apoptosis. In summary, our results suggested that JBIR‐100 may be potentially used for breast cancer therapy.
Safety and efficacy of a nonmyeloablative pretransplant conditioning regimen using total lymphoid irradiation with volumetric modulated arc therapy in healthy dogs: A pilot study
Authors: Kim Sangho , Hosoya Kenji , Fukayama Natsuki , Deguchi Tatsuya , Okumura Masahiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAllogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has been an effective treatment for human patients with haematological malignancies (Baron & Storb, 2006; Bair et al., 2020; Copelan et al., 2019). However, the optimal pretransplant conditioning treatment is unclear in canine allogeneic HCT. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for a nonmyeloablative HCT conditioning. Six healthy dogs were treated with 8 or 12 Gy TLI using VMAT. Haematological and physical changes were recorded over 8 weeks. To assess the effect of peripheral lymphocyte condition, lymphocyte subset and proliferative ability were examined. At the end of the experiment, necropsy was performed. All dogs showed mild‐to‐moderate neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, and these haematological changes resolved spontaneously. One dog treated with 8 Gy TLI developed transient cutaneous infection. No major complication was seen in the other seven dogs. Myelocytes and erythroblast cytopenia of bone marrow were detected in two dogs treated with 12 Gy TLI. This study is the first report of TLI using VMAT in dogs, and results suggest that this regimen is a feasible nonmyeloablative treatment.
Transthoracic echocardiography and its limitations in the diagnosis of congenital supernumerary aortic valve in a Thoroughbred
Authors: Vitale Valentina , Laurberg Malene , van Galen Gaby 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAortic valve malformation is a common congenital abnormality reported in human medicine. The malformation is characterised by an increased or decreased number of cusps. Anatomical variations of the aortic valve that have been documented in humans include unicuspid, bicuspid, quadricuspid and quinticuspid valves. Two reports described a quadricuspid aortic valve in horses associated with either a ventricular septal defect (VSD) or tetralogy of Fallot. In this case report we describe the clinical and echocardiographic findings of a horse with a quadricuspid aortic valve as single congenital abnormality, referred with history of exercise intolerance and an episode of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Limitations and risks of misdiagnosis that can be encountered with transthoracic echocardiography are also discussed. The reported case highlights the importance of echocardiographic screening in asymptomatic patients as congenital heart disease can be present without obvious cardiac signs. As advanced imaging on the equine thorax is still far from future possibilities for adult horses, this report may help to reach an accurate diagnosis with similar cases.
Relationship between the coefficient of friction of additive in the bulk and chain graft surface density through a diffusion process: Erucamide–stearyl erucamide mixtures in polypropylene films
Authors: Catarino‐Centeno Rafael , Waldo‐Mendoza Miguel A. , García‐Hernández Erwin , Pérez‐López José Elías 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA relationship between chain graft density calculated by coarse‐grained simulation and the one obtained from experimental results is compared in the present work. Two slip additives for polypropylene films were studied, erucamide and stearyl erucamide. The diffusion equation (Fick's second law) was used to relate real‐time experimental results with coarse‐grained simulations and rendered slip additive surface density as a function of the coefficient of friction. The normalized surface density values obtained from the simulation showed a qualitative trend consistent with the experimentally observed results.