bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VitaminD: A Critical Regulator of Intestinal Physiology
Authors: Christakos Sylvia 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTCalcium is required for the functioning of numerous biological processes and is essential for skeletal health. The major source of new calcium is from the diet. The central role of vitamin D in the maintenance of calcium homeostasis is to increase the absorption of ingested calcium from the intestine. The critical importance of vitamin D in this process is noted in the causal link between vitamin D deficiency and rickets, as well as in studies using genetically modified mice including mice deficient in the vitamin D receptor (Vdrnull mice) or in the cytochrome P‐450 enzyme, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3‐1α‐ hydroxylase (CYP27B1) that converts 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3to the hormonally active form of vitamin D, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3] (Cyp27b1null mice). When these mice are fed diets with high calcium and lactose, rickets is prevented. The studies using mouse models provide supporting evidence indicating that the major physiological function of 1,25(OH)2D3/VDR is intestinal calcium absorption. This review summarizes what is known about mechanisms involved in vitamin D‐regulated intestinal calcium absorption. Recent studies suggest that vitamin D does not affect a single entity, but that a complex network of calcium‐regulating components is involved in the process of 1,25(OH)2D3‐mediated active intestinal calcium absorption. In addition, numerous 1,25(OH)2D3actions in the intestine have been described independent of calcium absorption. Although the translatability to humans requires further definition, an overview is presented that provides compelling evidence from the laboratory of 1,25(OH)2D3intestinal effects, which include the regulation of adhesion molecules to enhance barrier function, the regulation of intestinal stem cell function, cellular homeostasis of other divalent cations, the regulation of drug metabolizing enzymes, and anti‐inflammatory effects. © 2021 The Author.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia in 695 pedigrees from southeastern China: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Huang Hailong , Chen Meihuan , Chen Lingji , Zhang Min , Wang Yan , Lin Na , Xu Liangpu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThalassaemia is highly prevalent in southeastern China. This 10‐year follow‐up study aimed to characterize the genotype and karyotype of thalassaemia in fetal samples derived from thalassemia carriers in Fujian province, southeastern China. A total of 476 prenatal samples from 472 couples carrying α‐thalassaemia traits and 224 samples from 223 couples carrying β‐thalassaemia traits were collected for STR analysis, detection of thalassemia genotypes and karyotyping. The common deletional α‐thalassemias and rare thalassemia genotypes were detected using Gap‐PCR assay, and the common β‐globin gene mutations were detected using PCR‐RDB assay. We detected 43.49% prevalence of α‐thalassaemia minor, 26.05% prevalence of α‐thalassaemia intermediate and major and 1.89% prevalence of rare form among the 476 prenatal samples from couples with α‐thalassaemia, and 85 fetuses with β‐thalassemia heterozygote, 16 with homozygote and 21 with double heterozygote, and a rare βIVS−2−654(C→T)/Chinese Gγ (Aγδβ)0 genotype among the 224 prenatal samples from couples with β‐thalassemia. Karyotyping showed 7 fetuses with abnormal karyotypes. Totally 153 pregnancies were terminated, and genetic diagnosis of thalassemia using fetal umbilical cord blood following induction of labor showed consistent results with prenatal diagnosis. No thalassemia phenotypes were identified in normal infants half a year after birth, and the infants with α‐thalassemia and β‐thalassemia minor had no or mild anemia symptoms, but normal development, while 15 babies with hemoglobin H disease presented moderate anemia symptoms. Our data suggest the pregestational screening of thalassemia, notably compound and rare forms of thalassemia, for couples carrying thalassemia traits.
Exploring potential serum levels of Homocysteine, interleukin‐1 beta, and apolipoprotein B 48 as new biomarkers for patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Shademan Behrouz , Nourazarian Alireza , Laghousi Delara , Karamad Vahidreza , Nikanfar Masoud 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundStroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide with heterogeneous characteristics. The subtypes of stroke are due to different pathophysiological regulations and causes. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin‐1β and Homocysteine with BMI in patients with ischemic stroke (IS).MethodsOver one hundred controls (120) and an equal number of IS patients, including 31 women and 89 men, were recruited to participate in the case‐control study conducted at Imam Reza Hospital (Tabriz, Iran) from February 2019 to March 2020. We measured serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin‐1β, and Homocysteine. Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of these indices in patients and control groups.ResultsThe mean serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin‐1β, and Homocysteine, were significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group with a p‐value of 0.001. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for apo B48, IL −1β, hs‐CRP, and Homocysteine serum levels were 0.94, 0.98, 0.99, and 1, respectively.ConclusionsThe results of our current study show that the determination of serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin‐1β, and Homocysteine can potentially be used to monitor and diagnose IS patients. However, there was no statistically significant correlation between serum levels of apolipoprotein B 48, interleukin 1β and Homocysteine and BMI in the patient group. However, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and BMI in the patient group.
Antibody‐Mediated Rejection in Adult Liver Transplant Recipients: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Baradaran Hananeh , Dashti‐Khavidaki Simin , Taher Mohammad , Talebian Monavar , Nasiri‐Toosi Mohsen , Jafarian Ali 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAntibody‐mediated rejection is a rare complication following liver transplantation, and there is a lack of a comprehensive treatment strategy to provide detailed information about the dose and duration of antibody‐mediated rejection treatment. This study describes 8 adult liver transplantation recipients who developed antibody‐mediated rejection between 2002 and 2021 in our center, as well as a review of the literature on the reported cases of antibody‐mediated rejection in liver transplantation recipients. Our center's medical records were reviewed retrospectively to extract the necessary data on patients’ characteristics, management, and outcomes. Then, a comprehensive search using Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases was conducted without time limitation until June 2021. Finally, a stepwise protocol was developed for managing acute, chronic, and recurrent antibody‐mediated rejection in patients undergoing liver transplantation, based on our own experience, reported cases in the literature, and data from kidney transplantation. By review of the literature, 24 case studies containing 64 patients were identified, and their management strategies and outcomes were evaluated. Although various combinations of corticosteroids, plasma exchange, intravenous immunoglobulin, and biological agents are used in the treatment of acute antibody‐mediated rejection in liver transplantation, treatment strategies should be classified according to the type, severity, and the timing of its onset. Given the importance of early treatment, rituximab and/or bortezomib should be started as soon as possible if no improvement in liver enzymes/bilirubin is observed during the initial treatment strategy using corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin.
Take time to look at the fish: Behavioral response to acute thermal challenge in two Amazonian cichlids
Authors: Kochhann Daiani , Sarmento Carolina G. , de Oliveira Jomara C. , Queiroz Helder L. , Val Adalberto L. , Chapman Lauren J. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCritical thermal maximum (CTmax) is often used as an index of upper thermal tolerance in fishes; however, recent studies have shown that some fishes exhibit agitation or avoidance behavior well before the CTmax is reached. In this study, we quantified behavioral changes during CTmax trials in two Amazonian cichlids, Apistogramma agassizii and Mesonauta insignis. The thermal agitation temperature (Tag) was recorded as the temperature at which fish left cover and began swimming in an agitated manner, and four behaviors (duration of sheltering, digging, activity, and aquatic surface respiration [ASR]) were compared before and after Tag. Both A. agassizii and M. insignis exhibited high critical thermal maxima, 40.8°C and 41.3°C, respectively. Agitation temperature was higher in M. insignis (37.3°C) than in A. agassizii (35.4°C), indicating that A. agassizii has a lower temperature threshold at which avoidance behavior is initiated. Activity level increased and shelter use decreased with increased temperatures, and patterns were similar between the two species. Digging behavior increased after Tag in both species, but was higher in A. agassazii and may reflect its substrate‐oriented ecology. ASR (ventilating water at the surface film) was extremely rare before Tag, but increased in both cichlid species after Tag and was greater in M. insignis than in A. agassizii. This suggests that fish were experiencing physiological hypoxia at water temperatures approaching CTmax. These results demonstrate that acute thermal challenge can induce a suite of behavioral changes in fishes that may provide additional, ecologically relevant information on thermal tolerance.
Effects of temperature on metabolic scaling in silver carp
Authors: Xiong Wei , Zhu Yanqiu , Zhang Pan , Xu Yuan , Zhou Jing , Zhang Jianghui , Luo Yiping 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe association between temperature and metabolic scaling varies among species, which could be due to variation in the surface area and its scaling. This study aims to examine the effect of temperature on metabolic scaling and to verify the links between metabolic scaling and surface area scaling at both the whole body and the cell levels. The routine metabolic rate (RMR), gill surface area (GSA), ventilation frequency (VF), red blood cell surface area (SRBC), and metabolic rate (MRRBC) were determined in silver carp, and their mass‐scaling exponents were analyzed at 10 and 25°C. These results showed that body mass and temperature independently affected the RMR, GSA, and VF, suggesting constant scaling exponents of RMR (0.772), GSA (0.912), and VF (−0.282) with changing temperature. The RMR at 25°C was 2.29 times higher than that at 10°C, suggesting increased metabolic demand at a higher temperature. The results showed that the RMR increased, while the scaling exponents of RMR, GSA, and VF remained unchanged with increasing temperature. These results support the view that the scaling of oxygen supply capacity importantly affects metabolic scaling. TheSRBCdid not change with either temperature or body mass. However, the MRRBCincreased by 5.48 times from 10 to 25°C but did not change with body mass. As the scaling exponents of RMR did not change between temperatures, the results indicate that no obvious link exists between the scaling of both the cell size and cell metabolic rate and the metabolic scaling of silver carp.
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy‐based immunoassay detection of tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles to differentiate pancreatic cancers from chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Banaei Nariman , Moshfegh Javad , Kim Byung 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy with an exceptionally high mortality rate because it lacks effective early diagnosis methods. To improve the ability to diagnose PC, the identification of biomarkers that can differentiate PC patients from both normal controls (NC) and those with chronic pancreatitis (CP) is vital. This study demonstrates the detection of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as an excellent resource of diagnostic biomarkers in serum samples from NC individuals, and CP and PC patients using a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)‐based immunoassay technique. The assay uses the Au‐CD81‐EVs‐EphA2‐Au complex to capture PC tumor‐derived EVs specifically and produces highly localized regions of intense field enhancement (hot spots) concurrently. Applying a machine learning algorithm to the analysis of the expression level of EVs biomarkers in PC, CP, and NC individuals, the sensitivity and specificity were measured as 0.95 and 0.96, respectively. Measuring PC tumor‐derived EVs' expression levels in serum of PC patients, CP patients, and NC individuals suggests the great potential of using this biomarker to differentiate pancreatic cancers from chronic pancreatitis.
Assessing the sources of uncertainty in supply chain management
Authors: Vinogradova Marina , Rogulin Rodion , Ermakova Marina , Okhrimenko Igor 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSupply chains are prone to unpredictable events that negatively impact their ability to function effectively. The study shows that worldwide rankings may be used to determine the uncertainty profile of the supply chain in a given country or region. Supply chain uncertainties in Kazakhstan and Russia are due to insufficient transport infrastructure, high‐level corruption, and relatively low ICT adoption. Favorable business conditions give rise to fewer uncertainties and affect supply chain management in a better way.
Intramuscular corticosteroid injections in seasonal allergic rhinitis: A systematic review
Authors: Bayoumy Ahmed B. , van Schie Felicia , Stegeman Inge , Blijleven Esther B. , van der Veen Erwin L. , de Ru Jacob A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveSeasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is an exaggerated immunological reaction to allergens (pollen) in the air. In a small subgroup of patients, SAR can be difficult to control with first‐line therapy. Intramuscular corticosteroid injections (IMCIs) are an additional treatment in this subgroup of SAR patients. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the efficacy and safety of IMCIs in SAR.MethodsTitles and abstracts were independently screened, followed by full‐text screening based on predefined criteria. Included articles were critically appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. The primary outcome is reported as the final conclusion about efficacy that was stated in the included studies. The secondary outcome is the safety of IMCIs with regard to long lasting side‐effects.ResultsThe search yielded 2139 records, of which 10 were relevant and valid for our clinical question. Critical appraisal showed high risk of bias, which was due to unclear description of methods. Four out of four placebo‐controlled, randomized controlled trials reported a significant and relevant difference in efficacy in favor of IMCIs compared with placebo. The occurrence of side‐effects was not different between IMCIs and placebo or oral corticosteroids (OCs).ConclusionThe outcome of this systematic review on trials concerning intramuscular steroid injections, despite being based on individual studies claiming favorable outcome with their use, is “inconclusive.” This is because of the epidemiological high risk of bias in these studies that were mostly executed more than 30 years ago. The “inconclusive” rating allows for a description as an “optional therapy” for severe cases in guideline formation.
Photobiomodulation therapy for the prevention of acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer patients undergoing hypofractioned whole‐breast irradiation (LABRA trial)
Authors: Robijns Jolien , Lodewijckx Joy , Puts Sofie , Vanmechelen Sofie , Van Bever Leen , Claes Stefan , Pannekoeke Luc , Timmermans An , Noé Leen , Govers Mieke , Van de Werf Evelyn , Maes Annelies , Bulens Paul , Mebis Jeroen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in breast cancer patients post‐lumpectomy undergoing hypofractionated whole‐breast irradiation (HF‐WBI) for the prevention and management of acute radiodermatitis (ARD).Materials and MethodsA randomized, multicentric clinical trial (LABRA trial, NCT03924011) was set up at the Limburg Oncology Center, including the Jessa Hospital (Hasselt, BE) and Ziekenhuis Oost‐Limburg (Genk, BE). A total of 71 breast cancer patients planned to undergo HF‐WBI were randomized to one of the two study arms: the control group (n = 32) or the PBM group (n = 39). The PBM group received the standard institutional skincare combined with PBM (2×/week) during the complete radiotherapy (RT) course. Patients in the control group received the standard skincare combined with placebo treatment (2x/week). Patients' skin reactions were evaluated weekly during the RT treatment by using the modified version of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria.ResultsAt week 3 of RT, one patient presented a grade 2 and one patient a grade 3 skin reaction in the control group, while in the PBM group, all patients still presented grade 1 ARD. At the final RT session 28% of the patients presenting grade 2–3 ARD, while in the PBM group 10% presented grade 2 and no grade 3 ARD. PBM reduced the incidence of severe ARD by 18%. However, the difference was not significant (p = 0.053).ConclusionBased on the LABRA trial results, PBM seems not able to reduce the incidence of severe ARD in breast cancer patients undergoing HF‐WBI. Research in a larger patient population is recommended.
A pilot feasibility study to assess vascularity and perfusion of parathyroid glands using a portable hand‐held imager
Authors: Oh Eugene , Lee Hun Chan , Kim Yoseph , Ning Bo , Lee Seung Yup , Cha Jaepyeong , Kim Wan Wook 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesIntraoperative localization and preservation of parathyroid glands (PGs) are challenging during thyroid surgery. A new noninvasive technique of combined near‐infrared PG autofluorescence detection and dye‐free imaging angiography that allows intraoperative feedback has recently been introduced. The objective of this study was to evaluate this technique in real‐time.Materials and MethodsA pilot feasibility study of a portable imaging device in four patients who underwent either thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy is presented. PG autofluorescence and vascularity/tissue perfusion were monitored using a real‐time screen display during the surgical procedure.ResultsThree lobectomies and one total thyroidectomy were performed. Among the nine PGs identified by the operating surgeon, eight PGs were confirmed using the autofluorescence device. Each PG was successfully determined to be either well‐perfused or devascularized, and devascularized PGs were autotransplanted.ConclusionsThe preliminary results suggest that the combination of PG autofluorescence detection and dye‐free angiography can potentially be used to assess PG function. With further validation studies, the effectiveness of this technique in clinical practice can be further delineated.
Emergence of Non‐Hexagonal Crystal Packing of Deswollen and Deformed Ultra‐Soft Microgels under Osmotic Pressure Control
Authors: Islam Molla R. , Nguyen Rachel , Lyon Louis Andrew 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHighly solvent swollen poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) microgels are synthesized without exogenous crosslinker, making them extremely soft and deformable. These ultralow crosslinked microgels (ULC) are incubated under controlled osmotic pressure to provide a slow (and presumably thermodynamically controlled) approach to higher packing densities. It is found that ULC microgels show stable colloidal packing over a very wide range of osmotic pressures and thus packing densities. Surprising observation of co‐existence between hexagonal and square lattices is also made over the lower range of studied osmotic pressures, with microgels apparently changing shape from spheres to cubes in defects or grain boundaries. It is proposed that the unusual packing behavior observed for ULC microgels is due to the extreme softness of these particles, where deswelling causes deformation and shrinking of the particles that result in unique packing states governed by contributions to the entropy at the colloidal system, single particle and ionic levels. These observations further suggest that more detailed experimental and theoretical studies of ultra‐soft microgels are required to obtain a complete understanding of their behavior in packed and confined geometries.
A Synthetic Overview of Preparation Protocols of Nonmetallic, Contact‐Active Antimicrobial Quaternary Surfaces on Polymer Substrates
Authors: Andersen Christian , Madsen Jeppe , Daugaard Anders E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAntibacterial surfaces have been researched for more than 30 years and remain highly desirable. In particular, there is an interest in providing antimicrobial properties to commodity plastics, because these, in their native state, are excellent substrates for pathogens to adhere and proliferate on. Therefore, efficient strategies for converting surfaces of commodity plastics into contact‐active antimicrobial surfaces are of significant interest. Many systems have been prepared and tested for their efficacy. Here, the synthetic approaches to such active surfaces are reviewed, with the restriction to only include systems with tested antibacterial properties. The review focuses on the synthetic approach to surface functionalization of the most common materials used and tested for biomedical applications, which effectively has limited the study to quaternary materials. For future developments in the field, it is evident that there is a need for development of simple methods that permit scalable production of active surfaces. Furthermore, in terms of efficacy, there is an outstanding concern of a lack of universal antimicrobial action as well as rapid deactivation of the antibacterial effect through surface fouling.