bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rosmarinic acid relieves cisplatin‐induced ovary toxicity in female mice via suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Gui Hua , Jin Yue , Lin Aini , Wang Peihong , Wang Yan , Zhu Haibin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRosmarinic acid having potential anti‐inflammatory and free radical scavenging activity. We examined the chemotherapeutic effect of rosmarinic against cisplatin (CIS)‐induced ovarian toxicity via modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Swiss BALB mice used in experimental protocol and mice were divided into different groups. Intraperitoneal injection of CIS (7 mg/kg) was used for ovarian cancer induction. The rats were received rosmarinic acid (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, body weight) treatment for 22 weeks. Body weight, ovary weight food, and water intake were estimated at regular time intervals. Hormonal and antioxidant parameters were estimated in the ovary tissue and serum at the end of the study. Cytokines, inflammatory, and apoptosis parameters were determined at the end of the study. Finally, the ovary tissue histopathology was performed at end of the experimental study. Rosmarinic acid significantly (p < 0.001) improved the body weight and reduced the ovary weight. Rosmarinic acid considerably reduced the hormonal assay parameters, such as antimullerian hormone, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and follicle‐stimulating hormone compared to model control mice. Rosmarinic treatment significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the level of nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase, and boosted the level of antioxidant parameters, such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in serum and ovary tissue. Rosmarinic acid downregulated the cytokines like interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β; inflammatory parameter includes prostaglandin E2, cyclooxygenase‐2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase at a dose‐dependently. Ovary tissue histopathology showed improvement after rosmarinic acid treatment. The result suggests that rosmarinic acid is a protective effect in ameliorating CIS‐induced ovary toxicity via alteration of inflammatory and apoptosis parameters.
Clinical experience with maintenance therapeutic plasma exchange in refractory generalized myasthenia gravis
Authors: Sheckley Hunter , Malhotra Kunal , Katyal Nakul , Narula Naureen , Govindarajan Raghav 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite the availability of several immunomodulatory therapies, about 20% of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients remain refractory to conventional treatments. There is limited evidence to support the use of maintenance therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) therapy for refractory generalized MG.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 14 patients with refractory generalized MG treated for 12 months with maintenance TPE therapy. Outcome measures were myasthenia gravis composite (MGC) score, myasthenia gravis activities of daily living (MG‐ADL), number of acute exacerbations, medication changes, and adverse events. Data were collected at 3 monthly intervals for 12 months before and after initiation of TPE therapy.ResultsClinically meaningful reductions in mean MG‐ADL (>2 points) (mean MG‐ADL score: 9.9 ± 0.5; 12‐month pre‐TPE to 5.2 ± 0.9; 12‐month post‐TPE) and MGC (>3 points) (mean MGC score: 25.2 ± 1.6; 12‐month pre‐TPE to 11.7 ± 1.4; 12‐month post‐TPE) were observed at 3 months following initiation of TPE and were maintained up to 12 months in all patients. After 12 months of TPE therapy, all patients had a significant reduction in daily prednisone and pyridostigmine use. Patients previously on IVIG or rituximab therapy were successfully weaned off both treatments. There was a significant reduction in acute MG exacerbations; 7.8 ± 1.1 mean exacerbations/patient (12‐month pre‐TPE) to 2 ± 1.1 mean exacerbations/patient (12‐month post‐TPE).ConclusionOver a period of 12 months, maintenance TPE therapy improved MG‐ADL, and MGC with decreased immunosuppressant requirement, while being well‐tolerated.
Investigation of the relationship between continuing bonds and adjustment after the death of a first‐degree family member by using the Multidimensional Continuing Bonds Scale
Authors: Keser Emrah , Işıklı Sedat 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe study aims to develop a continuing bonds scale, investigate the relationship between continuing bonds and adjustment after loss, and test the moderating role of meaning reconstruction in this relationship.MethodsData were collected from two different samples of 306 (Study 1) and 271 (Study 2) bereaved adults.ResultsThe four factors structure of the Multidimensional Continuing Bonds Scale (MCBS) was explored and confirmed. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that continuing bonds showed a significant relationship with prolonged grief symptoms after controlling the risk factors such as gender, age of the deceased, time since loss, and cause of death. Meaning reconstruction moderated the relationship between continuing bonds and prolonged grief symptoms.ConclusionThe results revealed that the MCBS can be used as a valid and reliable scale to assess the continuing bonds construct. The relationship between continuing bonds and prolonged grief symptoms varies according to the levels of meaning reconstruction.
Psychometric properties of the spanish version of the Valuing Questionnaire in Colombian clinical and nonclinical samples
Authors: Ruiz Francisco J. , Suárez‐Falcón Juan C. , Segura‐Vargas Miguel A. , Gil‐Luciano Bárbara 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Valuing Questionnaire (VQ) in Colombian clinical and nonclinical samples.MethodThe VQ was administered to a total sample of 1820 participants, which included undergraduates (N = 762), general population (N = 724), and a clinical sample (N = 334). The questionnaire packages included measures of experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, mindfulness, life satisfaction, and psychological difficulties.ResultsAcross the different samples, internal consistency was good (global Cronbach's alpha of 0.83 for Progress and 0.82 for obstruction). Measurement invariance was found across samples and gender, and the two‐factor model obtained a good fit to the data. The latent means of progress and obstruction of the clinical sample were lower and higher, respectively, than the latent means of the nonclinical samples. Correlations with other variables were in the expected direction.ConclusionThe Spanish version of the VQ showed good psychometric properties.
Death and taxes: Examining the racial inequality in premature death across neighborhoods
Authors: Zuberi Anita , Teixeira Samantha 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLegacies of residential segregation have led to deep inequities felt in communities of color across the nation and have been established as a fundamental cause of health disparities. Historical practices such as the redlining of majority Black neighborhoods in cities have led to long term consequences on these communities, including concentrated poverty and disadvantage. Research shows a strong connection between living in a poor neighborhood and poorer health outcomes, including early death, but questions remain about what characteristics of poor neighborhoods drive these disparities. We combined data from the American Community Survey with administrative data from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to examine the difference in premature death in Black and white neighborhoods (N = 87) using measures of socioeconomic disadvantage and less commonly studied neighborhood features including vacancy, tax delinquency, and property sales and conditions. Results suggest that features of abandonment, particularly the percent of tax delinquent properties in a neighborhood, may capture an important structural difference between majority Black and majority white neighborhoods with impacts beyond socioeconomic disadvantage on community health. We discuss implications of these findings for research and practice.
#COVID#BACKTOSCHOOL: Qualitative study based on the voice of Portuguese adolescents
Authors: Branquinho Cátia , Santos Anabela Caetano , Ramiro Lúcia , Gaspar de Matos Margarida 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDue to the COVID‐19 pandemic and the exponential increase in cases, educational institutions worldwide were forced to close, making way for digital learning. After a period of confinement and an online teaching methodology, a new school year has begun. However, this new school year included the application of a wide range of measures that transformed the educative setting. The present study aimed to understand the health consequences for adolescents and young adults (AYA) during the back to school period after the COVID‐19 lockdown. This mixed‐method study included 304 participants between 16 and 24 years old (M = 18.4, SD = 2.12), female (71.1%), Portuguese (90.8%) and students (85.2%). In general, it was with a pessimistic perspective that young people in general, particularly girls and university students, understood the new school reality postconfinement, the effects on friendship relations, leisure activities and physical activity. By demonstrating AYA's ability and competence to identify and expose their problems, this study intends to raise awareness of the need for their involvement in the issues that affect them.
Gill morphology of Bagrus bayad (Forskal, 1775) using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Bassuoni Naglaa F. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe work under investigation is carried out to describe the gross morphology and ultrastructure of the gills of the species Bagrus bayad grossly and with the help of scanning electron microscopy. The current work carried on ten fresh adult Bagrus bayad. Bagrus bayad is a genus of the Bagridae family. Our results revealed that the operculum opened caudoventrally. The wide interbranchial septum consisted of four transverse raised areas on each side that connected by transverse lines caudal to the base of the tongue. The gill arch is divided into long ceratobranchial and the short epibranchial clearly and formed an angle between them in the first three gill arches but in the fourth‐gill arch is not clear. The first two gill arches have only lateral rackers. The first arch carried well‐developed long rackers while rackers on the following rows were short. The majority of gill rackers were short as an adaptation of the carnivorous feeding habit of the Bagrus bayad. The gill arch and rackers were covered by pavement cells with chloride and mucus cells. The pavement cell surface has numerous microridges giving them the fingerprint's appearance. The gill filament's length is nearly fixed along the entire gill arch. Along the gill arch, and the gill filament carried leaf‐like gill lamellae. At higher magnification, the gill filament appeared covered by irregular polygonal cells that have concentric microridges.
Easing the burden of multi‐state genetic counseling licensure in the United States: Process, pitfalls, and possible solutions
Authors: Tschirgi Matthew L. , Owens Kailey M. , Mackall Mia S. , Allen Jamie , Allen Rachel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractState‐based genetic counseling licensure creates standardization, ensures high‐quality care, and supports the credentialing of genetic counselors (GCs) in the United States. However, it also has the unintended consequence of requiring substantial time and resources from genetic counselors who need to obtain licensure in multiple states. There is a wide range of variability among state licensure applications, required supporting documentation, verification processes, and cost—all of which are barriers for genetic counselors. New licensure laws are being passed on a regular basis, further complicating this process. Resources may be available to some genetic counselors such as employer reimbursement and administrative support; however, access to this support is not universal. This paper reviews the current condition of genetic counseling multi‐state licensure, including barriers, unique challenges, and possible solutions for increased efficiencies, based on the authors’ experiences and examples found in other healthcare fields.
Genomic characterization of SARS‐CoV‐2 isolates from patients in Turkey reveals the presence of novel mutations in spike and nsp12 proteins
Authors: Sahin Erdem , Bozdayi Gulendam , Yigit Selin , Muftah Hager , Dizbay Murat , Tunccan Ozlem G. , Fidan Isil , Caglar Kayhan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNovel mutations have been emerging in the genome of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2); consequently, the evolving of more virulent and treatment resistance strains have the potential to increase transmissibility and mortality rates. The characterization of full‐length SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes is critical for understanding the origin and transmission pathways of the virus, as well as identifying mutations that affect the transmissibility and pathogenicity of the virus. We present an analysis of the mutation pattern and clade distribution of full‐length SARS‐CoV‐2 genome sequences obtained from specimens tested at Gazi University Medical Virology Laboratory. Viral RNA was extracted from nasopharyngeal specimens. Next‐generation sequencing libraries were prepared and sequenced on Illumina iSeq 100 platform. Raw sequencing data were processed to obtain full‐length genome sequences and variant calling was performed to analyze amino acid changes. Clade distribution was determined to understand the phylogenetic background in relation to global data. A total of 293 distinct mutations were identified, of which 152 missense, 124 synonymous, 12 noncoding, and 5 deletions. The most frequent mutations were P323L (nsp12), D614G (ORF2/S), and 2421C>T (5′‐untranslated region) found simultaneously in all sequences. Novel mutations were found in nsp12 (V111A, H133R, Y453C, M626K) and ORF2/S (R995G, V1068L). Nine different Pangolin lineages were detected. The most frequently assigned lineage was B.1.1 (17 sequences), followed by B.1 (7 sequences) and B.1.1.36 (3 sequences). Sequence information is essential for revealing genomic diversity. Mutations might have significant functional implications and analysis of these mutations provides valuable information for therapeutic and vaccine development studies. Our findings point to the introduction of the virus into Turkey through various sources and the subsequent spread of several key variants.
Evaluation of the relationship between macrophage migration inhibitory factor level and clinical course in patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Aksakal Alperen , Kerget Buğra , Kerget Ferhan , Aşkın Seda 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic, which has ravaged our world for more than a year, still shapes our agenda with a scale of intensity that fluctuates over time. In our study, we aimed to determine the correlation between serum migration inhibitory factor (MIF) level and disease severity in COVID‐19 with different prognoses. Between 15 October 2020 and 20 January 2021, 110 patients over the age of 18 who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 and 40 volunteer healthcare personnel were included in our study. MIF levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In the comparison of serum MIF values in the patient and control group, it was observed that the MIF level was significantly higher in patients with both moderate and severe COVID‐19 levels compared to the control group (p = 0.001, 0.001). In the comparison of serum MIF values of moderate to severe COVID‐19 patients, it was observed that MIF level was higher in severe patients (p = 0.001). In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis performed to differentiate between severe and moderate COVID‐19 patients with MIF levels, the area under the curve was observed as 0.78. When the cutoff value of the MIF level was taken as 4.455 ng/ml, the sensitivity was 83% and the specificity was 62%. Failure to adequately balance the pro‐inflammatory cytokines synthesized in COVID‐19 with anti‐inflammatory effect is the most important reason for the aggravation of the disease course. Playing a role in pro‐inflammatory cytokine synthesis, MIF can provide important information about the disease prognosis in the early period.
Genomic monitoring unveil the early detection of the SARS‐CoV‐2 B.1.351 (beta) variant (20H/501Y.V2) in Brazil
Authors: Slavov Svetoslav N. , Patané José S. L. , Bezerra Rafael dos Santos , Giovanetti Marta , Fonseca Vagner , Martins Antonio J. , Viala Vincent L. , Rodrigues Evandra S. , Santos Elaine V. , Barros Claudia R. S. , Marqueze Elaine C. , Santos Bibiana , Aburjaile Flavia , Neto Raul M. , Moretti Debora B. , Haddad Ricardo , Calado Rodrigo T. , Kitajima João P. , Freitas Erika , Schlesinger David , Junior de Alcantara Luiz C. , Elias Maria C. , Sampaio Sandra C. , Kashima Simone , Covas Dimas T. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSao Paulo State, currently experiences a second COVID‐19 wave overwhelming the healthcare system. Due to the paucity of SARS‐CoV‐2 complete genome sequencing, we established a Network for Pandemic Alert of Emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 Variants to rapidly understand and monitor the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants into the state. Through analysis of 210 SARS‐CoV‐2 complete genomes obtained from the largest regional health departments we identified cocirculation of multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 lineages such as B.1.1 (0.5%), B.1.1.28 (23.2%), B.1.1.7 (alpha variant, 6.2%), B.1.566 (1.4%), B.1.544 (0.5%), C.37 (0.5%) P.1 (gamma variant, 66.2%), and P.2 (zeta variant, 1.0%). Our analysis allowed also the detection, for the first time in Brazil, the South African B.1.351 (beta) variant of concern, B.1.351 (501Y.V2) (0.5%), characterized by the following mutations: ORF1ab: T265I, R724K, S1612L, K1655N, K3353R, SGF 3675_F3677del, P4715L, E5585D; spike: D80A, D215G, L242_L244del, A262D, K417N, E484K, N501Y, D614G, A701V, C1247F; ORF3a: Q57H, S171L, E: P71L; ORF7b: Y10F, N: T205I; ORF14: L52F. The most recent common ancestor of the identified strain was inferred to be mid‐October to late December 2020. Our analysis demonstrated the P.1 lineage predominance and allowed the early detection of the South African strain for the first time in Brazil. We highlight the importance of SARS‐CoV‐2 active monitoring to ensure the rapid detection of potential variants for pandemic control and vaccination strategies.Highlights Identification of B.1.351 (beta) variant of concern in the Sao Paulo State. Dissemination of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern and interest in the Sao Paulo State. Mutational Profile of the circulating variants of concern and interest.
Pricing optimization and competition under the linear nested stochastic choice model
Authors: Li Lixiang , Ke Ginger Y. , Li Min , Zhang Lianmin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this article, we investigate the pricing optimization of firms selling multiple alternatives to the market where consumer purchase behavior follows the linear nested stochastic choice (LNSC) model. As a special case of the nested stochastic choice (NSC) model, LNSC similarly features a two‐step Luce procedure. Considering differentiated price sensitivities in a non‐exact preference function form, the present research specifically shows that, for any product in each nest, the adjusted markup is constant under certain conditions; and the adjusted nest‐level markup is constant among nests under another sufficient condition. The “loss‐leader” effect is observed, which indicates that it may be optimal to price a product with a negative adjusted markup or even a negative margin to attract more attention to the corresponding nest. Based on these results, the pricing optimization can be simplified to a single‐variable problem where the objective function is unimodal. Then, a special case with an exponential preference function is discussed along with its concavity of the total expected profit. The above results are also used to construct the oligopoly multiproduct price competition and characterize the Nash equilibrium. Finally, a series of sensitivity analyses are conducted to reveal the impacts of key parameters on the optimal solutions.
Stress‐constrained concurrent topology optimization of two‐scale hierarchical structures
Authors: Zhao Ruijie , Zhao Junpeng , Wang Chunjie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article develops a concurrent topology optimization approach for designing two‐scale hierarchical structures under stress constraints without specifying the topology of the unit cell as a priori. Compared with traditional stress‐constrained topology optimization, the number of stress constraints involved in concurrent topology optimization is much larger and the sensitivity analysis for stress constraints is computationally more expensive. To address these challenges, a novel hierarchical aggregation strategy is proposed to handle the large number of stress constraints and an adjoint method is developed for efficient sensitivity analysis. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. It is also found that the structures obtained by traditional topology optimization usually perform better than the two‐scale structures obtained by concurrent topology optimization when only concentrated loads are considered, while the latter may exhibit better performance in the case that distributed loads are involved.
Open‐cell polyvinylidene fluoride foams as carriers to promote biofilm growth for biological wastewater treatment
Authors: Ghahramani Pardis , Eldyasti Ahmed , Leung Siu N. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article reports the design and fabrication of open‐cell polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) foams as carriers that can promote biofilm growth and organic removal efficiency for biological wastewater treatment in attached growth bioreactors. Open‐cell PVDF foams were fabricated by a manufacturing approach that integrated compression molding and particulate leaching. PVDF carriers were structured with two governing factors of leaching agent types (e.g., sodium chloride [NaCl] and sodium acetate [NaOAc]) and contents (e.g., 80 and 90 wt%). Open‐cell PVDF foams possessed high porosity and high protected surface area (i.e., more than ×10 to ×20 of the areas of commercialized carriers), which promoted biofilm growth in these carriers. As a successful advantage, PVDF carriers used in the moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) were entirely covered by biofilm in both interior and exterior parts without clogging. This provides strong evidence of the bacterial compatibility of the fabricated open‐cell PVDF foam carriers. Moreover, the specific morphology of the PVDF carriers in this article provided superior biofilm protection from the detachment in MBBR. Experimental results revealed that PVDF open‐cell foams fabricated by 80 wt% of NaCl demonstrated higher mechanical strength with an organic removal efficiency of 77% ± 7% in the corresponding bioreactor containing them.