bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
De‐identification procedures for magnetic resonance images and the impact on structural brain measures at different ages
Authors: Buimer Elizabeth E. L. , Schnack Hugo G. , Caspi Yaron , van Haren Neeltje E. M. , Milchenko Mikhail , Pas Pascal ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Hulshoff Pol Hilleke E. , Brouwer Rachel M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSurface rendering of MRI brain scans may lead to identification of the participant through facial characteristics. In this study, we evaluate three methods that overwrite voxels containing privacy‐sensitive information: Face Masking, FreeSurfer defacing, and FSL defacing. We included structural T1‐weighted MRI scans of children, young adults and older adults. For the young adults, test–retest data were included with a 1‐week interval. The effects of the de‐identification methods were quantified using different statistics to capture random variation and systematic noise in measures obtained through the FreeSurfer processing pipeline. Face Masking and FSL defacing impacted brain voxels in some scans especially in younger participants. FreeSurfer defacing left brain tissue intact in all cases. FSL defacing and FreeSurfer defacing preserved identifiable characteristics around the eyes or mouth in some scans. For all de‐identification methods regional brain measures of subcortical volume, cortical volume, cortical surface area, and cortical thickness were on average highly replicable when derived from original versus de‐identified scans with average regional correlations >.90 for children, young adults, and older adults. Small systematic biases were found that incidentally resulted in significantly different brain measures after de‐identification, depending on the studied subsample, de‐identification method, and brain metric. In young adults, test–retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were comparable for original scans and de‐identified scans with average regional ICCs >.90 for (sub)cortical volume and cortical surface area and ICCs >.80 for cortical thickness. We conclude that apparent visual differences between de‐identification methods minimally impact reliability of brain measures, although small systematic biases can occur.
Evidence of support used for drug treatments in pediatric cardiology
Authors: Back Julia , Wåhlander Håkan , Hanseus Katarina , Bergman Gunnar , Naumburg Estelle 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsClinical support systems are widely used in pediatric care. The aim of this study was to assess the support for drug treatments used at pediatric cardiac wards and intensive care units in Sweden.MethodsDrug information, such as type of drug, indication, dose, and route of administration, for all in‐hospital pediatric cardiac patients, was included in the study. Treatments were classified as either on‐label (based on product information) or off‐label. Support for off‐label treatment was stratified by the use of clinical support systems (the national database on drugs, local, or other clinical experience guidelines).ResultsIn all, 28 patients were included in the study. The total number of drug treatments was 233, encompassing 65 different drugs. Overall, 175 (75%) treatments were off‐label. A majority of off‐label drug treatments were supported by other sources of information shared by experts. A total of 7% of the drug treatments were used without support.ConclusionOff‐label drug treatment is still common in Swedish pediatric cardiac care. However, the majority of treatments were supported by the experience shared in clinical support systems.Key Points
Seventy‐five percent of all prescriptions in pediatric cardiology care were off‐label.
A majority of patients received three or more drug treatments off‐label.
Use of clinical support systems and guidelines was common, but in 7% of all drug treatments, no support was found for the chosen treatment.
Epidemiology and genetic characterization of respiratory syncytial virus in children with acute respiratory infections: Findings from the influenza sentinel surveillance network in Central African Republic, 2015 to 2018
Authors: Komoyo Giscard F. , Yambiyo Brice M. , Manirakiza Alexandre , Gody Jean C. , Muller Claude P. , Hübschen Judith M. , Nakoune Emmanuel , Snoeck Chantal J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the main viral pathogens causing acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age but has seldom been studied in Central African Republic (CAF). Taking advantage of the national influenza surveillance network in CAF, this study aimed at providing the first insights into RSV prevalence and seasonality over 4 years of surveillance and the clinical manifestations of RSV in this population in CAF.MethodsA total of 3903 children under 5 years matching the influenza‐like illness (ILI, 68.5%) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI, 31.5%) case definitions were recruited from January 2015 to December 2018. The presence of RSV viral RNA in nasopharyngeal samples was assessed by RT‐PCR, followed by RSV‐A and RSV‐B typing and Sanger sequencing on a subset of samples. Phylogenetic analyses were carried on partial G protein sequences. Associations between RSV and demographic or clinical manifestations were investigated by statistical analyses.ResultsRSV prevalence was significantly higher in infants <6 months (13.4%), in hospitalized children (13.3% vs 5.5%) and in male patients (9.5% vs 6.4%). An overall prevalence of RSV of 8.0% in the period of 2015 to 2018 was shown, with significant annual (6.4%‐10.6%) and seasonal (12.7% in rainy season vs 3.0% in dry season) fluctuations. While RSV seasons in 2015, 2016, and 2018 were relatively similar, 2017 showed deviations from the overall patterns with significantly higher RSV circulation and an outbreak peak 3 to 5 months earlier. Concomitant circulation of RSV‐A and RSV‐B with an alternating predominance of RSV‐A and RSV‐B strains and temporal RSV‐A genotype replacement from NA1 to ON1 was observed.ConclusionThis study represents the first in‐depth epidemiological analysis of RSV in CAF and provides first insights into RSV genetic diversity and seasonality in the country.
Experimental and numerical validation of hygrothermal transfer in brick wall
Authors: Chbani Idrissi Yassine , Belarbi Rafik , Allam Reda , Feddaoui M'Barek , Bennai Fares , Agliz Driss 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a mathematical model dealing with a coupled heat, air, and moisture transfer in a building envelope was developed. Based on the three‐following driving potential: vapor pressure, dry air pressure, and temperature, an application on a hygrothermal behavior of a real wall was carried out for different climatic conditions. For this purpose, a characterization of the heat and moisture properties of the materials constituting the wall made with red brick and cement mortar was carried out in the laboratory. This was used to evaluate experimentally the input parameters of the model as a function of relative humidity. To validate the numerical model, an experimental platform was improved. The wall was set up in a double‐climatic chamber with different boundary conditions, and then the temperature and humidity evolutions were recorded using several sensors within the wall thickness. The results have highlighted a good agreement between numerical simulation results and experimental ones.
A critical evaluation of the new cram‐down tool in Singapore's restructuring regime
Authors: Teo Chuanzhong Ken 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSingapore has recently reformed its insolvency regime in its efforts to be an international restructuring hub. To that end, Singapore has attempted to take an autochthonous approach in adapting several of the legal tools from the US Chapter 11 for reforming its own restructuring regime. This article seeks to critically evaluate the cross‐class cram‐down mechanism in Singapore, which has been implemented with caution and novelty. While such an approach seeks to protect both the interest of its shareholders and creditors, it might lead to a regime that is undesirable for Singapore, considering its pursuit to be an international restructuring hub. In particular, it will be argued that Singapore's cram‐down mechanism is susceptible to risks of hold‐ups by both shareholders and creditors. Additionally, from the ex ante perspective, the cram‐down mechanism does not promote expediency in parties' negotiation. The implementation of a novel cram‐down arrangement would also inextricably bring about uncertainty to its application. A lacklustre engagement of the cram‐down tool in practice might ensue, which could hamper Singapore's plan to organically develop and fine‐tune the cram‐down regime down the road.
When loneliness dimensions drift apart: Emotional, social and physical loneliness during the COVID‐19 lockdown and its associations with age, personality, stress and well‐being
Authors: Landmann Helen , Rohmann Anette 
Published: May 2021

Previous research differentiated between emotional loneliness (perceived lack of emotional connection with others) and social loneliness (perceived lack of a broader social network). We argue that physical loneliness (perceived lack of physical contact) constitutes a third dimension of loneliness that is particularly relevant in times of physical distancing. We conducted a longitudinal experience sampling study (N = 578) during the first 8 weeks of the COVID‐19 lockdown in Germany to test this claim. The results indicate that loneliness has a three‐dimensional structure encompassing emotional, social and physical loneliness. Each loneliness dimension explained a unique variance in perceived stress and psychological well‐being. However, the three loneliness dimensions differed in their prevalence during the contact restrictions and their associations with age and personality. Physical loneliness was higher during the contact restrictions whereas emotional and social loneliness remained on a normal level. Age was positively associated with social loneliness but negatively associated with physical loneliness. Extraversion was negatively associated with emotional and social loneliness but positively associated with physical loneliness. These findings expand loneliness models, enhance loneliness assessment and improve the prediction of vulnerability to loneliness.
A comparative study of toxicity of graphdiyne and graphene oxide to human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Cao Yi , Xiao Weijie , Li Shuang , Qiu Dexin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe success of graphene oxide (GO) has attracted extensive research interests in developing novel 2D nanomaterials (NMs). Graphdiyne (GDY) is a new member of carbon‐based 2D NMs possessing sp‐ and sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms. However, the toxicity of GDY is less investigated as GO. In this study, we compared the toxicity of GDY and GO with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Exposure to up to 100‐μg/ml GDY and GO induced cytotoxicity, but there was no statistically significant difference between GDY and GO. At noncytotoxic concentration, 25‐μg/ml GDY or GO led to the internalization of NMs, typically in cytoplasm but not in nuclei. Only GO but not GDY significantly increased THP‐1 adhesion onto NM‐exposed HUVECs. Meanwhile, compared with GDY, GO more effectively promoted the release of soluble intracellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), indicating the differential effects of GDY and GO on endothelial activation. Neither GDY nor GO induced intracellular superoxide. However, GO significantly promoted the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress genes activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and X‐box binding protein 1 spliced (XBP‐1s), as well pyroptosis genes NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and gasdermin D (GSDMD), whereas GDY did not show this effect. The results suggested that GDY and GO could be internalized into HUVECs leading to cytotoxic effects. However, GO was more potent to activate endothelial activation probably due to the activation of ER stress and pyroptosis genes.
Variants in the ethylmalonyl‐CoA decarboxylase (ECHDC1) gene: a novel player in ethylmalonic aciduria?
Authors: Fogh Sarah , Dipace Graziana , Bie Anne , Veiga‐da‐Cunha Maria , Hansen Jakob , Kjeldsen Margrethe , Mosegaard Signe , Ribes Antonia , Gregersen Niels , Aagaard Lars , Van Schaftingen Emile , Olsen Rikke K. J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEthylmalonic acid (EMA) is a major and potentially cytotoxic metabolite associated with short‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) deficiency, a condition whose status as a disease is uncertain. Unexplained high EMA is observed in some individuals with complex neurological symptoms, who carry the SCAD gene (ACADS) variants, c.625G>A and c.511C>T. The variants have a high allele frequency in the general population, but are significantly overrepresented in individuals with elevated EMA. This has led to the idea that these variants need to be associated with variants in other genes to cause hyperexcretion of ethylmalonic acid and possibly a diseased state. Ethylmalonyl‐CoA decarboxylase (ECHDC1) has been described and characterized as an EMA metabolite repair enzyme, however, its clinical relevance has never been investigated. In this study, we sequenced the ECHDC1 gene (ECHDC1) in 82 individuals, who were reported with unexplained high EMA levels due to the presence of the common ACADS variants only. Three individuals with ACADS c.625G>A variants were found to be heterozygous for ECHDC1 loss‐of‐function variants. Knockdown experiments of ECHDC1, in healthy human cells with different ACADS c.625G>A genotypes, showed that ECHDC1 haploinsufficiency and homozygosity for the ACADS c.625G>A variant had a synergistic effect on cellular EMA excretion. This study reports the first cases of ECHDC1 gene defects in humans and suggests that ECHDC1 may be involved in elevated EMA excretion in only a small group of individuals with the common ACADS variants. However, a direct link between ECHDC1/ACADS deficiency, EMA and disease could not be proven.
Fabrication and characterization of gum arabic‐ and maltodextrin‐based microcapsules containing polyunsaturated oils
Authors: Akram Sajeela , Bao Yiwen , Butt Masood S , Shukat Rizwan , Afzal Arslan , Huang Jen‐Yi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDPolyunsaturated oils have various health‐promoting effects, however, they are highly prone to oxidation. Encapsulation using biopolymers is one of the most effective strategies to enhance oil stability. This research examined the potential of gum arabic and maltodextrin for microencapsulation of omega‐3 rich oils, aiming to enhance encapsulation efficiency and stability of encapsulated oil.RESULTSWe encapsulated fish and flaxseed oils by emulsification‐spray drying. Spray‐dried microcapsules were prepared by oil‐in‐water emulsions consisting of 10 wt% oil and 30 wt% biopolymer (gum arabic, maltodextrin, or their mixture). Results showed that both microcapsules were spherical in shape with surface shrinkage, and exhibited amorphous structures. Gum arabic‐based microcapsules had higher encapsulation efficiency as well as better storage stability for both types of oil. Flaxseed oil microcapsules generally had higher oxidative stability regardless of the type of wall material.CONCLUSIONSThrough a comprehensive characterization of the physical and chemical properties of the emulsions and resulting microcapsules, we proved gum arabic to be a more effective wall material for polyunsaturated oil microencapsulation, especially flaxseed oil. This study provides a promising approach to stabilize oils which are susceptible to deterioration, and facilitates their wider uses as food and nutraceutical products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chromatographic characterization of a silica hydride‐based amide stationary phase
Authors: Pesek Joseph J. , Matyska Maria T. , Tardiff Emma , Hiltz Tanya 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAn amide phase based on a porous silica hydride support material is tested for retention characteristics in both the reversed‐phase and aqueous normal‐phase modes. A series of retention maps (capacity factor vs. mobile phase composition) were obtained using reference standards of varying analyte sizes, functionalities, and polarities. An assessment of the specific column selectivity is made and classes of compounds are identified that show high potential for effective retention, resolution, and efficiency when using amide functionalized silica hydride columns for reversed‐phase and aqueous‐normal phase separation. Several practical applications are presented that illustrate the capabilities of this particular column format.
Topology‐Induced Phase Transitions in Spin‐Orbit Photonics
Authors: Ling Xiaohui , Guan Fuxin , Cai Xiaodong , Ma Shaojie , Xu He‐Xiu , He Qiong , Xiao Shiyi , Zhou Lei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSpin‐controlled vortex generation and spin‐Hall effect, two distinct effects discovered in optics, have been extensively studied recently. However, while physical origins of two effects are both due to spin‐orbit interactions, their inherent connections remain obscure which also hinders further explorations on the manipulations of them. Here, in studying the scattering of a spin‐polarized light beam at sharp interfaces, an intriguing phase transition between vortex generation and spin‐Hall shift trigged by varying the incidence angle is revealed. After reflection/refraction, the beam contains two components: normal and abnormal modes acquiring spin‐redirection‐Berry phases and Pancharatnam–Berry phases, respectively. Inside the abnormal beam, two classes of wave components gain Pancharatnam–Berry phases with distinct topological natures, generating intrinsic and extrinsic orbital angular momenta (OAM), respectively. Enlarging incidence angle changes the relative portions of these two contributions, making the abnormal beam undergo a phase transition from vortex generation to spin‐Hall shift. Such intriguing effect is experimentally observed at a purposely designed metamaterial slab, exhibiting efficiency enhanced by several‐thousand times compared to that at a conventional slab. These findings unify two previously discovered effects in a single framework, reinterpret previous results with clearer pictures, and shed light on understanding other physical effects involving the competition between intrinsic and extrinsic OAM.
Low‐Level Light Therapy Downregulates Scalp Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia and Boosts Minoxidil 2% to Bring a Sustainable Hair Regrowth Activity
Authors: Mahe Yann F. , Cheniti Ahsène , Tacheau Charlotte , Antonelli Rosaria , Planard‐Luong Lien , de Bernard Simon , Buffat Laurent , Barbarat Philippe , Kanoun‐Copy Leila 
Published: May 2021

Background and ObjectivesLow‐level light therapies using visible to infrared light are known to activate several cellular functions, such as adenosine triphosphate and nitric oxide synthesis. However, few clinical observations report its biological consequences for skin and scalp homeostasis. Since scalp inflammation was recognized as a potential physiological obstacle to the efficacy of the reference hair regrowth drug Minoxidil in vivo and since perifollicular inflammation is the hallmark of about 50%–70% follicular units in androgenetic alopecia, we decided to investigate whether the anti‐inflammatory activity of LLLT/GentleWaves® device were assigned to L'Oréal by Light BioScience L.L.C., Virginia Beach, VA (US) could enhance hair regrowth activity of Minoxidil.Study Design/Materials and MethodsWe conducted a first experimental clinical study on 64 men with androgenetic alopecia using LLLT/GentleWaves®, 590‐nm predominant wavelength 70 seconds, specifically pulsed once per day, for 3 days, and we performed a whole‐genome analysis of treated scalp biopsies. In a second clinical study, including 135 alopecic volunteers, we evaluated the hair regrowth activity in response to the upgraded LLLT/GentleWaves® device and Minoxidil.ResultsIn the first clinical study, whole‐genome analysis of treated scalp biopsies showed downregulation of scalp inflammatory biomarkers, such as AP1/FOSB messenger RNA (mRNA) and mir21, together with the disappearance of CD69 mRNA, specific to scalp‐infiltrating T cells of about 50% of the studied volunteers prior to the LLLT/GentleWaves® treatment. In the second clinical study, we observed that LLLT/GentleWaves® was able to boost the hair regrowth activity of a Minoxidil 2% lotion to the extent of the highest concentration (5%) in terms of efficacy, number of responders, and perceived performance.ConclusionsAltogether, these observations suggest the potential benefit of LLLT/GentleWaves® as a noninvasive adjunctive technology for skin and scalp conditions, where a mild perifollicular inflammation is involved. Lasers Surg. Med. 2021. Copyright © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Spatial Covariance of Cholinergic Muscarinic M1/M4 Receptors in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Colloby Sean J. , Nathan Pradeep J. , Bakker Geor , Lawson Rachael A. , Yarnall Alison J. , Burn David J. , O'Brien John T. , Taylor John‐Paul 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is associated with cholinergic dysfunction, although the role of M1 and M4 receptors remains unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate spatial covariance patterns of cholinergic muscarinic M1/M4 receptors in PD and their relationship with cognition and motor symptoms.MethodsSome 19 PD and 24 older adult controls underwent 123I‐iodo‐quinuclidinyl‐benzilate (QNB) (M1/M4 receptor) and 99mTc‐exametazime (perfusion) single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanning. We implemented voxel principal components analysis, producing a series of images representing patterns of intercorrelated voxels across individuals. Linear regression analyses derived specific M1/M4 spatial covariance patterns associated with PD.ResultsA cholinergic M1/M4 pattern that converged onto key hubs of the default, auditory–visual, salience, and sensorimotor networks fully discriminated PD patients from controls (F1,41 = 135.4, P < 0.001). In PD, we derived M1/M4 patterns that correlated with global cognition (r = −0.62, P = 0.008) and motor severity (r = 0.53, P = 0.02). Both patterns emerged with a shared topography implicating the basal forebrain as well as visual, frontal executive, and salience circuits. Further, we found a M1/M4 pattern that predicted global cognitive decline (r = 0.46, P = 0.04) comprising relative decreased binding within default and frontal executive networks.ConclusionsCholinergic muscarinic M1/M4 modulation within key brain networks were apparent in PD. Cognition and motor severity were associated with a similar topography, inferring both phenotypes possibly rely on related cholinergic mechanisms. Relative decreased M1/M4 binding within default and frontal executive networks could be an indicator of future cognitive decline. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Natural products as geroprotectors: An autophagy perspective
Authors: Raj Stephen D. , Fann David Y. , Wong Esther , Kennedy Brian K. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOver the past decade, significant attention has been given to repurposing Food and Drug Administration approved drugs to treat age‐related diseases. In contrast, less consideration has been given to natural bioactive compounds. Consequently, there have been limited attempts to translate these compounds. Autophagy is a fundamental biological pathway linked to aging, and numerous strategies to enhance autophagy have been shown to extend lifespan. Interestingly, there are a number of natural products that are reported to modulate autophagy, and here we describe a number of them that activate autophagy through diverse molecular and cellular mechanisms. Among these, Urolithin A, Spermidine, Resveratrol, Fatty Acids and Phospholipids, Trehalose and Lithium are featured in detail. Finally, we outline possible strategies to optimise and increase the translatability of natural products, with the overall aim of delaying the ageing process and improving human healthspan.