bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous detection of Marburg virus and Ebola virus with TaqMan‐based multiplex real‐time PCR method
Authors: Yu Zhikang , Wu Heming , Huang Qingyan , Zhong Zhixiong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundMarburg virus (MARV) and Ebola virus (EBOV) are acute infections with high case fatality rates. It is of great significance for epidemic monitoring and prevention and control of infectious diseases by the development of a rapid, specific, and sensitive quantitative PCR method to detect two pathogens simultaneously.MethodsPrimers and TaqMan probes were designed according to highly conserved sequences of these viruses. Sensitivity, specificity, linear range, limit of detection, and the effects of hemolysis and lipid on real‐time qPCR were evaluated.ResultsThe linearity of the curve allowed quantification of nucleic acid concentrations in range from 103 to 109 copies/ml per reaction (MARV and EBOV). The limit of detection of EBOV was 40 copies/ml, and MARV was 100 copies/ml. It has no cross‐reaction with other pathogens such as hepatitis b virus (HBV), hepatitis c virus (HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Repeatability analysis of the two viruses showed that their coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 5.0%. The above results indicated that fluorescence quantitative PCR could detect EBOV and MARV sensitively and specifically.ConclusionsThe TaqMan probe‐based multiplex fluorescence quantitative PCR assays could detect EBOV and MARV sensitively specifically and simultaneously.
White blood cells and platelet profiles of diabetic patients at University of Gondar specialized referral hospital: A comparative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Adane Tiruneh , Asrie Fikir , Getaneh Zegeye , Getawa Solomon 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAltered level of many hematological parameters such as white blood cells (WBC) and platelet function has been observed in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the WBC and platelet profiles and their association with anthropometric measurement and blood pressure in DM patients and healthy controls.MethodA comparative cross‐sectional study was conducted on a total of 246 participants at the University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital. Venous blood with K2 EDTA anticoagulant was drawn and analyzed by using Sysmex KX21N hematology analyzers for WBC and platelet parameters. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results were presented as frequency and mean ± standard deviation (SD). The independent sample t test was used to compare quantitative variables between DM and control groups. The bivariate (spearman's rank) correlation was used to analyze continuous variables. A p‐value ˂ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultsThe mean platelet count was significantly higher among diabetics (252.77 ± 77.7) compared to non‐diabetic controls (208.22 ± 68), p < 0.001. Similarly, the total WBC count was higher among DM patients (6.95 ± 2.23) than in the controls (6.15 ± 1.95), p = 0.04. A significant negative correlation was also found between neutrophil and duration of illness in DM patients. Besides, there is a significant positive correlation between WBC and lymphocyte number with systolic blood pressure (SBP) in DM patients.ConclusionPlatelet and WBC count were significantly higher in DM patients than in the controls. Therefore, routine screening and profile checking of those abnormal indices is recommended to minimize DM‐related complications.
Family history of any cancer for childhood leukemia patients in Sweden
Authors: Li Xinjun , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Försti Asta , Hemminki Kari 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAcute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood leukemia, while the other types, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are much rarer. While data on familial risks for childhood ALL have been emerging, such data for the other childhood leukemias are hardly available. We aim to fill in the gap of knowledge by assessing familial clustering of each childhood leukemia with childhood and adult leukemia and with any cancer. We identified 4461 childhood leukemias from the Swedish Cancer Registry and obtained their family members from the Multigeneration Register. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were 3.34 for singleton siblings both diagnosed with ALL before age 20 years and 1.64 for those who had a family member diagnosed with ALL in adult age. Other childhood leukemias showed no familial risk, but childhood ALL risk was increased to 1.40 when adult family members were diagnosed with CLL. Childhood ALL was associated with endometrial cancer, and female ALL patients showed increased risk when family members were diagnosed with testicular cancer, melanoma, and skin squamous cell carcinoma. Childhood CLL was associated with rectal cancer, and childhood AML was associated with pancreatic and bladder cancers. As most of these associations are reported for the first time, there is a need to replicate the findings from independent sources.
Unskilled But Aware of It? Cluster Analysis of Creative Metacognition from Preschool Age to Early Adulthood
Authors: Urban Marek , Urban Kamila 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe unskilled and unaware effect occurs when low‐performing individuals overestimate their performance, while high performers underestimate it. The aim of the present study was to examine an occurrence of the unskilled and unaware effect in a self‐assessment of creative performance, linking this phenomenon to creative metacognition (CMC) research. 262 participants from four educational stages (preschool, elementary school, high school, and undergraduate) performed an alternative uses task and evaluated their performance using self‐ and comparative judgments. A non‐hierarchical cluster analysis of creative performance, judgments, and metacognitive accuracy was able to identify three separate clusters: an overestimating group of unskilled and unaware participants (27.1%), an underestimating group of skilled and unaware participants (44.3%), and, surprisingly, a group of unskilled but aware participants (28.6%). All three groups were present throughout the entire sample, from preschoolers to university students, but the distribution had developed with age. The most unskilled and unaware participants were in the group of preschoolers, while there were the most skilled but unaware among the university students. The findings are discussed in the context of creative metacognition and creative self‐efficacy research.
Evaluation of the fibrosis‐4 index for detection of advanced fibrosis among individuals at risk for intestinal failure–associated liver disease
Authors: Micic Dejan , Huard Genevieve , Lee Sang Mee , Fiel M. Isabel , Moon Jang , Schiano Thomas D. , Iyer Kishore 
Published: April 2021

BackgroundIntestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) refers to the spectrum of liver injury secondary to IF and parenteral nutrition use. Our aim was to evaluate the use of noninvasive indices of liver fibrosis to detect advanced fibrosis among individuals at risk for IFALD.MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis of a retrospective study, including all liver biopsies performed on individuals undergoing intestinal transplantation (ITx) between January 2000 and May 2014. To determine the clinical utility of detecting advanced fibrosis, receiver operating characteristic curves were developed. Comparison between the area under the curves was performed by DeLong test.ResultsFifty‐three patients had a liver biopsy performed at the time of ITx; 13 of 53 (24.5%) patients had advanced fibrosis. The fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index positively correlated to the stage of fibrosis on liver biopsy (r = 0.426, P = .002). When compared against the FIB‐4 index, the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index had a significantly decreased ability to correctly identify the presence of advanced fibrosis (P = .019). When determining the cutoff value with 90% specificity for the detection of advanced fibrosis, a FIB‐4 index of ≥4.4 had a sensitivity of 0.462 and a positive predictive value of 0.6.ConclusionIn this retrospective cohort study, we found a positive correlation between the FIB‐4 index and the liver fibrosis stage as characterized by the Brunt classification. This evaluation of the FIB‐4 index against liver biopsies supports the use of the FIB‐4 index in the detection of liver fibrosis in IF.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in blueberries and protective effects on hydrogen peroxide‐induced cell injury
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhang Minna , Wu Limin , Wang Fang , Li Lingxi , Zhang Shuting , Sun Baoshan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis work was conducted to optimize an accelerated solvent extraction for ultra high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis of blueberry phenolic compounds. The conditions for accelerated solvent extraction were verified using response surface methodology to obtain the following optimized conditions: ethanol concentration (pH = 3), 48%; temperature, 50℃, and static cycle times, 3. Further, ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry and ultra high performance liquid chromatography with triple‐quadrupole tandem mass methods for determination of the detailed phenolic composition were developed and validated. Total of 81 phenolic compounds were identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry including 23 anthocyanins, 32 flavonols, 11 proanthocyanidins, 2 other flavonoids, and 13 phenolic acids. Fifty‐one of these compounds have been simultaneously quantified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with triple‐quadrupole tandem mass including 31 anthocyanins, 8 flavonols, 6 proanthocyanidins, 2 other flavonoids, and 8 phenolic acids. Malvidin‐dinhexoside has, for the first time, been detected in wild. Moreover, by verifying the protection on PC12 cells against oxidative damage, it was showed that the phenolic extracts (500 µg/mL) can improve significantly the viability (9.26‐24.78%) of hydrogen peroxide‐induced PC12 cells, activities of superoxide dismutase (34.59‐37.90 U/mg) and glutathione peroxidase (6.87‐14.42 mU/mg) and decrease the content of malonic dialdehyde (13.27‐24.62 nmol/mg). Correlation analysis suggested that anthocyanins might contribute most to these activities.
Photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers based on 4‐[(4‐methacryloyloxy)phenylazo] benzenesulfonic acid for the determination of sulfamethazine
Authors: Huang Weihong , Si Haojie , Zhang Liming , Yin Xifeng , Ji Zehua , Ni Xiaoni , Xu Wanzhen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCore–shell structured photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers were developed for the determination of sulfamethazine in milk samples. The photoresponsive imprinted polymers were prepared with polymethyl methacrylate containing a mass of ester groups as core, sulfamethazine as template molecules, self‐synthesized water‐soluble 4‐[(4‐methacryloyloxy)phenylazo] benzenesulfonic acid as a photoresponsive monomer, and ethylene dimethacrylate as cross‐linker. Interestingly, the imprinted polymer can specifically adsorb sulfamethazine under dark and 440 nm irradiation, and release it at 365 nm. A series of adsorption experiments showed that the maximum adsorption capacity reached 12.5 mg⋅g–1, and the adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 80 min. Moreover, the imprinted polymers display excellent reusability, with almost no performance loss after four times photo‐controlled adsorption‐release cycles, and the imprinted polymers have excellent selectively for sulfamethazine (imprinting factor = 3.01). In the end, the imprinted polymers realized effective separation and enrichment of sulfamethazine in milk, with a recovery rate of over 97.5%. The material can be used as a solid‐phase extractant in the process of enrichment and separation for the quantitative detection of sulfamethazine in milk samples.
Combining Occurrence and Habitat Suitability Data Improve Conservation Guidance for the Giant Kangaroo Rat
Authors: Semerdjian Alyssa E. , Butterfield H. Scott , Stafford Robert , Westphal Michael F. , Bean William T. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTIdentifying high‐quality habitat (i.e., areas with resources and conditions suitable to support long‐term species persistence) is a priority for conservation, but estimating habitat quality is expensive and time consuming. Instead managers often rely on occurrence data or models of habitat suitability, but these data are only proximally related to individual and population persistence on the landscape. In most habitat suitability modeling studies, researchers treat the model as a hypothesis and the occurrence data as the truth. But occurrence does not always correlate with habitat as expected; therefore, occurrence data may be unreliable. We propose that suitability models and occurrence data be given equal weight to highlight areas of disagreement for future demographic study. To highlight this approach, we used the giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) as a case study because their distinct burrow mounds allow for remote monitoring of short‐term presence and long‐term persistence. We conducted trapping, manned aerial surveys, and aerial imagery surveys in the San Joaquin Desert in California, USA, between 2001 and 2017 and compared the results to an existing habitat suitability model to provide estimates of long‐term persistence based on the presence of burrow mounds made by giant kangaroo rats. We treated areas of positive agreement as priorities for habitat conservation and areas of negative agreement as areas managers could ignore. Remaining areas should be prioritized for additional occupancy and demographic studies. From an initial area of 17,385 km2, we identified 668 km2of currently occupied high‐quality habitat. Of this, just 135 km2was on private land and therefore requiring protection. We classified 1,498 km2(8.6%) for additional research. Of that area, 744 km2was flagged for additional occupancy surveys. Our 3 data sets disagreed over 754 km2, suggesting a need for further demographic studies to reveal important population‐habitat relationships for the species in those areas. This approach can be useful as part of any habitat conservation exercise for prioritizing protection or targeting future demographic studies. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Potential of Unconventional Seed Oils and Fats from West African Trees: A Review of Fatty Acid Composition and Perspectives
Authors: Lykke Anne Mette , Gregersen Sandra Beyer , Padonou Elie Antoine , Bassolé Imael Henri Nestor , Dalsgaard Trine Kastrup 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSeed oils sourced from West Africa are generally not well‐characterized, but likely to have an untapped potential. This review aims to make an overview of fatty acid (FA) composition of unconventional seed oils from semi‐arid West African trees and evaluate potential for new and enhanced uses and for improving local livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. A total of 111 studies on FA composition were found, covering 31 species. Only 69 of the studies (62%) were included in the review, as 38% had unreliable or incomplete results. There was a clear link between taxonomic kinship and FA composition. Over 20 potentially interesting and underexploited oils were found, including oils with properties similar to palm oil, olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and cotton seed oil. About half of the oils have promising potential for cosmetics. One third of the oils were relatively saturated, indicating properties for structuring food and heat resistance. Most of the species had multiple uses and oil production could be profitable in co‐production with other non‐timber forest products. Furthermore, establishment of sustainable oil production and domestication of oil trees could promote biodiversity conservation. Enhanced oil production in semi‐arid West Africa is promising, but several practical constraints remain to be overcome.
Developing a systematic approach to assessing data quality in secondary use of clinical data based on intended use
Authors: Razzaghi Hanieh , Greenberg Jane , Bailey L. Charles 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionSecondary use of electronic health record (EHR) data for research requires that the data are fit for use. Data quality (DQ) frameworks have traditionally focused on structural conformance and completeness of clinical data extracted from source systems. In this paper, we propose a framework for evaluating semantic DQ that will allow researchers to evaluate fitness for use prior to analyses.MethodsWe reviewed current DQ literature, as well as experience from recent multisite network studies, and identified gaps in the literature and current practice. Derived principles were used to construct the conceptual framework with attention to both analytic fitness and informatics practice.ResultsWe developed a systematic framework that guides researchers in assessing whether a data source is fit for use for their intended study or project. It combines tools for evaluating clinical context with DQ principles, as well as factoring in the characteristics of the data source, in order to develop semantic DQ checks.ConclusionsOur framework provides a systematic process for DQ development. Further work is needed to codify practices and metadata around both structural and semantic data quality.
Direct Determination of Interchain Transfer Constants of Benzyl Acrylate to Poly(Ethyl Acrylate) by RAFT Polymerization and Polymer Chromatography
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Xue Yang , Ma Xinyu , Guo Ruiwei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractInterchain transfer is an important side reaction in radical polymerization of acrylates and has significant effects on both reaction kinetics and the resulting polymer microstructures. In this study, an effective method for direct determination of the interchain transfer constant (Ctr) is established via the combination of RAFT polymerization of a monomer in the presence of another prepared polymer and subsequent separation using polymer chromatography. The Ctr of benzyl acrylate (BzA) to poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) is determined with benzyl N‐carbazole dithiocarbamate (BCBD) as the RAFT agent and the effects of polymerization recipe, such as BzA/BCBD mole ratios, BzA/PEA mass ratios, and solvent amounts on Ctr determination investigated. The results indicate that interchain transfer reactions show clear short chain radical effects in early stage of RAFT polymerization and the experimental recipes have little influence on the determination. The Ctr values are in the range of 1–2 × 10−4 at 90–120 °C and the activation energy of Ctr at 47.8 kJ mol−1.
Reactive Surfactants for Achieving Open‐Cell PolyHIPE Foams from Pickering Emulsions
Authors: Berezovska Inna , Kapilov Katya , Dhavalikar Prachi , Cosgriff‐Hernandez Elizabeth , Silverstein Michael S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPolyHIPEs, highly porous polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), emulsions with over 74% internal phase, are of interest for applications such as absorbents, reaction supports, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Typically, the surfactant contents for HIPE stabilization are relatively high, ranging from 20 to 30 wt% of the external phase, with the monomers usually being the remainder. One drawback of using surfactants for these applications is the potential for leachables, necessitating intensive purification processes for their removal. Pickering HIPEs, HIPEs stabilized using amphiphilic solid nanoparticles that spontaneously migrate to the oil–water interface, can be used as an alternative HIPE stabilization strategy. Although nanoparticles can add surface functionality advantageous for the application, polyHIPEs from Pickering HIPEs often lack the interconnecting holes needed for the high permeability required for such applications. This work describes a successful approach for designing an HIPE stabilization system that is based on a combination of nanoparticles and reactive surfactants and that generates the desired surface functionality, an interconnected porous structure, and a low leachable content. Such an approach can extend the applicative utility of such polyHIPEs by circumventing the need for extensive purification.
High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitor Electrode Materials Using Freestanding Electrospun Carbon Nanofiber Mats of Polyacrylonitrile and Novolac Blends
Authors: Wang He , Wang Hongjie , Ruan Fangtao , Wei Anfang , Feng Quan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHerein, this paper reports a facile method to prepare electrospun carbon nanofiber mats (ECNFMs) with high specific surface area and interconnected structure using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as a precursor and novolac resin (NOC) as a polymer sacrificial pore‐making agent. Without additional treatment, the prepared ECNFMs have a highly porous structure because NOC decomposes in a wider temperature range than most polymer activators. The NOC content in the PAN nanofibers shows important effects on porosity. The BET specific surface area of ECNFMs reaches a maximum of 1468 m2 g−1 when the precursor nanofibers contained 30 wt% NOC (ECNFM‐3) after carbonization at 1000 °C. The supercapacitor device from ECNFM‐3 electrode and all‐solid‐state electrolyte shows excellent cycling durability and high specific capacitance: ≈99.72% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles and ≈320 mF cm−2 at 0.25 mA cm−2. Furthermore, it shows a large energy density of ≈11.1 Wh cm−2 under the power density of 500 mW m−2. Activation of carbon nanofibers simply by the addition of NOC into precursor nanofibers can offer a handy way to prepare ECNFMs for high‐performance all‐solid‐state supercapacitors and other potential applications.
Fabrication of Cellulose Nanofiber/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Nitrile Rubber Flexible Films Using Pickering Emulsion Technology for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Piezoresistive Sensor
Authors: Wang Yanan , Guan Yupeng , Liao Daogui , He Yingying , Li Shuai , Zhou Li , Yu Chuanbai , Chen Yunhua , Liu Yuanli , Liu Hongxia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWith the rapid development of flexible electronics, the demand for flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials is increasing. This study develops a new green and effective strategy, consisting of graphene oxide (GO) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) co‐stabilized Pickering emulsion combined with hot‐pressing technology, to prepare flexible and conductive nitrile rubber (NBR) composite films. The composite films consist of a 3D network conductive skeleton structure of reduced GO (RGO) and an isolated NBR structure. This specific design results in a maximum high conductivity of 99 S m−1, which is higher by an order of magnitude compared with that of the composites obtained using the traditional solution blending method, and a stable EMI shielding effectiveness of 25.81 dB in the X band. The introduction of the flexible NBR results in the excellent flexibility and structural strength of the composite film, and exhibits a decrease of 2.51% in the EMI shielding efficacy after 5000 cycles. As a piezoresistive sensor for wearable devices, the CNF‐RGO/NBR flexible film can hold precise current signals and respond to finger motion. The findings of this study can provide new insights for the design of conductive and flexible composites as wearable and portable medical equipment and electronic devices.