bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disseminated Histoplasmosis; A Threat in Advanced HIV Disease Population in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Mandengue Christine E. , Ekeng Bassey Ewa , Oladele Rita O. 
Published: March 2021

Background: Histoplasmosis is a neglected acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining disease in sub-Saharan African countries, which is commonly misdiagnosed as tuberculosis (TB) due to similar imagery and clinical features; patients usually receive presumptive anti-TB treatment that is considered as anti-TB treatment failure. Patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease (AHD), CD4<200/mm3 or World Health Organisation clinical stage 3 or 4, develop disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) diagnosed at a late stage or at post-mortem, owing to poor clinical suspicion, lack of rapid diagnosis tools to offer rapid and accurate results, and non-availability and accessibility of appropriate antifungal medications. We report 31 cases of DH amongst patients with AHD in sub-Saharan African population from the literature, highlighting the challenging care issue in sub-Saharan Africa.
Results: Out of 31 reported cases 64.51% (20/31) were caused by Histoplasma capsulatum var capsulatum, 48.38% (15/31) being immigrants in Europe, Canada and Japan, with 41.93% (13/31) mortality, and 6 cases having no reported outcome. The poor index of suspicion on the part of clinicians; the lack of skilled laboratory personnel and rapid and accurate diagnosis tools of histoplasmosis for a proper detection of either classical or African histoplasmosis coexisting in many sub-Saharan African countries; and the non-availability and accessibility of appropriate antifungal medications were the most challenges in caring DH in advanced HIV disease population in sub-Saharan Africa.
Conclusion: there is a need for prompt and routine screening of advanced HIV disease patients in sub-Saharan Africa for histoplasmosis as an AIDS-defining illness.
Managing Attitudinal Constraints towards the Environment: A Panacea for Effective Waste Management in Port Harcourt and Its Environs
Authors: Chukwu-Okeah G. O. , Deekor T. N. 
Published: March 2021

The management of people’s attitude towards the environment in today’s world has become an issue of global concern as it has been identified as the only way out to achieving a clean, safe and healthy environment. This study examined the waste situation presently in Port Harcourt as well as the constraints to environmental management in Port Harcourt and it was reported that most people have adopted wrong attitudes that impacts on the environment knowingly or unknowingly and hence these overtime have become a way of life that have overtime crept into the society as a lifestyle not minding its attending consequences and as a result puts a limitation to managing environmental challenges. The study also examined environmental and health implications of poor attitudes to waste management and it was discovered that arising from poor attitudes to the environment, the quality of the environment has deteriorated and that this have helped in increasing the spread of communicable diseases among residents and also flooding and other environmental challenges. The study however stated that poor air quality affect human health through adverse health conditions which affects the gastrointestinal linings, respiratory tract diseases and other ill health. Arising from the study enlightenment campaign for all at schools, churches, communities and Local Government levels, adoption and integration of environmental education into the present day school curriculum at all levels and the enforcement of environmental laws on indiscriminate waste disposal will serve as a panacea for effective waste management in Port Harcourt.
Knowledge and Compliance with Preventive Measures of Cardiovascular Diseases among Health Workers in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt
Authors: Deborah Nwafor Titilola , Eze Nwafor Chibuike , Christian Elendu Ifeanyi , Fortune Charles Abel 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: This analytic descriptive study investigated knowledge and compliance with prevention measures of cardiovascular diseases among health workers in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.
Methodology: A sample of 608 health workers drawn from a population of 2500 health workers in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital using simple random sampling technique participated in the study. Eleven research questions were answered and six hypotheses tested in the study. The instrument for data collection is Cardiovascular Disease Questionnaire. It was vetted by the supervisor and three other experts in health education. The reliability of the instrument established through pilot testing using Cronbach alpha method ranged rom 0.67 to 0.89.
Results: The results of the study revealed that; Health workers in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital have knowledge of cardiovascular diseases, their signs and symptoms, have knowledge of general risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, have knowledge of smoking, diet, stress and physical inactivity as risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases. There is no compliance with cardiovascular disease prevention measures among health workers in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Gender and age have no influence on compliance with cardiovascular disease prevention measures while professional qualification influences compliance with cardiovascular disease prevention measures.
Conclusion: It was therefore recommended among others that health workers in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital should check on regular basis their blood pressure, sugar and lipid level. They should show preference to healthy diets including fruits and vegetables and engage in periodic physical exercise.
A pilot study of oxidative pathways in MS fatigue: randomized trial of N‐acetyl cysteine
Authors: Krysko Kristen M. , Bischof Antje , Nourbakhsh Bardia , Henry Roland G. , Revirajan Nisha , Manguinao Michael , Nguyen Khang , Akula Amit , Li Yan , Waubant Emmanuelle 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess feasibility, tolerability, and safety of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) for fatigue in progressive MS. Secondary objectives evaluated changes in fatigue and oxidative pathway biomarkers on NAC versus placebo.MethodsIndividuals with progressive MS with Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) > t38 were randomized 2:1 to NAC 1250mg TID or placebo for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was tolerability and safety. The secondary outcome to evaluate efficacy was MFIS change from baseline to week 4 between groups. Exploratory biomarker outcomes included change in blood GSH/GSSG ratio (reduced‐to‐oxidized glutathione (GSH)) and in vivo relative GSH using 7T MR spectroscopy (MRS) between groups. Fisher exact test was used for categorical and rank sum for continuous outcomes.ResultsFifiteen were randomized (10 NAC, 5 placebo; mean age 56.1 years, 80% female, median EDSS 6.0). At least one adverse event (AE) occurred in 60% on NAC versus 80% on placebo (p = 0.75). There were two AEs attributed to NAC in one patient (abdominal pain and constipation), with 94% adherence to NAC. MFIS decreased in both groups at week 4, with the mean improvement of 11‐points on NAC versus 18‐points on placebo (p = 0.33). GSH/GSSG ratio decreased on placebo (−0.6) and NAC (−0.1) (p = 0.18). Change in GSH levels to total creatine in anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, insula, caudate, putamen, and thalamus did not differ between groups.InterpretationNAC was well‐tolerated in progressive MS, although reduction in fatigue on NAC was similar to placebo. Antioxidant blood and MRS biomarkers were not significantly altered by NAC, which could be due to dose, route of administration, time of sample collection, short half‐life, or lack of effect.Registeredclinicaltrials.gov NCT02804594.
Consensus Treatment Plans for Severe Pediatric Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Morishita Kimberly A. , Wagner‐Weiner Linda , Yen Eric Y. , Sivaraman Vidya , James Karen E. , Gerstbacher Dana , Szymanski Ann M. , O'Neil Kathleen M. , Cabral David A. ,   Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody–Associated Vasculitis Workgroup
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveThere is no standardized approach to the treatment of pediatric antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated vasculitis (AAV). Because of the rarity of pediatric AAV, randomized trials have not been feasible. The present study of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) was undertaken to establish consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for severe pediatric AAV to enable the future study of comparative effectiveness and safety.MethodsA workgroup of CARRA members (rheumatologists and nephrologists) formed the AAV Workgroup. This group performed a literature review on existing evidence‐based treatments and guidelines for the management of AAV. They determined that the target population for CTP development was patients <18 years of age with new‐onset granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis, or renal‐limited AAV (eosinophilic GPA was excluded), with presentation confined to those with severe disease (i.e., organ‐ or life‐threatening). Face‐to‐face consensus conferences employed nominal group techniques to identify treatment strategies for remission induction and remission maintenance, data elements to be systematically collected, and outcomes to be measured over time.ResultsThe pediatric AAV Workgroup developed 2 CTPs for each of the remission induction and remission maintenance of severe AAV. A glucocorticoid‐weaning regimen for induction and maintenance, a core data set, and outcome measures were also defined. A random sample of CARRA membership voted acceptance of the CTPs for remission induction and remission maintenance, with a 94% (75 of 80) and 98% (78 of 80) approval rate, respectively.ConclusionConsensus methodology established standardized CTPs for treating severe pediatric AAV. These CTPs were in principle accepted by CARRA‐wide membership for the evaluation of pragmatic comparative effectiveness in a long‐term registry.
Bioinspired Tunable Structural Color Film with Janus Wettability and Interfacial Floatability towards Visible Water Quality Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Xinran , Liu Cihui , Zhang Lulu , Jia Linnan , Shi Maqian , Chen Liang , Di Yunsong , Gan Zhixing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSuperwettability materials from existing natural creatures have been widely studied to enable artificial manufacture. Variable wettability states, especially Janus wettability, have attracted particular interest because of the applications in various intelligent systems. However, to date, most of these existing Janus wettability surfaces lack stimuli‐response visualization, which requires the connection of electrical instruments to process and display external stimulus signals. Inspired by the functional performance of lotus leaf and Betta splendens, a multifunctional asymmetric film is designed by using the superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic binary cooperative strategy and tunable structural color feature. Thus, it is demonstrated that the Janus membrane could not only timely report the arrival of the environmental variables via directional migration induced by Marangoni effect, but also quantitively feedback the stimuli through visible structural color variations. These features indicate that the Janus wettability structural color film may open a potential chapter in designing and fabricating the multifunctional robotic environmental detector.
A Multichannel Ca2+ Nanomodulator for Multilevel Mitochondrial Destruction‐Mediated Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zheng Pan , Ding Binbin , Shi Run , Jiang Zhongyu , Xu Weiguo , Li Gao , Ding Jianxun , Chen Xuesi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSubcellular organelle‐targeted nanoformulations for cancer theranostics are receiving increasing attention owing to their benefits of precise drug delivery, maximized therapeutic index, and reduced off‐target side effects. Herein, a multichannel calcium ion (Ca2+) nanomodulator (CaNMCUR+CDDP), i.e., a cisplatin (CDDP) and curcumin (CUR) co‐incorporating calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticle, is prepared by a facile one‐pot strategy in a sealed container with in situ synthesized polydopamine (PDA) as a template to enhance Ca2+‐overload‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer therapy. After systemic administration, the PEGylated CaNMCUR+CDDP (PEGCaNMCUR+CDDP) selectively accumulates in tumor tissues, enters tumor cells, and induces multilevel destruction of mitochondria by the combined effects of burst Ca2+ release, Ca2+ efflux inhibition by CUR, and chemotherapeutic CDDP, thereby observably boosting mitochondria‐targeted tumor inhibition. Fluorescence imaging of CUR combined with photoacoustic imaging of PDA facilitates the visualization of the nanomodulator. The facile and practical design of this multichannel Ca2+ nanomodulator will contribute to the development of multimodal bioimaging‐guided organelle‐targeted cancer therapy in the future.
Lewis Acidity Organoboron‐Modified Li‐Rich Cathode Materials for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Nie Xiangkun , Hou Guangmei , Xu Zhou , Li Jianwei , Li Yuanyuan , Sun Qing , Qiao Ying , Li Deping , Ci Lijie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLayered Li‐rich manganese‐based oxides (LLMO) with high capacity are a promising cathode material. However, the capacity loss and voltage decay issues hinder its application. Herein, Lewis acidity material bis(catecholato)diboron (BCD) with unique Lewis basic groups and reduction ability is employed for forming surface B3+‐doped LiMn2O4‐type spinel structure coated and (BO3)3–‐doped LLMO (SLLMO), which efficiently protects the surface and adjusts the electronic structure of MO (M = Mn, Co, Ni) bond of LLMO. Furthermore, the Jahn–Teller effect of coating layer is suppressed by B3+ doping, the oxygen release is alleviated by hindering the formation of oxygen electronic holes and the layered structure is stabilized by high energy of BO bonding. After modification, the diffusion rate of Li‐ion and the stability of the LLMO are significantly improved. As a result, the SLLMO electrode exhibits excellent rate and cycle performance with a capacity retention of 97% (224 mAh g−1) at 0.5 C after 100 cycles and 72.5% (151.8 mAh g−1) at 1 C after 400 cycles. This work provides a novel and effective strategy to modify LLMO, which broaden its pathways toward practical applications.
Stratified Zinc‐Binding Strategy toward Prolonged Cycling and Flexibility of Aqueous Fibrous Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Shen Zhaoxi , Luo Lei , Li Chaowei , Pu Jun , Xie Junpeng , Wang Litong , Huai Zhe , Dai Ziyi , Yao Yagang , Hong Guo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs one of the most promising candidates in wearable energy storage devices, aqueous fibrous zinc metal batteries (AFZMBs) remain limited by some severe challenges, such as short life span and unstable capacity performance, etc. In this work, the stability of AFZMB is extended by fabricating an innovative stratified deposition framework (SDF) anode. The as‐prepared SDF electrode can achieve a stratified deposition of Zn metals from the bottom layer to the top layer due to the different overpotentials and binding energy of Zn deposition. Compared with commercial Zn fibers, this dexterous structure provides enough deposition space for Zn metals between the separator and the electrode, dramatically alleviating conventional dendrite puncture and prolonging life expectancy by an order of magnitude. It is found that SDF/AFZMB exhibits a long circulation of 2000 cycles with 89.0% capacity retention at 5 C with superior flexibility, demonstrating potential for application in future wearable electronics.
The “evil tribe” spreads across the land: A dated molecular phylogeny provides insight into dispersal, expansion, and biogeographic relationships within one of the largest tribes of the sunflower family (Vernonieae: Compositae)
Authors: Keeley Sterling C. , Cantley Jason T. , Gallaher Timothy J. 
Published: March 2021

PREMISEWith over 1500 species, the globally distributed Vernonieae is one of the most successful members of the largest family of flowering plants, the Compositae. However, due to its morphological complexity and limited geographic representation in previous studies, subtribal and biogeographic relationships are unclear. Here, new DNA sequence data spanning the geographic range of the tribe provides a taxonomically robust time‐calibrated phylogeny, estimates migration pathways and timing of important biogeographic events, and allows inference of environmental factors that have contributed to the success of the Vernonieae worldwide.METHODSPhylogenetic relationships were estimated for 368 taxa representing all Vernonieae subtribes. Molecular clock and ancestral range estimation analyses provide a framework for inference of the biogeographic history of the tribe.RESULTSRelationships among the subtribes were established and correct placement determined for problematic taxa, along with the first model‐based assessment of the biogeographic history of the tribe. The Vernonieae were estimated to have evolved ~50 mya. Africa was the first center of diversity, from which a single dispersal event established the monophyletic New World lineage. Long‐distance dispersal from Africa and Brazil established the tribe on five continents and Oceania.CONCLUSIONSThe New World lineage is monophyletic, but Old World taxa are not. New subtribal taxonomies are needed. Moquinieae are nested in Vernonieae. Long‐distance dispersal from Africa beginning 45 mya was key to establishing the tribe’s near‐global distribution. Migration corridors created by volcanic mountain chains and iron‐rich soils in Africa and the Americas promoted radiation and range expansion.
The evolution of the human trophic level during the Pleistocene
Authors: Ben‐Dor Miki , Sirtoli Raphael , Barkai Ran 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe human trophic level (HTL) during the Pleistocene and its degree of variability serve, explicitly or tacitly, as the basis of many explanations for human evolution, behavior, and culture. Previous attempts to reconstruct the HTL have relied heavily on an analogy with recent hunter‐gatherer groups' diets. In addition to technological differences, recent findings of substantial ecological differences between the Pleistocene and the Anthropocene cast doubt regarding that analogy's validity. Surprisingly little systematic evolution‐guided evidence served to reconstruct HTL. Here, we reconstruct the HTL during the Pleistocene by reviewing evidence for the impact of the HTL on the biological, ecological, and behavioral systems derived from various existing studies. We adapt a paleobiological and paleoecological approach, including evidence from human physiology and genetics, archaeology, paleontology, and zoology, and identified 25 sources of evidence in total. The evidence shows that the trophic level of theHomolineage that most probably led to modern humans evolved from a low base to a high, carnivorous position during the Pleistocene, beginning withHomo habilisand peaking inHomo erectus. A reversal of that trend appears in the Upper Paleolithic, strengthening in the Mesolithic/Epipaleolithic and Neolithic, and culminating with the advent of agriculture. We conclude that it is possible to reach a credible reconstruction of the HTL without relying on a simple analogy with recent hunter‐gatherers' diets. The memory of an adaptation to a trophic level that is embedded in modern humans' biology in the form of genetics, metabolism, and morphology is a fruitful line of investigation of past HTLs, whose potential we have only started to explore.
Charge dynamics and thermal properties of epoxy based micro and nano hybrid composites at high temperatures
Authors: Chen Xiangrong , Dai Chao , Hong Zelin , Awais Muhammad , Paramane Ashish , Tanaka Yasuhiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper presents the effects of the filler type and testing temperature on the charge dynamics and thermal properties of the epoxy resin. The micro‐nano hybrid composites with different content of the micro and nano aluminum nitride (AlN) fillers are fabricated. The morphology of micro‐nano hybrid composites is characterized. Electrical testing and thermal analysis methods are adopted to analyze its electrical and thermal performance. The results show that the space charge accumulation is suppressed and the charge decay process is facilitated in the hybrid composites. The electrical performances of the hybrid composites are enhanced by the nano‐fillers. The apparent mobility and activation energy are decreased with nano‐AlN fillers in the composites at the high temperature. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the materials is improved with the nano‐AlN. A hypothetical mechanism is proposed to explain the charge carrier injection and transport of the composites at different temperatures.
Polycaprolactone/alendronate systems intended for production of biomaterials
Authors: Goulart da Silva Talita , Baptista Pereira Debora , Ferreira de Carvalho Patricio Beatriz , Alvares Sarcinelli Michelle , Antunes Rocha Helvécio Vinícius , Letichevsky Sonia , Evelise Ribeiro da Silva Cristiane , Mendonça Roberta Helena 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSodium alendronate (ALD) is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. However, its oral administration has been associated with side effects as gastroesophageal reflux. Moreover, there are some particularities for the intake of the medicine, which also hinder the patient's compliance, for example, the instruction that it has to be taken with an empty stomach, 30 to 60 min before breakfast and avoid the decubitus position after using the drug. Therefore, biomaterials for applications in osteoporotic bones are a good alternative. Thus, this work aimed to produce a Polycaprolactone (PCL) and ALD‐based powder as a supply to build biomaterials by selective laser sintering, compression molding (CM), solvent casting (SC), among others. The powder was produced by coating the ALD particles with PCL and films were produced by SC and CM techniques. The samples were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and thermal analysis. Furthermore, the drug release was evaluated by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Results showed that ALD particles were successfully coated by PCL and applied to the production of biomaterials, highlighting its potential in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Polychalcones based on triphenylamine and carbazole building blocks via Claisen–Schmidt route
Authors: Jayalakshmi Arumugam , Keerthika Nagarajan , Santhanagopal Ramkumar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlternating and random copolymers of carbazole and triphenylamine containing polychalcones are prepared by adopting simple Claisen–Schmidt route via A2 + B2 approach. Terephthaldehyde derivative was used as an additional comonomer along with bisaldehyde of triphenylamine to obtain a random copolymer. The prepared polymers are readily soluble in common organic solvents and the polymers exhibited narrow poly dispersity. The polymers are thermally stable and no observable degradation is observed until 350°C. Further, the spin cast thermally annealed films on glass substrate indicated corrugated surface as measured by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy, which could facilitate for greater interaction at the interfaces. Photophysical properties of the polymers in solution and in thin film showed excellent emission characteristics. Both alternating and random copolymers showed a high quantum yield of 0.74 on comparison with quinine sulfate. Polychalcones with triphenylamine/carbazole showed oxidative response in cyclic voltammetry which suggested the suitability as electrochemical sensors and antioxidant coating material.