bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced graphene oxide / epoxy nanocomposites with enhanced dielectric, mechanical, thermomechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Akkalamattam Maitheenkunju Rahnamol , Gopalakrishnan Jayalatha 
Published: November 2021

Epoxy/conducting filler nanocomposites with high dielectric performance have emanated as a promising material in electronic and electrical industry. In this work, a facile and low-cost method, that is, thermal reduction at 400°C was adopted for the preparation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) from graphene oxide (GO). The rGO was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy. Epoxy nanocomposite presented a dielectric permittivity of 35 at 1.8 vol.% loading of rGO (Ep/G-1.8) at 103 Hz, which was 5 times higher than neat epoxy and with a low dielectric loss. With the addition of 0.3 vol.% of rGO (Ep/G-0.3), the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Young’s modulus and impact strength were enhanced by 34%, 56% and 54%, respectively. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that in comparison to epoxy, there was a tremendous enhancement of storage modulus (55%) and the glass transition temperature (Tg) exhibited a remarkable shift of 39°C towards higher temperature for Ep/G-0.3. Cross-link density and coefficient of effectiveness (C-factor) estimated from the storage modulus improved significantlyfor Ep/G-0.3. Theoretical modelling was done on the viscoelastic properties of the composites. SEM studies indicated the uniform dispersion of rGO throughout in the epoxy matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that inclusion of rGO improved the thermal stability of epoxy nanocomposites.
Evaluation of a nutritional supplement for the alleviation of pain associated with feline degenerative joint disease: a prospective, randomized, stratified, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Cunningham Rachael , Gruen Margaret E , Thomson Andrea , Lascelles B Duncan X 
Published: November 2021

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pain-alleviating and activity-enhancing effects of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate (Dasuquin) in cats that had degenerative joint disease (DJD) and owner-noted mobility/activity impairment. We hypothesized that the nutritional supplement would produce pain-relieving and activity-enhancing effects in cats with painful DJD. Methods In this prospective, randomized, stratified, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 59 cats with DJD pain were assigned to receive a placebo (n = 30) or supplement (n = 29) for 6 weeks after 2 weeks of placebo. Outcome measures (at-home accelerometry and client-specific outcome measures [feline (CSOMf); Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI); quality of life (QoL)]; and veterinarian examination) were collected at days 14, 28, 42 and 56. Results Twenty-seven cats in the treatment group and 30 in the placebo group completed the trial. Within the first 2 weeks (placebo administration to all cats), 78% of all cats had an improvement in CSOMf scores. Both groups showed significant improvement at most time points in CSOMf, FMPI, QoL and pain scores, with the placebo group showing greater improvement than the supplement group (significant for CSOMf [ P = 0.01]). Overall, no differences in activity were seen between the groups. Cumulative distribution function analysis indicated that for most levels of activity, the placebo-treated cats were more active; however, the least active cats were more active on the supplement ( P = 0.013). Conclusions and relevance This study showed a strong placebo effect. The glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supplement did not show pain-relieving effects when compared with placebo.
Differential DNA Methylation and Cardiometabolic Risk in African American Mother-Adolescent Dyads
Authors: Gentry Amanda Elswick , Robins Jo , Makowski Mat , Kliewer Wendy 
Published: November 2021

Background: Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects African Americans as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Among African Americans, compared to other racial groups, cardiovascular disease onset occurs at an earlier age due to a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests that heritable epigenetic processes are related to increased cardiovascular disease risk, but this is largely unexplored in adolescents or across generations. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive pilot study in low-income African American mother-adolescent dyads, we examined associations between DNA methylation and the cardiometabolic indicators of body mass index, waist circumference, and insulin resistance. Results: Four adjacent cytosine and guanine nucleotides (CpG) sites were significantly differentially methylated and associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), 62 with waist circumference, and none to insulin resistance in models for both mothers and adolescents. Conclusion: Further study of the relations among psychological and environmental stressors, indicators of cardiovascular disease, risk, and epigenetic factors will improve understanding of cardiovascular disease risk so that preventive measures can be instituted earlier and more effectively. To our knowledge this work is the first to examine DNA methylation and cardiometabolic risk outcomes in mother-adolescent dyads.
Effect of Exercise Training on Spexin Level, Appetite, Lipid Accumulation Product, Visceral Adiposity Index, and Body Composition in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Mohammadi Arash , Bijeh Nahid , Moazzami Mahtab , Kazem khodaei  , Rahimi Najmeh 
Published: November 2021

Objective To compare the effects of resistance and aerobic training (RT and AT) on spexin (SPX), appetite, lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), and body composition in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six T2DM men were randomized to receive RT ( n = 12), AT ( n = 12), or to act as a non-exercise control (CON, n = 12) 3 days a week for 12 weeks. Results: SPX was increased after both RT and AT (66.2% and 46.5%, respectively). VAI, LAP, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were reduced in both groups, while quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (Quicki) and McAuley’s indexes were increased following both interventions. However, the increases of both hunger and PFC in the RT group were greater than those of the AT. Moreover, the improvement of upper-body strength (41% vs. 10.3%) and lower-body strength (42.2% vs. 20.5%) in the RT group was greater than those of the AT. Conclusion: Our investigation shows that regardless of the modes of the regimen, a 12-week exercise intervention with RT and AT can effectively induce a significant improvement in SPX levels, appetite, LAP, VAI, and body composition in adults with T2DM.
Use of Social Media as a Platform for Education and Support for People With Diabetes During a Global Pandemic
Authors: Thomas Rebecca L. , Alabraba Victoria , Barnard Sam , Beba Hannah , Brake Julie , Cox Alison , Bowker Rachael , Edwards Donna , Epps Amanda , Fletcher-Salt Tamsin , Holmes Patrick , Kar Partha S. , Kausar Nusrat , Kelly Bethany , Leveridge Maria , Newland-Jones Phillip , Ng Sze May , Puttana Amar , Stewart Rose 
Published: November 2021

Background: Patient education is a fundamental aspect of self-management of diabetes. The aim of this study was to understand whether a social media platform is a viable method to deliver education to people with diabetes and understand if people would engage and interact with it. Methods: Education sessions were provided via 3 platforms in a variety of formats. “Tweetorials” and quizzes were delivered on the diabetes101 Twitter account, a virtual conference via Zoom and video presentations uploaded to YouTube. Audience engagement during and after the sessions were analyzed using social media metrics including impressions and engagement rate using Twitter analytics, Tweepsmap, and YouTube Studio. Results: A total of 22 “tweetorial” sessions and 5 quizzes with a total of 151 polls (both in tweetorial and quiz sessions) receiving a total of 21,269 votes took place. Overall, the 1-h tweetorial sessions gained 1,821,088 impressions with an engagement rate of 6.3%. The sessions received a total of 2,341 retweets, 2,467 replies and 10,060 likes. The quiz days included 113 polls receiving 16,069 votes. The conference covered 8 topics and was attended live by over 100 people on the day. The video presentations on YouTube have received a total of 2,916 views with a watch time of 281 h and 8,847 impressions. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of social media, it can be harnessed to provide relevant reliable information and education about diabetes allowing people the time and space to learn at their own pace.
Evidence for extensive hybridisation and past introgression events in feather grasses using genome-wide SNP genotyping
Authors: Baiakhmetov Evgenii , Ryzhakova Daria , Gudkova Polina D. , Nobis Marcin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe proper identification of feather grasses in nature is often limited due to phenotypic variability and high morphological similarity between many species. Among plausible factors influencing this issue are hybridisation and introgression recently detected in the genus. Nonetheless, to date, only a bounded set of taxa have been investigated using integrative taxonomy combining morphological and molecular data. Here, we report the first large-scale study on five feather grass species across several hybrid zones in Russia and Central Asia. In total, 302 specimens were sampled in the field and classified based on the current descriptions of these taxa. They were then genotyped with high density genome-wide markers and measured based on a set of morphological characters to delimitate species and assess levels of hybridisation and introgression. Moreover, we tested species for past introgression and estimated divergence times between them.ResultsOur findings demonstrated that 250 specimens represent five distinct species:S. baicalensis,S. capillata,S. glareosa,S. grandisandS. krylovii. The remaining 52 individuals provided evidence for extensive hybridisation betweenS. capillataandS. baicalensis,S. capillataandS. krylovii,S. baicalensisandS. krylovii, as well as to a lesser extent betweenS. grandisandS. krylovii,S. grandisandS. baicalensis. We detected past reticulation events betweenS. baicalensis,S. krylovii,S. grandisand inferred that diversification within speciesS. capillata,S. baicalensis,S. kryloviiandS. grandisstarted ca. 130–96 kya. In addition, the assessment of genetic population structure revealed signs of contemporary gene flow between populations across species from the sectionLeiostipa, despite significant geographical distances between some of them. Lastly, we concluded that only 5 out of 52 hybrid taxa were properly identified solely based on morphology.ConclusionsOur results support the hypothesis that hybridisation is an important mechanism driving evolution inStipa. As an outcome, this phenomenon complicates identification of hybrid taxa in the field using morphological characters alone. Thus, integrative taxonomy seems to be the only reliable way to properly resolve the phylogenetic issue ofStipa. Moreover, we believe that feather grasses may be a suitable genus to study hybridisation and introgression events in nature.
The association between maternal cytomegalovirus urinary excretion and congenital infection rate
Authors: Zlatkin Rita , Bilavsky Efraim , Pardo Joseph , Salman Lina , Bardin Ron , Hadar Eran , Shmueli Anat 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn utero Cytomegalovirus (CMV) vertical transmission occurs predominantly during primary maternal infection. There are no known non-invasive methods for diagnosis of fetal infection before delivery, however some risk factors have been suggested. We aimed to evaluate the association between maternal CMV urinary excretion and congenital CMV infection.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of all women who were diagnosed with primary CMV infection during pregnancy in a single university affiliated tertiary medical center, between 2012 and 2016. We examined congenital CMV infection and disease rates among infants born to women with and without CMV urinary excretion.ResultsOverall, 126 women were included, 77 in the positive urinary excretion group, and 49 in the negative urinary excretion group. There was no difference in maternal symptoms between the groups. We found no difference in congenital CMV infection and disease rates between infants born to women with and without urinary excretion of CMV (congenital infection rate 37.1% vs. 24.4%,p = 0.209, congenital disease rate of 18.2% vs. 22.4%,p = 0.648). Women with positive urinary CMV excretion had lower IgG avidity values (36.7% vs 54.6%,p = 0.007), with no additional difference in serology pattern. Compared to asymptomatic women, those with CMV related symptoms did not have significantly higher rates of urinary excretion of CMV (70% vs. 60.5%,p = 0.38) or congenital infection rates (40.7% vs. 31.2%,p = 0.48).ConclusionAmong infants of women with primary CMV infection in pregnancy, we did not find an association between urinary excretion of CMV and congenital CMV infection.
Identifying factors associated with the hospital readmission rate among patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Parami Sharareh , Tapak Leili , Poorolajal Jalal , Moghimbeigi Abbas , Ghaleiha Ali 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common recurrent mental disorder and one of the leading causes of disability in the world. The recurrence of MDD is associated with increased psychological and social burden, limitations for the patient, family, and society; therefore, action to reduce and prevent the recurrence of this disorder or hospital readmissions for depression among the patients is essential.

Methods
The data of this retrospective cohort study were extracted from records of 1005 patients with MDD hospitalized in Farshchian hospital in Hamadan city, Iran (2011–2018). The hospital readmissions rate due to depression episodes was modeled using generalized Poisson regression (GPR). Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were considered as explanatory variables. SAS v9.4 was used (P < 0.05).

Results
A majority of the patients were male (66.37%). The mean (standard deviation) of age at onset of MDD and the average number of hospital readmissions were 32.39 (13.03) years and 0.53 (1.84), respectively (most patients (74.3%) did not experience hospital readmissions). According to the results of the GPR, the lower age at the onset of the disease (IRR = 1.02;P = 0.008), illiteracy (IRR = 2.06;P = 0.003), living in urban areas (IRR = 1.56;P = 0.015), history of psychiatric illnesses in the family (IRR = 1.75;P = 0.004), history of emotional problems (IRR = 1.42;P = 0.028) and having medical disorders (IRR = 1.44;P = 0.035) were positively associated with the number of hospitalizations.

Conclusion
According to our findings, urbanization, early onset of the disease, illiteracy, family history of mental illness, emotional problems, and medical disorders are among major risk factors associated with an increased number of hospital readmissions of MDD.
Fundamental nursing care in patients with the SARS-CoV-2 virus: results from the ‘COVID-NURSE’ mixed methods survey into nurses’ experiences of missed care and barriers to care
Authors: Sugg Holly V. R. , Russell Anne-Marie , Morgan Leila M. , Iles-Smith Heather , Richards David A. , Morley Naomi , Burnett Sarah , Cockcroft Emma J. , Thompson Coon Jo , Cruickshank Susanne , Doris Faye E. , Hunt Harriet A. , Kent Merryn , Logan Philippa A. , Rafferty Anne Marie , Shepherd Maggie H. , Singh Sally J. , Tooze Susannah J. , Whear Rebecca 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Patient experience of nursing care is associated with safety, care quality, treatment outcomes, costs and service use. Effective nursing care includes meeting patients’ fundamental physical, relational and psychosocial needs, which may be compromised by the challenges of SARS-CoV-2. No evidence-based nursing guidelines exist for patients with SARS-CoV-2. We report work to develop such a guideline. Our aim was to identify views and experiences of nursing staff on necessary nursing care for inpatients with SARS-CoV-2 (not invasively ventilated) that is omitted or delayed (missed care) and any barriers to this care.

Methods
We conducted an online mixed methods survey structured according to the Fundamentals of Care Framework. We recruited a convenience sample of UK-based nursing staff who had nursed inpatients with SARS-CoV-2 not invasively ventilated. We asked respondents to rate how well they were able to meet the needs of SARS-CoV-2 patients, compared to non-SARS-CoV-2 patients, in 15 care categories; select from a list of barriers to care; and describe examples of missed care and barriers to care. We analysed quantitative data descriptively and qualitative data using Framework Analysis, integrating data in side-by-side comparison tables.

Results
Of 1062 respondents, the majority rated mobility, talking and listening, non-verbal communication, communicating with significant others, and emotional wellbeing as worse for patients with SARS-CoV-2. Eight barriers were ranked within the top five in at least one of the three care areas. These were (in rank order): wearing Personal Protective Equipment, the severity of patients’ conditions, inability to take items in and out of isolation rooms without donning and doffing Personal Protective Equipment, lack of time to spend with patients, lack of presence from specialised services e.g. physiotherapists, lack of knowledge about SARS-CoV-2, insufficient stock, and reluctance to spend time with patients for fear of catching SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions
Our respondents identified nursing care areas likely to be missed for patients with SARS-CoV-2, and barriers to delivering care. We are currently evaluating a guideline of nursing strategies to address these barriers, which are unlikely to be exclusive to this pandemic or the environments represented by our respondents. Our results should, therefore, be incorporated into global pandemic planning.
Autoantibody screening in Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Lleixà Cinta , Martín-Aguilar Lorena , Pascual-Goñi Elba , Franco Teresa , Caballero Marta , de Luna Noemí , Gallardo Eduard , Suárez-Calvet Xavier , Martínez-Martínez Laura , Diaz-Manera Jordi , Rojas-García Ricard , Cortés-Vicente Elena , Turón Joana , Casasnovas Carlos , Homedes Christian , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Gerardo , Jimeno-Montero María Concepción , Berciano José , Sedano-Tous Maria José , García-Sobrino Tania , Pardo-Fernández Julio , Márquez-Infante Celedonio , Rojas-Marcos Iñigo , Jericó-Pascual Ivonne , Martínez-Hernández Eugenia , Morís de la Tassa Germán , Domínguez-González Cristina , Juárez Cándido , Illa Isabel , Querol Luis 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory neuropathy with a heterogeneous presentation. Although some evidences support the role of autoantibodies in its pathogenesis, the target antigens remain unknown in a substantial proportion of GBS patients. The objective of this study is to screen for autoantibodies targeting peripheral nerve components in Guillain–Barré syndrome.

Methods
Autoantibody screening was performed in serum samples from all GBS patients included in the International GBS Outcome study by 11 different Spanish centres. The screening included testing for anti-ganglioside antibodies, anti-nodo/paranodal antibodies, immunocytochemistry on neuroblastoma-derived human motor neurons and murine dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, and immunohistochemistry on monkey peripheral nerve sections. We analysed the staining patterns of patients and controls. The prognostic value of anti-ganglioside antibodies was also analysed.

Results
None of the GBS patients (n = 100) reacted against the nodo/paranodal proteins tested, and 61 (61%) were positive for, at least, one anti-ganglioside antibody. GBS sera reacted strongly against DRG neurons more frequently than controls both with IgG (6% vs 0%; p = 0.03) and IgM (11% vs 2.2%; p = 0.02) immunodetection. No differences were observed in the proportion of patients reacting against neuroblastoma-derived human motor neurons. Reactivity against monkey nerve tissue was frequently detected both in patients and controls, but specific patterns were only detected in GBS patients: IgG from 13 (13%) patients reacted strongly against Schwann cells. Finally, we confirmed that IgG anti-GM1 antibodies are associated with poorer outcomes independently of other known prognostic factors.

Conclusion
Our study confirms that (1) GBS patients display a heterogeneous repertoire of autoantibodies targeting nerve cells and structures; (2) gangliosides are the most frequent antigens in GBS patients and have a prognostic value; (3) further antigen-discovery experiments may elucidate other potential antigens in GBS.
The obesity paradox and hypoglycemia in critically ill patients
Authors: Plečko Drago , Bennett Nicolas , Mårtensson Johan , Bellomo Rinaldo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundA high body mass index (BMI) has been associated with decreased mortality in critically ill patients. This association may, in part, relate to the impact of BMI on glycemia. We aimed to study the relationship between BMI, glycemia and hospital mortality.MethodsWe included all patients with a recorded BMI from four large international clinical databases (n = 259,177). We investigated the unadjusted association of BMI with average glucose levels, mortality and hypoglycemia rate. We applied multivariate analysis to investigate the impact of BMI on hypoglycemia rate, after adjusting for glycemia-relevant treatments (insulin, dextrose, corticosteroids, enteral and parenteral nutrition) and key physiological parameters (previous blood glucose level, blood lactate, shock state, SOFA score).ResultsWe analyzed 5,544,366 glucose measurements. On unadjusted analysis, increasing BMI was associated with increasing glucose levels (average increase of 5 and 10 mg/dL for the 25–30, 30–35 kg/m2BMI groups compared to normal BMI (18.5–25 kg/m2) patients). Despite greater hyperglycemia, increasing BMI was associated with lower hospital mortality (average decrease of 2% and 3.25% for the 25–30, 30–35 kg/m2groups compared to normal BMI patients) and lower hypoglycemia rate (average decrease of 2.5% and 3.5% for the 25–30, 30–35 kg/m2groups compared to normal BMI patients). Increasing BMI was significantly independently associated with reduced hypoglycemia rate, with odds ratio (OR) 0.72 and 0.65, respectively (95% CIs 0.67–0.77 and 0.60–0.71, bothp < 0.001) when compared with normal BMI. Low BMI patients showed greater hypoglycemia rate, with OR 1.6 (CI 1.43–1.79,p < 0.001). The association of high BMI and decreased mortality did not apply to diabetic patients. Although diabetic patients had higher rates of hypoglycemia overall and higher glucose variability (p < 0.001), they also had a reduced risk of hypoglycemia with higher BMI levels (p < 0.001).ConclusionsIncreasing BMI is independently associated with decreased risk of hypoglycemia. It is also associated with increasing hyperglycemia and yet with lower mortality. Lower risk of hypoglycemia might contribute to decreased mortality and might partly explain the obesity paradox. These associations, however, were markedly modified by the presence of diabetes.Graphical Abstract