bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change and anadromous fish: How does thermal acclimation affect the mechanics of the myotomal muscle of the Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar?
Authors: Hittle Kathleen A. , Kwon Elizabeth S. , Coughlin David J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn response to accelerated temperature shifts due to climate change, the survival of many species will require forms of thermal acclimation to their changing environment. We were interested in how climate change will impact a commercially and recreationally important species of fish, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). As climate change alters the thermal environment of their natal streams, we asked how their muscle function will be altered by extended exposure to both warm and cold temperatures. We performed a thermal acclimation study of S. salar muscle mechanics of both fast‐twitch, or white, and slow‐twitch, or red, myotomal muscle bundles to investigate how temperature acclimated Atlantic salmon would respond across a range of different temperatures. Isometric contraction properties, maximum shortening velocity, and oscillatory power output were measured and compared amongst three groups of salmon—warm acclimated (20°C), cold‐acclimated (2°C), and those at their rearing temperature (12°C). The Atlantic salmon showed limited thermal acclimation in their contraction kinetics, and some of the shifts in contractile properties that were observed would not be predicted to mitigate the impact of a warming environment. For instance, the maximum shortening velocity at a common test temperature was higher in the warm acclimated group and lower in the cold‐acclimated group. In addition, critical swimming speed did not vary with temperature of acclimation when tested at a common temperature (12°C). Our results suggest that Atlantic salmon populations will continue to struggle in response to a warming environment.
Thrombotic microangiopathies: First report of 294 cases from a single institution experience in Argentina
Authors: Dos Santos Célia , Paiva Juvenal , Romero María Lucila , Agazzoni Mara , Kempfer Ana Catalina , Rotondo Sabrina , Casinelli María Marta , Alberto María Fabiana , Sánchez‐Luceros Analía 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionIntroduction: Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) are rare disorders associated with fatal outcomes if left uncared for. However, healthcare problems in developing countries tend to limit medical assistance to patients.MethodsMethods: We prospectively studied an Argentine cohort of 294 consecutive patients from 2013 to 2016. Patients’ subcategory classification relied on clinical symptoms and presence or absence of trigger events associated with TMA.ResultsMain suspected disorders were the primary TMAs known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) (n = 72/294, 24%) and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) (n = 94/294, 32%). In acute phase, demographic parameters for acquired TTP (aTTP) (n = 28) and aHUS (n = 47) showed that both groups were characterised by a young median age (37 and 25 years, respectively) and female predominance (60% and 86%). Median of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 activity was significantly lower in aTTP than in aHUS group (1.4% vs 83%) and was associated with a more severe thrombocytopenia (15 × 109 vs 53 × 109/L). Creatinine (Cr) and urea (Ur) were significantly increased in aHUS compared to aTTP subjects (Cr: 3.7 vs 0.7 mg/dL, Ur: 118 vs 33 mg/dL). Gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms were more frequent in aHUS and aTTP, respectively.ConclusionThe first description of a TMA cohort in Argentina revealed similar clinical presentations to those of other countries.
The spleen: “epicenter” in malaria infection and immunity
Authors: Ghosh Debopam , Stumhofer Jason S 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe spleen is a complex secondary lymphoid organ that plays a crucial role in controlling blood-stage infection with Plasmodium parasites. It is tasked with sensing and removing parasitized RBCs, erythropoiesis, the activation and differentiation of adaptive immune cells, and the development of protective immunity, all in the face of an intense inflammatory environment. This paper describes how these processes are regulated following infection and recognizes the gaps in our current knowledge, highlighting recent insights from human infections and mouse models.
Mass spectral studies on the human skin surface for mosquito vector control applications
Authors: Wooding Madelien , Dodgen Tyren , Rohwer Egmont R. , Naudé Yvette 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHuman skin surface chemical cues comprise a complex mixture of compounds that mosquitoes use to locate and select their human host, based on inter‐ and intra‐human variation in chemical profiles. The complexity of the skin surface matrix calls for advanced analytical techniques to enable separation and identification of biomarkers, which may be used as topical attractants and repellants in future mosquito vector control programmes. The perceived mosquito attractiveness between 20 volunteers and the preference of mosquitoes to bite certain regions, namely, ankle versus wrist, of the human host were investigated in this study, by comparing skin surface chemical profiles. Ion mobility was combined with high resolution mass spectrometry to provide additional confidence in biological marker discovery and identification of human skin surface compounds. This study employed a non‐intrusive sampling scheme using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sampler and solvent desorption analysed with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with ion mobility high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC‐IMS‐HRMS). Statistical approaches guided the identification of 14 biological markers discerning difference in perceived mosquito attractiveness and 20 biomarkers associated with the different skin regions sampled. A broad range (m/z96.0437 to 788.6095) of chemical compounds was detected from a variety of classes (including sugars, steroids, fatty acids, peptides and peptide derivatives, and compounds of food origin). Ten compounds were unequivocally identified on the human skin surface, and caffeine was reported on the human skin surface for the first time. Furthermore, 77 compounds, of which 64 to the authors' knowledge have not previously been reported, were detected on the human skin surface using accurate mass, collision cross section (CCS) values and fragmentation patterns. This approach enabled comprehensive human skin surface chemical profiling and provides an extensive list of tentatively identified skin surface compounds together with accurate mass values and adducts with their corresponding CCS values.
A U‐shaped association between baseline neutrophil count and COVID‐19‐related mortality: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fu Wei , Chen Chi , Chen Xin‐Lin , Wang Kun , Zuo Peiyuan , Liu Yuwei , Zhang Meng , Zhao Xiaofang , Xie Songpu , Zhang Hao , Geng Yan , Liu Chengyun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSeveral descriptive studies have reported that higher neutrophil count (NC) may be correlated with poor prognosis in patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection. However, the findings from these studies are limited by methodology and data analysis. This study is a cohort study. We nonselectively and consecutively collected a total of 663 participants in a Chinese hospital from January 7 to February 28. Standardized and two‐piecewise Cox regression model were employed to evaluate the association between baseline neutrophil count (bNC), neutrophil count change rate (NCR), and death. bNC had a U‐shaped association with death. In the range of 0.1 to ≤1.49 × 109/L (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05–0.66) and >3.55 × 109/L of bNC (HR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.19–6.67), the trends on bNC with mortality were opposite. By recursive algorithm, the bNC at which the risk of the death was lower in the range of >1.49 to ≤3.55 × 109/L (HR = 13.64, 95% CI = 0.25–74.71). In addition, we find that NCRs (NCR1 and NCR2) are not associated with COVID‐19‐related deaths. Compared with NCR, bNC has the potential to be used for early risk stratification in patients with COVID‐19 infection. The relationship between bNC and mortality was U‐shaped. The safe range of bNC was 1.64–4.0 × 109/L. Identifying the correlation may be helpful for early risk stratification and medical decision‐making.
Rapid qualitative profiling and quantitative analysis of phenolics in Ribes meyeri leaves and their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities by HPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS and UHPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Zhao Yayun , Lu Honglin , Wang Qiang , Liu Hailiang , Shen Haitao , Xu Wenbin , Ge Juan , He Dajun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRibes meyeri leaves are used as traditional Kazakh medicine in China. However, no study on the characterization of the phenolic compounds in R. meyeri leaves has been reported, resulting in the lack of quality control measures and poor standardization. This study was conducted to identify the phenolic compounds in R. meyeri leaves and evaluate their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. A total of 77 phenolics were tentatively identified by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was applied to simultaneously quantify 12 phenolics in R. meyeri leaves. Rutin, epigallocatechin, isoquercitrin, epicatechin, protocatechuic acid, and kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside were abundant in the R. meyeri leaves. The methanol extract and four different extracts enhanced the glucose uptake in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. The ethyl acetate extracts showed a total phenolic content of 966.89 ± 3.59 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, a total flavonoid content of 263.58 ± 17.09 mg catechin equivalents/g, and good protein‐tyrosine phosphatase‐1B inhibitory activities (IC50: 0.60 ± 0.03 μg/mL). To our knowledge, this work is the first to identify and quantify the major phenolics in R. meyeri leaves.
Sharp estimates of the unique solution for two‐point fractional boundary value problems with conformable derivative
Authors: Laadjal Zaid , Abdeljawad Thabet , Jarad Fahd 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this work, we investigate the condition of the given interval which ensures the existence and uniqueness of solutions for two‐point boundary value problems within conformable‐type local fractional derivative. The method of analysis is obtained by the principle of contraction mapping. Furthermore, benefiting from calculating the integral of the Green's function, we are able to improve a recent result by obtaining a sharper lower bound for an eigenvalue problem. Two examples are presented to clarify the obtained results. Finally, we present an open problem for the interested reader.
Online donation behavior in nonprofit organizations: The role of congruent processing styles
Authors: Koksal Ahmet , Darrat Mohamad , James Karen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWith the advent of technology, donors are increasingly donating via online channels. This shift deems it necessary for nonprofit organizations to better understand the online donor behavior. As such, the purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we investigate if nonprofit organizations are perceived differently in terms of their cognitive and affective natures. Then, we examine how different consumer processing styles, i.e. cognitive and affective, interact with consumer perceptions of nonprofit cognitive/affective orientations in influencing their donation intentions. Our results indicate that consumers with a high need for cognition are more willing to donate to predominantly cognitive nonprofit organizations, while those with high need for emotion are more willing to donate to predominantly affective nonprofit organizations. Based on these results, we suggest that nonprofit organizations can garner more donations if they request funds from donors whose processing styles are congruent with the organization. Additional recommendations for future research are provided.
Artificial intelligence, fetal echocardiography, and congenital heart disease
Authors: Day Thomas G. , Kainz Bernhard , Hajnal Jo , Razavi Reza , Simpson John M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThere has been a recent explosion in the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which is now part of our everyday lives. Uptake in medicine has been more limited, although in several fields there have been encouraging results showing excellent performance when AI is used to assist in a well‐defined medical task. Most of this work has been performed using retrospective data, and there have been few clinical trials published using prospective data. This review focuses on the potential uses of AI in the field of fetal cardiology. Ultrasound of the fetal heart is highly specific and sensitive in experienced hands, but despite this there is significant room for improvement in the rates of prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease in most countries. AI may be one way of improving this. Other potential applications in fetal cardiology include the provision of more accurate prognoses for individuals, and automatic quantification of various metrics including cardiac function. However, there are also ethical and governance concerns. These will need to be overcome before AI can be widely accepted in mainstream use. It is likely that a familiarity of the uses, and pitfalls, of AI will soon be mandatory for many healthcare professionals working in fetal cardiology.
Machine learning improves early prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age births and reveals nuchal fold thickness as unexpected predictor
Authors: Saw Shier Nee , Biswas Arijit , Mattar Citra Nurfarah Zaini , Lee Hwee Kuan , Yap Choon Hwai 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the performance of the machine learning (ML) model in predicting small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) at birth, using second‐trimester data.MethodsRetrospective data of 347 patients, consisting of maternal demographics and ultrasound parameters collected between the 20th and 25th gestational weeks, were studied. ML models were applied to different combinations of the parameters to predict SGA and severe SGA at birth (defined as 10th and third centile birth weight).ResultsUsing second‐trimester measurements, ML models achieved an accuracy of 70% and 73% in predicting SGA and severe SGA whereas clinical guidelines had accuracies of 64% and 48%. Uterine PI (Ut PI) was found to be an important predictor, corroborating with existing literature, but surprisingly, so was nuchal fold thickness (NF). Logistic regression showed that Ut PI and NF were significant predictors and statistical comparisons showed that these parameters were significantly different in disease. Further, including NF was found to improve ML model performance, and vice versa.ConclusionML could potentially improve the prediction of SGA at birth from second‐trimester measurements, and demonstrated reduced NF to be an important predictor. Early prediction of SGA allows closer clinical monitoring, which provides an opportunity to discover any underlying diseases associated with SGA.
Association of proton pump inhibitor use with endothelial function and metabolites of the nitric oxide pathway: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nolde Michael , Bahls Martin , Friedrich Nele , Dörr Marcus , Dreischulte Tobias , Felix Stephan B. , Rückert‐Eheberg Ina‐Maria , Ahn Nayeon , Amann Ute , Schwedhelm Edzard , Völzke Henry , Lerch Markus M. , Linseisen Jakob , Meisinger Christa , Baumeister Sebastian E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStudy ObjectiveLong‐term intake of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) might increase the risk of cardiovascular events. One suggested mechanism is that PPIs inhibit the enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) and thereby block the degradation of endothelial asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA). Excess ADMA in turn leads to impaired endothelial nitric oxide (NO) generation. So far, this mechanism has only been established in human cell cultures. Previous studies that examined this pathway in human populations measured circulating ADMA and found no association with PPI use and excess plasma ADMA. But in a recent study, plasma ADMA was not correlated with intracellular ADMA. We therefore focused on changes in plasma citrulline as an indicator for potential DDAH inhibition.DesignWe analyzed the association between regular daily PPI intake and flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery as well as plasma concentrations of citrulline, arginine, ADMA, and symmetric dimethylarginine using inverse probability weighting to adjust for confounding and censoring.Data SourceData of 1298 participants from two independent cohorts of the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania were used.PatientsParticipants of the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania are a stratified random sample of the study region.InterventionRegular daily intake of PPIs.MeasurementsFMD of the brachial artery and plasma concentrations of citrulline, arginine, ADMA, and symmetric dimethylarginine.Main ResultsEighty‐seven participants (57.5% female) were regular daily users of PPIs. In the fully adjusted models, associations were identified for FMD and plasma citrulline concentrations. PPI users revealed a 0.99% (95% CI: −1.96 to −0.02) lower FMD and 3.03 µmol/L (95% CI: −4.96 to −1.10) lower plasma citrulline levels as compared to non‐users.ConclusionOur data provide evidence that long‐term intake of PPIs might inhibit human DDAH activity, resulting in impaired endothelial NO production and reduced vascular function. In the long run, this might explain an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases associated with long‐term PPI use.
Mechanistic impact of water on polypyridobisimidazole (M5) structure and properties
Authors: Lustig Steven R , Allen Steven R , Londono J David , Lowery Joseph L 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe hydrophilicity of polypyridobisimidazole challenges the development of M5 fiber for high tensile modulus applications. The material's intractability makes it practically impossible to determine whether the observed loss of stiffness upon water sorption is due to chemical hydrolysis or physical softening or subtle changes in post‐spin structure. This work quantitatively characterizes the mechanisms by which water challenges the technical development of M5 fiber. M5 fibers with different heat and humidity treatments are characterized using two‐dimensional, high‐resolution X‐ray crystallography. Molecular modeling elucidates the detailed structure and identifies where molecular water resides in the M5 crystal. Water interrupts both intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonding as well as changing the larger‐range morphological order within the fiber crystallites. Molecular modeling suggests a specific mechanism as to how water molecules interrupt intramolecular hydrogen bonding. This single mechanism predicts the tensile modulus softening between heat‐treated and subsequently moistened fiber that agrees quantitatively with experimental data. These results support the contention that M5 modulus softening with water ingression can be explained by purely physical conversion of the inherent intrachain molecular hydrogen bonding to intermolecular hydrogen bonding with water, without having to invoke an additional chemical hydrolysis contribution. Quantum molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the polypyridobisimidazole molecule actually exists in two keto–enol tautomeric forms, which interconvert dynamically. Current results indicate that neither form is particularly sensitive to chemical hydrolysis. We currently hypothesize that post‐spinning heat treatment provides a structure that resists chemical hydrolysis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasma ion implantation of 3D‐printed PEEK creates optimal host conditions for bone ongrowth and mineralisation
Authors: Kruse Hedi V. , McKenzie David R. , Clark Jonathan R. , Suchowerska Natalka 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPolyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a three‐dimensional (3D)‐printable material with excellent mechanical properties for bone replacement implants. However, bioactivation is needed to improve its osseointegration. Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) provides PEEK surfaces with a high density of radicals, improving hydrophilicity and enabling covalent bonds with biological molecules. On the PIII‐treated surface, amorphous calcium phosphate‐associated protein depositions form a strongly bonded, mineralised layer during incubation in a cell culture medium. The strong adhesion is attributed to covalent linking of protein to the PEEK surface, which cannot be achieved by improved hydrophilicity or the introduction of functional groups alone. After 3D‐printed porous PEEK scaffolds were PIII‐treated, osteoblast‐like cell attachment increased by 8.8%, proliferation rate increased by 27% and mineralisation was enhanced, encouraging rapid osseointegration of patient‐specific implants.
Using the diagnostic thinking inventory in musculoskeletal physiotherapy: a validity and reliability study
Authors: Hamzeh Hayat , Madi Mohammad , Hensman Marianne 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundDevelopment of clinical reasoning is an essential aspect in musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice that is linked to better outcomes. The measurement of clinical reasoning has placed an emphasis on diagnostic reasoning using different types of examinations. The Diagnostic Thinking Inventory (DTI) is a self‐assessment tool developed to measure two aspects of diagnostic reasoning: flexibility in thinking (FT) and structure in memory (SM). DTI is valid and reliable that has been used extensively in medical field.ObjectiveTo investigate the validity and reliability of DTI in musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice.MethodsTwo groups of musculoskeletal physiotherapists completed DTI. Expert musculoskeletal physiotherapists assessed face and content validity. Data from the second group of musculoskeletal physiotherapists were used to assess test–retest reliability. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed by comparing both groups. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS statistics 25.0 version.ResultsThe experts agreed that DTI measures diagnostic reasoning. For test–retest reliability, average intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91, 0.92 and 0.90 (p < 0.001) for DTI, FT and SM scores, respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.909, 0.919 and 0.897 (p < 0.001) for DTI, FT and SM, respectively. The independent samples t‐test demonstrated that the experts group achieved higher and statistically significant score (p < 0.001).ConclusionDTI is valid and reliable in measuring diagnostic reasoning in the context of musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice. It can be used to assess the impact of continuing education on musculoskeletal physiotherapists' diagnostic reasoning.