bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extra‐articular involvement of rheumatoid arthritis in three seropositive patients in the absence of initial joint involvement
Authors: Chirila Razvan M. , Berianu Florentina , Abril Andy , Butendieck Ronald R. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionExtra‐articular involvement (EAI) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is rare, severe and usually presents after years of joint involvement. Onset of RA as lung involvement has been published. We describe a series of three patients with strongly positive anti‐citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF) positive in the absence of joint symptoms, but with significant EAI.MethodsThis is a descriptive case series of three patients evaluated in an academic medical center rheumatology clinic.ResultsA 50‐year‐old female presented with severe recurrent scleritis in the background of strongly positive ACPA, but no joint involvement. Her ocular disease responded well to rituximab. Four years later, she developed peripheral inflammatory arthritis consistent with RA. A 74‐year‐old male presented after developing recurrent steroid‐dependent serositis (pleuro‐pericarditis) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Serology was notable for strongly positive ACPA, but no joint involvement. Serositis responded well to adalimumab. Two years after initial symptoms, he developed peripheral joint involvement after holding adalimumab. A 56‐year‐old female presented with an isolated, biopsy‐proven subcutaneous rheumatoid nodule. Subsequently, she developed pancytopenia and fatigue. She tested strongly positive for ACPA and RF. Bone marrow biopsy was negative for malignancy and she had no evidence of infection. She responded to steroids and hydroxychloroquine and had not developed joint involvement after 2 years of follow‐up.ConclusionEAI as an onset of RA is a complex and not easily recognized entity if typical joints involvement is not yet present. Early diagnosis may help guide specific therapy and prevent sequelae and co‐morbidities.
“It's a war! It's a battle! It's a fight!”: Do militaristic metaphors increase people's threat perceptions and support for COVID‐19 policies?
Authors: Schnepf Julia , Christmann Ursula 
Published: September 2021

At the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, governments around the world employed militaristic metaphors to draw attention to the dangers of the virus. But, do militaristic metaphors truly affect individuals' perceived threat of the COVID‐19 virus and increase their support for corresponding restrictive policies? This study assessed the effects of fictitious newspaper articles that described COVID‐19 policies using similarly negatively valenced metaphors but with differing militaristic connotations (e.g., “war” vs. “struggle”). Overall, data from three framing experiments (N = 1114) in Germany and the United States indicate limited evidence on the effectiveness of the tested militaristic metaphors. In the U.S. context, the non‐militaristic concept of struggle was consistently more strongly associated with the desired outcomes than militaristic metaphors were. In Studies 2 and 3, we also tested whether reporting using a narrative or straightforward facts had additional influence on the framing effect. A congruency effect of the use of a narrative and of warfare metaphors was found in the German sample, but not in that of the United States. Results of post‐experimental norming studies (N = 437) in both countries revealed that the metaphor of war is associated with people ascribing greater responsibility to their governments, whereas the concept of struggle triggers a sense of individual responsibility. These results are discussed in terms of the usefulness and appropriateness of militaristic metaphors in the context of a pandemic.
Social capital in Mexico moderates the relationship of uncertainty and cooperation during the SARS‐COV‐2 pandemic
Authors: Cruz‐Torres Christian E. , Martín del Campo‐Ríos Jaime 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study proposes that, given the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, its sanitary restrictions, and the associated economic effects, citizens perceive higher uncertainty and tend to reduce their willingness to cooperate with others. Community social capital refers to a set of norms of reciprocity, trust, and civic engagement networks that promote trust, reciprocal help, and cooperation for mutual benefits. It is also suggested that it can help alleviate negative effects of the pandemic in communities, by reducing uncertainty and its harmful effects on cooperation. These hypotheses were tested in a sample of 565 inhabitants of Mexico, who answered an online survey with measurements of social capital, uncertainty, and willingness to cooperate in the face of the pandemic. The relationships between variables were analyzed in two structural equation models, which show adequate goodness of fit, where higher levels of uncertainty generated by the pandemic were associated with a greater disposition to noncooperation with others, while social capital moderated this relation decreasing negative effects of uncertainty on noncooperation. The value of social capital is discussed as a resource worth preserving and promoting in communities to strengthen them, so that they are better able to face health or economic contingencies.
Process research of one‐stage partial nitrification‐anammox (S‐PN/A) technology in toilet water treatment and related kinetic simulation
Authors: Qi Weikang , Liu Lifang , Shi Qi , Su Xinwei , Lv Qian , Peng Yongzhen , Wang Cong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDToilet water is a typical wastewater that is abundant and has a low organic carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio; therefore, it is necessary to explore an economical and efficient treatment option. Partial nitrification‐anammox (PN/A) technology is characterized by low aeration energy consumption and a high nitrogen removal rate. As a process technology that has emerged in recent years, PN/A technology involves operating conditions that require further study.RESULTSIn this work, two one‐stage partial nitrification‐anammox (S‐PN/A) reactors were operated to achieve nitrogen removal from toilet water. The total nitrogen removal rate of the two reactors reached 85%. The hydraulic nitrogen load of the first reactor was only 0.03 kg N m–3·d–1, while the hydraulic nitrogen load of the second reactor reached 0.09 kg N m–3·d–1. Nitrosomonas and Candidatus Kuenenia in the reactor were the main functional bacteria for partial nitrification and anammox. Kinetic simulations were performed using AQUASIM 2.0 software. The results showed that, in the partial nitrification system, the higher the (sludge retention time) SRT , the lower the effluent ammonia nitrogen concentration; the optimal operating condition's sludge retention time (SRT) was 10 days and dissolved oxygen (DO) was 0.2 mg L–1. The higher the SRT in the anammox system, the lower the concentration of ammonia and nitrite nitrogen in the effluent; in addition, the SRT should be greater than 60 days to ensure that as much nitrogen was removed as possible.CONCLUSIONIn summary, the research results confirm that it is feasible to use PN/A technology to remove nitrogen from toilet water. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Comparison between daily and on‐demand PrEP (pre‐exposure prophylaxis) regimen in covering condomless anal intercourse for men who have sex with men in Hong Kong: A randomized, controlled, open‐label, crossover trial
Authors: Kwan Tsz Ho , Lui Grace Chung Yan , Lam Teddy Tai Ning , Lee Krystal Chi Kei , Wong Ngai Sze , Chan Denise Pui Chung , Lee Shui Shan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionBoth daily and on‐demand regimens have been proven effective for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV in men who have sex with men (MSM). We aimed to compare the two regimens on their coverage of condomless anal intercourse (CLAI) in MSM.MethodsA randomized, controlled, open‐label, crossover trial was conducted in a teaching hospital in Hong Kong. Participants were sexually active HIV‐negative MSM aged 18 years or above with normal renal function and without chronic hepatitis B infection. Oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg/emtricitabine 200 mg (TDF/FTC) tablets were prescribed for PrEP. After a 2‐week lead‐in with daily TDF/FTC for treatment‐naïve MSM for tolerance assessment, participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio with a block size of four to either daily‐first or on‐demand‐first arm based on the IPERGAY study, for receiving PrEP for 16 weeks, then crossed‐over to the alternative regimen for another 16 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of days with PrEP‐covered CLAI by intention‐to‐treat analysis. The trial is registered with the CCRB Clinical Trials Registry, CUHK, CUHK_CCRB00606, and is closed to accrual.ResultsBetween 25 August 2018 and 23 March 2019, 119 eligible participants were assigned to daily‐first arm (n = 59) and on‐demand‐first arm (n = 60) with an 87% overall completion rate (n = 103). With 96% and 54% of days on PrEP during daily and on‐demand periods, respectively, the proportion of days with PrEP‐covered CLAI between two arms were not statistically different (92% vs. 92%, p = 0.93). About half (47%) were diagnosed with at least one episode of incident sexually transmitted infection. Mild and time‐limited adverse events, including diarrhoea, headache, nausea and dizziness, were reported in 37 (31%) and 10 (8%) during the daily and on‐demand periods, respectively. At the end of the study, a similar proportion favoured daily or on‐demand regimen.ConclusionsHigh prevention‐effective adherence, as reflected from the coverage of CLAI, was achievable by either daily or on‐demand PrEP among MSM, albeit a higher number of tablets taken for daily PrEP. As both regimens were well accepted, a flexible approach adopting either or both regimens with possible switching is warranted in order to suit individual health needs.
Electrochemical immunoplatform to assist in the diagnosis of oral cancer through the determination of CYFRA 21.1 biomarker in human saliva samples: Preparation of a novel portable biosensor toward non‐invasive diagnosis of oral cancer
Authors: Tofighi Fahimeh Bageri , Saadati Arezoo , Kholafazad‐kordasht Houman , Farshchi Fatemeh , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Samiei Mohammad 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this study, a novel, low‐cost, and flexible paper‐based electrochemical immunosensor was developed for the bioanalysis of Cyfra 21.1 biomarker in human saliva samples by using stabilization of synthesis Ag nano‐ink on the surface of paper using pen‐on‐paper technology. The employed electrochemical techniques for the evaluation of immunoplatform performance were differential pulse voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Also, the prepared immunosensor showed great ability in the determination of Cyfra21.1 in human saliva specimens. Under the optimized conditions, the obtained linear range was from 0.0025 to 10 ng/mL, and the obtained LLOQ was 0.0025 ng/mL. The developed immunosensor is easy to prepare, sensitive, cost‐effective, portable, and simple. So proposed immunoplatform can be an accomplished biodevice in clinical laboratories. The proposed paper‐based immunosensor could be a hopefully new and cheap tool for the diagnosis of other biomarkers. Also, the prepared immunosensor showed great ability in the determination of Cyfra21.1 biomarker in human saliva specimens.
Recognition of human hemoglobin with macromolecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles using non‐covalent interactions
Authors: Aylaz Gülgün , Andaç Müge , Denizli Adil , Duman Memed 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHemoglobin (Hb) is the most abundant protein in the blood. It is vital for the living as oxygen carriers. Some of the very pure Hb‐containing biological fluids are currently under clinical trial. However, the removal and purification of Hb from the blood are quite difficult, especially when it is at a low concentration level. In this study, the molecularly imprinted polymeric nanoparticles (MIPNs) were prepared using N‐methacryloyl‐histidine methyl ester (MAH) by mini‐emulsion polymerization technique for specific binding of human hemoglobin (HHb). MIPNs in monosize form have a size of 152 ± 4 nm. They also have a high binding capacity (32.33 mg/g) of HHb. MIPNs retain 84% of the re‐binding capacity for HHb after 10 cycles. The nanoparticles have 16 and 5 times higher binding capacity of HHb, respectively, in the presence of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme. Thanks to their high binding capacity and selectivity, MIPNs will allow them to be detected selectively for different target molecules. According to molecular docking, the main binding forces depend on hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces in the interaction within 5 Å around MAH molecule are observed through the amino acid residues of HHb at β1 and β2 subunit. The statistical mechanical analysis of docking showed that the free energy (ΔG) is −2732.14 kcal/mol, which indicates the interaction between MAH and HHb is energetically favorable at 298.15°K.
Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 evaluation and projection of East African precipitation
Authors: Makula Exavery Kisesa , Zhou Botao 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study evaluates the performance of 43 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) models in reproducing annual cycle, climatology, and trend of observed precipitation over East Africa during 1950–2014. The results show that the CMIP6 models display good performance in simulating the annual cycle (i.e., bimodal pattern) of East African precipitation; however, most models and the multimodel ensemble mean (ENSEM) underestimate the March to May (MAM) precipitation while overestimating the October to December (OND) precipitation. Spatially, most models seem to perform relatively better in simulating OND precipitation compared to MAM season, despite wet (dry) biases over most parts of East Africa with the wettest (driest) biases over the Lake Victoria basin (southeastern Tanzania) during OND (MAM). The metrics have shown that nine models (i.e., MPI‐ESM1‐2‐HR, AWI‐CM‐1‐MR, MPI‐ESM1‐2‐LR, IPSL‐CM6A‐LR, CAS‐ESM2‐0, BCC‐CSM2‐MR, NorESM2‐LM, CESM2‐WACCM, and CMCC‐CM2‐SR5) outperform the other individual models during both OND and MAM. Compared with individual models, the ENSEM better agrees with the observation. Besides, the ENSEM and most models can reproduce the increasing trend in OND precipitation as observed over East Africa. However, for the secular change of MAM precipitation, given that half of the models show increasing trends, the ENSEM simulation produces an inconsistent trend with the observation. The ensemble of the above nine models with better performance projects an increase of precipitation averaged over East Africa in both MAM and OND by the end of the 21st century, with larger changes under SSP5‐8.5 than under SSP2‐4.5. Spatially, the largest percentage increase in MAM precipitation is projected to occur in central Tanzania and northwestern Kenya, while southeastern Tanzania shows the greatest percentage decrease. The projected percentage increases in OND precipitation are larger in the northeastern highlands of Tanzania and northwest Kenya.
A quantile mapping approach‐based bias correction in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 models for decadal temperature predictions over India
Authors: Patel Jayshri , Gnanaseelan Chellappan , Chowdary Jasti S. , Parekh Anant 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDecadal climate prediction has been recognized as the important information for policy makers for agriculture, health and energy sectors and the general public for any near‐term planning. The modelling community is determined to put forward a reliable near‐term climate forecasting system, to predict annual to decadal state and variability of climate. However, deriving reliable information from the decadal prediction/hindcast is still a challenge. This study examines the decadal hindcast simulations of surface air temperature (SAT) over India in seven different ocean–atmosphere coupled models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Each decadal hindcast is available for the next 10‐years period from the initialized climate states of 1961–2006. The performance of models is assessed using different evaluation metrics, such as absolute mean difference, root mean square error, skill score and uncertainty in terms of the range of hindcasts. The multimodel ensemble mean displayed considerable skill in representing the spatial distribution of SAT over the Indian region except over the western Himalaya and Northeast India. Our results indicate that the decadal hindcasts skills improved noticeably when quantile mapping (QM) approach is used for the bias corrections. The major improvements are seen in terms of reducing absolute mean difference and uncertainty, regardless of lead time and region. The present study advocates that QM approach is useful not only for reducing bias but also for improving the decadal hindcast skill for SAT over India in the coupled models.
Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in‐depth analysis and in silico verification of the potential active ingredients of Baihe Dihuang decoction in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Wu Hao , Liu Runhua , Wang Jiaqi , Li Tianyi , Sun Yu , Feng Xin , Bi Yuelin , Zhang Chenning , Sun Yikun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBaihe Dihuang decoction is a commonly used herbal formula to treat depression and insomnia in traditional Chinese medicine. This study established a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry method to investigate the potential active ingredients and the components absorbed in the blood and brain tissue of mice. Using a new data processing method, 94 chemical components were identified, 33 and 9 of which were absorbed in the blood and brain. More interestingly, we analyzed the substance changes during co‐decoction and the characteristics of the compounds absorbed in the blood and brain. The results show that 71 newly generated chemical components were discovered from co‐decoction: 38 with fragment information and five absorbed in the blood. Ultimately, the results of molecular docking show that these components have excellent performance in proteins of γ‐aminobutyric acid, serotonin and melatonin receptors. The docking results of emodin with Monoamine Oxidase A and Melatonin Receptor 1A, and luteolin with Solute Carrier Family 6 Member 4, Glyoxalase I, Monoamine Oxidase B and Melatonin Receptor 1A, may explain the mechanism of action of Baihe Dihuang decoction in treating insomnia and depression. Overall, our research results may provide novel perspectives for further understanding of the effective substances in Baihe Dihuang decoction.
Current approaches for the purification of antibody–drug conjugates
Authors: Matsuda Yutaka 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the past two decades, antibody–drug conjugates have gained increasing attention because they expand the therapeutic index when compared with that of traditional chemotherapies. Antibody–drug conjugates are highly complex structures consisting of antibodies covalently conjugated with small‐molecule cytotoxic drugs. The complex structure of antibody–drug conjugates makes chemistry, manufacturing, and control difficult. In contrast to antibody production, distinct purification methods following conjugation of antibodies with drug‐linkers are required for the manufacturing. For process development of antibody drug conjugates, the drug‐to‐antibody ratio, free drug‐linkers, and aggregates are critical quality attributes that must be strictly controlled and removed by appropriate purification techniques. In this review, features of various purification methods used to purify antibody drug conjugates are described and evaluated. The future landscape of the antibody‐conjugates field is also discussed briefly.
Treatment of melasma with a low‐fluence 1064 nm Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser: Laser toning in Caucasian women
Authors: Micek Iwona , Pawlaczyk Mariola , Kroma Anna , Seraszek‐Jaros Agnieszka , Urbańska Maria , Gornowicz‐Porowska Justyna 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMelasma is a common, therapeutically challenging, and very often relapsing disorder of hyperpigmentation most often observed in women. Low‐fluence, multipass technique with Q‐switched‐mode laser—“laser toning” is broadly used to treat melasma, especially in Asia. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a series of laser treatments with very short, nanosecond pulses in the treatment of melasma in Caucasian women.Material and MethodsForty polish females with Fitzpatrick skin phototype II–III and melasma were treated with 1064 nm Q‐switched neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (QSNY) laser (pulse with 5 ns; spot size, 6–8 mm; fluence, 1.7–3.2 J/cm2; 2–8 passes; nine treatments). Melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI) by Mexameter MX18®, the modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI), and the participant's self‐assessment were used to evaluate the treatment results. Twenty‐one patients were subjected to a 1‐year follow‐up.ResultsSignificant improvement in melasma pigmentation was observed in the mean MI and mMASI score; both were significantly reduced (p < 0.0001). Significant erythema reduction was achieved (p < 0.001). In total, 70% of participants rated the laser as a method that met their expectations for treating melasma. Clinical follow‐up after one year showed that the reduced melasma effect was still maintained. Patients also noticed improved skin conditions (radiance, smoothness, brightness, hydration, regeneration). No serious adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsLow‐fluence 1064 nm QSNY laser is an effective, safe, and noninvasive method with long‐term results in melasma treatment. QSNY (1064 nm) improves the condition of melasma patients with erythema.
Polyelectrolyte Complex that Minimizes Bacterial Adhesion to Polyester
Authors: Smith Ryan J. , Moule Madeleine G. , Leon Pablo A. , Iverson Ethan T. , Kolibaba Thomas J. , Cirillo Jeffrey D. , Grunlan Jaime C. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBacterial adhesion is a major concern in the medical field, where bacterial fouling can lead to diminished device efficacy and failure. To combat this, polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) can be used to modify surfaces to reduce bacterial attachment. In the present study, a water‐based PEC of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) [PDDA] and poly(acrylic acid) are deposited in a simple two‐step process to the surface of polyester fabric. This process includes the deposition of a dissolved mixture of the two polyelectrolytes, followed by the formation of the ionic network through exposure to citric acid buffer. These coatings facilitate the removal of >95% of deposited Staphylococcus aureus after simple rinsing with deionized water. The high degree of surface ionization monitored by FTIR suggests that electrostatic repulsion is responsible for the observed antifouling activity. The morphology of these coatings which is monitored by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) is shown to depend on curing the curing conditions, which suggests that this simple process can be tailored to many applications.