bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile quantitative diagnostic testing for neutralizing antibodies against chikungunya virus
Authors: Lin Hui-Chung , Chang Shu-Fen , Su Chien-Ling , Hu Huai-Chin , Chiao Der-Jiang , Hsu Yu-Lin , Lu Hsuan-ying , Lin Chang-Chi , Shu Pei-Yun , Kuo Szu-Cheng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Viral neutralization (NT) assays can be used to determine the immune status of patients or assess the potency of candidate vaccines or therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT) is a conventional neutralization test (cVNT) with superior specificity for measurement of neutralizing antibodies against a specific virus. Unfortunately, the application of FRNT to the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) involves a highly pathogenic bio-agent requiring biosafety level 3 (BSL3) facilities, which inevitably imposes low throughput and long turnaround times. In this study, we evaluated a safe surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) that uses novel CHIKV replicon particles (VRPs) expressing eGFP and luciferase (Luc) to enable the rapid detection and quantification of neutralizing activity in clinical human serum samples.
Methods:
This unmatched case-control validation study used serum samples from laboratory-confirmed cases of CHIKV (n = 19), dengue virus (DENV; n = 9), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV; n = 5), and normal individuals (n = 20). We evaluated the effectiveness of VNT based on mosquito cell-derived CHIK VRPs (mos-CHIK VRPs) in the detection of (eGFP) and quantification of (Luc) NT activity in terms of specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility. We conducted correlation analysis between the proposed rapid method (20 hours) versus FRNT assay (72 hours). We also investigated the correlation between sVNT and cVNT in NT titrations in terms of Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and sigmoidal curve fitting.
Results:
In NT screening assays, sVNT-eGFP screening achieved sensitivity and specificity of 100%. We obtained a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.83 for NT50 values between sVNT-Luc and cVNT.
Conclusions:
Facile VRP-based sVNT within 24 hours proved highly reliable in the identification and quantification of neutralizing activity against CHIKV in clinical serum samples.
The Sliding Flux Ramp Demodulation Algorithm with High Sampling Rate in Microwave SQUID Multiplexer
Authors: Liao Guofu , Liu Congzhan , Li Zhengwei , Yan Daikang , Ren Xiangxiang , Zhang Yongjie , Zhang Laiyu , Xu Yu , Shu Shibo , Gao He , Zhang Yifei , Lu Xuefeng , Li Xufang , Xu He , Wu Di 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Microwave SQUID Multiplexing ($\mu$MUX) is a widely used technique in the low temperature detectors community as it offers high capacity of reading out large scale Transition-Edge Sensor (TES) arrays. In this paper, we propose a Sliding Flux Ramp Demodulation (SFRD) algorithm for $\mu$MUX readout system. It can achieve a sampling rate in the order of MHz while maintaining a multiplexing ratio about one thousand. Advancing of this large array readout technique makes it possible to observe scientific objects with improved time resolution and event count rate. This will be highly helpful for TES calorimeters in X-ray applications, such as X-ray astrophysics missions.
Impact of Cortisol on Liver Fat and Metabolic Health in Adrenal Incidentalomas and Cushing's Syndrome
Authors: Yu Peng , Yuan Haoyue , Li Xiaomu , Chen Hong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate liver fat content in patients with non-functional adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI), mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS), and Cushing’s Syndrome (CS), and assess its relationship with cortisol levels.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used retrospective data from 103 NFAI patients, 100 MACS (F-1mgDST > 1.8 µg/dL) and 59 with CS. Abdominal CT scans measured hepatic and splenic CT values to calculate the liver-to-spleen (L/S) ratio. Metabolic indicators including fasting blood glucose (FPG), LDL-C, HDL-C, HbA1c etc were measured. Mediation analysis was used to explore the indirect effects of metabolic traits on the cortisol-liver fat relationship.
Results
Patients included 103 NFAI, 100 MACS, and 59 CS. MACS patients had higher NAFLD prevalence (57%) than NFAI (26.2%, P < 0.001) but lower than CS (66.1%, P < 0.001). MACS and CS were associated with NAFLD (OR 3.83 and OR 5.73, P < 0.01), adjusted for age, BMI, and covariates. Midnight serum cortisol correlated with L/S ratio (p < 0.001). HbA1C and Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) mediated 24.5% and 49.5% of the cortisol and L/S ratio association, respectively. FPG, HbA1C, HDL-c, and TyG mediated the association between MACS or CS and the L/S ratio. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), fructosamine, and triglycerides mediated for MACS, while alkaline phosphatase did so for CS. Total cholesterol, LDL-C, ALT, AST, γ-GGT, insulin, and uric acid did not mediate the association.
Conclusion
MACS and CS are linked to significant metabolic disturbances, including increased liver fat and impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, contributing to fatty liver.
Influence of synchronized rolling-assisted process on crack and properties of Ni-WC laser cladding layers
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Dai Xingyu , Guo Huaichen , Hu Xiaoping , Shen Wenbo , Ma Chen , Zhao Changlong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

To investigate the process method to inhibit the cracking of the laser cladding layer, based on the concept of synchronized micro-forging, this paper applies a self-developed laser cladding synchronized rolling auxiliary device to prepare Ni60-WC cladding layer by laser cladding on the surface of Q235 steel substrate. An optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, Vickers microhardness tester, X-ray diffractometer, friction and wear tester, and three-dimensional optical profilometer were used to observe, test, and analyze the macroscopic morphology, microstructure, physical phase composition, microhardness and wear-resistant properties of the fused cladding layer. This paper focuses on comparing the observation of cracking defects with and without the application of a synchronized rolling-assisted device to prepare the cladding layer and analyzes the reasons for the different results. The results show that: the synchronized rolling auxiliary process can effectively inhibit the generation of cracks, synchronized roller in the synchronized rolling device, under the action of high laser power, produces the effect of a secondary heat source, which has the effect of heating and heat preservation on the fusion cladding layer, reduces the temperature gradient of the fusion cladding layer when it is cooled, and the accumulation of thermal stress is reduced. In the synchronized rolling process, the molten cladding layer is in the dynamic response to the recrystallization stage, the growth time of the grain is relatively longer, the grain size increases slightly, the hardness decreases slightly, but the plasticity and toughness increases, the amount of wear is reduced, and the wear resistance is improved.
Formulation and evaluation of mucoadhesive films for treatment of vaginal candidiasis
Authors: Dalvi Sayli , Chhabra Neha , Shiriskar Jueeli , Sriniva Ganga 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is long-term condition that can severely affect the quality of life of affected women. Worldwide, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis affects about 138 million women annually (range 103–172 million), with a global annual prevalence of 3871 per 100 000 women; 372 million women are affected by recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis over their lifetime. Along with oral antifungals, intravaginal therapy represents the route of choice for both local and systemic effects, which is patient convenient and effective alternate for vaginal infections. Mucoadhesive vaginal films of itraconazole were formulated and optimized using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose CP 50, Eudragit RS 100, PEG 400 and Soluplus ®, solvent casting technique using hydroxyl propylcellulose and sodium alginate as polymers. Propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol-400 were evaluated as plasticizers. Prepared films were evaluated for weight, thickness, uniformity of weight, disintegration time of films, drug content determination, in vitro drug release studies, mechanical strength and antifungal activity. The films exhibited controlled release over more than 24 hrs. From the study it was concluded that the films containing 25 mg itraconazole exhibited satisfactory swelling, an optimum mechanical strength and promising drug release. The formulation was found to be suitable candidate for the antifungal activity of vaginal films for therapeutic use.
A 17-year-old man with motor and sensory deficits along with impaired balance
Authors: Farjam Mina , Changizi Faraz , Ebrahimzadeh Kaveh , Sabeti Shahram , Zerehpoush Farahnaz Bidari , Gharebagh Farid Javandoust , Darazam Ilad Alavi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hydatid cysts are caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm parasite Echinococcus granulosus, leading to a rare but significant zoonotic infection. This disease primarily manifests in regions with prevalent agricultural and livestock practices. While the liver, lungs, and brain are most affected, spinal involvement is notably rare. Hydatid cyst disease develops gradually and in the early stages, these cysts are asymptomatic. Symptoms usually manifest when the cysts enlarge sufficiently to cause compression. Effective treatment typically combines surgical intervention with antiparasitic medication to reduce the risk of recurrence, highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive approach to treatment and follow-up.
Case Presentation:
A 17-year-old male from Afghanistan, now residing in Iran, presented with muscle weakness in his lower extremities, primarily in the right leg, back pain, and impaired balance. The patient had a history of previous surgical resection for a spinal mass in Afghanistan. Upon examination, he exhibited reduced muscle strength, sensory loss in the right lower limb, paresthesia in the left medial forearm, and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes in both legs, along with a positive Babinski sign on the right. Imaging revealed signs of previous laminectomy at T2 and T3 and a well-defined cystic mass at the T2 level. Surgical intervention was performed to resect the cystic tumor, and pathological examination confirmed it as a hydatid cyst. Post-surgery, the patient was prescribed chewable albendazole (400 mg twice daily) to prevent recurrence. Routine MRI follow-ups and physiotherapy sessions were recommended post-discharge.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the critical need for precise surgical removal and comprehensive postoperative care in managing spinal hydatid cysts. The recurrence in this patient suggests potential issues with the initial surgical resection or subsequent therapeutic management, emphasizing the importance of thorough treatment adherence. Given the high recurrence rates of 48%-89% for spinal hydatid cysts, effective management involves accurate surgical techniques, adequate postoperative medication, and long-term follow-up. This case highlights the importance of treatment strategies to manage and prevent the recurrence of this rare but challenging condition.
Is exceeding estimated established bladder capacities harmful during voiding cystourethrograms (VCUGs)?
Authors: DeFlorio Robert , Epelman Monica , Christnacht Kimberly , Zheng Henry , Shah Chetan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The current standard for diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children is a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), which requires an accurate estimation of bladder capacity to be performed appropriately. However, in clinical practice, the amount of contrast instilled into the bladder often exceeds the estimated capacity, raising concerns among parents, radiologists, and technologists. The potential harm caused by exceeding the estimated capacity set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American College of Radiology (ACR) has not been studied.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to compare the actual bladder capacity of children undergoing VCUG with existing formula-derived estimates, and to describe any adverse effects of bladder overdistention during VCUG.
Materials and Methods
This retrospective study involved the review of 884 consecutive VCUG performed over a period of 3 years. The data was divided into three age groups: less than age 2, ages 2 through 14, and greater than age 14. Cases with underlying conditions that could artificially increase bladder capacity, such as neurogenic bladders or vesicoureteral reflux, were excluded from the analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results.
Results
Out of the 884 reviewed VCUG studies reviewed over the 3-year period, a total of 440 normal VCUG procedures were included in the analysis. Among these, 284 VCUGs (65%) had bladder volumes that exceeded the expected bladder capacity set by the AAP and ACR. Specifically, out of the 261 VCUGs performed on children under 2 years of age, 164 (63%) VCUG exceeded the expected capacity. In the age group between 2 and 14 years, out of the 165 VCUGs performed, 113 (68%) exceeded the expected bladder capacity. Among the 14 VCUGs performed on children older than 14 years of age, seven (50%) exceeded the bladder capacity. Importantly, no adverse effects were observed or reported during or shortly after the VCUG in the 32 VCUG studies (7.3%) that required a contrast volume of more than two times the AAP estimates of bladder capacity. Additionally, no adverse effects were observed or reported immediately or within the next week in the 22 VCUG studies (5%) that required a contrast volume of more than three times the AAP estimates. This included six children who received 700 mL or more of contrast.
Conclusion
This study suggests that current guidelines often underestimate bladder capacity, and exceeding the expected bladder capacity appears to be reasonably safe without the occurrence of complications.
Correlation of HbA1c levels with CT-based body composition biomarkers in diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Warner Joshua , Blake Glen , Garrett John , Lee Matthew , Nelson Leslie , Summers Ronald , Pickhardt Perry 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome are closely linked with visceral body composition, but clinical assessment is limited to external measurements and laboratory values including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Modern deep learning and AI algorithms allow automated extraction of biomarkers for organ size, density, and body composition from routine computed tomography (CT) exams. Comparing visceral CT biomarkers across groups with differing glycemic control revealed significant, progressive CT biomarker changes with increasing HbA1c. For example, in the unenhanced female cohort, mean changes between normal and poorly-controlled diabetes showed: 53% increase in visceral adipose tissue area, 22% increase in kidney volume, 24% increase in liver volume, 6% decrease in liver density (hepatic steatosis), 16% increase in skeletal muscle area, and 21% decrease in skeletal muscle density (myosteatosis) (all p < 0·001). The multisystem changes of metabolic syndrome can be objectively and retrospectively measured using automated CT biomarkers, with implications for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and GLP-1 agonists.
Is the Phoenix Sign Phenomenon Due to Vasodilation? A Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Motor Function Recovery After Diagnostic Common Fibular Nerve Block with Lidocaine and Papaverine
Authors: Barrett Stephen L. , Boyd Bailey , DuCasse Sequioa , Nassier Wajdi , Mitchell Nia , Nagra Artinder P. , Dalmau-Pastor Miki , Yamasaki Dwayne S. , Nickerson Scott 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Focal entrapment of the common fibular (peroneal) nerve (CFN) is the most common nerve entrapment in the lower extremity. Accurate diagnosis can be difficult due to co-existent pathology such as low back pathology. A 1% lidocaine block of CFN is often used to confirm the local entrapment pathology and demonstrate possibility of pain relief. A surprising, unexpected and temporary strengthening of CFN supplied ankle and foot muscles is occasionally produced, termed the Phoenix sign. Aetiology of this phenomenon has been puzzling, but restoration of neural circulation and nutrition via improved local blood flow has been postulated to be responsible.
Methods
This is a double-blinded, randomized, prospective controlled trial of 19 patients, comparing 2 vasodilating agents and their ability to produce the Phoenix effect. Ultrasound guided infiltration of 0.3 mL 1% lidocaine or papaverine HCl 10 mg/mL was executed adjacent to CFN. Motor strength pre- infiltration and 4 minutes post-infiltration were measured for anterior compartment muscles utilizing MRC manual motor testing reported on a 0–5 scale. The extensor hallucis longus (EHL) muscle proved to be the most significant.
Results
Average motor strength of the EHL improved from 2.2 (+/-0.40) to 4.9 (+/-0.32).) in the lidocaine group. In the papaverine group, pre-infiltration EHL motor strength averaging 2.1 (+/-0.93) improved to 4.4 (+/- 1.01) post-infiltration. Papaverine and lidocaine produced similar statistically significant increases in muscle strength (p = < 0.05).
Conclusion
There was no difference between small local infiltrations of lidocaine or papaverine in production of increased anterior compartment EHL motor strength. It is most likely that the Phoenix Effect is explained by temporary local improvements in the microcirculation of the CFN vasa nervorum.
Causal Effect of Tobacco Exposure on Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Yunfeng , Cheng Zhihui , Xu Dongwei , Shen Kan , Li Jun , Yan Shenghua , Zhou Maofeng , Qi Yingchao , Yu Hua , Ni Hui , Liao Lijun , Li Yuling , Deng Xingqi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have reported increased heterogeneity in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), but the causal relationship between ARDS and tobacco exposure is uncertain. Considering that tobacco exposure is relatively common, it can be used as an easily accessible indicator and is closely related to respiratory diseases. We examined the causal effect of tobacco exposure on ARDS-related phenotypes using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
Methods: In this investigation, we obtained tobacco exposure data from the most recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) conducted by the GWAS and Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine Use (GSCAN). Moreover, summary statistics data for lifetime smoking behavior (SmkIndex) were obtained from the UK Biobank. Furthermore, the present study utilized ARDS GWAS data from the Finngen database. This study used two-sample MR (TSMR) to investigate the causal relationship between tobacco exposure and ARDS. We performed extensive sensitivity analyses to confirm the robustness, heterogeneity, and potential multibiological effects of the study results. Additionally, to control for false positive results during multiple hypothesis testing, we adopted a false discovery rate (FDR) to control for statistical bias due to multiple comparisons.
Results: After FDR correction, tobacco exposure had no statistically significant effect on ARDS incidence. Several phenotypes with unadjusted low P values are worth mentioning, including cigarettes smoked daily (CigDay) (OR = 3.11, 95% CI 1.19-8.14, p = 0.020, FDR-p = 0.051) and age of initiation of regular smoking (AgeSmk) (OR = 0.01, 95% CI 0.00-0.45, p = 0.016, FDR-p= 0.051). In contrast, no causal links were identified for other measures of tobacco exposure with unadjusted p values, including smoking cessation (SmkCes) (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 0.19-9.43, p = 0.773), lifetime smoking behavior (SmkIndex) (OR = 3.02, 95% CI 0.59-15.30, p = 0.183), and smoking initiation (SmkInit) (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 0.74-4.70, p = 0.189).
Conclusion: This study revealed a causal link between CigDay and AgeSmk and the risk of ARDS. However, no genetic associations were found between SmkCes, SmkInit, or SmkIndex and ARDS, suggesting heterogeneity in the impact of smoking exposure on the disease. Further research is required to clarify the causes of this heterogeneity.
Skin marks in Capitoline dolphins shed light on threats to the population at the Tiber River Estuary (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Turchi Alice , Pedrazzi Giulia , Mattiussi Alex , Labriola Maria Silvia , Petrone Daniele , Giacomini Giancarlo , Pace Daniela Silvia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The analysis of skin marks and lesions is used for many cetacean species to assess the general health status of the populations, based on evidence of interaction between conspecifics and with human activities. This study applies mark analysis to characterise common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) skin marks and lesions, and their evolution in time, in the Tiber River Estuary area (Mediterranean Sea, Italy), to test their efficacy as proxies of individual or population health in a region under several anthropogenic pressures. Using high-quality photographic data collected between 2016 and 2023 during 205 sightings, marks were identified, classified, counted and measured on 39 individuals photographed on multiple occasions. Marks related to intraspecific interactions (e.g., tooth-rakes), anthropogenic activities (e.g., signs of interaction with fishery) and health conditions (e.g., skin diseases and emaciation) were selected as indicators, and five indices were applied to estimate their extension and progression through time. Prevalent marks in all individuals were of social origin and aggressive nature. Marks related to skin diseases and emaciation were present in 97% and 70% of individuals, respectively. Almost half of the individuals showed physical signs of interaction with fishing gears. No significant trends in the temporal evolution of marks were observed. These results highlight that the local population is under the pressure of multiple stressors mostly related to human activities, both directly (fishing) and indirectly (malnutrition, aggression). The consequences of stressor interactions may be complex to predict and raise challenges for the conservation of this protected species in a highly anthropized area.
Sustainable Decision-Making Framework: Enhancing MCDM with Intuitionistic Fuzzy Entropy and Variable Weight Theory
Authors: TURAN FAIZ MOHD , AYASRAH OMAR IBRAHIM 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The role of cutting fluids in machining operations is crucial, impacting productivity, tool lifespan, and work quality. An experimental investigation was conducted on ball end milling of AISI 1040 steel using uncoated HSS tools under various coolant conditions and milling modes. The study encompassed four coolant conditions: dry, mist, 4% coolant concentration, and 8% coolant concentration, with constant cutting parameters. Machining performance was assessed based on tool wear and surface roughness. Results indicate a significant influence of coolant conditions on machining performance and surface quality. Mist coolant in down milling mode exhibited superior performance in terms of tool wear and average surface roughness (0.09mm and 0.462µm, respectively), followed closely by mist coolant in up milling mode, 8% coolant concentration, and lastly, 4% coolant concentration under up milling mode. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important as a decision attribute in the manufacturing environment. However, quantitative metrics for all aspects of the triple bottom line are difficult to assess. This paper considers sustainability metrics in tandem with traditional manufacturing metrics such as time, flexibility, and quality. The research underscores the importance of coolant selection and milling mode in optimising machining outcomes while highlighting the growing significance of sustainability in manufacturing decisions.