bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital droplet PCR versus quantitative PCR for lipoprotein (a) kringle IV type 2 repeat polymorphism genetic characterization
Authors: Barbieri Giulia , Cassioli Giulia , Kura Ada , Orsi Rebecca , Magi Alberto , Berteotti Martina , Scaturro Giusi Maria , Lotti Elena , Gori Anna Maria , Marcucci Rossella , Giusti Betti , Sticchi Elena 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundLipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] level variability, related to atherothrombotic risk increase, is mainly attributed to LPA gene, encoding apolipoprotein(a), with kringle IV type 2 (KIV2) copy number variation (CNV) acting as the primary genetic determinant. Genetic characterization of Lp(a) is in continuous growth; nevertheless, the peculiar structural characteristics of this variant constitute a significant challenge to the development of effective detection methods. The aim of the study was to compare quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) in the evaluation of KIV2 repeat polymorphism.MethodsWe analysed 100 subjects tested for cardiovascular risk in which Lp(a) plasma levels were assessed.ResultsCorrelation analysis between CNV values obtained with the two methods was slightly significant (R = 0.413, p = 0.00002), because of the wider data dispersion in qPCR compared with ddPCR. Internal controls C1, C2 and C3 measurements throughout different experimental sessions revealed the superior stability of ddPCR, which was supported by a reduced intra/inter‐assay coefficient of variation determined in this method compared to qPCR. A significant inverse correlation between Lp(a) levels and CNV values was confirmed for both techniques, but it was higher when evaluated by ddPCR than qPCR (R = −0.393, p = 0.000053 vs R = −0.220, p = 0.028, respectively). When dividing subjects into two groups according to 500 mg/L Lp(a) cut‐off value, a significantly lower number of KIV2 repeats emerged among subjects with greater Lp(a) levels, with stronger evidence in ddPCR than in qPCR (p = 0.000013 and p = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsData obtained support a better performance of ddPCR in the evaluation of KIV2 repeat polymorphism.
The place of B‐mode ultrasonography, shear‐wave elastography, and superb microvascular imaging in the diagnosis of De Quervain tenosynovitis
Authors: Ten Barış , Asfuroğlu Zeynel Mert , Eskandari Metin Manouchehr , Temel Gülhan , Esen Kaan , Yüksek Hasan Hüsnü , Balcı Yüksel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeSuperb microvascular imaging (SMI) and Shear wave elastography (SWE) are newly developed ultrasonographic diagnostic tools used to support the diagnosis of De Quervain tenosynovitis (DQT). The aim of this study was to examine the capacity to differentiate between the wrist with DQT and the healthy wrist, as well as the potential for predicting the disease's severity using B‐mode ultrasonography, SWE, and SMI.MethodsA total of 19 cases with unilateral clinical DQT were included in the prospective study. The wrists of these cases without DQT clinic constituted the control group.ResultsThe SWE parameters of m/s and kPa cutoff values were ≤5.225 and ≤ 77.65, respectively, in the wrists with DQT compared to the wrists not diagnosed with DQT (p < 0.001). Regarding SMI findings no microvascularity was determined in the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendon sheaths of the wrists without DQT, and a significant increase was observed in the degree of microvascularity as the clinical severity of DQT increased.ConclusionSWE results can differentiate between the presence and absence of DQT. SMI grading of the APL and EPB tendon sheaths may be helpful to the clinician in deciding the clinical severity of DQT.
Visual interpretation of clinical images among dental students using eye‐tracking technology
Authors: MS Muthu , Cho Vanessa Y , FelsyPremila G , Nirmal Latha , Sujitha P , Bhavyaa R , King Nigel M , Anthonappa Robert P 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundTele‐consultations are increasingly used for screening and diagnosis. Only a few studies have assessed dental students’ visual attention to clinical images.AimTo (i) determine dental students’ gaze behavior, visual fixations, and diagnostic competence while viewing clinical images, and (ii) explore potential opportunities to strengthen the teaching–learning approaches.DesignTobii Pro Nano‐device captured the eye‐tracking data for 65 dental undergraduate students in this cross‐sectional study. The predetermined areas of interest (AOI) for all five clinical photographs were uploaded onto Tobii software. All participants used a think‐aloud protocol with no restrictions to view time.ResultsA total of 325 clinical pictures were analyzed, and the average view time was 189.25 ± 76.90 s. Most participants started at the center of the image (three frontal photos), spent a significant share of their view time on prominent findings, did not follow a systematic pattern, and exhibited diagnostic incompetence. Also, most participants followed a “Z” viewing pattern (oscillating movement from left to right) for the remaining two pictures.ConclusionsSubjects frequently fixated on the prominent AOI, however, failed to make the correct diagnosis. Their view patterns revealed no sequential viewing. Therefore, emphasizing knowledge about common dental abnormalities and focusing on full coverage of clinical pictures can improve dental students’ diagnostic competence and view patterns.
Optimizing health resource allocation for improving timely HIV diagnosis in China
Authors: He Shihao , Dong Wei , Fairley Christopher K. , Li Zengbin , Wei Yudong , Lai Hao , Li Rui , Lu Pengyi , Shen Mingwang , Wu Zunyou , Zhang Lei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) updated the 95‐95‐95 targets for the HIV endgame in 2030. To achieve the first target in a timely manner, we investigate the optimized strategy of resource allocation to maximize timely HIV diagnosis in 14 populations in China.MethodsWe developed a mathematical model by integrating epidemiological, demographical and behavioural data from 12 high‐risk and two general populations to evaluate the impact of various resource allocation strategies of HIV testing on HIV incidence in China. We identified the optimized allocation strategy that maximizes the number of HIV diagnoses at an estimated total spending on HIV tests in China and calculated the per‐capita cost of new HIV case detection.ResultsWe estimated that 144,795 new HIV cases may occur annually in 14 populations in China, with a total annual spending of US$2.8 billion on HIV testing. The largest proportion of spending was allocated to general males (44.0%), followed by general females (42.6%) and pregnant women (5.1%). Despite this allocation strategy, only 45.5% (65,867/144,795, timely diagnosis rate) of annual new infections were diagnosed within a year of acquisition, with a cost of $42,852 required for each new HIV case detection. By optimizing the allocation of HIV testing resources within the same spending amount, we found that general females received the highest proportion of spending allocation (45.1%), followed by low‐risk men who have sex with men (13.9%) and pregnant women (8.4%). In contrast, the proportion of spending allocation for the general males decreased to 0.2%. With this optimized strategy, we estimated that 120,755 (83.4%) of annual new infections would be diagnosed within a year of acquisition, with the cost required for one HIV case detection reduced to $23,364/case. Further spending increases could allow for significant increases in HIV testing among lower‐risk populations.ConclusionsOptimizing resource allocation for HIV testing in high‐risk populations would improve HIV timely diagnosis rate of new infections and reduce cost per HIV case detection.
Quantifying Brain Myelin Water Fraction in a Guinea Pig Model of Spontaneous Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Sethi Simran , Friesen‐Waldner Lanette J. , Regnault Timothy R.H. , McKenzie Charles A. 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundIntrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is an obstetrical condition where a fetus has not achieved its genetic potential. A consequence of IUGR is a decrease in brain myelin content. Myelin water imaging (MWI) has been used to assess fetal myelin water fraction (MWF) and might potentially assess myelination changes associated with IUGR.PurposeTo quantify and compare the MWF of non‐IUGR and IUGR fetal guinea pigs (GPs) in late gestation.Study TypeProspective animal model.Animal ModelDunkin‐Hartley GP model of spontaneous IUGR (mean ± SD: 60 ± 1.2 days gestation; 19 IUGR, 52 control).Field Strength/SequenceEight spoiled gradient‐recalled (SPGR) gradient echo volumes (flip angles [α]: 2°–16°), and two sets of eight balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) gradient echo volumes (α: 8° – 64°), at 0° and 180° phase increments, at 3.0 T.AssessmentMWF maps were generated for each fetal GP brain using multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1/T2 (mcDESPOT). MWF was quantified in the fetal corpus callosum (CC), fornix (FOR), parasagittal white matter (PSW), and whole fetal brain.Statistical TestsLinear regression was performed between five fetal IUGR markers (body volume, body‐to‐pregnancy volume ratio, brain‐to‐liver volume ratio, brain‐to‐placenta volume ratio, and brain‐to‐body volume ratio) and MWF (coefficient of determination, R2). A t‐test with a linear mixed model compared the MWF of non‐IUGR and IUGR fetal GPs (significance was determined at α < 0.05).ResultsThe MWF of the control fetuses are (mean ± SD): 0.23 ± 0.02 (CC), 0.31 ± 0.02 (FOR), 0.28 ± 0.02 (PSW), and 0.20 ± 0.01 (whole brain). The MWF of the IUGR fetuses are (mean ± SD): 0.19 ± 0.02 (CC), 0.27 ± 0.01 (FOR), 0.24 ± 0.03 (PSW), and 0.16 ± 0.01 (whole brain). Significant differences in MWF were found between the non‐IUGR and IUGR fetuses in every comparison.Data ConclusionThe mean MWF of IUGR fetal GPs is significantly lower than non‐IUGR fetal GPs.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 1
Spatial neurolipidomics—MALDI mass spectrometry imaging of lipids in brain pathologies
Authors: Jha Durga , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Savas Jeffrey N. , Hanrieder Jörg 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGiven the complexity of nervous tissues, understanding neurochemical pathophysiology puts high demands on bioanalytical techniques with respect to specificity and sensitivity. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has evolved to become an important, biochemical imaging technology for spatial biology in biological and translational research. The technique facilitates comprehensive, sensitive elucidation of the spatial distribution patterns of drugs, lipids, peptides, and small proteins in situ. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)‐based MSI is the dominating modality due to its broad applicability and fair compromise of selectivity, sensitivity price, throughput, and ease of use. This is particularly relevant for the analysis of spatial lipid patterns, where no other comparable spatial profiling tools are available. Understanding spatial lipid biology in nervous tissue is therefore a key and emerging application area of MSI research. The aim of this review is to give a concise guide through the MSI workflow for lipid imaging in central nervous system (CNS) tissues and essential parameters to consider while developing and optimizing MSI assays. Further, this review provides a broad overview of key developments and applications of MALDI MSI‐based spatial neurolipidomics to map lipid dynamics in neuronal structures, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of neurodegenerative disease pathology.
A superior heterologous prime‐boost vaccination strategy against COVID‐19: A bivalent vaccine based on yeast‐derived RBD proteins followed by a heterologous vaccine
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Miao , Cui Tingting , Chen Zhian , Xu Liangting , Li Wenjuan , Peng Qinhua , Li Xingxing , Zhao Danhua , Valencia C. Alexander , Dong Biao , Wang Zhongfang , Chow Hoi Yee , Li Yuhua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVarious vaccines have been challenged by SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. Here, we reported a yeast‐derived recombinant bivalent vaccine (Bivalent wild‐type [Wt]+De) based on the wt and Delta receptor‐binding domain (RBD). Yeast derived RBD proteins based on the wt and Delta mutant were used as the prime vaccine. It was found that, in the presence of aluminium hydroxide (Alum) and unmethylated CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG) adjuvants, more cross‐protective immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2 prototype and variants were elicited by bivalent vaccine than monovalent wtRBD or Delta RBD. Furthermore, a heterologous boosting strategy consisting of two doses of bivalent vaccines followed by one dose adenovirus vectored vaccine exhibited cross‐neutralization capacity and specific T cell responses against Delta and Omicron (BA.1 and BA.4/5) variants in mice, superior to a homologous vaccination strategy. This study suggested that heterologous prime‐boost vaccination with yeast‐derived bivalent protein vaccine could be a potential approach to address the challenge of emerging variants.
Trends of lightning flash density over India during different seasons
Authors: Prasanna Konatham , Gopalakrishnan Venkatachalam , Pawar Sunil D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLightning flash rate data measured by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) for the period 1996–2013 over India are analysed to study the spatial and temporal variation of lightning over India during different seasons. The convective available potential energy (CAPE) and other thermodynamic parameters data for the same period are taken for analysis. This study confirms a systematic increase in lightning flash rate density in India during the last two decades. The annual lightning flash rate density is high along the windward side of the Himalayan foothills with two peaks, one over northwestern parts of India (>50 flashes·km−2·year−1) and the other over northeastern parts of India (>40 flashes·km−2·year−1). The pre‐monsoon (March–May) (0.176 flasheskm−2·year−1) and monsoon (June–September) (0.159 flashes·km−2·year−1) lightning trends are the largest contributors in explaining the annual trend of 0.099 flashes·km−2·year−1. All seasons have shown more or less positive trends while post‐monsoon (October–December) has shown a negative trend (−0.013 flashes·km−2·year−1). The seasonal variations show that the lightning is increasing more over northwest India during the monsoon and northeast India during the pre‐monsoon. To further understand the connection between lightning and climate change, a few thermodynamic or microphysical properties are also analysed. This analysis suggests that the high CAPE values together with thermodynamics and cloud microphysical processes are necessary for organized convection and lightning over this region. Additionally, correlation analysis is adopted to identify the main influencing factors and regions contributing to lightning variability. The increase in lightning activity is found to be due to an increase in CAPE, low‐level moisture content and temperature. The increase in temperature and moisture is attributed to the land use land cover (LULC) changes in India. The impact of the above proxies on lightning varies from region to region and season to season. As several regions are undergoing rapid transformation due to human activity, this study provides insights into the need to understand land use related changes to local and regional lightning activity.
Applying strength‐based therapeutic recreation for dealing with job stress, work–family conflict, and family–work conflict
Authors: Jafari Forough , Ruch Willibald , Siadati Seyedehdorsa , Esmaili Somayeh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis research introduces strength‐based therapeutic recreation (STR) as an innovative approach to address job stress, work–family conflict, and family–work conflict among employees. STR involves personalized leisure activities tailored to individuals’ signature character strengths in daily life. The study, encompassing 82 married employees (70.73% female, mean age = 36.77 years), reveals significant reductions in job stress and both work–family and family–work conflicts within the experimental group undergoing a 10‐week STR workshop. By empowering employees to engage in strength‐based leisure activities, STR enhances the propensity to reduce job stress, work–family conflict, and family–work conflict. This approach holds practical potential for organizations seeking to improve employee mental health and productivity through tailored interventions.
Theabrownins in dark tea form complexes with tea polysaccharide conjugates
Authors: Chen Xiaoqiang , Wang Mengdie , Wang Zhiyuan , Liu Xiuling , Cao Wendan , Zhang Na , Qi Yonggang , Cheng Shuiyuang , Huang Wei , Liu Zhong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDTheabrownins (TBs) are one of most important quality components in dark tea, but have not been produced industrially. In this study, the aqueous extract was obtained from Pu‐erh ripe tea, one kind of dark tea. Caffeine, theaflavin, catechin and saponin were removed by trichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n‐butanol in turn to obtain a TB isolate. The TB isolate was subjected to column chromatography using a macroporous resin HPD‐750 and eluted with a gradient of 0–700 g kg−1 ethanol aqueous solution. Four fractions were obtained, and named as TBs‐FC1, TBs‐FC2, TBs‐FC3 and TBs‐FC4.RESULTSThese four fractions contained polysaccharides and no small molecules such as catechins, caffeine and theaflavins as well as average molecular weights of 123.000 kDa, 23.380 kDa, 89.870 kDa and 106.600 kDa. It was revealed that they were complexes of TBs and tea polysaccharide conjugates (TPCs). Ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐visible) and infrared (IR) spectra showed the properties of TBs and TPCs. Their zeta potentials ranged from −13.40 mV to −38.80 mV in aqueous solutions at pH 3.0–9.0.CONCLUSIONThis study reveals that TBs do not exist in free state but in combined state in dark tea, which provide the theoretical basis for the industrialization of TBs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A theoretical investigation to understand the difference in reactivities of secondary and tertiary propargylic alcohols with 1,3,5‐trimethoxybenzene in presence of Brnøsted acid
Authors: Boruah Palash Jyoti , Debnath Moumita , Agarwal Ankita , Kalita Gitumoni , Chatterjee Paresh Nath , Paul Amit Kumar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe work presented here establishes the experimental findings of the reaction between secondary/tertiary propargylic alcohol (PA) and 1,3,5‐trimethoxybenzene (TMB) in the presence of acetonitrile solvent (MeCN) based on theoretical calculations. When secondary PA reacts, the reaction goes via SN2 pathway, where the reaction barrier is about 14.32 kcal/mol. On the other hand, tertiary PA reacts with TMB via SN2′ and SN1′ pathway, and the corresponding reaction barriers are 17.59 and 17.86 kcal/mol. Other possible pathways, namely, SN1, SN1′, etc. for secondary PA, and SN2, SN1 pathways for tertiary PA are also investigated and the associated barrier heights are found higher. Rates of those reactions are also calculated considering the rate‐determining steps only. Reaction of secondary PA with TMB is found to be much faster than the reaction of tertiary PA and the results are in accordance with the experimental findings.
Post‐trial responsibilities in pragmatic clinical trials: Fulfilling the promise of research to drive real‐world change
Authors: Morain Stephanie R. , O'Rourke P. Pearl , Ali Joseph , Rahimzadeh Vasiliki , Check Devon K. , Bosworth Hayden B. , Sugarman Jeremy 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhile considerable scholarship has explored responsibilities owed to research participants at the conclusion of explanatory clinical trials, no guidance exists regarding responsibilities owed at the conclusion of a pragmatic clinical trial (PCT). Yet post‐trial responsibilities in PCTs present distinct considerations from those emphasized in existing guidance and prior scholarship. Among these considerations include the responsibilities of the healthcare delivery systems in which PCTs are embedded, and decisions about implementation for interventions that demonstrate meaningful benefit following their integration into usual care settings—or deimplementation for those that fail to do so. In this article, we present an overview of prior scholarship and guidance on post‐trial responsibilities, and then identify challenges for post‐trial responsibilities for PCTs. We argue that, given one of the key rationales for PCTs is that they can facilitate uptake of their results by relevant decision‐makers, there should be a presumptive default that PCT study results be incorporated into future care delivery processes. Fulfilling this responsibility will require prospective planning by researchers, healthcare delivery system leaders, institutional review boards, and sponsors, so as to ensure that the knowledge gained from PCTs does, in fact, influence real‐world practice.
Corrosion behavior and passivation property of CoCrFeNi HEA in a simulated seawater environment containing CO32−/HCO3−
Authors: Xu Kexin , Zhu Min , Yuan Yongfeng , Guo Shaoyi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis work systematically studied the corrosion behavior and passivation property of CoCrFeNi high‐entropy alloys (HEAs) in a simulated seawater environment. The results reveal that the addition of CO32−/HCO3− results in the secondary passivation of the HEA in NaCl solution, and secondary passivation film possesses higher dissolution rate in comparison with primary passive film. H+ ions ionized by HCO3− facilitate the charge transfer process, thin the thickness of passive film, and increase the disordered degree of the film. Moreover, the presence of HCO3− promotes the nucleation and growth of metastable pits, and enhances the pitting sensitivity. Furthermore, an increase in CO32− concentration accelerates the dissolution of passive film, weakens the compactness and protective performance of the film, and increases the probability that metastable pitting evolves into stable pitting, as well aggravates the corrosion of the HEA. In addition, the corrosion resistance of the HEA is diminished due to the formation of microgalvanic corrosion cells between matrix and inclusion. The selective dissolution of elements occurred in the HEA.
Deciphering trust mechanisms in blockchain platforms: A multifaceted experimental exploration
Authors: Xu Cheng , Sun Yanqi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBlockchain technology, celebrated for its transparency and immutability, has emerged as a transformative force across various industries. However, the nuanced mechanisms by which these attributes cultivate user trust remain enigmatic. This study embarks on an empirical odyssey to elucidate the multifaceted relationship between transparency, immutability, and user trust within blockchain platforms, incorporating a gender perspective to enrich the exploration. Through a pre‐registered experimental procedure involving diverse participants, we manipulate the visibility of transaction history and the immutability of records but also the complexity. Our results unveil that both transparency and immutability significantly amplify user trust, with distinct effects observed based on gender. Additionally, we uncover the underlying mediating variables that affect these relationships, providing a textured understanding of the dynamics at play. The findings extend the theoretical frontier in blockchain‐related trust research and furnish valuable insights for practitioners in the design and regulation of blockchain platforms, thus contributing to a more profound comprehension of this burgeoning technology.