bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prolonged, But Not Diminished, Zidovudine Absorption Induced by a High‐Fat Breakfast
Authors: Shelton Mark J. , Portmore Amy , Blum M. Robert , Sadler Brian M. , Reichman Richard C. , Morse Gene D. 
Published: October 2023

Study Objective. To determine the effect of a high‐fat breakfast on single‐dose, zidovudine (ZDV) pharmacokinetics.Design. Open‐label, randomized, crossover study.Patients. Eighteen asymptomatic subjects (12 men, 6 women) infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (mean CD4 cell counts of 512 ± 178/mm3).Interventions. Subjects received single 100‐mg oral doses of ZDV as follows: after an 8‐hour fast (treatment A), with a high‐fat breakfast (treatment B), and 3 hours after a high‐fat breakfast (treatment C).Measurements and Main Results. The high‐fat breakfast significantly reduced the mean (coefficient of variation) maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) from 806 (55%) ng/ml with treatment A to 341 (47%) and 424 (42%) ng/ml with treatments B and C, respectively. The time to Cmax was significantly prolonged from 0.68 (30%) hours with treatment A to 1.7 (54%) and 1.3 (42%) hours with treatments B and C, respectively. Area under the plasma ZDV concentration‐time curve (AUC) was not statistically different across the study treatments. Men had significantly lower (35%) renal clearances of both ZDV and its glucuronide metabolite than women.Conclusions. When ZDV was given either with or 3 hours after a high‐fat breakfast, its absorption was prolonged and Cmax was reduced relative to fasting. However, systemic exposure, as indicated by AUC, was unchanged. (Pharmacotherapy 1994;14(6):671–677)
Leukocytic Infiltration into the Human Ejaculate and Its Association with Semen Quality, Oxidative Stress, and Sperm Function
Authors: AITKEN R. J. , WEST K. , BUCKINGHAM D. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTImmunocytochemical techniques have been used to monitor the size and composition of the leukocyte population in unfractionated human semen samples and sperm populations generated by Percoll® gradient centrifugation. The characteristics of the leukocyte population have then been related to the quality of the semen profile, the production of reactive oxygen species, and the functional competence of the spermatozoa. A majority (97%) of the ejaculates examined contained leukocytes, and in 82.4% the major cell type was the granulocyte. Small numbers of T cells, B cells, and monocytes/macrophages could also be found in 62%, 43%, and 21% of samples, respectively, and patients were occasionally identified in whom one of these cell types became the predominant leukocyte species. Although a subpopulation of patients was identified in whom the infiltration of multiple leukocyte species was positively correlated with the concentrations of spermatozoa and precursor germ cells in semen, in general, the presence of leukocytes, to the point of leukocytospermia, did not significantly influence any component of the semen profile. Similarly, the fertilizing potential of the washed spermatozoa, as assessed by in vitro tests of the acrosome reaction and sperm—oocyte fusion, was not correlated with the concentration of seminal leukocytes. In contrast, the carryover of leukocytes into the washed sperm preparations profoundly influenced the fertilizing potential of the spermatozoa via mechanisms that were associated with the production of reactive oxygen species. These results have implications for the diagnostic significance of leukocyte contamination in the context of male infertility and assisted conception.
Development of Computer‐Directed Methods for the Identification of Hyperactivated Motion Using Motion Patterns Developed by Rabbit Sperm During Incubation Under Capacitation Conditions
Authors: YOUNG RONALD J. , BODT BARRY A. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTRabbit spermatozoa developed motions that mimicked hyperactivated motility during incubation for 16–20 hours under capacitation conditions and in several other commonly used media. Sperm from some rabbits failed to acquire this type of motility, and sperm from others failed to survive the long incubation time. Four motility patterns developed during incubation for 16–20 hours. Motility parameters measured by the CellSoft and CellTrak motion analysis systems were similar except for the average amplitude of lateral head displacement. Multivariate discriminant analysis with complementary regression analysis, and an unrelated tree structured classification method (CART™), were used to derive rules, based on motility parameters, for the objective classification of sperm into the two motility classes: 1) nonhyperactivated motility and 2) hyperactivated motility or motility that mimicked hyperactivated motility. The motility parameter wobble (WOB) was superior to the commonly used parameter, linearity, as a classifier of motility types. It classified sperm into the two motility groups with 96.6% efficiency and, together with curvilinear velocity (VCL), attained classification efficiencies of 98%. The classification model produced by CART was preferred over the one obtained by discriminant analysis. The rule for motility classification was dependent on the motion analysis system used to measure the motion parameters. The rule for the CellSoft system, WOB ≤0.78 and VCL ≥51 μm/second, classified sperm with an efficiency of 98%, whereas the rule for the CellTrak system, WOB ≤0.69 and VCL ≥55 μm/second, achieved a classification efficiency of 97%. These rules should facilitate the study of sperm hyperactivation and its role in sperm function.
Mitigating the curse of complexity: The role of focus and the implications for costs of care
Authors: Thirumalai Sriram , Devaraj Sarv 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThere has been a resurgence of interest in the role of operational focus in the healthcare operations literature in the backdrop of increasing demand for efficient and effective care. However, the evidence on the benefits of focus in healthcare is mixed. Our study proposes that a key piece of this puzzle that is been largely missing is an explicit consideration of the complexity of patient care needs. Specifically, our study serves to answer the questions: How does the complexity of care requirements affect care delivery operations? How does focus across the hierarchical levels of care affect care delivery outcomes across complexity regimes? The empirical analysis in the study is based on a large generalizable dataset of 246,663 patient discharges across 26 categories at 154 hospitals. We develop a multi‐factor measure of complexity of care requirements. The study results point to the deleterious impact of complexity on the costs of care. Next, our findings highlight the differential impact of focus across hierarchical levels (task‐level focus, category‐level focus, and selective focus in related areas) on the costs of care. Third, our study findings highlight the role of focus in mitigating the effects of complexity on costs in a healthcare setting. We discuss the implications of the study findings for theory and practice, and the directions for future research.
Femoral cartilage ultrasound echo‐intensity is a valid measure of cartilage composition
Authors: Harkey Matthew S. , Michel Nicholas , Grozier Corey , Slade Jill M. , Collins Katherine , Pietrosimone Brian , Lalush David , Lisee Caroline , Hacihaliloglu Ilker , Fajardo Ryan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to create a conversion equation that accurately predicts cartilage magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 relaxation times using ultrasound echo‐intensity and common participant demographics. We recruited 15 participants with a primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between the ages of 18 and 35 years at 1–5 years after surgery. A single investigator completed a transverse suprapatellar scan with the ACLR limb in max knee flexion to image the femoral trochlea cartilage. A single reader manually segmented the femoral cartilage cross‐sectional area to assess the echo‐intensity (i.e., mean gray‐scale pixel value). At a separate visit, a T2 mapping sequence with the MRI beam set to an oblique angle was used to image the femoral trochlea cartilage. A single reader manually segmented the cartilage cross‐sectional area on a single MRI slice to assess the T2 relaxation time. A stepwise, multiple linear regression was used to predict T2 relaxation time from cartilage echo‐intensity and common demographic variables. We created a conversion equation using the regression betas and then used an ICC and Bland–Altman plot to assess agreement between the estimated and true T2 relaxation time. Cartilage ultrasound echo‐intensity and age significantly predicted T2 relaxation time (F = 7.33, p = 0.008, R2 = 0.55). When using the new conversion equation to estimate T2 relaxation time from cartilage echo‐intensity and age, there was strong agreement between the estimated and true T2 relaxation time (ICC2,k = 0.84). This study provides promising preliminary data that cartilage echo‐intensity combined with age can be used as a clinically accessible tool for evaluating cartilage composition.
Epicardial adipose tissue, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases: recent advances classified by research methodologies
Authors: Song Yujie , Tan Yanzhen , Deng Meng , Shan Wenju , Zheng Wenying , Zhang Bing , Cui Jun , Feng Lele , Shi Lei , Zhang Miao , Liu Yingying , Sun Yang , Yi Wei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is located between the myocardium and visceral pericardium. The unique anatomy and physiology of the EAT determines its great potential in locally influencing adjacent tissues such as the myocardium and coronary arteries. Classified by research methodologies, this study reviews the latest research progress on the role of EAT in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly in patients with metabolic disorders. Studies based on imaging techniques demonstrated that increased EAT amount in patients with metabolic disorders is associated with higher risk of CVDs and increased mortality. Then, in‐depth profiling studies indicate that remodeled EAT may serve as a local mediator of the deleterious effects of cardiometabolic conditions and plays a crucial role in CVDs. Further, in vitro coculture studies provided preliminary evidence that the paracrine effect of remodeled EAT on adjacent cardiomyocytes can promote the occurrence and progression of CVDs. Considering the important role of EAT in CVDs, targeting EAT might be a potential strategy to reduce cardiovascular risks. Several interventions have been proved effective in reducing EAT amount. Our review provides valuable insights of the relationship between EAT, metabolic disorders, and CVDs, as well as an overview of the methodological constructs of EAT‐related studies.
Huntington Study Group's Neuropsychology Working Group: Implementing Non‐Motor Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Considine Ciaran M. , Rossetti M. Agustina , Del Bene Victor A. , Anderson Kendra , Anderson Sharlet A. , Celka Andrea S. , Edmondson Mary C. , Nelson‐Sheese Amelia L. , Piccolino Adam , Teixeira Antonio L. , Stout Julie C. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical diagnosis of manifest Huntington's disease (HD) relies on a high level of clinical confidence (99% confidence) of HD‐consistent motor signs. Longitudinal data have reliably identified cognitive and behavioral dysfunction predating clinical motor diagnosis by up to 15 years. Reliance on motor signs to establish a diagnosis of HD increases risk of early misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Clinical neuropsychologists are uniquely positioned to advise on the clinical application of the Movement Disorder Society Task Force's recently proposed non‐motor diagnostic criteria for HD.ObjectivesTo provide (1) a recommended clinical approach toward non‐motor diagnostic criteria in persons with HD and facilitation of accurate diagnosis; (2) recommended practices for medical treatment providers to screen and longitudinally monitor non‐motor signs of HD.MethodsThe Huntington Study Group re‐established the Neuropsychology Working Group, then recruited a multi‐disciplinary group of neuropsychologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists to conduct an unstructured literature review and discuss expert opinions on practice, to facilitate an informal consensus opinion to accomplish the objectives.ResultsThe opinion and an example protocol for medical treatment providers to screen, monitor, and triage non‐motor signs and symptoms of Huntington's disease is provided.ConclusionsClinical diagnosis of non‐motor HD is empirically justified and clinically important. Screening and triage by non‐neuropsychologist clinicians can aid in detecting and monitoring non‐motor Huntington's disease manifestation. The Neuropsychology Working Group consensus advances good clinical practice, clinical research, and quality of life. A companion position paper presenting the details of our consensus opinion regarding evidence‐based guidelines for neuropsychological practice is forthcoming.
Enhancing the brain MRI at ultra‐high field systems using a meta‐array structure
Authors: Alipour Akbar , Seifert Alan C. , Delman Bradley N. , Hof Patrick R. , Fayad Zahi A. , Balchandani Priti 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe main advantage of ultra‐high field (UHF) magnetic resonance neuroimaging is theincreased signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) compared with lower field strength imaging. However, the wavelength effect associated with UHF MRI results in radiofrequency (RF) inhomogeneity, compromising whole brain coverage for many commercial coils. Approaches to resolving this issue of transmit field inhomogeneity include the design of parallel transmit systems (PTx), RF pulse design, and applying passive RF shimming such as high dielectric materials. However, these methods have some drawbacks such as unstable material parameters of dielectric pads, high‐cost, and complexity of PTx systems. Metasurfaces are artificial structures with a unique platform that can control the propagation of the electromagnetic (EM) waves, and they are very promising for engineering EM device. Implementation of meta‐arrays enhancing MRI has been explored previously in several studies.PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of new meta‐array technology on enhancing the brain MRI at 7T. A meta‐array based on a hybrid structure consisting of an array of broadside‐coupled split‐ring resonators and high‐permittivity materials was designed to work at the Larmor frequency of a 7 Tesla (7T) MRI scanner. When placed behind the head and neck, this construct improves the SNR in the region of the cerebellum,brainstem and the inferior aspect of the temporal lobes.MethodsNumerical electromagnetic simulations were performed to optimize the meta‐array design parameters and determine the RF circuit configuration. The resultant transmit‐efficiency and signal sensitivity improvements were experimentally analyzed in phantoms followed by healthy volunteers using a 7T whole‐body MRI scanner equipped with a standard one‐channel transmit, 32‐channel receive head coil. Efficacy was evaluated through acquisition with and without the meta‐array using two basic sequences: gradient‐recalled‐echo (GRE) and turbo‐spin‐echo (TSE).ResultsExperimental phantom analysis confirmed two‐fold improvement in the transmit efficiency and 1.4‐fold improvement in the signal sensitivity in the target region. In vivo GRE and TSE images with the meta‐array in place showed enhanced visualization in inferior regions of the brain, especially of the cerebellum, brainstem, and cervical spinal cord.ConclusionAddition of the meta‐array to commonly used MRI coils can enhance SNR to extend the anatomical coverage of the coil and improve overall MRI coil performance. This enhancement in SNR can be leveraged to obtain a higher resolution image over the same time slot or faster acquisition can be achieved with same resolution. Using this technique could improve the performance of existing commercial coils at 7T for whole brain and other applications.
Improved effects of Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus integrated with Campoletis chlorideae against H. armigera and impact of the virus on the parasitoid
Authors: Dou Tao , Bai Sufen , Gao Futao , Tian Liangheng , Zhu Junhua , Gu Xiaohang , Yang Xifa , Hao Youwu , An Shiheng , Liu Xiangyang , Yin Xinming 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDCombined use can be an effective measure to improve pest control by viruses and parasitic wasps. However, not all combinations of natural enemies show improved effects. Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) and Campoletis chlorideae Uchida are two important natural enemies of Helicoverpa armigera. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of C. chlorideae and HearNPV against H. armigera larvae and the impact of HearNPV on C. chlorideae.RESULTSThe combination of HearNPV and C. chlorideae exerted increased mortality on H. armigera when C. chlorideae parasitized larvae one day after infection with HearNPV. C. chlorideae could distinguish between HearNPV‐infected and noninfected larvae. Besides influencing host selection of C. chlorideae, HearNPV infection had negative effects on the development and reproduction of C. chlorideae. The developmental time of C. chlorideae was significantly prolonged and the percentage of emergence and adult eclosion of C. chlorideae was lower in infected hosts. The adult wasps were also smaller in body size, and female adults had fewer eggs when they developed in virus‐infected hosts.CONCLUSIONSHearNPV combined with C. chlorideae could improve the efficacy of biological control against H. armigera. The results provided valuable information on the importance of timing in the combined use of HearNPV and C. chlorideae for the biological control of H. armigera. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Stigmasterol regulates microglial M1/M2 polarization via the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain
Authors: Si Waimei , Li Xin , Jing Bei , Chang Shiquan , Zheng Yachun , Chen Zhenni , Zhao Guoping , Zhang Di 
Published: October 2023

Abstract(Switching from the microglial M1 phenotype to the M2 phenotype is a promising therapeutic strategy for neuropathic pain (NP). This study aimed to investigate the potential use of stigmasterol for treating NP. In animal experiments, 32 male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, chronic constriction injury (CCI) group, CCI + ibuprofen group, and CCI + stigmasterol group. We performed behavioral tests, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, hematoxylin‐esoin staining (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. In cell experiments, we performed flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and qRT‐PCR. Stigmasterol reduced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and serum IL‐1β and IL‐8 levels and increased serum IL‐4 and TGF‐β levels in CCI rats. Stigmasterol reduced IL‐1β, COX‐2, and TLR4 expression in the right sciatic nerve and IL‐1β expression in the spinal cord. Stigmasterol reduced the expression of Iba‐1, TLR4, MyD88, pNF‐κB, pP38 MAPK, pJNK, pERK, COX‐2, IL‐1β, and CD32 in the spinal cord of CCI rats while increasing the expression of IL‐10 and CD206. Stigmasterol decreased M1 polarization markers and increased M2 polarization markers in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced microglia and decreased the expression of Iba‐1, TLR4, MyD88, pNF‐κB, pP38 MAPK, pJNK, pERK, iNOS, COX‐2, and IL‐1β in LPS‐treated microglia while increasing the expression of Arg‐1 and IL‐10. Stigmasterol regulates microglial M1/M2 polarization via the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway to alleviate NP.
Adaptive event‐triggered efficient output feedback model predictive control for networked interval type‐2 T–S fuzzy system with data loss
Authors: Tang Xiaoming , Zhao Kun , Qu Hongchun , Wang Jialiang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article is concerned with the adaptive event‐triggered (AET) efficient output feedback model predictive control (EOFMPC) for a set of nonlinear networked interval type‐2 Takagi–Sugeno (IT2 T–S) fuzzy control systems with data loss. For the reduction in data transmission burden and required control performance, the AET scheme and a novel dynamic triggering law are introduced jointly in this article. The efficient model predictive control approach as in Kouvaritakis et al. (IEEE Trans Automat Contr. 2000;45(8):1545–1549.), which transfers the main part of online optimization work to offline stage by incorporating an extra perturbation into the fixed feedback law, is extended to networked control systems to reduce their online computational burden. This article proposes the following: (1) an unified closed‐loop model representation of data loss process and IT2 T–S fuzzy nonlinearities is established under the framework of EOFMPC, which explicitly considers the AET condition; (2) a new design method for the state observer gain is presented based on an ellipsoidal invariant set, so that a smaller bound of estimation error can be obtained through an extra optimization problem; (3) some optimization problems are formulated to design the proposed controllers, and the corresponding EOFMPC algorithm is summarized; (4) by means of the extra matrix partition technique, the online optimization problem subject to one ellipsoidal constraint is transformed into a novel convex form to solve the uncertainty of the estimation error. A simulation example and a few comparative simulation experiments illustrate the effectiveness and availability of the aforementioned approach.
Recent Theoretical and Experimental Advancements of Aluminum‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Faheem Muhammad , Hussain Arshad , Ali Muhammad , Aziz Md. Abdul 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAluminum‐sulfur batteries (AlSBs) exhibit significant potential as energy storage systems due to their notable attributes, including a high energy density, cost‐effectiveness, and abundant availability of aluminum and sulfur. In order to commercialize AlSBs, an understanding of their working principles is necessary. In this review, we examine the current advancements in cathodes, both in theory and practice, as well as the progress made in aqueous and nonaqueous electrolytes. We also explore the modifications made to separators and the theoretical understanding of problems associated with AlSBs. Furthermore, we discuss future research directions aimed at resolving these issues. Our aim is to summarize the current progress in AlSBs and, based on recent progress and understanding of the mechanism, help design a battery to overcome the challenges that such batteries have been facing.