bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative MRI Analysis of Brachial Plexus and Limb‐Girdle Muscles in Upper Extremity Onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Liang Weiqiang , Liu Yang , Zhao Yali , Chen Yu , Yin Yangyang , Zhai Linhan , Li Zehui , Gong Zhenxiang , Zhang Jing , Zhang Min 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundRecent evidence highlights the potential of axonal degeneration as a biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) detection. However, the diagnostic potential of peripheral nerve axon changes in ALS remains unclear.PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of quantitative MRI of the brachial plexus and limb‐girdle muscles (LGMs) in patients with upper extremity onset of ALS.Study TypeRetrospective.Population47 patients with upper extremity onset of ALS and 20 healthy volunteers.Field Strength/Sequence3‐T, three‐dimensional sampling perfection with application‐optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolutions with short‐tau inversion recovery sequences, T2‐weighted turbo spin‐echo Dixon sequence.AssessmentThe cross‐sectional area (CSA) and nerve‐muscle T2 signal intensity ratio (nT2) of the bilateral brachial plexus as well as the CSA and fat fraction (FF) of the bilateral LGMs were assessed by two radiologists. Disease severity and clinical stage of ALS patients were assessed by two neurologists.Statistical TestsStudent's t‐test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, binary logistic regression, interclass correlation coefficient, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and correlation analysis were performed for MRI quantitative metrics and clinical variables. Significance level: P < 0.05.ResultsIn the affected limbs of patients with ALS, the CSA of the brachial plexus roots, trunks, and cords and the nT2 values of the brachial plexus trunks were significantly smaller than in the healthy controls. In the LGMs, the affected limbs of ALS showed significantly smaller CSA and higher FF than controls. The model containing parameters such as brachial plexus trunk CSA, subscapularis CSA, infraspinatus CSA, and subscapularis FF had excellent diagnostic efficacy for ALS. Additionally, increased subscapularis FF and supraspinatus FF were correlated with disease severity, and subscapularis CSA was negatively correlated with the clinical stage.Data ConclusionBrachial plexus thinning, LGM atrophy, and fatty infiltration might serve as MRI‐derived biomarkers for ALS with upper extremity onset.Level of Evidence4Technical EfficacyStage 2
Perioperative and Long‐Term Outcomes in Infants Undergoing a Tracheostomy from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Lambert Elton M. , Ramaswamy Uma , Gowda Sharada H. , Spielberg David R. , Hagan Joseph L. , Xiao Emily , Liu Sean , Villafranco Natalie , Raynor Tiffany , Baijal Rahul G. 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for perioperative complications and long‐term morbidity in infants from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) presenting for a tracheostomy.MethodsThis single‐center retrospective cohort study included infants in the NICU presenting for a tracheostomy from August 2011 to December 2019. Primary outcomes were categorized as either a perioperative complication or long‐term morbidity. A severe perioperative complication was defined as having either (1) an intraoperative cardiopulmonary arrest, (2) an intraoperative death, (3) a postoperative cardiopulmonary arrest within 30 days of the procedure, or (4) a postoperative death within 30 days of the procedure. Long‐term morbidities included (1) the need for gastrostomy tube placement within the tracheostomy hospitalization and (2) the need for diuretic therapy, pulmonary hypertensive therapy, oxygen, or mechanical ventilation at 12 and 24 months following the tracheostomy.ResultsOne‐hundred eighty‐three children underwent a tracheostomy. The mean age at tracheostomy was 16.9 weeks while the mean post‐conceptual age at tracheostomy was 49.7 weeks. The incidence of severe perioperative complications was 4.4% (n = 8) with the number of pulmonary hypertension medication classes preoperatively (OR: 3.64, 95% CI: (1.44–8.94), p = 0.005) as a significant risk factor. Approximately 81% of children additionally had a gastrostomy tube placed at the time of the tracheostomy, and 62% were ventilator‐dependent 2 years following their tracheostomy.ConclusionOur study provides critical perioperative complications and long‐term morbidity data to neonatologists, pediatricians, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and families in the expected course of infants from the NICU presenting for a tracheostomy.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:1945–1954, 2024
Computed Tomography Imaging Patterns of Sinonasal Inverted Papillomas: Comparison of Primary and Recurrent Disease
Authors: Talati Vidit , Holland Katie , Ansari Shehbaz M. , Filip Peter , Khalife Sarah , Jhaveri Miral D. , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Batra Pete S. 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTo analyze clinical and radiographic features that may impact the rate of focal hyperostosis (FH) on computed tomography (CT) for primary and recurrent sinonasal inverted papillomas (IPs) as well as highlight factors that may affect concordance between FH and IP true attachment point (TAP).MethodsAll IPs resected between 2006 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. CTs were read by a neuroradiologist blinded to operative details. IP with malignancy was excluded. Operative reports and long‐term follow‐up data were evaluated.ResultsOf 92 IPs, 60.1% had FH, 25% had no CT bony changes, and 20.7% were revision cases. The recurrence rate for rhinologists was 10.5% overall and 7.3% for primary IPs. Primary and revision IPs had a similar rate of FH (63% vs. 52.6%; p = 0.646) and FH–TAP agreement (71.7% vs. 90%; p = 0.664). Nasal cavity IPs, especially with septal attachment, were more likely to lack bony changes on CT (57.1%) compared to other subsites (p = 0.018). Recurrent tumors were 16 mm larger on average (55 mm vs. 39 mm; p = 0.008). FH (75.0% vs. 60.9%; p = 0.295), FH–TAP concordance (91.7% vs. 74.4%; p = 0.094), and secondary IP (18.8% vs. 20.3%; p = 0.889) rates were similar between recurrent and nonrecurrent tumors.ConclusionPrimary and revision IPs have a similar rate of FH and FH–TAP agreement. Nasal cavity IPs are less likely to exhibit bony CT changes. Lower recurrence was associated with smaller size and fellowship training but not multiple TAPs, revision, FH absence, or FH–TAP discordance.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:1591–1596, 2024
Electrospinning of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer for the Production of Highly Aligned Dye‐Doped Optical Fibers
Authors: Li Fuzhao , Menzel Henning 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCyclic olefin copolymer (COC, Topas 5013, with 75% norbornene) has special properties like high glass transition temperature, low moisture uptake, chemical inertness, and a high degree of transmission in UV range, making it competitive with other materials such as poly (methyl methacrylate) and polycarbonate for the production of optical devices. Electrospinning provides a facile way to produce fibers. In order to generate highly aligned fibers fulfilling the requirements for optical applications, stable‐jet electrospinning can be used, in which the bending instabilities are suppressed. However, electrospinning of COC fibers by is still a major challenge due to the lack of suitable solvents. The influence of various solvents on the fiber formation is investigated. The addition of salts enhances the spinnability of the COC solution. By utilizing binary‐solvent systems with the ratio of 2:8 (v/v), morphology and alignment of fibers are significantly improved, as visualized via scanning electron microscopy. The binary‐solvent systems that content nonpolar and polar solvents also provide dispersibility for both organic dyes and inorganic nanoplatelets with hydrophobic ligand shells. By adding such dyes and nanoplatelets during fiber fabrication process, dye‐doped COC fibers can be produced without compromising the optical performance of the dyes and nanoplatelets.
Quinoa Peptides Alleviate Obesity in Mice Induced by a High‐Fat Diet via Regulating of the PPAR‐α/γ Signaling Pathway and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Li Yiju , Feng Zhi , Wu Tianliang , You Haixi , Wang Wei , Liu Xuebo , Ding Long 
Published: September 2023

ScopeThe obesity epidemic continues to be a major global public health threat with limited effective treatments. Peptides are a group of promising bioactive molecules. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that quinoa has potential prebiotic benefits. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the influence of quinoa peptides (QP) consumption on obesity and its underlying mechanisms in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced mice.Methods and resultsQP (1000 mg kg−1 day−1) is administered to HFD mice for 8 weeks, and is found to significantly reduce the body weight, and plasma levels of triacylglycerol (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) compare to the HFD group. In addition, QP significantly decreases lipid accumulation in the liver caused by HFD. The liver transcriptome analysis shows that the alleviation of QP on obesity is related to the PPAR signaling pathway. QP upregulates the expressions of PPAR‐α and its related genes and downregulates the expressions of PPAR‐γ and its downstream genes. Furthermore, QP remodels the community composition of gut microbiota by lowering the ratio of Firmicutes c Bacteroidetes (F/B).ConclusionThese findings suggest that QP consumption alleviates HFD‐induced obesity by regulating the PPAR‐α/γ signaling pathway in the liver and community structure of gut microbiota.
Effects of Calorie Restriction and Fasting on Macrophage: Potential Impact on Disease Outcomes?
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Rong , Yu Xiaoyan , Shi Yuhuan , Li Shengnan , Yuan Yongfang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEnergy restriction, including calorie restriction and fasting, has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic effects on a range of chronic diseases (such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer) and aging. Since macrophages are critical players in many diseases, their response to energy restriction may impact disease outcomes. However, the diverse metabolic patterns and functions of macrophages can lead to variability in the effects of energy restriction on macrophages across different tissues and disease states. This review outlines the effects of energy restriction on macrophages in several diseases, offering valuable guidance for future studies and insights into the clinical applications of calorie restriction and fasting.
Umweltchemie: Sekundärer Feinstaub – ein unterschätzter Schadstoff
Authors: Czech Hendryk 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWenn fossile und biogene Energieträger verbrennen, entstehen gesundheitsschädliche Aerosole mit Rußpartikeln, die krebserregende Stoffe transportieren, sowie gasförmige Schadstoffe. Einmal in die Atmosphäre abgegeben, durchlaufen sie eine Kaskade chemischer Reaktionen. Was atmen wir da eigentlich ein?
The evaluation of a drinking water and human health course developed to broaden soil science offerings and enrollment
Authors: Mahler Robert L. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEnrollment in soil science courses at land grant universities in the United States has been stagnant or declining for the last 20 years and this trend is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a newly developed course in drinking water and human health (DWHH) that was designed to widen soil science course offerings and attract students from other areas of natural resource sciences at the University of Idaho (UI). The DWHH course was first offered in 2004. Total enrollment in this class was initially 32 students; however, enrollment has grown significantly over the 20‐year period to 72 students in spring 2023. The average enrollment of the 14 times this course was taught was 41.5 students. Because student demand was high, the course changed from an alternate year class (2004–2014) to an annual class in 2016. The course was only taught live on the Moscow campus until 2014. When the course was transformed into an online class, its enrollment became dominated by place‐based students. Most students taking the class in the last 5 years have been off campus graduate students enrolled in non‐thesis Master of Science degree programs. Course evaluations indicated that students that have taken this class are more satisfied with the course content, course materials, course organization, and the work requirement than the average course taught on campus at UI. This course has been popular and will continue to be an important course offering.
Detection of peptaibols and their hydrolysis products in cultures of Trichoderma species
Authors: Solfrizzo Michele , Altomare Claudio , Visconti Angelo , Bottalico Antonio , Perrone Giancarlo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFifteen strains of Trichoderma belonging to 12 different species for potential use in biological control were examined for their ability to produce polypeptide antiobitics (peptaibols). Gas chromatography was used to detect the hydrolysis products of peptaibols after esterification with n‐propanol and derivatisation with heptafluorobutyric anhydride. In particular, amino acids (α‐aminoisobutyric acid, and isovalin) and amino alcohols (phenylalaninol, leucinol, and valinol) were used as markers for the detection of different peptaibols. α‐Aminoisobutyric acid, an amino acid characterising all peptaibols, was detected in all cultures examined, indicating that the production of peptaibols is a common feature of the various Trichoderma species. Different amino acid/amino alcohol combinations suggested specific peptaibol production. On this basis, the peptaibol paracelsin was confirmed by HPTLC in 11 out of 15 Trichoderma strains cultures. Valinol was not found in any culture extract, indicating the lack of trichotoxins production. Culture extracts of the 6 tested Trichoderma strains were extremely toxic to Artemia salina larvae; for 5 of them this toxicity could be attributed to paracelsin (calculated LD50 = 2.2 μM).
A novel green synthesis approach for shape memory polymer nanocomposites decorated with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Selçuk Pekdemir Sibel , Karagulle Burcu , Pekdemir Mustafa Ersin , Taş Recep , Aksoy Edanur , Aydin Derya 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA new, low‐cost, and direct green synthesis strategy was developed for the preparation of polymer composites composed of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated on a shape memory polymer blend using Rubus caesius L. leaves. X‐ray powder diffraction, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental composition were applied to characterize the crystal size, morphology, and elemental composition of Ag‐NPs. UV–vis spectra detected the characteristic absorbance signal of AgNPs at about 430 nm, and the average crystal size of nanoparticles was calculated as about 12.60 nm. When nanocomposite films were characterized by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, characteristic polylactic acid, and poly ethylene glycol (PEG) signals were determined. From the thermogravimetric analysis curves, it was determined that the amount of residue of nanocomposites increased as the amount of AgNP increased. It was seen that AgNPs did not affect the Tg temperature of the nanocomposite films, while it was also a proof that the polymer blend was immiscible. It was observed that the shape recovery properties of nanocomposite films were better with increasing AgNPs content. Finally, both green synthesized AgNPs and nanocomposites prepared with shape memory polymers showed very good antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.Highlights
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out with Rubus caesius L. leaves.
The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet visible spectroscopy and x‐ray powder diffraction.
Composite films were prepared with poly lactic acid/poly ɛ‐caprolactone blend by solvent casting method.
The amount of residue of nanocomposites increased with increasing AgNPs percentage.
The nanocomposite film containing 10% AgNPs has good activity.
Finding the right balance between tertiary amine steric effect and solvent polarity for the regioselectivity and kinetics of epichlorohydrin acetolysis
Authors: Yutilova Kseniia , Tkach Anastasiia , Tarasenko Vladislav , Shved Elena 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe asymmetric oxirane ring‐opening reaction leading to the formation of regioisomeric chlorohydrin esters was studied in the reaction series “acetic acid–epichlorohydrin–tetrahydrofuran (nitrobenzene)–trialkylamine” by kinetic methods and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The effect of solvent polarity and the structure of tertiary amines on the regioselectivity and reaction rate were studied. Tertiary amines with comparable basicity but different nucleophilicity and spatial structure were chosen as catalysts. It was shown that in solvents of different polarity, the components of the initial reaction system are present both as hydrogen‐bonded complexes and as individual substances. The reaction orders with respect to acid and amine in solvents of different polarity were established. Correlations between the reaction rate and the parameters of nucleophilicity and structure of amines as well as the polarity of the solvent were established. The regioselectivity of the reaction was studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy using the ratio of regioisomeric reaction products. It was shown that the regioselectivity and rate of catalytic acetolysis of epichlorohydrin are effectively controlled by the structure of tertiary amines and the polarity of the solvent. The scheme of reaction regio‐flows was detailed.
Environmental and human toxicology studies on explosive chemicals leaking from submerged munitions
Authors: Maser Edmund , Hartwig Bünning Tobias , Strehse Jennifer Susanne 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis review provides an overview of 15 years of munitions research by the Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig‐Holstein, Kiel, Germany. As early as 2009, it was possible to detect the TNT metabolite 4‐ADNT in a quantity of 250 ng/g (wet weight) in blue mussels collected directly on munition items in the Kolberger Heide dumping area (Bight of Kiel, Baltic Sea, Germany). Based on these results, biomonitoring with blue mussels was established, in which uncontaminated mussels were exposed at certain distances from munition items and then retrieved after a few weeks in order to then be analyzed in the laboratory for energetic compounds (EC) including TNT and metabolites thereof. In following studies – in addition to mussels – also fish, sediments, water samples and passive samplers from specific locations were examined for the presence of EC. The study areas included dumping site regions from both the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, and were then extended to appropriate shipwrecks in the North Sea. The field studies were completed with laboratory investigations, which dealt with the development of a molecular biomarker as a kind of “early warning system” and with aspects of microbial degradation of EC. Finally, risk assessments for the marine environment and the human seafood consumer were carried out. The sections below are based on results from more than 10 scientific research projects and more than 20 publications in primary international research journals.
Does monitoring pests pay off? a bioeconomic assessment of Drosophila suzukii controls
Authors: Yeh D. Adeline , Dai Bingyan , Gómez Miguel I. , Walton Vaughn M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDDrosophila suzukii is a significant invasive pest that has caused high management costs and economic losses for blueberry growers in the United States. The status quo control strategy commonly used by growers is to apply pesticides proactively and frequently to reduce infestation. Recent studies have shown that the calendar‐based spraying strategy might be unsustainable in the long term, making the reduction of pesticide reliance a top priority for the berry industry. Incorporating pest monitoring into the control strategy could be an option to improve efficiency while reducing pesticide usage. This study assesses the economic implications of monitoring‐based control strategies compared to calendar‐based spraying control strategies for organic blueberry production in Oregon. We combine a D. suzukii population model into the economic simulation framework, evaluate two monitoring methods (adult trapping and fruit sampling), and identify the profit‐maximizing control strategy under different scenarios.RESULTSIn the baseline scenario, control strategies that incorporate fruit sampling exhibit the highest average profits. Although the status quo control strategy (spraying every 3 days) generates higher average revenue than monitoring‐based strategies, the cost from the higher number of pesticide application offsets the returns.CONCLUSIONThis study uses a novel bioeconomic simulation framework to show that incorporating fruit sampling can be a promising tool to reduce pesticide reliance while controlling D. suzukii infestation. These findings provide clearer information on the economic viability of using monitoring‐based pest control strategies in organic berry production, and the assessment framework sheds light on the economics of pest management. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Host‐virus interaction between tobacco mild green mosaic virus strain U2 and tropical soda apple resulting in systemic hypersensitive necrosis and the host range, survival, spread, and molecular characterization of the virus
Authors: Charudattan Raghavan , Hiebert Ernest , Pettersen Matthew S. , Horrell Jonathan R. , Elliott Mark S. , DeValerio James T. , Maia Gabriella S. , de Oliveira Thais Balbao Clemente Bueno 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDTobacco mild green mosaic virus strain U2 (TMGMV‐U2) is a registered active ingredient in a bioherbicide to control tropical soda apple (TSA), Solanum viarum, an invasive weed. As required for registration, we developed empirical data on the host‐virus interaction and the virus's host range, survival, spread, and genomic sequence.RESULTSTMGMV‐U2 killed TSA plants by causing systemic hypersensitive necrosis (SHN). It elicited local lesions in inoculated leaves which was followed by the plant's wilting and death. It moved from inoculated terminal leaves through the vasculature to roots and then to newly developed leaves. Phloem death was implicated in wilting and plant death. The SHN response was attenuated in plants grown at constant 32 °C. TMGMV‐U2 titer in TSA was low compared to a systemically susceptible tobacco. The virus remained infective for up to 6 months in infected dead TSA tissues and in soil in which infected plants had grown. Susceptible tobacco and pepper plants grown in soil that previously had infected dead TSA or in soil amended with the virus remained asymptomatic and virus‐free. A susceptible pepper crop grown in a field block following two consecutive crops of TMGMV‐U2‐infected susceptible tobacco grew disease‐free and virus‐free and without yield loss. Purified TMGMV‐U2 was infective for 1 year when stored at −20 °C or 5 °C and for 1 month at room temperature. No virus spread was found in the field. Genomic analyses confirmed the registered isolate to be a U2 strain and free of satellite TMV. The TMGMV‐U2‐susceptible species preponderantly belonged to the Solanaceae. A few hosts that were killed belonged to this family. Several new hosts to TMGMV‐U2 were found. These data enabled registration of TMGMV‐U2.CONCLUSIONTMGMV‐U2 can be used safely as a bioherbicide without risks to nontarget plants and the environment. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.