bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis programme preferences among sexually active HIV‐negative transgender and gender diverse adults in the United States: a conjoint analysis
Authors: Watson Dovie L. , Listerud Louis , Drab Ryan A. , Lin Willey Y. , Momplaisir Florence Marie , Bauermeister José A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionCurrent implementation efforts have failed to achieve equitable HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) provision for transgender and gender‐diverse (trans) populations. We conducted a choice‐based conjoint analysis to measure preferences for key attributes of hypothetical PrEP delivery programmes among a diverse online sample predominantly comprised of transmasculine and nonbinary individuals in the United States.MethodsBetween April 2022 and June 2022, a national online survey with an embedded conjoint analysis experiment was conducted among 304 trans individuals aged ≥18 years in the United States to assess five PrEP programme attributes: out‐of‐pocket cost; dispensing venue; frequency of visits for PrEP‐related care; travel time to PrEP provider; and ability to bundle PrEP‐related care with gender‐affirming hormone therapy services. Participants responded to five questions, each of which presented two PrEP programme scenarios and one opt‐out option per question and selected their preferred programme in each question. We used hierarchical Bayes estimation and multinomial logistic regression to measure part‐worth utility scores for the total sample and by respondents’ PrEP status.ResultsThe median age was 24 years (range 18–56); 75% were assigned female sex at birth; 54% identified as transmasculine; 32% as nonbinary; 14% as transfeminine. Out‐of‐pocket cost had the highest attribute importance score (44.3%), followed by the ability to bundle with gender‐affirming hormone therapy services (18.7%). Minimal cost‐sharing ($0 out‐of‐pocket cost) most positively influenced the attribute importance of cost (average conjoint part‐worth utility coefficient of 2.5 [95% CI 2.4−2.6]). PrEP‐experienced respondents preferred PrEP delivery in primary care settings (relative utility score 4.7); however, PrEP‐naïve respondents preferred pharmacies (relative utility score 5.1).ConclusionsParticipants preferred programmes that offered PrEP services without cost‐sharing and bundled with gender‐affirming hormone therapy services. Bolstering federal regulations to cover PrEP services and prioritizing programmes to expand low‐barrier PrEP provision are critical to achieving equitable PrEP provision. Community‐engaged implementation research conducted by and in close collaboration with trans community stakeholders and researchers are needed to streamline the design of patient‐centred PrEP programmes and develop implementation strategies that are salient to the diverse sexual health needs of trans patients.
Synergistic effects of tilapia head protein hydrolysate and walnut protein hydrolysate on the amelioration of cognitive impairment in mice
Authors: Ji Jun , Yi Xiangzhou , Gao Xia , Wang Bohui , Zhang Xueying , Shen Xuanri , Xia Guanghua 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDCognitive impairment (CI) is a significant public health concern, and bioactive peptides have shown potential as therapeutic agents. However, information about their synergistic effects on cognitive function is still limited. Here, we investigated the synergistic effects of tilapia head protein hydrolysate (THPH) and walnut protein hydrolysate (WPH) in mitigating CI induced by scopolamine in mice.RESULTSThe results showed that the combined supplementation of THPH and WPH (mass ratio, 1:1) was superior to either individual supplement in enhancing spatial memory and object recognition abilities in CI mice, and significantly lessened brain injury in CI mice by alleviating neuronal damage, reducing oxidative stress and stabilizing the cholinergic system. In addition, the combined supplementation was found to be more conducive to remodeling the gut microbiota structure in CI mice by not only remarkably reducing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota, but also specifically enriching the genus Roseburia. On the other hand, the combined supplementation regulated the disorders of sphingolipid and amino acid metabolism in CI mice, particularly upregulating glutathione and histidine metabolism, and displayed a stronger ability to increase the expression of genes and proteins related to the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB/CrEB signaling pathway in the brain.CONCLUSIONThese findings demonstrate that tilapia head and walnut‐derived protein hydrolysates exerted synergistic effects in ameliorating CI, which was achieved through modulation of gut microbiota, serum metabolic pathways and BDNF signaling pathways. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Unlocking hot trub's potential: a simple method for extracting bitter acids and xanthohumol
Authors: Silva Klycia Fidélis Cerqueira e , Feltre Gabriela , Zandonadi Flávia S. , Rabelo Renata Santos , Sussulini Alessandra , Hubinger Miriam Dupas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDHot trub is a macronutrient‐ and micronutrient‐rich by‐product generated in the brewing industry, which is still underrated as a raw material for reprocessing purposes. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the extraction of bitter acids' and xanthohumol from hot trub as well as identify the significance of parameters for the process. The research assessed various extraction parameters, such as pH, ethanol concentration, temperature, and solid‐to‐liquid ratio, using a Plackett–Burman design.RESULTSEthanol concentration and pH were the most significant parameters affecting extraction yield. β‐acids were found to be the principal components of the bitter acids, with a maximum concentration near 16 mg g−1, followed by iso‐α‐acids and α‐acids achieving 6 and 3.6 mg g−1, respectively. The highest yields of bitter acids were observed in the highest ethanol concentration, while pH was relevant to extraction process in treatments with low ethanol ratios. Concerning the xanthohumol extraction, the approach achieved maximum concentration (239 μg g−1) in treatments with ethanol concentration above 30%. Despite their variances, the phytochemicals exhibited comparable extraction patterns, indicating similar interactions with macromolecules. Moreover, the characterization of the solid residues demonstrated that the extraction process did not bring about any alterations to the chemical and total protein profiles.CONCLUSIONEthanol concentration was found to have the most significant impact on the extraction of bitter acids and xanthohumol, while temperature had no significant effect. The solid remains resulting from the extraction showed potential for use as a protein source. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Strengthening the microbial community and flavor structure of jiupei by simulating strong‐aroma baijiu fermentation with Bacillus velezensis DQA21
Authors: Tong Wenhua , Wang Hui , Li Jiawei , Zhang Lingling , Huang Zhijiu , Yang Ying , Qiao Zongwei , Luo Huibo , Huang Dan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDBacillus velezensis DQA21 is a functional strain used in the fermentation process of strong‐aroma baijiu; however, its specific role in the process is still unclear.RESULTSIn this study, specific roles of B. velezensis DQA21 in the fermentation process were explored. Bioaugmentation of B. velezensis DQA21 increased the diversity and abundance of the bacterial community during the first 32 days of fermentation and significantly inhibited the diversity and richness of the fungal community during days 12 to 32. According to cluster analysis, changes in the microbial community structure were observed during fermentation, and the fermentation process could be divided into two stages: stage I, days 0–12; and stage II, days 12–45. Additionally, the microbial community structures during the two fermentation stages were significantly different. Co‐occurrence analysis showed that bioaugmentation with Bacillus increased the correlation between microorganisms in jiupei and had a significant impact on the overall network structure of the microbial community. In addition, Bacillus significantly increased the production of flavor substances in jiupei, causing the total esters, total alcohols, and total acids contents to increase by 19.1%, 81.1%, and 25.9% respectively.CONCLUSIONThe results suggested that bioaugmentation with B. velezensis DQA21 had a strong impact on the microbial community structure in strong‐aroma baijiu, enhancing the volatile flavor components. Additionally, the work also provides a better understanding on the effect of augmentation on the microbial community in jiupei, which could help better regulation of solid‐state fermentation in strong‐aroma baijiu. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Yellow mustard gum: pilot‐scale production and characterization
Authors: Wang Xinya , Liu Ruoyan , Goff H. Douglas , Cui Steve W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDYellow mustard gum (YMG), which is extracted from the mucilaginous part of yellow mustard bran, has been considered an emerging natural hydrocolloid gum but lacks commercial development and production. To promote the commercial utilization of YMG, this study developed a pilot‐scale YMG production protocol in an economic and environmentally friendly way to produce a clean‐label YMG product. This YMG produced at pilot scale (YMW) was characterized in terms of chemical composition, rheological properties, and interaction with a commercial gum, κ‐carrageenan, and was compared with purified YMG through ethanol precipitation (YME).RESULTSThe protocol processed up to 100 L of raw material with zero solvent and a minimal number of steps and showed strong quasi‐industrial potential. The YMW showed a similar chemical composition as YME. However, the YMW contained a slightly lower amount of carbohydrate and a much larger amount of ash and potassium than the YME. The rheological results concluded that both the YMW and YME solutions exhibited shear‐thinning flow behavior and a weak gel, with YME showing higher viscosity and stronger gel structure. Most interestingly, YMW could form unpourable gels when blended with native κ‐carrageenan whereas YME barely achieved this despite the equivalent total gum concentration.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated the feasibility of YMG production at a large scale with economic and green procedures and discovered its new functionality for commercial utilization. The gelling ability of YMG could provide it with wider applications as a result of a new potential synergistic combination. All this information should accelerate the process of full commercialization of YMG as a clean‐label functional ingredient. © 2024 His Majesty the King in Right of Canada. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. Reproduced with the permission of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada.
Improved Recovery after Vestibular Schwannoma Excision with Intratympanic Gentamicin Prehabilitation
Authors: Trudel Mathieu , Stapleton Emma J. , Wadeson Andrea M. , Spiller William , North Hannah J. , Heal Calvin , Sebastian Joseph , Freeman Simon R. , Rutherford Scott A. , Entwistle Helen , Hammerbeck‐Ward Charlotte L. , Pathmanaban Omar , King Andrew T. , Lloyd Simon K.W. 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTranslabyrinthine excision of a vestibular schwannoma is associated with acute vestibular failure. Preoperative intratympanic gentamicin (ITG) injections can improve objective balance function after surgery but its clinical benefits remain to be established.MethodsAdult patients undergoing translabyrinthine removal of a vestibular schwannoma between January 2014 and February 2018 underwent preoperative vestibular function testing. Patients were divided in to 3 groups, those with vestibular function (VF) who received ITG injections, those with VF but did not receive ITG and those with no VF. Groups were compared according to degree of vertigo, length of stay, time to unassisted mobilization, and postoperative anti‐emetic consumption.ResultsForty six patients had ITG injections (Group 1), 7 had residual VF but refused treatment (Group 2), 21 had no VF (Group 3). Group 1 had a significant improvement in vertigo over time whereas groups 2 and 3 did not. There was a statistically significant 70% decrease in time to independent mobilization between Group 1 and other groups and a 19% decrease in length of stay in Group 1 compared to other groups although this did not reach statistical significance. Two patients had injection‐related complications. Group 1 used less anti‐emetics than other groups but this was not statistically significant.ConclusionPreoperative intratympanic gentamicin injection with vestibular rehabilitation exercises is associated with less postoperative vertigo and earlier postoperative mobilization. There was reduced duration of hospitalization and decreased consumption of anti‐emetic but not significantly so possibly because of low numbers of patients in the no treatment group.Level of Evidence2 Laryngoscope, 134:3316–3322, 2024
Gram‐negative Bacteria are Associated With Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Lou Jintao , He Wuhui , Cui Bozhen , Wu Fan , Liu Wei , Deng Jingman , Huang Yan , Zhang Zhigang , Si Yu 
Published: February 2024

ObjectChronic otitis media (COM) is an inflammatory disease that commonly presents with otorrhea and hearing loss. Bacteria‐induced inflammation can cause inner ear damage, leading to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This study aimed to compare the prevalence and severity of SNHL in patients with gram‐negative versus gram‐positive cultures and examine associations between the concentrations of circulating monocytes and neutrophils with bacteria species and SNHL.MethodsThis was a retrospective study. Cholesteatoma or chronic suppurative otitis media patients with otorrhea were enrolled. Middle ear secretions were collected using sterile swabs under an otoscope, and sent for bacterial detection within 30 min. Pure tone audiometry and circulating leukocyte counts were recorded and analyzed in patients infected with different pathogens. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with SNHL.ResultsA total of 137 patients were enrolled, including 45 patients infected with gram‐negative bacteria, 41 with gram‐positive bacteria, 20 with polymicrobial infection, and 31 with no bacterial growth. Logistic regression analysis showed that bacterial culture positive infections (OR = 7.265, 95% CI 2.219–23.786, p = 0.001) were an independent risk factor for SNHL. Patients with gram‐negative bacteria had higher risks of SNHL (p < 0.0001) and more severe hearing loss (p = 0.005) than those with gram‐positive bacteria. COM patients infected with gram‐negative bacteria showed an increase in circulating monocytes, which correlated with the occurrence of SNHL (p = 0.0343).ConclusionGram‐negative bacteria are associated with elevated circulating monocyte counts and have a higher risk of severe SNHL.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:3335–3341, 2024
Gaze Patterns of Normal and Microtia Ears Pre‐ and Post‐Reconstruction
Authors: Losorelli Steven , Chang Julia K. , Chang Kay W. , Most Sam P. , Truong Mai Thy 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo understand attentional preferences for normal and microtia ears.MethodsEye‐tracking technology was used to characterize gaze preferences. A total of 71 participants viewed images of 5 patients with unilateral microtia. Profile images of patient faces and isolated ears including normal, microtia, and post‐reconstruction microtia ears were shown. Total time of fixation in predefined areas of interest (AOI) was measured. Inferential statistics were used to assess significance of fixation differences between AOIs within and between facial or auricular features.ResultsThe ear received most visual attention in lateral view of the face (1.91 s, 1.66–2.16 s) [mean, 95% CI], followed by features of the “central triangle”—the eyes (1.26 s, 1.06–1.46), nose (0.48 s, 0.38–0.58), and mouth (0.15 s, 0.15–0.20). In frontal view, microtia ears received less attention following surgical reconstruction (0.74 s vs. 0.4 s, p < 0.001). The concha was the most attended feature for both normal (2.97 s, 2.7–3.23) and reconstructed microtia ears (1.87 s, 1.61–2.13). Scars on reconstructed ears altered the typical visual scanpath.ConclusionThe ear is an attentional gaze landmark of the face. Attention to microtia ears, both pre‐ and post‐reconstruction, differs from gaze patterns of normal ears. The concha was the most attended to subunit of the ear. Attentional gaze may provide an unbiased method to determine what is important in reconstructive surgery.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:3136–3142, 2024
A segmented periodic slot array leaky‐wave antenna for beamforming applications
Authors: Emara Mohamed K. , Gupta Shulabh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA segmented periodic slot array leaky‐wave antenna (LWA) is proposed for beamforming applications. The LWA consists of segments, each with a unique propagation constant achieved through varying periodicity and slot size. By using segments with different propagation constants, the proposed LWA can achieve beamforming such as flat‐top beams and side‐lobe level (SLL) reduction. The LWA is based on a substrate‐integrated waveguide with periodic double transverse slots in the broad wall of the waveguide. The double slots allow for reflection‐canceling to suppress the broadside stopband and hence can achieve beamforming capabilities in the backward, broadside, and forward directions. Full‐wave simulations are used to demonstrate the proposed concept for flat‐top beamforming in the mm‐wave band at 30 GHz. Experimental demonstration is conducted using two prototypes for flat‐top beams and SLL reduction, with good agreement with full‐wave simulations.
Multifocal motor neuropathy as a mimic of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Serum neurofilament light chain as a reliable diagnostic biomarker
Authors: Kleinveld Vera E. A. , Keritam Omar , Horlings Corinne G. C. , Cetin Hakan , Wanschitz Julia , Hotter Anna , Zirch Laura S. , Zimprich Fritz , Topakian Raffi , Müller Petra , Oel Dierk , Quasthoff Stefan , Erdler Marcus , Rauschka Helmut , Grinzinger Susanne , Jecel Julia , Gaulhofer Petra , Castek Barbara , Stadler Klaus , Löscher Wolfgang N. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThe clinical presentation of multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) may mimic early amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with predominant lower motor neuron (LMN) involvement, posing a diagnostic challenge. Both diseases have specific treatments and prognoses, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) in differentiating MMN from LMN dominant ALS.MethodsNfL was measured in serum in n = 37 patients with MMN and n = 37 age‐ and sex‐matched patients with LMN dominant ALS, to determine the diagnostic accuracy. Clinical and demographic data were obtained at the time of NfL sampling.ResultsSerum NfL concentration was significantly lower in MMN patients compared to ALS patients (mean 20.7 pg/mL vs. 59.4 pg/mL, p < .01). NfL demonstrated good diagnostic value in discriminating the two groups (AUC 0.985 [95% CI 0.963–1.000], sensitivity 94.6%, specificity 100%, cut‐off 44.00 pg/mL).DiscussionNfL could be a helpful tool in differentiating MMN from LMN dominant ALS in those patients in whom electrophysiological and clinical examinations remain inconclusive early in the diagnostic process.
A triple‐microstructure hydro‐mechanical constitutive damage model for compacted MX80 bentonite pellet/powder mixture
Authors: Yang Jin‐Wen , Cui Yu‐jun , Mokni Nadia , Wang Hao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA triple‐microstructure hydro‐mechanical constitutive damage model was proposed to describe the hydro‐mechanical behaviour of MX80 bentonite pellet/powder mixture, based on the results from a series of suction‐controlled oedometer tests and microstructure observations. Emphasis was put on the pellet damage behaviour. The model parameters were determined essentially based on these results. The model response was firstly verified with the obtained oedometer tests. Then, the results of Molinero‐Guerra et al. and Darde who carried out suction‐controlled oedometer tests and swelling pressure tests on similar bentonite pellet/powder mixture were employed to validate the proposed model. It appeared that the global volume behaviour and the development of swelling pressure with suction of the bentonite mixture could be well reproduced. The model allowed gaining insights into the microstructural evolutions under oedometer loading. The global compression behaviour was governed by the filling of inter‐grain pores at unsaturated state, but by the compression of grains themselves at saturated state. Conversely, when wetted under constant‐volume condition, inter‐grain pores and intra‐grain macro‐pores were closed, by the swelling of intra‐grain micro‐pores. Examination of the water‐retention property showed that water saturated the intra‐grain micro‐pores at suction 19 MPa, and then started filling intra‐grain macro‐pores. When inter‐grain pores and intra‐grain macro‐pores were all closed at suction 0.1 MPa, water finally came back to intra‐grain micro‐pores. On the whole, the hydro‐mechanical behaviour of the bentonite pellet/powder mixture can be well described by the proposed model.
Design sensitivity analysis of modal frequencies of elastic structures submerged in an infinite fluid domain
Authors: Zheng Chang‐Jun , Han Meng‐Wei , Chen Hong‐Yong , Wang Shuai , Bi Chuan‐Xing 
Published: February 2024

SummaryThis paper presents a numerical approach for the design sensitivity analysis of modal frequencies of elastic structures submerged in an unbounded heavy fluid domain. Because the feedback of sound pressure onto the fluid‐loaded structures has to be taken into account in this case, a fully coupled scheme which combines the structural finite element method (FEM) and the acoustic boundary element method (BEM) is employed in the numerical simulation. The resulting nonlinear eigenvalue problem created by the coupled finite element and boundary element (FE‐BE) method is converted into a generalized eigenvalue problem (GEP) of reduced dimension by using a contour integral method. The design sensitivity formulation for non‐repeated eigenvalues is derived based on an adjoint method which uses both the left and right eigenvectors, and a small GEP is formed to calculate the gradients of repeated eigenvalues. The Burton‐Miller formulation is employed to shift the fictitious eigenfrequencies and their derivatives, and the parameter setting which is beneficial to the filtering of fictitious eigenfrequencies is investigated. Numerical examples are given to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the developed method.