bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The histology and growth rate of Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) claws
Authors: Myburgh Albert , Myburgh Jan , Steyl Johan , Downs Colleen T. , Botha Hannes , Robinson Liam , Woodborne Stephan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe histology and growth of reptilian and crocodilian claws (ungues) have been extensively studied; however, Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) claws have not received adequate attention. Furthermore, age estimations for reptilian claws remain unexplored, despite Nile crocodile claws being used in long‐term dietary reconstruction studies, assuming certain age‐related patterns. In this study, we investigate the histology and growth patterns of Nile crocodile claws, aiming to infer axes for sampling cornified material for radiocarbon dating and establish age estimations for crocodilian claws. Our findings reveal that Nile crocodile claws exhibit growth patterns similar to other reptilians, presenting as modified scutes/scales with an age profile along the sagittal plane. This profile starts at the basal germ matrix and progressively expands in thickness and age dorsoventrally towards the apex or “tip.” Consequently, the oldest corneous material is concentrated at the most dorsal point of the claw's apex. To validate previous dietary reconstruction assumptions, we conducted radiocarbon dating on this region of the claw, which supported the idea that retained corneous material in the claws is typically relatively young (5–10 years old) due to abrasion. Our study contributes insights into the histology and growth dynamics of Nile crocodile claws, shedding light on their use in dietary reconstruction studies and emphasizing the significance of considering age‐related assumptions in such investigations.
Electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted copolymer for selective and simultaneous determination of riboflavin, dopamine, and L‐tryptophan
Authors: Mahdi Nagham , Roushani Mahmoud , Karazan Zahra Mirzaei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis research shows the exact detection of riboflavin (RF), dopamine (DA), and L‐tryptophan (Trp) through molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based on the electropolymerization method. MIP was placed on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by electropolymerization of monomers such as catechol and para‐aminophenol, in the presence of all three analytes. The introduced sensor was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and electrochemical methods, for example, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The MIP/GCE performs well in terms of selectivity, reproducibility, repeatability, and stability. This sensor revealed good linear ranges of 0.005–500 μM for RF, 0.05–500 μM for DA, and 0.1–250 μM for Trp with limits of detection (LOD) as 0.0016 μM, 0.016 μM, and 0.03 μM for RF, DA, and Trp, respectively. The modified GCE was successfully applied to detect RF, DA, and Trp in serum and milk samples with satisfactory results.
QuEChERS method combined to liquid chromatography high‐resolution mass spectrometry for the accurate and sensitive simultaneous determination of pyrrolizidine and tropane alkaloids in cereals and spices
Authors: Rollo Eleonora , Catellani Dante , Dall'Asta Chiara , Suman Michele 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWithin the last decades, in the EU, there has been an increasing interest in toxic plant alkaloids as food contaminants, especially after the continuous and growing consumption of plant‐based foods compared with food of animal origin. In this regard, the once neglected presence of these tropane alkaloids (TAs) and pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) has recently been reconsidered by the European Food Safety Authority, highlighting the lack of data and the need to develop risk assessment strategies. For this reason, the emphasis has been placed on detecting their occurrence in food through the development of accurate and sensitive analytical methods to achieve the determination of these compounds. The present study aims to elaborate and validate an analytical method based on QuEChERS sample preparation approach, exploiting the UHPLC coupled to the HRMS to simultaneously identify and quantify 21 PAs and two TAs in cereals and spices. For TAs, the obtained limit of detection (LOD) is 0.1 μg·kg−1 and the limit of quantification (LOQ) is 0.4 μg·kg−1, while for PAs, the LODs values ranging between 0.2 to 0.3 μg·kg−1 and the LOQ, between 0.4 and 0.8 μg·kg−1, ensuring compliance with the recently established European Regulations. Several commercial samples were analysed to further verify the applicability of this comprehensive analytical approach.
Efficacy and safety of Oral LL‐37 against the Omicron BA.5.1.3 variant of SARS‐COV‐2: A randomized trial
Authors: Zhao Yiming , Zhang Hanlin , Zhao Zhizhuang , Liu Fangfang , Dong Meng , Chen Li , Shen Mingzhi , Luan Zhe , Zhang Hanwen , Wu Junling , Li Congyong , Chen Jun , Li Chao , Liu Zhiwei , Chen Yi , Zheng Aihua , Li Huiling , Wang Shufang , Jin Wanzhu , Sun Gang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractRecombinant LL‐37 Lactococcus lactis (Oral LL‐37) was designed to prevent progression of COVID‐19 by targeting virus envelope, however, effectiveness and safety of Oral LL‐37 in clinical application was unclear. A total of 238 adult inpatients, open‐labelled, randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐center study was conducted to investigate the primary end points, including negative conversion time (NCT) of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA and adverse events (AEs). As early as intervened on 6th day of case confirmed, Oral LL‐37 could significantly shorten NCT (LL‐37 9.80 ± 2.67 vs. placebo 14.04 ± 5.89, p < 0.01). For Oral LL‐37, as early as treated in 6 days, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for a primary event of nucleic acid negative outcome was 6.27‐fold higher than 7‐day‐later (HR: 6.276, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.631–10.848, p < 0.0001), and the adjusted HR of Oral LL‐37 within 6 days is higher than placebo (HR: 2.427 95% CI: 1.239–4.751, p = 0.0097). No severe AEs were observed during hospitalization and follow‐up investigation. This study shows that early intervention of Oral LL‐37 incredibly reduces NCT implying a potential for clearance of Omicron BA.5.1.3 without evident safety concerns.
Cytokines, chemokines, and cells growth factors in patients with mild to moderate SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A case‐control study
Authors: Gondim Rafhaella N. D. G. , de Arruda Erico Antônio Gomes , Neto Roberto da Justa Pires , Medeiros Melissa Soares , Quirino‐Filho José , Clementino Marco A. , Magalhães Lyvia Maria Vasconcelos Carneiro , Cavalcante Karene Ferreira , Viana Vânia Angelica Feitosa , Mello Liana Perdigão , Carlos Luciana M. B. , Havt Alexandre , Lima Aldo A. M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSeveral biomarkers have been evaluated as predictors of severity or in directing the treatment of COVID‐19, however there are no conclusive results. In this study, we evaluated serum levels of cytokines, chemokines, and cell growth factors in association with the pathobiology of mild to moderate SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Serum levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients (n = 113) and flu symptoms individuals negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 (n = 58), tested by the RT‐qPCR test—nasal swab were compared to healthy controls (n = 53). Results showed that the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, MCP‐3, TNF‐α, and G‐CSF were increased in symptomatic patients and the cytokines IL‐6 and IL‐10 were associated with patients positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 when compared to healthy controls. Symptoms associated with COVID‐19 were fever, anosmia, ageusia, and myalgia. For patients without SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, their major symptom was sore throat. The pathobiology of mild to moderate SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was associated with increasing proinflammatory cytokines and a pleiotropic IL‐6 and anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 cytokines compared to healthy controls. Thus, knowledge about the pathophysiology and the involvement of biomarkers in the mild to moderate profile of the disease should be evaluated. Monitoring these biomarkers in patients with mild to moderate disease can help establish adequate treatment and prevention strategies for long‐term COVID‐19.
Climate change impacts on spatial and seasonal meteorological drought characteristics for the island of Ireland
Authors: Meresa Hadush , Murphy Conor 
Published: August 2023

AbstractUnderstanding how climate change is likely to impact on meteorological droughts is key to informing adaptation planning. For Ireland, little research has examined how droughts are likely to change in future. Here we examine changes in the monthly climate water balance, aridity index and changes in magnitude, frequency and duration of droughts using standardized drought indices for the island of Ireland derived from bias‐adjusted CORDEX simulations for the 2080s (2070–2099), forced with a high (RCP8.5) and moderate (RCP4.5) emissions pathway. Findings highlight that increases in potential evapotranspiration, driven by increasing temperature, together with changing seasonal rainfall patterns increase aridity in summer with water deficits extending into spring months, especially in the east and midlands by the end of the century. Increases in drought frequency and magnitude are also evident, with greatest increases for RCP8.5. Critically, increases are considerably greater for the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) than for the standardized precipitation index (SPI), emphasizing the importance of using metrics that capture potential evapotranspiration in monitoring and assessing future drought risk. Summer and spring show the greatest increase in drought magnitude and frequency, most marked in the east of the island. By contrast, multiseasonal droughts, assessed using 6‐month accumulation periods show more modest changes in magnitude and duration. The resultant impacts of climate change on drought for Ireland would require considerable adaptation given the vulnerabilities exposed by the 2018 drought.
The lived experiences of individuals with high‐functioning autism during the job interview process: A phenomenological study
Authors: Ellestad Andrew I. , Beymer Lisa L. , Villegas Sal 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIndividuals with high‐functioning autism (HFA) have demonstrated they have many significant benefits that they can contribute to an employer. However, given their social and behavioral differences, many individuals find themselves unemployed or underemployed. Presented here is a phenomenological study consisting of 12 self‐identified HFA adults, which analyzes the lived experiences of these individuals specifically during a job interview. Four major themes emerged from this study: Interview Structure, Perceived Competency, Social Camouflaging, and Forced Normality. The findings of this study are clear that the standard interview processes used cause undue stress and anxiety for neurodivergent populations.
Effect of the line scanning driving of active‐matrix display on the measurement of display temporal characteristics
Authors: Hong Hyungki 
Published: August 2023

AbstractTemporal characteristics are crucial factors influencing display performance. For an active‐matrix display, signals are applied sequentially line‐by‐line, and the temporal response of each horizontal line changes depending on different timings. When recording the temporal response of a display, the probe of the measuring device must have the finite size and shutter time. As the finite‐size probe records the temporal responses of multiple lines with different timings, the number of lines covered by the finite‐size probe affects the obtained result. And the effects due to the timing difference of the sequential driving can be misinterpreted as the temporal response of the display. In this study, the contribution of the various factors, such as the camera shutter time, probe size of the measuring device, temporal transition time, and display frame rate was evaluated to separate the temporal characteristics of the display from the effect caused by these factors. A procedure to estimate only the temporal response of a display without such effects is devised. The effectiveness of the proposed procedure was verified based on the spatial temporal record obtained by a high‐speed camera of video frame rates of 9000 and 12,000 per second.
Ergonomic risk assessment of surgeon's position during radical prostatectomy: Laparoscopic versus robotic approach
Authors: Hayashi Marcel Calegari , Sarri Almir J. , Pereira Pâmella Arielle Sandrin Veitas , Rocha Mauricio Murce , Zequi Stenio de Cassio , Machado Marcos Tobias , de Souza Alessandra Hübner , Magno Luiz Alexandre Viana , Faria Eliney Ferreira 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRadical prostatectomy (RP) is a definitive surgical therapy for localized prostate cancer. Evidence suggests that the poor ergonomics of surgeons during RP may lead to work‐related musculoskeletal disorders and loss of productivity. Since each surgery modality has its physical demands, we compared the ergonomic risk between laparoscopic (LRP) and robotic‐assisted (RARP) radical prostatectomy.MethodsThe study assessed the posture of 10 urological surgeons during LRP and RARP surgeries with the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scale.ResultsWe found that the RARP approach resulted in lower REBA scores over the LRP procedure.ConclusionsRobotic surgery improves body posture for the urological surgeon like in other medical specialties. However, the surgeons display harmful postures in both surgeries.
Fungal and Bacterial Microbiome in Sinus Mucosa of Patients with and without Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Lee Jivianne T. , Simpson Carra A. , Yang Hong‐Ho , Suh Jeffrey D. , Wang Marilene B. , Lagishetty Venu , Liang Fengting , Jacobs Jonathan P. 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesDysbiosis of the sinonasal microbiome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, the mycobiome remains largely understudied, and microbial alterations associated with specific CRS subtypes have yet to be delineated. The objective of this study is to investigate the fungal and bacterial microbiome of sinus mucosa in CRS patients with and without nasal polyposis (CRSwNP and CRSsNP) versus healthy controls.MethodsSinus mucosa was obtained from 92 patients (31 CRSsNP, 31 CRSwNP, and 30 controls) undergoing endoscopic sinus/skull base surgery. Data regarding demographics, Lund‐MacKay scores, and histopathology were collected. Fungal and bacterial microbiome analysis was performed utilizing internal transcribed spacer amplicon and 16S rRNA sequencing.ResultsBeta diversity of the sinonasal mycobiome differed significantly between CRS and controls (p = 0.001) and between CRSwNP and controls (p = 0.049), but not between CRSwNP and CRSsNP (p = 0.32) nor between CRSsNP and controls (p = 0.06). With respect to the bacterial microbiome, significantly lower alpha diversity was observed between CRS and controls (p < 0.001), CRSwNP versus controls (p < 0.001), and CRSsNP versus controls (p < 0.001). Beta diversity was also significantly different at the genus level between CRSwNP and CRSsNP (p = 0.019), CRSwNP and controls (p = 0.002)), and CRSsNP and controls (p < 0.001). However, alpha and beta diversity did not differ significantly between CRS patients with/without eosinophils or correlate with Lund‐MacKay scores.ConclusionsDifferences in mycobiota diversity in CRS patients in comparison with controls suggest that alterations in the mycobiome may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Our findings also confirmed that diminished diversity among bacterial communities is associated with CRS and that significant differences are present in microbial composition between CRSwNP and CRSsNP.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:1054–1062, 2024
Z‐Form Extracellular DNA in Pediatric CRS May Provide a Mechanism for Recalcitrance to Treatment
Authors: Hofer Llwyatt K. , Jurcisek Joseph A. , Elmaraghy Charles , Goodman Steven D. , Bakaletz Lauren O. 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesWe examined sinus mucosal samples recovered from pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients for the presence of Z‐form extracellular DNA (eDNA) due to its recently elucidated role in pathogenesis of disease. Further, we immunolabeled these specimens for the presence of both members of the bacterial DNA‐binding DNABII protein family, integration host factor (IHF) and histone‐like protein (HU), due to their known role in converting common B‐DNA to the rare Z‐form.MethodsSinus mucosa samples recovered from 20 patients during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) were immunolabelled for B‐ and Z‐DNA, as well as for both bacterial DNABII proteins.ResultsNineteen of 20 samples (95%) included areas rich in eDNA, with the majority in the Z‐form. Areas positive for B‐DNA were restricted to the most distal regions of the mucosal specimen. Labeling for both DNABII proteins was observed on B‐ and Z‐DNA, which aligned with the role of these proteins in the B‐to‐Z DNA conversion.ConclusionsAbundant Z‐form eDNA in culture‐positive pediatric CRS samples suggested that bacterial DNABII proteins were responsible for the conversion of eukaryotic B‐DNA that had been released into the luminal space by PMNs during NETosis, to the Z‐form. The presence of both DNABII proteins on B‐DNA and Z‐DNA supported the known role of these bacterial proteins in the B‐to‐Z DNA conversion. Given that Z‐form DNA both stabilizes the bacterial biofilm and inactivates PMN NET‐mediated killing of trapped bacteria, we hypothesize that this conversion may be contributing to the chronicity and recalcitrance of CRS to treatment.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 134:1564–1571, 2024
Poincaré's inequality and Sobolev spaces with monomial weights
Authors: Castro Hernán , Cornejo Marco 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we use a weighted version of Poincaré's inequality to study density and extension properties of weighted Sobolev spaces over some open set . Additionally, we study the specific case of monomial weights , showing the validity of a weighted Poincaré inequality together with some embedding properties of the associated weighed Sobolev spaces.
Do chatbots establish “humanness” in the customer purchase journey? An investigation through explanatory sequential design
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Balakrishnan Janarthanan , Baabdullah Abdullah M. , Das Ronnie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractChatbots incorporate various behavioral and psychological marketing elements to satisfy customers at various stages of their purchase journey. This research follows the foundations of the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) and examines how cognitive and peripheral cues impact experiential dimensions, leading to chatbot user recommendation intentions. The study introduced warmth and competence as mediating variables in both the purchase and postpurchase stages, utilizing a robust explanatory sequential mixed‐method research design. The researchers tested and validated the proposed conceptual model using a 3 × 3 factorial design, collecting 354 responses in the purchase stage and 286 responses in the postpurchase stage. In the second stage, they conducted in‐depth qualitative interviews (Study 2) to gain further insights into the validity of the experimental research (Study 1). The results obtained from Study 1 revealed that “cognitive cues” and “competence” significantly influence recommendation intentions among chatbot users. On the other hand, “peripheral cues” and warmth significantly contribute to positive experiences encountered during the purchase stage. The researchers further identified 69 thematic codes through exploratory research, providing a deeper understanding of the variables. Theoretically, this study extends the ELM by introducing new dimensions to human‐machine interactions at the heart of digital transformation. From a managerial standpoint, the study emphasizes the significance of adding a “humanness” element in chatbot development to create more engaging and positive customer experiences actively.
Recent application of direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry in plant materials analysis with emphasis on traditional Chinese herbal medicine
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Shuying 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDirect analysis in real time (DART) represents a new generation of ionization techniques that are used to rapidly ionize small molecules under ambient environments. The combination of DART with various mass spectrometry (MS) instruments allows analyzing multiple plant materials, including traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHMs), under simple or no sample treatment conditions. This review discussed the DART principles, including devices, ionization mechanisms, and operation parameters. Typical spectra detected by DART‐MS were exhibited and discussed. Numerous applications of DART‐MS in the fields of plant material and TCHM analysis were reviewed, including compound identification, biomarker discovery, fingerprinting analysis, and quantification analysis. Besides, modifications and improvements of DART‐MS, such as hyphenated application with other separation methods, laser‐based desorption techniques, and online sampling configuration, were summarized as well.
Metal–organic frameworks modified electrode for H2S detections in biological and pharmaceutical agents
Authors: Durmus Ceren , Arul Ponnusamy , Alhaji A. , Shekhah Osama , Mani Veerappan , Eddaoudi Mohamed , Salama Khaled Nabil 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe development of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) sensors is essential to address H2S‐related pharmacology since slow‐releasing H2S medications have been identified to be prospective options for cancer treatments. Here, we described an electrochemical sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of aqueous H2S, using a thin film of fumarate‐based face‐centered cubic (fcu)‐based metal–organic frameworks (fum‐fcu‐MOF) modified on laser‐scribed graphene (LSGE). The fum‐fcu‐MOF has shown a strong affinity and chemical stability to H2S analysis. The electrochemical and H2S catalytic properties were studied for fum‐fcu‐MOF/LSGE. An amperometry and differential pulse voltammetry techniques were demonstrated to validate the sensor. The resulting sensor delivered acceptable analytical parameters in terms of; detection limit (3.0 µM), dynamic range (10–500 µM), reproducibility, and stability (94.7%). The sensor's practical validity was demonstrated in bacterial cells and H2S‐releasing drug, where the sensor was able to monitor the continuous release of in‐situ H2S. The pharmacokinetics of a slow releasing H2S donor is accessed at different time intervals and different concentration levels. Our research indicate that this fum‐fcu‐MOF based H2S sensor holds potential in understanding pharmacokinetics of H2S releasing drugs.