bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emergency Department Point‐of‐Care Echocardiography and Lung Ultrasound in Predicting COVID‐19 Severity
Authors: Baloescu Cristiana , Weingart Gabriel E. , Moore Christopher L. 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesWe sought to determine if point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) performed on patients with COVID‐19 in the emergency department (ED) can help predict disease course, severity, or identify complications.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of adult ED patients who tested positive for COVID‐19 at hospital admission or within 2 weeks of presentation and received heart or lung POCUS. Clips were reviewed for presence of decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular dilation, presence of B‐lines, and pleural line abnormalities. Patients with worsening hypoxemic respiratory failure or shock requiring higher level of care and patients who expired were considered to have developed severe COVID‐19. Regression analysis was performed to determine if there was a correlation between ED POCUS findings and development of severe COVID‐19.ResultsA total of 155 patients met study criteria; 148 patients had documented cardiac views and 116 patients had documented lung views (113 with both). Mean age was 66.5 years old (±18.6) and 53% of subjects were female. Subjects with decreased LVEF that was not previously documented had increased odds of having severe COVID during their hospitalization compared to those with old or no dysfunction (OR 5.66, 95% CI: 1.55–19.95, P = .08). The presence of pleural line abnormalities was also predictive for development of severe COVID (OR 2.68, 95% CI: 1.04–6.92, P = .04).ConclusionPOCUS findings of previously unidentified decreased LVEF and pleural line abnormalities in patients with COVID‐19 evaluated in the ED were correlated to a more severe clinical course and worse prognosis.
Evolution of the water–carbon relationship at basin scale under the background of a vegetation restoration program
Authors: Yuan Yujie , Gao Xuerui , Huang Kejing , Wang Jichao , Zhao Xuehua , Gao Xiaodong , Wu Anxin , Zhao Xining 
Published: February 2023

AbstractVegetation restoration is an important means for regional climate change mitigation and terrestrial carbon sequestration. However, large‐scale vegetation restoration in arid and semiarid regions can excessively consume local water resources, thus threatening regional water supply safety. To explore the impact of vegetation restoration on the water–carbon relationship in the Loess Plateau in China before and after the implementation of the Grain‐for‐Green Program (GfGP), the regional hydro‐ecological simulation system (RHESSys) model was used to simulate the temporal and spatial evolution of key variables of the water cycle, including the actual evapotranspiration (ET) and the surface runoff (Rs), and that of the carbon cycle, including the net primary productivity (NPP) and the total carbon density (TC). In addition, statistical methods were applied to analyze the interaction between water and carbon cycles. Results show that the RHESSys model is capable of simulating the key ecohydrological elements. In the period of 1990–2019, ET and NPP both showed significant increasing trends at rates of 8.9 mm yr−1 and 6.9 g C m−2 yr−1, respectively. The TC also had a slightly increasing trend, with rates of 0.04 t C hm−2 yr−1 (land‐use in 1995), 0.07 t C hm−2 yr−1 (land‐use in 2005), and 0.08 t C hm−2 yr−1 (land‐use in 2015). In contrast, Rs decreased at the rate of 0.35 mm yr−1. As for spatial distribution, in the middle and southeastern parts of the Yanhe River basin with the vegetation well‐restored, ET, NPP, and TC showed significant increasing trends, while the Rs showed a decreasing trend. ET was also found to have a positive correlation with NPP and TC, while the Rs has a negative correlation with NPP and TC. Moreover, the correlation of Rs‐NPP and Rs‐TC was found to increase after the implementation of the GfGP, which indicates the reinforcing effect of vegetation restoration on the water–carbon trade‐off relationship. Therefore, it is critical to coordinate and regulate the interaction between water consumption and runoff in the context of vegetation restoration in the Yanhe River basin, as well as to promote the synergy between regional ecological restoration and social economic development for water security.
Changed ecosystem stability in response to climate anomalies in the context of ecological restoration projects
Authors: Dang Dongliang , Li Xiaobing , Li Shengkun , Lyu Xin , Dou Huashun , Li Mengyuan , Wang Kai 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDryland ecosystems are fragile and under the context of climate change, the increased frequency of short‐term climate variability will put them under additional stress, so the ability of dryland ecosystems to stabilize against exposure to climate anomalies is becoming increasingly critical. To mitigate the degradation of dryland ecosystems in China, the Chinese Government has launched ambitious ecological restoration projects (ERPs) in drylands, and understanding the effects and mechanisms of these projects on dryland stability is particularly important for the future integration of stability enhancement into ecosystem management goals. However, few researchers have focused on such effects. Here, the agro‐pastoral ecotone in northern China, which is located in the northern drylands of China and contains several national ERPs, was used to analyze the above problem. Specifically, the stability of ecosystems in response to climate anomalies was evaluated from the perspectives of resilience and resistance, and we analyzed the impacts of ERPs and parallel policies on ecosystem stability combined with a social‐ecological systemic perspective. Our results showed that the ecosystem stability has improved in the last 20 years, and although environmental factors dominated the spatial heterogeneity and temporal variations in the stability, afforestation and socioeconomic processes associated with ERPs and parallel policies also showed significant effects. Therefore, guiding and establishing a solid and low‐ecological impact rural livelihoods is an important guarantee to achieving stability improvement through relevant policies. Our study decoupled the complex outcomes of ERPs from the perspective of ecosystem stability and contributes to the understanding of dryland stability from a social‐ecological perspective. Furthermore, new insights and theoretical foundations are provided for incorporating stability enhancement into future goals of dryland ecosystem management.
Influence of Monomer Structure, Initiation, and Porosity on Mechanical and Morphological Characteristics of Thiol‐ene PolyHIPEs
Authors: Kramer Stanko , Krajnc Peter , Pulko Irena 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCombining high internal phase emulsion templating with thiol‐ene click chemistry produces porous polymers with high yields and degradable ester linkages. This study compares the influence of the monomer functionalities (tri versus tetra), internal phase volume, and initiation type (photo versus thermal) on the morphological and mechanical properties of poly(high internal phase emulsions) (polyHIPEs). For the synthesis of the polyHIPEs pentaerythritol tetrakis(3‐mercaptopropionate) (PETMP, tetrafunctional), trimethylolpropane tris(3‐mercaptopropionate) (TMPTMP, trifunctional), pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA, tetrafunctional), and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA, trifunctional) are used. The main factors influencing the properties of the polyHIPEs are the monomer structures and the internal phase volume, while the initiation type influences the morphology of the trifunctional system (pore size and morphology type) resulting in an interconnected cellular morphology in all cases except in the case of the photopolymerization of the emulsion with 85 vol% of the internal phase. The average pore diameter of the trifunctional system ranges from 8.0 to 27.8 µm, while for the tetrafunctional system it ranges from 8.1 to 12.3 µm. The compression moduli of the trifunctional system range from 0.093 to 0.240 MPa and for the tetrafunctional system they range from 1.906 to 7.670 MPa. The compression moduli decrease with increasing internal phase volume (porosity).
Unusual Stress Upturn in Elastomers Prepared Using Macro Cross‐Linkers with Multiple Vinyl Side Groups
Authors: Mizuno Tatsuya , Hayashi Mikihiro , Takahashi Rintaro 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIn this study, the unique tensile properties of acrylate elastomers prepared using macro cross‐linker polymers with multiple vinyl side groups are analyzed. For the preparation of the macro cross‐linker, poly(ethyl acrylate) copolymers bearing hydroxy functional groups are synthesized, followed by the hydroxy‐isocyanate reaction with 2‐isocyanatoethyl acrylate. Subsequently, the elastomers samples are prepared by UV polymerization of ethyl acrylate in the presence of the macro cross‐linkers. The tensile properties of the elastomers in the small elongation region are similar to those of typical elastomers prepared using divinyl cross‐linkers, whereas the stress upturn in the large elongation region is considerably different. The stress upturn varies based on the fraction of vinyl side groups in the macro cross‐linkers, whereas stress in the small elongation region remains unchanged. These properties are analyzed using various theoretical models. The results reveal that there is artificial inhomogeneity in the cross‐link density for samples prepared by the macro cross‐linkers, where the short poly(ethyl acrylate) strands inside the macro cross‐linker limit the overall chain stretchability. On the whole, this study demonstrates a new method for tuning elastomer properties, especially at large deformation.
Predicting Multi‐Component Phase Equilibria of Polymers using Approximations to Flory–Huggins Theory
Authors: van Leuken Stijn H. M. , van Benthem Rolf A. T. M. , Tuinier Remco , Vis Mark 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe rational development of sustainable polymeric materials demands tunable properties using mixtures of polymers with chemical variations. At the same time, the sheer number of potential variations and combinations makes experimentally or numerically studying every new mixture impractical. A direct predictive tool quantifying how material properties change when molecular features change provides a less time‐ and resource‐consuming route to optimization. Numerically solving Flory–Huggins theory provides such a tool for mono‐disperse mixtures with a limited number of components, but for multi‐component systems the large number of equations makes numerical computations challenging. Approximate solutions to Flory–Huggins theory relating miscibility and solubility to molecular features are presented. The set of approximate relations show a wider range of accuracy compared to existing approximations. The combination of the analytical, lower‐order, and more accurate higher‐order approximations together contribute to a broader applicability and extensibility of Flory–Huggins theory.
Direct cellular targets and anticancer mechanisms of the natural product oridonin
Authors: Yao Jialin , Liu Lu , Sun Qingxiang , Shen Xiaofei 
Published: February 2023

AbstractCancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The proliferation, survival, and metastasis of cancer cells are governed by a complex series of intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways. Therefore, efficient cancer therapy often requires the modulation of multiple targets. Besides, the modulation of several biological targets with a single drug can lead to synergistic therapeutic effects and avoid side effects associated with combination therapy. Oridonin, an ent‐kaurane type diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescens, has been reported to possess potent anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective activities. Among its many benefits, the anticancer effects have attracted the most attention because of its effectiveness in many tumor cells and its potential to overcome therapeutic resistance. Recently, several proteins involved in oncogenic signaling, including CRM1, PHGDH, HSP70, AML1‐ETO, and STAT3, were identified as functional targets of oridonin and its analogs. The binding mechanism and the consequence of oridonin binding to these oncogenic proteins are summarized and discussed. These advances suggest that oridonin exhibits broad spectrum anticancer effects by targeting multiple oncogenic proteins mainly via Michael addition between its unsaturated ketone and the cysteines in the target proteins. Therefore, oridonin and its derivatives hold the potential to be developed as multitargeting anticancer drugs.
A new patient with congenital myasthenic syndrome type 20 due to compound heterozygous missense SLC5A7 variants suggests trends in genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Vlckova Marketa , Prchalova Darina , Zimmermann Pavel , Haberlova Jana , Bendova Sarka , Moslerova Veronika , Stranecky Viktor , Sedlacek Zdenek , Hancarova Miroslava 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundCongenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are characterized by hypotonia, episodic apnea, muscle weakness, ptosis and generalized fatigability. CMS type 20 (CMS20) is a rare disorder caused by variants in SLC5A7. In contrast to most other CMSs, CMS20 is also associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Only 19 patients from 14 families have been reported so far.MethodsWe studied a 12‐year‐old boy with symptoms manifested at six weeks of age. Later, he also showed speech delay, moderate intellectual disability and autism. Analysis of CMS genes known at the time of clinical diagnosis yielded no results. Trio exome sequencing (ES) was performed.ResultsES revealed compound heterozygosity for two SLC5A7 variants, p.(Asn431Lys) and p.(Ile291Thr). While the first variant was absent from all databases, the second variant has already been described in one patient. In silico analysis of known pathogenic SLC5A7 variants showed that variants with a higher predicted deleteriousness may be associated with earlier onset and increased severity of neuromuscular manifestations.ConclusionOur patient confirms that CMS20 can be associated with NDDs. The study illustrates the strength of ES in deciphering the genetic basis of rare diseases, contributes to characterization of CMS20 and suggests trends in genotype–phenotype correlation in CMS20.
Novel Peptides from Sea Cucumber Intestinal Enzyme Hydrolysates Promote Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells via Phosphorylation of PPARγ at Serine 112
Authors: Yue Hao , Leng Zhibing , Bo Yuying , Tian Yingying , Yan Ziyi , Xue Changhu , Dong Ping , Wang Jingfeng 
Published: February 2023

ScopeOsteo‐adipogenic differentiation imbalance of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has been linked to a variety of pathophysiological processes such as obesity and osteoporosis. Recent studies report that the phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) Ser112 affects the fate decision of BMSCs. Novel peptides from the sea cucumber intestinal peptide (SCIP) have been proved to promote the growth of longitudinal bone. However, it is unclear the effect of SCIP on BMSCs differentiation fate.Methods and resultsBMSCs in vitro and glucocorticoid induced mice are employed to investigate the effects of SCIP on osteo‐adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In vitro results show that SCIP supplement significantly promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, upregulates the expression of osteogenic marker. In vivo results show that SCIP supplement ameliorates the osteo‐adipogenic differentiation imbalance in glucocorticoid‐treated mice, decreases bone marrow fat, and elevates bone mineral density. Mechanistically, SCIP supplement promotes and maintains the phosphorylation of PPARγ Ser112 through AMPK/ERK and TAZ signals, thereby inducing the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.ConclusionSupplement with SCIP promotes BMSCs to differentiate into osteoblasts. These results suggest that SCIP has potential as a functional food to improve obesity and osteoporosis.
Micellar and solubilizing properties of rhamnolipids
Authors: Arkhipov Victor P. , Arkhipov Ruslan V. , Petrova Ekaterina V. , Filippov Andrei 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe studied the micellar and solubilizing properties of aqueous solutions of unfractionated rhamnolipids produced byPseudomonas aeruginosa. We used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) diffusometry, dynamic light scattering, and conductometry to measure the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of rhamnolipid solutions and determined the effective hydrodynamic radii of rhamnolipid monomers and micelles. Based on selective measurements of the self‐diffusion coefficients of molecules, performed by NMR diffusometry, the solubilizing properties of rhamnolipids were studied depending on their concentration in solution; aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and para‐xylene were taken as solubilizates. On the basis of the measurement results, we estimated the distribution coefficient of the solubilizate between the micellar (solubilized) and free (in the aqueous phase) states and the solubilizing capacity of rhamnolipid micelles.
Sensitivity considerations on denoising series of spectra by singular value decomposition
Authors: Bruno Francesco , Fiorucci Letizia , Ravera Enrico 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWhen acquiring series of spectra (
, CP buildup curves, etc.) on samples with poor SNR, we are usually faced with choosing between taking a few points with a large number of scans to maximize the SNR or more points with a smaller number of scans to maximize the information content. In this Letter, we show how low‐rank decomposition can be used to denoise a series of spectra, reducing the trade‐off between the number of scans and the number of experiments.
Randomized trial of inosine for urate elevation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Walk David , Nicholson Katharine , Locatelli Eduardo , Chan James , Macklin Eric A. , Ferment Valerie , Manousakis Georgios , Chase Marianne , Connolly Mariah , Dagostino Derek , Hall Meghan , Ostrow Joseph , Pothier Lindsay , Lieberman Cassandra , Gelevski Dario , Randall Rebecca , Sherman Alexander V. , Steinhart Erin , Walker Daniela Grasso , Walker Jason , Yu Hong , Wills Anne‐Marie , Schwarzschild Michael A. , Beukenhorst Anna L. , Onnela Jukka‐Pekka , Berry James D. , Cudkowicz Merit E. , Paganoni Sabrina 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsHigher urate levels are associated with improved ALS survival in retrospective studies, however whether raising urate levels confers a survival advantage is unknown. In the Safety of Urate Elevation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (SURE‐ALS) trial, inosine raised serum urate and was safe and well‐tolerated. The SURE‐ALS2 trial was designed to assess longer term safety. Functional outcomes and a smartphone application were also explored.MethodsParticipants were randomized 2:1 to inosine (n = 14) or placebo (n = 9) for 20 weeks, titrated to serum urate of 7–8 mg/dL. Primary outcomes were safety and tolerability. Functional outcomes were measured with the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS‐R). Mobility and ALSFRS‐R were also assessed by a smartphone application.ResultsDuring inosine treatment, mean urate ranged 5.68–6.82 mg/dL. Treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE) incidence was similar between groups (p > .10). Renal TEAEs occurred in three (21%) and hypertension in one (7%) of participants randomized to inosine. Inosine was tolerated in 71% of participants versus placebo 67%. Two participants (14%) in the inosine group experienced TEAEs deemed related to treatment (nephrolithiasis); one was a severe adverse event. Mean ALSFRS‐R decline did not differ between groups (p = .69). Change in measured home time was similar between groups. Digital and in‐clinic ALSFRS‐R correlated well.DiscussionInosine met pre‐specified criteria for safety and tolerability. A functional benefit was not demonstrated in this trial designed for safety and tolerability. Findings suggested potential utility for a smartphone application in ALS clinical and research settings.
Effect of pulse width variations on sacral neuromodulation for overactive bladder symptoms: A prospective randomized crossover feasibility study
Authors: Rueb Jessica , Goldman Howard B. , Vasavada Sandip , Moore Courtenay , Rackley Raymond , Gill Bradley C. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroduction/BackgroundThe pulse width (PW) parameter in sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is understudied, with no evidence‐based guidance available on optimal PW for urinary indications. The aim of this prospective, randomized, single‐blinded, 3 × 3 cross over design study was to estimate the effect of two PW settings (60 µs, 420 µs) compared to the industry standard (210 µs) on SNM efficacy, quality of life, and device parameters in patients who were stable and satisfied with their SNM treatment.Methods/MaterialsEligible patients were previously implanted and had urge incontinence or urgency‐frequency with satisfaction on SNM at time of enrollment. Patients completed a 3‐day voiding diary, validated questionnaires, and device interrogations with sensory threshold assessment at baseline and after a 4‐week period on each of the three PW settings, to which they were randomized. Eighteen participants completed the study, as called for by power analysis.ResultsEighteen patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 68 years and implant duration at the time of participation was 4.4 years. While PW variations did not produce significant differences in overall objective outcomes, device parameters, including sensory threshold amplitude and battery life differed significantly. Shortened PW necessitated higher amplitude while conserving battery life. Stimulus sensation location, quality, and intensity did not differ between PW. Standard PW was chosen by 11 patients after the study, 5 chose extended, and 2 chose shortened. Those who chose alternative PW achieved significant reductions in urinary frequency from enrollment −2.23 voids/day (p = 0.015). Upon sub‐analysis, patients reporting “much better” or “very much better” on extended PW achieved significant reductions in urinary frequency and nocturia at 5.6 and 0.4, compared to 8.5 and 2.16 at baseline (p = 0.005, p = <0.001). Whereas those reporting “much better” or “very much better” on shortened PW achieved significant reductions in urinary frequency at 5.15 compared to 7.35 (p = 0.026). There were no adverse events or complications.ConclusionsOverall SNM effectiveness was unchanged with alternative PW; however, 39% of patients preferred alternative to standard PW and achieved significant improvements in urinary symptoms with such. Shorter PW can also provide savings in estimated battery life without sacrificing therapeutic efficacy.