bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(+)‐Catechin Attenuates Multiple Atherosclerosis‐Associated Processes In Vitro, Modulates Disease‐Associated Risk Factors in C57BL/6J Mice and Reduces Atherogenesis in LDL Receptor Deficient Mice by Inhibiting Inflammation and Increasing Markers of Plaque Stability
Authors: Chan Yee‐Hung , Moss Joe W. E. , Williams Jessica O. , Ferekidis Nele , Alshehri Nouf , Hughes Timothy R. , Menendez‐Gonzalez Juan B. , Plummer Sue F. , Michael Daryn R. , Rodrigues Neil P. , Ramji Dipak P. 
Published: May 2023

ScopeA prospective study of 34492 participants shows an inverse association between (+)‐catechin intake and coronary heart disease. The effects of (+)‐catechin on atherosclerosis and associated risk factors are poorly understood and are investigated.Methods and results(+)‐Catechin attenuates reactive oxygen species production in human macrophages, endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, chemokine‐driven monocytic migration, and proliferation of human macrophages and their expression of several pro‐atherogenic genes. (+)‐Catechin also improves oxidized LDL‐mediated mitochondrial membrane depolarization in endothelial cells and attenuates growth factor‐induced smooth muscle cell migration. In C57BL/6J mice fed high fat diet (HFD) for 3 weeks, (+)‐catechin attenuates plasma levels of triacylglycerol and interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐2, produces anti‐atherogenic changes in liver gene expression, and reduces levels of white blood cells, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, Lin− Sca+ c‐Kit+ cells, and common lymphoid progenitor cells within the bone marrow. In LDL receptor deficient mice fed HFD for 12 weeks, (+)‐catechin attenuates atherosclerotic plaque burden and inflammation with reduced macrophage content and increased markers of plaque stability; smooth muscle cell and collagen content.ConclusionThis study provides novel, detailed insights into the cardio‐protective actions of (+)‐catechin together with underlying molecular mechanisms and supports further assessments of its beneficial effects in human trials.
Isolation of amide proton transfer effect and relayed nuclear Overhauser enhancement effect at ‐3.5ppm using CEST with double saturation powers
Authors: Zhao Yu , Sun Casey , Zu Zhongliang 
Published: May 2023

PurposeQuantifications of amide proton transfer (APT) and nuclear Overhauser enhancement (rNOE(−3.5)) mediated saturation transfer with high specificity are challenging because their signals measured in a Z‐spectrum are overlapped with confounding signals from direct water saturation (DS), semi‐solid magnetization transfer (MT), and CEST of fast‐exchange pools. In this study, based on two canonical CEST acquisitions with double saturation powers (DSP), a new data‐postprocessing method is proposed to specifically quantify the effects of APT and rNOE.MethodsFor CEST imaging with relatively low saturation powers (), both the fast‐exchange CEST effect and the semi‐solid MT effect roughly depend on , whereas the slow‐exchange APT/rNOE(−3.5) effect do not, which is exploited to isolate a part of the APT and rNOE effects from the confounding signals in this study. After a mathematical derivation for the establishment of the proposed method, numerical simulations based on Bloch equations are then performed to demonstrate its specificity to detections of the APT and rNOE effects. Finally, an in vivo validation of the proposed method is conducted using an animal tumor model at a 4.7 T MRI scanner.ResultsThe simulations show that DSP‐CEST can quantify the effects of APT and rNOE and substantially eliminate the confounding signals. The in vivo experiments demonstrate that the proposed DSP‐CEST method is feasible for the imaging of tumors.ConclusionThe data‐postprocessing method proposed in this study can quantify the APT and rNOE effects with considerably increased specificities and a reduced cost of imaging time.
Predicting persisting disability in musculoskeletal pain patients with the STarT MSK screening tool: Results from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Nativ Noam , Pincus Tamar , Hill Jonathan , Ben Ami Noa 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe STarT MSK screening tool aims to categorise musculoskeletal patients into three risk groups for treatment stratification. The tool has been translated and validated into Hebrew. However, its ability to predict persistent disability in patients has yet to be evaluated.ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to assess the ability of the Hebrew version of the STarT MSK tool to predict persistent disability in patients experiencing musculoskeletal pain.MethodsA prospective observational cohort study was conducted, recruiting 135 patients with musculoskeletal pain in five common areas: back, neck, shoulder, knee, or multisite pain over the age of 21. At the first consultation, all patients completed demographic information, the Focus On Therapeutic Outcomes (FOTO) questionnaire (function, pain, and fear avoidance score), and the STarT MSK questionnaire. The patients completed the FOTO questionnaire again at the end of the physiotherapy treatments.Results25 patients (18.5%) were classified into the low‐risk group, 68 patients (50.3%) into the medium‐risk group, and 42 (31.1%) into the high‐risk group. The baseline STarT MSK tool score demonstrated an excellent ability to identify patients at high risk of developing persistent disability (AUC = 0.795, 95% CI 0.716–0.873).ConclusionsThe Hebrew version of the STarT MSK tool can differentiate between three chronic risk groups and has high predictive validity for chronicity. This may provide a tool to assist clinicians in identifying patients who require more intensive care, and thus, potentially prevent the transition to chronic disabling pain.
Pregnancy in MuSK‐positive myasthenia gravis: A single‐center case series
Authors: Harada Yohei , Bettin Margaret , Juel Vern C. , Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Raja Shruti M. , Sanders Donald B. , Massey Janice M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsMyasthenia gravis (MG) with muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies (MMG) is predominantly seen in women of childbearing age. Our objective in this study was to describe the course of MMG during pregnancy and within 6 months postpartum, and to document any effect on fetal health.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of medical records of patients with MMG seen in the Duke Myasthenia Gravis Clinic from 2003 to 2022. MMG patients with onset of MMG symptoms before or during pregnancy as well as within 6 months postpartum were reviewed.ResultsA total of 14 pregnancies in 10 patients were included in our study cohort. Initial MG symptoms developed during pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum in six patients. Four patients had two pregnancies, three of whom developed MG during their first pregnancy. In the patients diagnosed before pregnancy, MG symptoms increased in five of eight patients during pregnancy or postpartum. Four patients required rescue therapy with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin during pregnancy or postpartum. One patient had a cesarean section after prolonged labor due to failure of progression. There were no other complications of pregnancy or delivery, and all infants were healthy at delivery.DiscussionAs in non‐MuSK MG, women with MMG may also have worsening or may develop initial MG symptoms during pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum. More aggressive medical therapy may be required for pregnant patients with MMG. Further study is needed to identify the mechanism and risk of worsening of MMG during pregnancy or postpartum.
A conforming auxiliary space preconditioner for the mass conserving stress‐yielding method
Authors: Kogler Lukas , Lederer Philip L. , Schöberl Joachim 
Published: May 2023

SummaryWe are studying the efficient solution of the system of linear equations stemming from the mass conserving stress‐yielding (MCS) discretization of the Stokes equations. We perform static condensation to arrive at a system for the pressure and velocity unknowns. An auxiliary space preconditioner for the positive definite velocity block makes use of efficient and scalable solvers for conforming Finite Element spaces of low order and is analyzed with emphasis placed on robustness in the polynomial degree of the discretization. Numerical experiments demonstrate the potential of this approach and the efficiency of the implementation.
Unique and overlapping functions for the transcriptional regulators KANADI1 and ULTRAPETALA1 in Arabidopsis gynoecium and stamen gene regulation
Authors: Hagelthorn Lynne , Monfared Mona M. , Talo Anthony , Harmon Frank G. , Fletcher Jennifer C. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPlants generate their reproductive organs, the stamens and the carpels, de novo within the flowers that form when the plant reaches maturity. The carpels comprise the female reproductive organ, the gynoecium, a complex organ that develops along several axes of polarity and is crucial for plant reproduction, fruit formation, and seed dispersal. The epigenetic trithorax group (trxG) protein ULTRAPETALA1 (ULT1) and the GARP domain transcription factor KANADI1 (KAN1) act cooperatively to regulate Arabidopsis thaliana gynoecium patterning along the apical–basal polarity axis; however, the molecular pathways through which this patterning activity is achieved remain to be explored. In this study, we used transcriptomics to identify genome‐wide ULT1 and KAN1 target genes during reproductive development. We discovered 278 genes in developing flowers that are regulated by ULT1, KAN1, or both factors together. Genes involved in developmental and reproductive processes are overrepresented among ULT1 and/or KAN1 target genes, along with genes involved in biotic or abiotic stress responses. Consistent with their function in regulating gynoecium patterning, a number of the downstream target genes are expressed in the developing gynoecium, including a unique subset restricted to the stigmatic tissue. Further, we also uncovered a number of KAN1‐ and ULT1‐induced genes that are transcribed predominantly or exclusively in developing stamens. These findings reveal a potential cooperative role for ULT1 and KAN1 in male as well as female reproductive development that can be investigated with future genetic and molecular experiments.
Rigid versus soft catheter for less invasive surfactant administration: A crossover randomized controlled manikin trial
Authors: Cavallin Francesco , Margarita Teresa , Bua Benedetta , Beltrame Francesca , Pasta Elisa , Villani Paolo Ernesto , Trevisanuto Daniele 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe compared surfactant administration with a rigid versus soft catheter in a manikin simulating an extremely preterm infant.MethodsRandomized controlled crossover (AB/BA) trial. Fifty tertiary hospital consultants and pediatric residents. The primary outcome was the time of device positioning. The secondary outcomes were the success of the first attempt, the number of attempts, and the participant's opinion.ResultsMedian time of device positioning was 19 s (interquartile range [IQR]: 15−25) with rigid catheter and 40 s (IQR: 28−66) with soft catheter (p < 0.0001). Success at first attempt was 92% with rigid catheter and 74% with soft catheter (p = 0.01). Median number of attempts was 1 (IQR: 1−1) with rigid catheter and 1 (IQR: 1−2) with soft catheter (p = 0.009). Participants found the rigid catheter easier to use (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn a preterm manikin model, using a rigid catheter for less invasive surfactant administration was quicker and easier to use than a soft catheter.
Cell‐free DNA integrity correlates with lymph node metastasis and predicts short‐term postoperative recurrence in patients with proximal gastric carcinoma after curative gastrectomy
Authors: Zhang Xu , Hu Qing , Chen Liang , Shao Peng , Wang Jian 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe predictive value of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) integrity for lymph node metastasis and short‐term postoperative recurrence in patients with proximal gastric carcinoma (PGC) after curative gastrectomy remains unclear. From August 2019 to March 2021, the cfDNA integrity was assessed in 107 patients with proximal gastric carcinoma who underwent total gastrectomy (TG). The correlation between cfDNA integrity and lymph node metastasis was inspected, and the optimal cutoff value of cfDNA integrity for lymph node metastasis was determined. Meanwhile, the cfDNA integrity was identically detected in 91 proximal gastric cancer patients receiving proximal gastrectomy (PG), as well as 41 heathy individuals. The diagnostic value of cfDNA integrity for short‐term postoperative recurrence was assessed in both cohorts. The cfDNA integrity in healthy control was significantly higher than that in TG (p < .001) and PG (p = .0003) cohorts, but not statistically different between the latter two (p = .540). In the TG cohort, the cfDNA integrity was closely correlated to lymph node metastasis. Using the cutoff value of 0.873, the patients were stratified into the cfDNA integrity high and low groups; low cfDNA integrity was associated with a shorter disease free survival (DFS) both in the TG (p = .011) and PG (p = .041) cohorts. Moreover, cfDNA integrity was assessed to possess the most predictive value for postoperative recurrence by ROC curves in both cohorts. Therefore, the cfNDA integrity may correlate with lymph node metastasis in patients with PGC, and predict short‐term recurrence after curative gastrectomy.
Network governance as an alternative policy response to managing infectious disease outbreaks: Lessons from Uganda's response to the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Mwije Solomon 
Published: May 2023

AbstractNetwork governance is commended as one of the appropriate approaches to manage infectious disease crises, but knowledge of its implementation is still limited especially in nondemocratic contexts. This study adopted a qualitative case study design using secondary evidence to review how Uganda used network governance to manage COVID‐19 crisis. Uganda used the Whole of Government and Whole of Society approaches to form core‐periphery networks of government and nongovernment actors. It institutionalized task forces and subcommittees at national, district, and community levels to coordinate the COVID‐19 response. Networks of actors contributed to the response through case surveillance and management, enforcement of measures, information sharing, social protection and community engagement, resource mobilization, supply chain management, and vaccination. However, the experiences varied across the country with challenges including consensus problems, mistrust, corruption, poor accountability, abuse of rights, and limited capacities especially in local governments. The study revealed that the effectiveness in handling infectious disease crisis might not greatly depend on the country's democracy but rather the government's ability to recognize the threats and adopt collaborative mechanisms to manage the crisis. Contextual understanding of such experiences may provide lessons that future governments may consider when, not if, crises of such magnitude confront them.
Fatty acid supplementation into warming solutions improves pregnancy outcomes after single vitrified‐warmed cleavage stage embryo transfers
Authors: Amagai Ayumi , Ezoe Kenji , Miki Tetsuya , Shimazaki Kiyoe , Okimura Tadashi , Kato Keiichi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to examine the embryonic development of human 4‐cell stage embryos after warming with fatty acids (FAs) and to assess the pregnancy outcomes after single vitrified‐warmed cleavage stage embryo transfers (SVCTs).MethodsExperimental study: A total of 217 discarded, vitrified human 4‐cell stage embryos donated for research by consenting couples were used. The embryos were warmed using the fatty acid (FA)‐supplemented solutions (FA group) or nonsupplemented solutions (control group). The developmental rate, morphokinetics, and outgrowth competence were analyzed. Clinical study: The treatment records of women undergoing SVCT in natural cycles between April and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed (April–June 2022, control group; July–September 2022, FA group).ResultsExperimental study: The rate of morphologically good blastocysts was significantly higher in the FA group than in the control group (p = 0.0302). The morphokinetics during cleavage, morula, and blastocyst stages were comparable between the groups. The outgrowth was significantly increased in the FA group (p = 0.0438). Clinical study: The rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy after SVCTs were significantly increased in the FA group (p = 0.0223–0.0281).ConclusionsFatty acid‐supplemented warming solutions effectively improve embryo development to the blastocyst stage and pregnancy outcomes after SVCTs.
A finite element modeling‐based approach to predict vibrations transmitted through different body segments of the operator within the workspace of a small tractor
Authors: Pradhan Nrusingh Charan , Sahoo Pramod Kumar , Kushwaha Dilip Kumar , Makwana Yash , Mani Indra , Kumar Mohit , T N Aruna , V Soumya Krishnan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAgricultural tractor drivers are subjected to high levels of whole‐body vibrations and hand arm vibrations during most part of the farm activities due to unevenness of field surface, uneasy posture, improper workplace design, moving parts of the tractor, and other unavoidable circumstances. The comfort level of the operator inside a dynamic tractor is dependent on the level of vibration generated inside the different human body segments. In the present study, a finite element modeling was proposed to predict vertical vibrations (Z‐axis) and frequencies at the different body segments of the seated small tractor operator. The forces required for different controls of the tractor were measured to be used as input parameters in the finite element modeling. The maximum mean forces of the brake (172.8 N) and clutch (153.2 N) were used as the input parameters for the simulation study. The simulated results were validated with the field measured values of vertical accelerations at selected body segments of the operator. The simulation could successfully predict vertical vibrations at selected points of interest (i.e., foot, leg, thigh, lower arm, upper arm, back, and head) except the chest of the body, as the buttock of the operator model was fixed (degree of freedom is equal to zero) in the simulation. The obtained results were compared with the international standards ISO 2631‐1 (1985/1997) and ISO 5349‐1 (2001) to assess the vibration characteristics at the different body segments of the operator. The foot, leg, lower arm, and upper arm of the operator were subjected to vertical vibration frequencies from 10 to 200 Hz. Most of the resonance of vertical accelerations occurred in one‐third octave bands of 20–80 Hz frequencies. The thigh, chest, back, and head of the operator were exposed to vibration frequencies below 40 Hz during field operation. At these parts of the body, the vertical acceleration resonated at lower frequencies, between 2 and 8 Hz.
Near‐Infrared Light‐Mediated Cyclodextrin Metal–Organic Frameworks for Synergistic Antibacterial and Anti‐Biofilm Therapies
Authors: He Yaping , Wang Xuanzong , Zhang Chi , Sun Junkui , Xu Jianzhong , Li Daifeng 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBacterial infections pose a significant threat to global public health; therefore, the development of novel therapeutics is urgently needed. Herein, a controllable antibacterial nanoplatform utilizing cyclodextrin metal–organic frameworks (CD‐MOFs) as a template to synthesize ultrafine silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in their porous structure is constructed. Subsequently, polydopamine (PDA) is encapsulated on the CD‐MOFs’ surface via dopamine polymerization to enhance the water stability and enable hyperthermia capacity. The resulting Ag@MOF@PDA generates localized hyperthermia and gradually releases Ag+ to achieve long‐term photothermal‐chemical bactericidal capability. The release rate of Ag+ can be accelerated by NIR‐mediated heating in a controllable manner, quickly reaching the effective concentration and reducing the frequency of medication to avoid potential toxicity. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the combined antibacterial strategy can not only effectively kill both gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria, but also directly eradicate mature biofilms. In vivo results confirm that both bacterial‐ and biofilm‐infected wounds treated with a combination of Ag@MOF@PDA and laser exhibit satisfactory recovery with minimal toxicity, displaying a superior therapeutic effect compared to other groups. Together, the results warrant that the Ag@MOF@PDA realizes synergistic antibacterial capacity and controllable release of Ag+ to combat bacterial and biofilm infections, providing a potential antibiotic‐free alternative in the “post‐antibiotic era.”
Room‐Temperature Synthesis of a COFs Membrane Via LBL Self‐Assembly Strategy for Energy Harvesting
Authors: Zhang Caili , Xiao Tianliang , He Jianwei , Lu Bingxin , Li Xuejiang , Zhai Jin , Fan Xia 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe covalent organic frameworks (COFs) membrane with ordered and confined one‐dimensional channel has been considered as a promising material to harvest the salinity gradient energy from the seawater and river water. However, the application of the COFs in the field of energy conversion still faces the challenges in membrane preparation. Herein, energy harvesting is achieved by taking advantage of a COFs membrane where TpDB‐HPAN is synthesized via layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly strategy at room temperature. The carboxy‐rich TpDB COFs can be expediently assembled onto the substrate with an environmental‐friendly method. The increased open‐circuit voltage (Voc) endows TpDB‐HPAN membrane with a remarkable energy harvesting performance. More importantly, the application perspective is also illuminated by the cascade system. With the advantages of green synthesis, the TpDB‐HPAN membrane can be considered as a low‐cost and promising candidate for energy conversion.
Understanding the Insight Mechanism of Chemical‐Mechanical Degradation of Layered Co‐Free Ni‐Rich Cathode Materials: A Review
Authors: Li Hang , Wang Li , Song Youzhi , Wu Yingqiang , Zhang Hao , Du Aimin , He Xiangming 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLayered Cobalt (Co)‐free Nickel (Ni)‐rich cathode materials have attracted much attention due to their high energy density and low cost. Still, their further development is hampered by material instability caused by the chemical/mechanical degradation of the material. Although there are numerous doping and modification approaches to improve the stability of layered cathode materials, these approaches are still in the laboratory stage and require further research before commercial application. To fully exploit the potential of layered cathode materials, a more comprehensive theoretical understanding of the underlying issues is necessary, along with active exploration of previously unrevealed mechanisms. This paper presents the phase transition mechanism of Co‐free Ni‐rich cathode materials, the existing problems, and the state‐of‐the‐art characterization tools employed to study the phase transition. The causes of crystal structure degradation, interfacial instability, and mechanical degradation are elaborated, from the material's crystal structure to its phase transition and atomic orbital splitting. By organizing and summarizing these mechanisms, this paper aims to establish connections among common research problems and to identify future research priorities, thereby facilitating the rapid development of Co‐free Ni‐rich materials.