bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of free and total meropenem levels in human plasma and its application for the consistency evaluation of generic drugs
Authors: Yang Ping , Zhang Xianhua , Zhou Congya , Zhai Suodi , Wang Chen , Yang Li 
Published: December 2022

RationaleThe consistency evaluation of generic drugs is important for the overall reformation of drug registration in China. In this study, we used meropenem as a model drug to explore the key techniques for clinical consistency evaluation by studying the plasma protein binding (PPB) ratio of different preparations. Because the free portion of drug is the effective part in vivo, it is essential to measure the free drug concentration in the circulatory system. Therefore, in this study, a fast and accurate high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) method was developed to determine the total and free concentrations of meropenem in human plasma.MethodsSimple protein precipitation procedures were used for the sample processing assay, and ultrafiltration was implemented for the separation of free drugs. Liquid chromatography separation was performed using a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) silica column (2.1 × 50 mm, 3 μm). The mobile phase and sample preparation procedures were optimized. Factors affecting the measurement of free drug concentration were also determined. Nonspecific binding of the ultrafiltration membrane was negligible because the recovery rate for post‐ultrafiltration was greater than 96%.ResultsUnder optimal conditions, the drug concentrations were linear from 0.5 to 50 μg/ml for both total and free drug concentrations. The PPB ratio was calculated based on the free and total drug concentrations. The PPB of meropenem varied from 1.4% to 24.2% in different subjects. The validated method was applied to evaluate PPB of four preparations, and the results varied from 6.57 ± 3.19% to 10.40 ± 8.31%. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no significant differences between the four preparations.ConclusionsWe established a rapid, robust, and reliable method for the determination of total and free meropenem concentrations using LC–MS/MS with ultrafiltration techniques. The method provided a new perspective for the clinical consistency evaluation of generic drugs.
Adaptive iterative learning control for continuous systems with non‐repetitive uncertainties and unknown state delays
Authors: Wu Xingzheng , Park Ju H. , Shen Mouquan 
Published: December 2022

SummaryThis paper is devoted to tracking control of nonlinear multiple‐input multiple‐output systems subject to unknown state delays and non‐repetitive uncertainties. An adaptive iterative learning control scheme is proposed by integrating a P‐type feedback term, an iterative updating term and an additional compensation term. Among these terms, the first one is to alleviate the ill effect caused by non‐repetitive uncertainties and the third one is utilized to handle the unwell learned part. The composite energy function methodology is employed to elaborate the bounded convergence of the tracking error. The validity of the proposed method is compared with existing results via simulation studies.
Regulating the Active Sites of Metal–Phthalocyanine at the Molecular Level for Efficient Water Electrolysis: Double Deciphering of Electron‐Withdrawing Groups and Bimetallic
Authors: Jiang Ling , Gu Mingzheng , Zhao Shengrong , Wang Hao , Huang Xiaomin , Gao An , Zhu Huiling , Sun Ping , Liu Xudong , Lin Haili , Zhang Xiaojun 
Published: December 2022

AbstractImplementing a molecular modulation strategy for metallic phthalocyanines (MPc) without losing the activity of the metal center and inducing a multifunction characteristic in electrocatalytic remains a challenge. Herein, a series of 2D CuCo bimetallic polymerized phthalocyanine modified with strong electron‐withdrawing groups (CuCoPc‐g, g = F, Cl, Br, NO2) for water oxidation in the alkaline electrolyte is designed and simply synthesized. The experimental results testify that the bimetallic design can perform electronic adjustment once and introduce the second active sites to get bifunctional characteristics, and then the electronic structure of the active center can be regulated by electron‐withdrawing groups for a second time to achieve the optimal state. These electrons that transfer in the active center of inner metal can generate space‐charged regions and the design of the polymer can stabilize active site region to maintain long‐term electrolytic stability and high activity. This study precisely regulates the electronic structure of MPc at the molecular level and provides insight into the multifunctional design of polymeric macrocyclic electrocatalysts.
Endothelin-3 is epigenetically silenced in endometrioid endometrial cancer
Authors: Zmarzły Nikola , Januszyk Szymon , Mieszczański Paweł , Morawiec Emilia , Buda Paulina , Dziobek Konrad , Opławski Marcin , Boroń Dariusz 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Changes in the activity of endothelins and their receptors may promote neoplastic processes. They can be caused by epigenetic modifications and modulators, but little is known about endothelin-3 (EDN3), particularly in endometrial cancer. The aim of the study was to determine the expression profile of endothelin family and their interactions with miRNAs, and to assess the degree of EDN3 methylation.

Methods
The study enrolled 45 patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer and 30 patients without neoplastic changes. The expression profile of endothelins and their receptors was determined with mRNA microarrays and RT-qPCR. The miRNA prediction was based on the miRNA microarray experiment and the mirDB tool. The degree of EDN3 methylation was assessed by MSP.

Results
EDN1 and EDNRA were overexpressed regardless of endometrial cancer grade, which may be due to the lack of regulatory effect of miR-130a-3p and miR-485-3p, respectively. In addition, EDN3 and EDNRB were significantly downregulated.

Conclusion
The endothelial axis is disturbed in endometrioid endometrial cancer. The observed silencing of EDN3 activity may be mainly due to DNA methylation.
Correlations between antimicrobial peptides and spectrophotometric skin color parameters in patients with basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Fijałkowska Marta , Koziej Mateusz , Antoszewski Bogusław , Sitek Aneta 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are active molecules in the human innate immune system, that participate in host defense and regulate the inflammation process. Previous reports have confirmed that antimicrobial peptides play a critical role in carcinogenesis.

Objective
The present study aimed to evaluate the correlations between plasma concentrations of AMPs and spectrophotometric parameters of skin color in patients with basal cell carcinoma and compare the results with those of healthy controls.

Methods
The plasma concentrations of cathelicidin and beta-defensin-2 in 100 patients (50 with skin cancer and 50 healthy control subjects) were measured, and skin color parameters were tested using a DermaSpectrophotometer.

Results
In patients with basal cell carcinoma, the concentrations of cathelicidin and beta-defensin-2 were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. In healthy control patients, when erythema increases, the levels of cathelicidin and beta-defensin-2 also increase. The direction of the relationship is opposite in people with basal cell carcinoma—the concentration of antimicrobial peptides decreases and the level of erythema increases.

Conclusion
A significantly higher level of plasma concentrations of cathelicidin and HBD-2 are correspondent to the presence of basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer modifies the relationship between intensity of skin erythema and the levels of cathelicidin and HBD-2. This can be related to inadequate immunological response in patients with skin cancers. New direction of research may be pioneered in searching for cytokine or mast cells disorders.
The association of fasting plasma thiol fractions with body fat compartments, biomarker profile, and adipose tissue gene expression
Authors: Elshorbagy Amany , Bastani Nasser E. , Lee-Ødegård Sindre , Øvrebø Bente , Haj-Yasein Nadia , Svendsen Karianne , Turner Cheryl , Refsum Helga , Vinknes Kathrine J. , Olsen Thomas 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPeople with high plasma total cysteine (tCys) have higher fat mass and higher concentrations of the atherogenic apolipoprotein B (apoB). The disulfide form, cystine, enhanced human adipogenesis and correlated with total fat mass in a Middle-Eastern cohort. In 35 European adults with overweight (88.6% women) and with dual-X-ray absorptiometry measurements of regional fat, we investigated how cystine compared to other free disulfides in their association with total regional adiposity, plasma lipid and glucose biomarkers, and adipose tissue lipid enzyme mRNA (n = 19). Most total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) (78%) was protein-bound; 63% of total glutathione (tGSH) was reduced. tCys was 49% protein-bound, 30% mixed-disulfide, 15% cystine, and 6% reduced. Controlling for age and lean mass, cystine and total free cysteine were the fractions most strongly associated with android and total fat: 1% higher cystine predicted 1.97% higher android fat mass (95% CI 0.64, 3.31) and 1.25% (0.65, 2.98) higher total fat mass (both p = 0.005). A positive association between tCys and apoB (β: 0.64%; 95% CI 0.17, 1.12%, p = 0.009) was apparently driven by free cysteine and cystine; cystine was also inversely associated with the HDL-associated apolipoprotein A1 (β: −0.57%; 95% CI −0.96, −0.17%, p = 0.007). No independent positive associations with adiposity were noted for tGSH or tHcy fractions. Plasma cystine correlated with CPT1a mRNA (Spearman’s r = 0.68, p = 0.001). In conclusion, plasma cystine—but not homocysteine or glutathione disulfides—is associated with android adiposity and an atherogenic plasma apolipoprotein profile. The role of cystine in human adiposity and cardiometabolic risk deserves investigation. ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT02647970 and NCT03629392.
The Ethical Significance of Post-Vaccination COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics
Authors: Kraaijeveld Steven R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe potential for vaccines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases is crucial for vaccination policy and ethics. In this paper, I discuss recent evidence that the current COVID-19 vaccines have only a modest and short-lived effect on reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission and argue that this has at least four important ethical implications. First, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 should be seen primarily as a self-protective choice for individuals. Second, moral condemnation of unvaccinated people for causing direct harm to others is unjustified. Third, the case for a harm-based moral obligation to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is weak. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, coercive COVID-19 vaccination policies (e.g., measures that exclude unvaccinated people from society) cannot be directly justified by the harm principle.
Can I Bring My Calculator to the Exam? Some Reflections on the Abstraction Level of Computer Algebra Systems
Authors: Roanes-Lozano Eugenio 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe author began working with computer algebra systems (CAS) in the 80s to perform effective computations for his Ph.D Thesis in algebra. He thought at that moment that there would be an explosion in the use of CAS for research and teaching (at all levels of education). Surprisingly, its use in secondary education is still scarce. This article details some personal reflections on elementary mathematics questions (from both the mathematical and the computational points of view) and proposes a classification of such questions, illustrated with several examples. It is focused on some of the present impressive capabilities of CAS, underlining their abstraction levels in some eye-catching examples. The article is mainly aimed at mathematics teachers who are not experts in CA. Nevertheless, it may also be of interest to CAS experts, as it includes reflections on a topic not usually treated: the abstraction level achieved by CAS and its impact in teaching and assessment.
An Erotic Skylight: Sexual Fantasies in the Portuguese Youth Under the Reflection of Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Oliveira Jorge , Neto Félix 
Published: December 2022

AbstractEnvisioning sexual fantasies as any image or mental settingthat is sexually exciting or erotic for the individual, the present work aims to study the nature of the relationship between sexual fantasies and gender, sexual orientation, and some of the different dimensions of psychological well-being, such as life satisfaction and satisfaction with sex life. The present study was developed through a sample of 569 participants, aged between 18 and 29 years old, obtained by completing a Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Wilson’s Sexual Fantasies Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Satisfaction with Sex Life Scale. The findings revealed that, although there are no statistically significant gender differences concerning the sex drive, there were differences in Exploratory content, favoring the male gender, and BDSM, emphasized by the female gender in comparison. The occurrence of cross-orientation fantasies was also verified, proving to be significant for the heterosexual group for the item “Being much sought after by the same-sex” with women reporting more frequently than men. There was also a significant mediation between Satisfaction with Life and Intimate Fantasies, through Satisfaction with Sex Life. These results reinforce the breadth that sexual fantasies have, both in areas closer to sexual expression (e.g., gender, sexual orientation) and in more peripheral areas (e.g., psychological well-being), proving that sexual fantasies – and their capacity for arousal – relate to one’s psychological well-being.
Bounded gaps between product of two primes in imaginary quadratic number fields
Authors: Darbar Pranendu , Mukhopadhyay Anirban , Viswanadham G. K. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWe study the gaps between products of two primes in imaginary quadratic number fields using a combination of the methods of Goldston–Graham–Pintz–Yildirim (Proc Lond Math Soc 98:741–774, 2009), and Maynard (Ann Math 181:383–413, 2015). An important consequence of our main theorem is existence of infinitely many pairs $$\alpha _1, \alpha _2$$

α
1

,

α
2

which are product of two primes in the imaginary quadratic field K such that $$|\sigma (\alpha _1-\alpha _2)|\le 2$$

|
σ
(

α
1

-

α
2

)
|
≤
2

for all embeddings $$\sigma $$
σ
of K if the class number of K is one and $$|\sigma (\alpha _1-\alpha _2)|\le 8$$

|
σ
(

α
1

-

α
2

)
|
≤
8

for all embeddings $$\sigma $$
σ
of K if the class number of K is two.
Detection and attribution of climate change: A deep learning and variational approach
Authors: Bône Constantin , Gastineau Guillaume , Thiria Sylvie , Gallinari Patrick 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Twelve climate models and observations are used to attribute the global mean surface temperature (GMST) changes from 1900 to 2014 to external climate forcings. The external forcings are decomposed into the effects of the well-mixed greenhouse gas concentration variation, the effects of anthropogenic aerosol concentration changes, and the effects of natural forcings. First, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is trained to estimate the simulated historical GMST from single-forcing experiments using outputs from the multi-model ensemble. We then use this CNN to solve the attribution problem using an original variational inversion approach. The variational inversion is first validated using historical climate simulations as pseudo-observations. Then we perform an inversion from observations. This provides a distribution of the GMST resulting from the three forcings. For 2014, inversions estimate that the greenhouse gases changes are responsible for a GMST anomaly within [0.8

$ {}^{\circ } $

C,1.9

$ {}^{\circ } $

C], while anthropogenic aerosols and natural forcings anomalies are within [−0.7

$ {}^{\circ } $

C,−0.1

$ {}^{\circ } $

C] and [−0.1

$ {}^{\circ } $

C,0.3

$ {}^{\circ } $

C], respectively. The method designed here can be adapted and extended to attribute the changes of other variables or to focus on the regional scale.
A social hierarchy perspective on the relationship between leader–member exchange (LMX) and interpersonal citizenship
Authors: Yu Andrew , Xu Wangxi , Pichler Shaun 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDrawing upon contemporary social hierarchy research, the purpose of this study is to integrate a novel theoretical perspective to examine the taken-for-granted conclusions of the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) and interpersonal citizenship. We develop theoretically driven arguments and provide evidence of how LMX relates to power and status, the two prominent bases of social hierarchy. The results from our study support our assertion that the quality of LMX relationships provides social information about one's relative standing within a group's informal hierarchy. Specifically, LMX is positively associated with higher levels of perceived power and perceived status. Both power and status serve as important mediators that explain the relationship between LMX and interpersonal citizenship. We also identify the importance of citizenship pressure as a boundary condition for these relationships, finding that citizenship pressure interacts with power and status differently to influence the extent that employees engage in citizenship behaviors.
Factors associated with the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in Guinea between 2005 and 2018
Authors: Bangoura Salifou Talassone , Rabilloud Muriel , Camara Alioune , Campoy Séphora , Condé Mamoudou , Vanhems Philippe , Kadio Kadio Jean-Jacques Olivier , Touré Abdoulaye , Khanafer Nagham 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjective:To determine the factors associated with the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in Guinea between 2005 and 2018.Design:Data from the 2005, 2012 and 2018 Guinea Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) were used for this study. Three anthropometric indicators (stunting, underweight and wasting) were assessed according to the 2006 WHO Child Growth Standards and analysed according to the year, the characteristics of the household, the child and the mother using multivariate logistic regression.Setting:Data were collected in the capital Conakry and in the seven administrative regions of Guinea.Participants:The study included children under 5 years of age for whom height and weight were available: 2765 (DHS-2005), 3220 (DHS-2012) and 3551 (DHS-2018).Results:Analysis of the data from the three surveys showed that children living in rural areas were more likely to be stunted than children living in urban areas (OR = 1·32, 95 % CI (1·08, 1·62)). Similarly, the children from middle, poor and the poorest households were more likely to be stunted and underweight than children from richest households. The chance to stunting increased with age in the first 3 years. However, the chance to wasting decreased with age. Children in all age groups were more likely of being underweight. Children of thin mothers were more likely to be both wasted (OR = 2·0, 95 % CI (1·5, 2·6)) and underweight (OR = 1·9, 95 % CI (1·5, 2·3)).Conclusion:The implementation of targeted interventions adapted to the observed disparities could considerably improve the nutritional status of children and mothers.
The impact of treatment on the psychological burden of mothers of children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: a multicenter, questionnaire survey
Authors: Fukuoka Tomoya , Bessho Kazuhiko , Hosono Satoyo , Abukawa Daiki , Mizuochi Tatsuki , Ito Koichi , Murakami Jun , Tanaka Hideo , Miyoshi Yoko , Takano Tomoko , Tajiri Hitoshi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMothers of children with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection experience anxiety about the health of their children. In this study we assessed an impact of treating children with chronic HCV infection on the psychological burden of their mothers. This was a multicenter, questionnaire survey conducted at six institutions in Japan. A newly-developed questionnaire for this study was used to assess changes in the mothers’ various concerns regarding HCV infection and thoughts about their child’s HCV infection. Responses at the time of diagnosis and at the time of the survey were compared between mothers of children who had received treatment and those without treatment. Responses were received from 36 of 37 eligible mothers (11 and 25, non-treatment and treatment groups, respectively). All children in treatment group had successfully eliminated the virus. Mothers in both groups were psychologically stressed in various ways, including concern about their child’s health in the present and future at the time of diagnosis, concern about school, employment, and marriage, concern about the behavior of others towards them and infecting others with HCV, and feelings of guilt regarding their child. These concerns were significantly lower in the present compared to at the time of diagnosis in treatment group, and the rate of decrease was significantly higher in treatment group compared to non-treatment group. Successful treatment greatly reduced mothers’ concerns about their children’s HCV infection, indicating that treatment during childhood is beneficial from the perspective of the mothers’ psychological burden.
Moral foundations, values, and judgments in extraordinary altruists
Authors: Amormino Paige , Ploe Montana L. , Marsh Abigail A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractDonating a kidney to a stranger is a rare act of extraordinary altruism that appears to reflect a moral commitment to helping others. Yet little is known about patterns of moral cognition associated with extraordinary altruism. In this preregistered study, we compared the moral foundations, values, and patterns of utilitarian moral judgments in altruistic kidney donors (n = 61) and demographically matched controls (n = 58). Altruists expressed more concern only about the moral foundation of harm, but no other moral foundations. Consistent with this, altruists endorsed utilitarian concerns related to impartial beneficence, but not instrumental harm. Contrary to our predictions, we did not find group differences between altruists and controls in basic values. Extraordinary altruism generally reflected opposite patterns of moral cognition as those seen in individuals with psychopathy, a personality construct characterized by callousness and insensitivity to harm and suffering. Results link real-world, costly, impartial altruism primarily to moral cognitions related to alleviating harm and suffering in others rather than to basic values, fairness concerns, or strict utilitarian decision-making.