bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polio‐philanthropy in Africa: A narrative review
Authors: Amzat Jimoh , Razum Oliver , Kanmodi Kehinde K. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and AimPolio eradication efforts including polio‐philanthropy have been coordinated and sustained since 1988, with the introduction of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The polio fight is sustained in the name of evidence‐based benevolence or beneficent philanthropy from which Africa has benefited immensely. With the recorded polio cases as of 2023, more efforts and funds are required to eradicate polio. Hence, it is not yet “Uhuru.” Using the Mertonian lens, this study examines polio‐philanthropy in Africa, its unintended consequences, and crucial dilemmas, which could impact the polio fight and polio‐philanthropy.MethodsThis is a narrative review that relies on secondary sources obtained through a thorough literature search. Only studies published in English were utilized. The study synthesized relevant literature in line with the study objective. The following databases were consulted: PubMed, philosopher's index, web of knowledge, Google Scholar, and Sociological Abstracts. Both empirical and theoretical studies were utilized for the study.ResultsDespite significant achievements, the global initiative has shortcomings when examined through the Mertonian lens of manifest and latent functions. The GPEI sets a unilinear goal within multiple challenges. The activities of the philanthropic giants manifest in disempowering rigor, multisectoral neglect, and parallel (health) systems, sometimes, inimical to the national health system. Most philanthropic giants often operate vertically. It is observed that, apart from funding, the last phase of polio‐philanthropy will be defined by some crucial factors, the 4Cs: Communicable disease outbreaks, Conflict, Climate‐related disasters, and Conspiracy theory, which could impact the prevalence or resurgence of polio.ConclusionThe polio fight will benefit from the persistent drive to reach the finish line as scheduled. The latent consequences or dysfunctions are general lessons for GPEI and other global health initiatives. Therefore, decision‐makers should calculate the net balance of consequences within global health philanthropy for appropriate mitigation.
SMARCB1‐deficient basal cell carcinoma of the prostate controlled using radiation therapy
Authors: Makabe Shunta , Koguchi Tomoyuki , Matsuoka Kanako , Hoshi Seiji , Hata Junya , Sato Yuichi , Akaihata Hidenori , Kataoka Masao , Uemura Motohide , Kojima Yoshiyuki 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionBasal cell carcinoma of the prostate is rare, with no established treatment for its recurrence or metastasis. We report a case involving basal cell carcinoma of the prostate controlled using radiotherapy.Case presentationA 57‐year‐old man complained of perineal pain. Although his prostate‐specific antigen was 0.657 ng/mL, a digital rectal examination revealed his prostate was stone hard. Prostate needle biopsy showed basal cell carcinoma of the prostate. The patient then underwent radical prostatectomy. Local recurrence and sacral bone metastasis appeared 2 months after surgery. OncoGuide™ NCC Oncopanel System showed deletion of SMARCB1; however no recommended treatment was identified. Thus, we decided to perform radiotherapy, which reduced all lesions.ConclusionBasal cell carcinoma of the prostate may have a poor prognosis with recurrence or metastasis, hence evaluation of prognostic factors is important. In this case, the genomic profiling test suggested that SMARCB1 deletion may be a prognostic factor associated with disease progression.
L‐carnitine reverses methotrexate‐induced nephrotoxicity in experimental rat model: Insight on SIRT1/PGC‐1α/Nrf2/HO‐1 axis
Authors: Radwan Sara M. , Alqulaly Mustafa , Elsaeed Magdy Y. , Elshora Shimaa Z. , Atwa Asmaa H. , Wasfey Eman F. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMethotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent used for treating several types of cancer as well as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, but its use is limited due to its nephrotoxicity. The purpose of this research work was to observe ameliorative effects of L‐carnitine (LC) toward renal toxicity caused by MTX and mechanisms responsible for these effects. Thirty‐two male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four groups (eight rats/group), control group (received saline), MTX group (20 mg/kg/i.p. once), LC group (500 mg/kg/i.p. for 5 days), and MTX + LC group (received a single MTX dose 20 mg/kg/i.p. followed by LC 500 mg/kg/i.p. for 5 days). Histopathological examinations, lipid oxidation marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), and the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α] and interleukin‐6 [IL‐6]) and apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl2, and caspase‐3) were used to assess renal toxicity. Moreover, the protein levels of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and its downstream signaling targets, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α), and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) in addition to heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) were measured. LC significantly protected against MTX‐induced nephrotoxicity. It ameliorated MTX‐induced renal histopathological changes and diminished MTX‐induced renal oxidative stress, renal inflammation, and apoptosis. LC also upregulated the expression of SIRT1 and PGC‐1 as well as Nrf2 and HO‐1. By controlling the expression of renal SIRT1/PGC‐1/Nrf2/HO‐1, LC displayed antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic activities. Hence, using LC supplements may help prevent negative MTX side effects.
Why Animal Experiments Are Still Indispensable in Bone Research: A Statement by the European Calcified Tissue Society
Authors: Stein Merle , Elefteriou Florent , Busse Björn , Fiedler Imke AK , Kwon Ronald Young , Farrell Eric , Ahmad Mubashir , Ignatius Anita , Grover Liam , Geris Liesbet , Tuckermann Jan 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACTMajor achievements in bone research have always relied on animal models and in vitro systems derived from patient and animal material. However, the use of animals in research has drawn intense ethical debate and the complete abolition of animal experimentation is demanded by fractions of the population. This phenomenon is enhanced by the reproducibility crisis in science and the advance of in vitro and in silico techniques. 3D culture, organ‐on‐a‐chip, and computer models have improved enormously over the last few years. Nevertheless, the overall complexity of bone tissue cross‐talk and the systemic and local regulation of bone physiology can often only be addressed in entire vertebrates. Powerful genetic methods such as conditional mutagenesis, lineage tracing, and modeling of the diseases enhanced the understanding of the entire skeletal system. In this review endorsed by the European Calcified Tissue Society (ECTS), a working group of investigators from Europe and the US provides an overview of the strengths and limitations of experimental animal models, including rodents, fish, and large animals, as well the potential and shortcomings of in vitro and in silico technologies in skeletal research. We propose that the proper combination of the right animal model for a specific hypothesis and state‐of‐the‐art in vitro and/or in silico technology is essential to solving remaining important questions in bone research. This is crucial for executing most efficiently the 3R principles to reduce, refine, and replace animal experimentation, for enhancing our knowledge of skeletal biology, and for the treatment of bone diseases that affect a large part of society. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Application of ultrasound images‐based radiomics in carpal tunnel syndrome: Without measuring the median nerve cross‐sectional area
Authors: Lyu Shuyi , Zhang Meiwu , Zhang Baisong , Yu Jianjun , Zhu Jiazhen , Gao Libo , Yang Liu , Zhang Yan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPurposeBy constructing a prediction model of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) based on ultrasound images, it can automatically and accurately diagnose CTS without measuring the median nerve cross‐sectional area (CSA).MethodsA total of 268 wrists ultrasound images of 101 patients diagnosed with CTS and 76 controls in Ningbo NO.2 Hospital from December 2021 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The radiomics method was used to construct the Logistic model through the steps of feature extraction, feature screening, reduction, and modeling. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to evaluate the performance of the model, and the diagnostic efficiency of the radiomics model was compared with two radiologists with different experience.ResultsThe 134 wrists in the CTS group included 65 mild CTS, 42 moderate CTS, and 17 severe CTS. In the CTS group, 28 wrists median nerve CSA were less than the cut‐off value, 17 wrists were missed by Dr. A, 26 wrists by Dr. B, and only 6 wrists were missed by radiomics model. A total of 335 radiomics features were extracted from each MN, of which 10 features were significantly different between compressed and normal nerves, and were used to construct the model. The area under curve (AUC) value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the radiomics model in the training set and testing set were 0.939, 86.17%, 87.10%, 86.63%, and 0.891, 87.50%, 80.49%, and 83.95%, respectively. The AUC value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the two doctors in the diagnosis of CTS were 0.746, 75.37%, 73.88%, 74.63% and 0.679, 68.66%, 67.16%, and 67.91%, respectively. The radiomics model was superior to the two‐radiologist diagnosis, especially when there was no significant change in CSA.ConclusionRadiomics based on ultrasound images can quantitatively analyze the subtle changes in the median nerve, and can automatically and accurately diagnose CTS without measuring CSA, especially when there was no significant change in CSA, which was better than radiologists.
Association of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 gene variants with diabetic nephropathy risk
Authors: Sarray Sameh , Lamine Laila Ben , Dallel Meriem , Ezzidi Intissar , Sellami Nejla , Turki Amira , Moustafa Amgad Elbaz El‐Agroudy , Mtiraoui Nabil 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic nephropathy is a highly destructive microvascular complication of diabetes. Genetic predisposition is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, with multiple allelic polymorphisms associated with the development and progression of the disease, thereby increasing the overall risk. To date, no study is available that shows the association of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) gene polymorphisms with diabetic nephropathy risk. Thus, we investigated the potential genetic influence of MMP‐2 promoter variants in the development of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients.MethodsIn total, 726 type 2 diabetic patients and 310 healthy controls were included in the study and genotyped for MMP‐2, −1306C/T, −790T/G, −1575G/T and −735C/T by real‐time PCR. The analysis of the outcomes was performed assuming three genetic models. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 0.05.ResultsThe results showed that the minor allele frequency of the −790T/G variant was significantly higher in patients with and without nephropathy compared to controls. Furthermore, the distribution analysis revealed a significant association of the −790T/G variant, in all genetic models, with increased risk of diabetic nephropathy that persisted after adjusting for key covariates. No significant associations between MMP‐2, −1306C/T, −1575G/T, −735C/T and the risk of diabetic nephropathy were detected. Haplotype analysis identified two risk haplotypes GCGC and GTAC associated with diabetic nephropathy.ConclusionsThe present study is the first to demonstrate the allelic and genotypic association of the MMP‐2‐790T/G variant and two haplotypes with an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy in a Tunisian population with type 2 diabetes.
Implementation of a retrofit MRI simulator for radiation therapy planning
Authors: Cahill Katelyn , Rienecker Shermiyah , O'Connor Patrick , Denham Mark , Gibbons Francis , Willis David , Vignarajah Dinesh , Buddle Nicole , Min Myo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is being integrated into routine radiation therapy (RT) planning workflows. To reap the benefits of this imaging modality, patient positioning, image acquisition parameters and a quality assurance programme must be considered for accurate use. This paper will report on the implementation of a retrofit MRI Simulator for RT planning, demonstrating an economical, resource efficient solution to improve the accuracy of MRI in this setting.
Stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 and persistence of viral nucleic acids on common foods and widely used packaging material surfaces
Authors: Li Fu , Xu Ke , Pan Yang , Liu Peipei , Zhang Jing , Yang Mengjie , Lei Wenwen , Feng Zhaomin , Liang Zhichao , Zhang Daitao , Wu Guizhen , Wang Quanyi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 is still spreading globally. Studies have reported the stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 in aerosols and on surfaces under different conditions. However, studies on the stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 and viral nucleic acids on common food and packaging material surfaces are insufficient. The study evaluated the stability of SARS‐CoV‐2 using TCID50 assays and the persistence of SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acids using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction on various food and packaging material surfaces. Viral nucleic acids were stable on food and material surfaces under different conditions. The viability of SARS‐CoV‐2 varied among different surfaces. SARS‐CoV‐2 was inactivated on most food and packaging material surfaces within 1 day at room temperature but was more stable at lower temperatures. Viruses survived for at least 1 week on pork and plastic at 4°C, while no viable viruses were detected on hairtail, orange, or carton after 3 days. There were viable viruses and a slight titer decrease after 8 weeks on pork and plastic, but titers decreased rapidly on hairtail and carton at –20°C. These results highlight the need for targeted preventive and disinfection measures based on different types of foods, packaging materials, and environmental conditions, particularly in the cold‐chain food trade, to combat the ongoing pandemic.
Genetic characterizations and molecular evolution of human norovirus GII.6 genotype during the past five decades
Authors: Zhou Nan , Li Mingma , Zhou Lu , Huang Yue 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe norovirus genotype GII.6 is circulating in the population with a relatively high prevalence, but in‐depth molecular characterization studies of GII.6 are needed. In this study, norovirus GII.6 sequences were retrieved and analyzed to demonstrate the molecular characterizations of norovirus GII.6. The results show that GII.6 VP1 gene can be divided into three variants and all variants cocirculated in humans in the past decades. The intragenotypic showed no growth trend over time. Since the overall evolutionary rate was 3.432 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year, the infer most recent common ancestor was estimated as 1913. Only a few amino acid sites were recognized to be under positive selection pressure. The mean effective population size was stable in the recent years. The variant C (especially 87 GII.P7‐GII.6 strains) had a higher evolutionary rate and more sites under positive selection pressure compared to other variants. NS4 protein had the higher diversity than other nonstructural proteins, and VP1 and VP2 genes had the same phylogenetic relationships. This study provides a systematic description of genetic characterizations and molecular evolution of GII.6. Research on norovirus molecular epidemiology should be pursued to enrich the genomic data of the diverse genotypes and improve their analysis.
Overview of factors influencing successful implementation of non‐medical prescribing
Authors: Ghabour Mariam , Wilby Kyle John , Morris Caroline J. , Smith Alesha J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimThis study sought to determine the factors influencing successful implementation of non‐medical prescribing (NMP).Data sourcesEMBASE, Medline, CINAHL and reference lists were searched from January 2010 to November 2020.Study SelectionUmbrella review and narrative synthesis of results were utilised. The retrieved reviews underwent title screening, abstract review, full‐text screening and assessment for inclusion. To guarantee the precision of the search results, Participants, Intervention, Control, and Outcomes (PICO) elements were recorded for each study. Studies were included if they were systematic reviews, published in English, published from January 2010 to November 2020, and discussed barriers and/or facilitators to NMP implementation.ResultsOf the 193 studies identified, eight were eligible for inclusion. Most of the reviews (62%) were published in 2017–2018. The majority of the reviews (62%) were focused on the United Kingdom. Three reviews discussed nurse prescribing, two reviews focused on pharmacist prescribing, and three reviews investigated NMP generally. Data were compiled into the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to evaluate the factors that influence the success or failure of NMP implementation.ConclusionImplementation of NMP is a complex process which requires fulfilment of all its elements. The success of NMP can be directly related to the extent of the whole system engagement and support, and available funding.
Polyphenol removal with ultrasound‐assisted ethanol extraction from defatted walnut powder: optimization of conditions and effect on functional properties of protein isolates
Authors: Wu Qingzhi , Lv Dandan , Mao Xiaoying 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundWalnut kernels are high in polyphenols (PPs), which cause low protein solubility, limiting the use of walnut protein in the food industry. To obtain the best technical parameters of the dephenolization treatment, the defatted walnut powder was dephenolized using ultrasound‐assisted ethanol extraction (UAE), and the response surface optimization was performed on the basis of single factor. On this basis, the effects of dephenolization on the solubility, emulsifying properties and foaming properties of walnut protein isolates (WPIs) were compared to those of defatted walnut powder without dephenolization.ResultsThe results showed that PP extraction in the UAE could significantly increase PP yield. The optimal process parameters were as follows: 51% (v/v) ethanol concentration, 140 W ultrasound power, 10 min extraction time, 30 °C ultrasound temperature, and a material–liquid ratio of 1:30 (w/v). The results revealed that the UAE dephenolization treatment significantly improved the functionality of WPI and that the functionality of the dephenolized WPI by UAE was superior to that of the protein without dephenolization, and that the functionality of both walnut proteins was the worst at pH 5, with solubility of 5.31% and 4.86%, emulsifying activity index (EAI) of 24.95 and 19.91 m2/g, and foaming capacity (FC) of 3.66% and 2.94%, respectively; and the best at pH 11, with solubility of 82.35% and 73.55%, EAI of 46.35 and 37.28 m2/g, and FC of 35.85% and 18.87%, respectively.ConclusionThe study found that dephenolization by UAE can significantly improve the functionality of WPI, and this method should be promoted and used in walnut and walnut protein processing industries. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Aerobic methane synthesis and dynamics in a river water environment
Authors: Alowaifeer Abdullah M. , Wang Qian , Bothner Brian , Sibert Ryan J. , Joye Samantha B. , McDermott Timothy R. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractReports of aerobic biogenic methane (CH4) have generated new views about CH4 sources in nature. We examine this phenomenon in the free‐flowing Yellowstone river wherein CH4 concentrations were tracked as a function of environmental conditions, phototrophic microorganisms (using chlorophyll a, Chl a, as proxy), as well as targeted methylated amines known to be associated with this process. CH4 was positively correlated with temperature and Chl a, although diurnal measurements showed CH4 concentrations were greatest during the night and lowest during maximal solar irradiation. CH4 efflux from the river surface was greater in quiescent edge waters (71–94 μmol m−2 d) than from open flowing current (~ 57 μmol m−2 d). Attempts to increase flux by disturbing the benthic environment in the quiescent water directly below (~ 1.0 m deep) or at varying distances (0–5 m) upstream of the flux chamber failed to increase surface flux. Glycine betaine (GB), dimethylamine and methylamine (MMA) were observed throughout the summer‐long study, increasing during a period coinciding with a marked decline in Chl a, suggesting a lytic event led to their release; however, this did not correspond to increased CH4 concentrations. Spiking river water with GB or MMA yielded significantly greater CH4 than nonspiked controls, illustrating the metabolic potential of the river microbiome. In summary, this study provides evidence that: (1) phototrophic microorganisms are involved in CH4 synthesis in a river environment; (2) the river microbiome possesses the metabolic potential to convert methylated amines to CH4; and (3) river CH4 concentrations are dynamic diurnally as well as during the summer active months.
Bottom‐Up Preparation of Phase‐Separated Polymersomes
Authors: Almadhi Safa , Forth Joe , Rodriguez‐Arco Laura , Duro‐Castano Aroa , Williams Ian , Ruiz‐Pérez Lorena , Battaglia Giuseppe 
Published: June 2023

AbstractA bottom‐up approach to fabricating monodisperse, two‐component polymersomes that possess phase‐separated (“patchy”) chemical topology is presented. This approach is compared with already‐existing top‐down preparation methods for patchy polymer vesicles, such as film rehydration. These findings demonstrate a bottom‐up, solvent‐switch self‐assembly approach that produces a high yield of nanoparticles of the target size, morphology, and surface topology for drug delivery applications, in this case patchy polymersomes of a diameter of ≈50 nm. In addition, an image processing algorithm to automatically calculate polymersome size distributions from transmission electron microscope images based on a series of pre‐processing steps, image segmentation, and round object identification is presented.
Effect of lamina orientation, crack severity, and fillers on dynamic parameters of hybrid composite cantilever beam with double transverse cracks
Authors: Sahoo S. , Jena P. C. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractModern‐day research in composite material development primarily focuses on tailoring combinations by proportions of constituent materials and monitoring the changes in their targeted properties. In line with this trend, a new class of glass fiber reinforced polymer hybrid composite beam of size 600 mm×50 mm×6 mm is fabricated by adding graphene (average particle size:10 μm), and flyash (average particle size: 60 μm). The dynamic behavior of the hybrid beam by introducing two transverse cracks at different positions with varying crack depths is studied by employing analytical, finite‐element, and experimental approaches. The dimensionless relative natural frequencies of the cracked/faulty hybrid beam obtained by the proposed methods are compared with the intact hybrid beam. Also, a comparison is made for the hybrid beam with a single crack. An increase in relative crack depth resulted in an increase in values of dimensionless compliances. Further, the effect of fiber orientation and lamina stacking sequence on the dynamic parameters of the hybrid beam are also analyzed. The introduction of the second crack induces higher nonlinearity in bending modes of vibration.