bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of association between SOCS3 and SOCS7 polymorphisms and psoriasis
Authors: Özçep Merve , Atsü Nilhan , Solak Nilgün , Çelik Sevim Karakaş 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disease that involves changes taking place as a result of activation of the immune system. Suppressor of cytokine signaling proteins (SOCS) are intracellular proteins that act as endogenous inhibitors of proinflammatory pathways triggered by various cytokines. In this study, the relationship between psoriasis disease and SOCS gene polymorphisms is investigated in relation to the pathogenesis of psoriasis to clarify the psoriasis susceptibility profile.MethodsThe SOCS3 rs4969169 and SOCS7 rs3748726 polymorphisms were detected using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method. The study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Bulent Ecevit University and performed in accordance with the ethical standards established in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and later amendments. All participants were informed of the parameters of the study, and they signed consent forms before being included. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 18.0 (SPSS Inc.) package program.ResultsFor the SOCS3 rs4969169 genotype frequency, the CC/CT genotypes represented 67%/33% in the patient group and 73%/27% in the control group. For the SOCS7 rs3748726 genotype frequency, the TT/TC/CC genotypes made up 89%/9%/1% in the patient group and 91%/8%/1% in the control group.ConclusionThe polymorphisms of SOCS3 rs4969169 and SOCS7 rs3748726 were found to have no effective role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This is the first study to investigate this topic, and further studies with larger, more ethnically diverse samples are encouraged.
Multidimensional modulation of systemic immune by neurosurgical tumor resection in patients with brain tumors
Authors: Wang Jia‐Wei , Wang Hong‐Liang , Liu Qi , Hu Ke , Shao Liujiazi , Wan Jing‐Hai 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectivesImmune perturbation induced by tumor burden has been showed as the hallmark of brain tumors. To date, the vast majority of studies have focused heavily on local immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. Little is known about how the systemic immune macroenvironment is modulated by neurosurgical tumor resection in patients with brain tumors.MethodMedical records from patients with brain tumors admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery at the National Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2021 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Forty‐nine patients who have lymphocyte subsets, serum immunoglobulins, C‐reactive protein, and complements levels before neurosurgical tumor resection and at least once test after surgery were included into the final analysis.ResultsPostoperative CD3+ lymphocytes, CD4+ lymphocytes and CD4+ /CD8+ lymphocyte ratio presented bi‐phasic changes, which indicated an initial decrease and a subsequent increase after neurosurgical tumor resection. Moreover, neurosurgical tumor resection induced a decrease in natural killer lymphocytes and an increase in B lymphocytes that persisted through the entire observation period after surgery. Meanwhile, significant changes in humoral immunity characterized by a decrease in immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) levels and an increase in the CRP level occurred after neurosurgical tumor resection. In addition, patients with postoperative infection complication had a lower preoperative CD4+ /CD8+ lymphocyte ratio.ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence that either cellular immunity or humoral immunity can be remodeled by neurosurgical tumor resection, and patients with disturbed systemic immunity have increased risk of infection after surgery.
Oral immunotherapy for Immunoglobulin E‐mediated cow's milk allergy in children: A systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Tang Lujing , Yu Yu , Pu Xiangyuan , Chen Jie 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgoundCow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most common allergy in infants that decreases the quality of life of patients and their families. Standard treatment for CMA is the strict avoidance of milk; new treatment strategies such as oral immunotherapy (OIT) have been sought for patients with CMA. We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of OIT in the treatment of children with immunoglobulin E‐mediated CMA (IMCMA).MethodsWe searched all randomized controlled trials in which OIT is used to treat children with IMCMA from five international electronic databases. We estimated a pooled risk ratio (RR) for each outcome using a Mantel–Haenzel fixed‐effects model if statistical heterogeneity was low.ResultsEleven studies were chosen for meta‐analysis, including a total of 469 children (242 OITs, 227 controls). One hundred and seventy‐six patients (72.7%) in the OIT were desensitized compared with 49 patients (21.6%) in the control group (RR: 7.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.82–19.13, p < .0001). The desensitization effect of OIT was particularly significant in children over 3 years old (RR: 18.05, 95% CI: 6.48–50.26, p < .00001). Although adverse effects were common, they usually involved mild reactions, but epinephrine use was more common in the OIT group (RR: 7.69, 95% CI: 2.16–27.33, p < .002).ConclusionOIT can lead to desensitization in the majority of individuals with IMCMA, especially in patients over 3 years old. A major problem of OIT is the frequency of adverse events, although most are mild. OIT may be an alternative treatment in the future.
The role of observed and unobserved heterogeneity in the duration of unemployment
Authors: Ahn Hie Joo 
Published: September 2022

SummaryThis paper studies the degree to which observable and unobservable worker characteristics account for the variation in the aggregate duration of unemployment. I model the distribution of unobserved worker heterogeneity as time varying to capture the interaction of latent attributes with changes in labor‐market conditions. Unobserved heterogeneity is the main explanation for the duration dependence of unemployment hazards. Both cyclical and low‐frequency variations in the mean duration of unemployment are mainly driven by one subgroup: workers who, for unobserved reasons, stay unemployed for a long time. In contrast, changes in the composition of observable characteristics of workers have negligible effects.
Batch and continuous studies on adsorptive removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] using reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Rout Dibya Ranjan , Jena Hara Mohan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this study, the reduced form of graphene oxide (RGO) has been synthesized by using hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent and used for Cr(VI) removal. The physicochemical properties of the as‐synthesized material were studied by FESEM, XRD, RAMAN, and FTIR. The optimized adsorption parameters were time of 75 min, solution pH 3.0, temperature 35°C, and dosage of 0.3 g/l. The isotherms were perfectly simulated by the Langmuir model, and the kinetic data followed the pseudo‐second‐order model. The maximum uptake capacity was 787.401 mg/g at 35°C. Thermodynamic analysis indicated an endothermic and spontaneous process occurs. Competition from interfering ions (SO42−, NO3−, Cl−, HCO3−, Co2+, and Cu2+) proved insignificant. After five cycles of regeneration, the removal remains at 85.75%. From the column study, it was observed that the parameters like breakthrough time (tb), bed capacity (qbed), and exhaustion time (te) increase with an increase in bed height and decrease with an increase in Cr(VI) flow rate. Adsorption performance for industrial effluents shows up to 55.32% removal. The above superior adsorption performance validated the application of the RGO as an efficient adsorbent for the remediation of Cr(VI) ions from wastewater.
The effectiveness of physical and virtual manipulatives on learning and motivation in structural engineering
Authors: Justo Enrique , Delgado Antonio , Llorente‐Cejudo Carmen , Aguilar Rocio , Cabero‐Almenara Julio 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundRecent advances in technology and computer simulation have expanded the use of virtual manipulatives in engineering education. However, especially in disciplines in which tactile concepts (e.g., force) are included, it has been claimed that learning could be compromised by substituting physical materials with computer simulations.PurposeThis study examines the comparative effect of physical and virtual materials on students' conceptual understanding and motivation to learn structural concepts with manipulatives.MethodThe study followed a between‐subjects design involving 209 university students and seven instructors. We used a pretest/posttest quasi‐experimental design with a purposely developed conceptual test to measure students' understanding of basic structural engineering concepts. Motivation and its components (attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction) were assessed with Keller's Instructional Materials Motivation Survey.ResultsOur results revealed that the physical and virtual conditions were equally effective in promoting students' understanding of basic structural engineering concepts in a classroom setting. We also found that the students were more motivated to learn through the use of physical materials than with virtual ones. This difference was especially significant in the attention dimension. Finally, we found that male students showed more confidence than female students when using physical manipulatives but not when using virtual ones.ConclusionsThe findings from this study associate the benefits of using physical materials with an increase in motivation rather than with superior learning gains. In particular, engineering educators seeking to enhance students' attention should consider adopting physical manipulatives in their classrooms, although they must be aware of the potential sex differences that could be caused by their use.
TaqI polymorphism T/t genotypes at the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) are associated with increased serum vitamin D levels in mild and moderate psoriasis vulgaris: A pilot study
Authors: AbdElneam Ahmed Ibrahim , Al‐Dhubaibi Mohammed Saleh , Bahaj Saleh Salem , Mohammed Ghada Farouk 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundSeveral types of polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor (VDR) have been found in psoriasis.AimThis study looked at the role of the TaqI polymorphism in the VDR gene as a factor in changing plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in psoriasis patients and to see if it had any relationship with disease severity.Subjects and MethodsClinical examination, serum 25(OH)D level measurement, molecular studies and TaqI genotyping by PCR and RFLP were performed for the two groups.ResultsThe T/t genotypes of TaqI polymorphism genotypes were most common in patients, while the t/t genotypes were more abundant in healthy subjects. The T allele was high in the patient group in comparison with the normal subjects, but there were no significant differences (p = 0.421). Patients with T/t TaqI genotypes had higher levels of 25(OH)D than those with T/T and t/t (p = 0.004). Moderate psoriatic patients with the T/t genotype had relatively high 25(OH)D levels compared with moderate patients with the T/t and t/t genotypes (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe increase in 25(OH)D titers in moderate patients is greater than that in mild and severe patients. T/t genotypes are associated with increased 25(OH)D levels in moderate and mild patients.
Diffusion‐Weighted MR Imaging of the Optic Nerve Can Improve the Detection of Post‐Laminar Optic Nerve Invasion from Retinoblastoma
Authors: Liu Jing , Xu Xiaolin , Yan Jing , Guo Jian , Wang XinYan , Xian Junfang 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundPost‐laminar optic nerve invasion (PLONI) is a high‐risk factor for the metastasis of retinoblastoma (RB). Unlike conventional MRI, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) reflects histopathological features, and may aid the assessment of PLONI.PurposeTo determine the value of conventional MRI plus DWI in detecting PLONI in RB patients.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationEighty‐three RB patients, including 28 with histopathologically proven PLONI and 55 without PLONI.Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T, precontrast axial T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted imaging, DWI, and postcontrast axial, coronal, and oblique‐sagittal T1‐weighted imaging.AssessmentPLONI was assessed using post‐enucleation histology and preoperative MRI features (optic nerve signal intensity, enlargement, and enhancement on conventional MRI, and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] of the optic nerve on DWI) evaluated by three observers.Statistical TestsMRI features suggesting the presence of PLONI were identified using univariable and multivariable analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze diagnostic performance.ResultsOptic nerve enhancement and low ADC of the optic nerve were significant indicators of PLONI. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of the combination of these two features for detecting PLONI was 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78–0.93). The diagnostic performance of this model was significantly superior to that of optic nerve enhancement alone (0.76, 95% CI: 0.65–0.85) and marginally superior to that of the ADC of the affected optic nerve (0.78, 95% CI: 0.68–0.87, P = 0.051).Data ConclusionConventional MRI combined with DWI can improve the detection of PLONI in RB patients over conventional MRI alone.Evidence Level: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 2
Revealing the Combined Nanoconfinement Effect by Soft and Stiff Inclusions in PMMA/Silica CO2 Blown Foams
Authors: Lepcio Petr , Svatík Juraj , Štaffová Martina , Lesser Alan J. , Ondreáš František 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study shows the importance of nanoparticle (NP) spatial arrangement on the nucleation, morphology, and properties of nanocomposite foams. It probes CO2 blown PMMA with three types of nanosilica structures with exactly the same chemical composition: aggregates, chain bound clusters, and individually dispersed NPs. A systematic but nontrivial scaling of morphology, glass transition temperature, static and impact mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity is discussed with special regard to the combined nanoconfinement by soft and stiff inclusions. The presented results suggest a limited potential of simultaneous toughening by nanoreinforcement and shear banding, which can draw significant implications for both the fundamental science and industrial practice dealing with nanoreinforced cellular materials.
Proteomic evaluation of nanotoxicity in aquatic organisms: A review
Authors: Tubatsi Gosaitse , Kebaabetswe Lemme Prica , Musee Ndeke 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe alteration of organisms protein functions by engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) is dependent on the complex interplay between their inherent physicochemical properties (e.g., size, surface coating, shape) and environmental conditions (e.g., pH, organic matter). To date, there is increasing interest on the use of ‘omics’ approaches, such as proteomics, genomics, and others, to study ENPs‐biomolecules interactions in aquatic organisms. However, although proteomics has recently been applied to investigate effects of ENPs and associated mechanisms in aquatic organisms, its use remain limited. Herein, proteomics techniques widely applied to investigate ENPs–protein interactions in aquatic organisms are reviewed. Data demonstrates that 2DE and mass spectrometry and/or their combination, thereof, are the most suitable techniques to elucidate ENPs–protein interactions. Furthermore, current status on ENPs and protein interactions, and possible mechanisms of nanotoxicity with emphasis on those that exert influence at protein expression levels, and key influencing factors on ENPs–proteins interactions are outlined. Most reported studies were done using synthetic media and essay protocols and had wide variability (not standardized); this may consequently limit data application in actual environmental systems. Therefore, there is a need for studies using realistic environmental concentrations of ENPs, and actual environmental matrixes (e.g., surface water) to aid better model development of ENPs–proteins interactions in aquatic systems.
Exogenously applied melatonin alleviates the damage in cucumber plants caused by Aphis goosypii through altering the insect behavior and inducing host plant resistance
Authors: Liu Xingchen , Du Changxia , Yue Cong , Tan Yinqing , Fan Huaifu 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDAphis gossypii Glover is the main pest found in most cucumber‐producing areas. Melatonin (MT) has been widely studied in protecting plants from environmental stresses and pathogens. However, little knowledge is available on the impact of MT on insect resistance.RESULTSThe fecundity of aphids on MT‐treated cucumber leaves was inhibited. Interestingly, MT‐treated plants were more attractive to aphids, which would prevent the large‐scale transmission of viruses caused by the random movement of aphids. Meanwhile, MT caused varying degrees of change in enzyme activities related to methylesterified HG degradation, antioxidants, defense systems and membrane lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis showed that MT induced 2360 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared with the control before aphid infection. These DEGs mainly were enriched in hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway, and plant‐pathogen interaction, revealing that MT can help plants acquire inducible resistance and enhance plant immunity. Subsequently, 2397 DEGs were identified after aphid infection. Further analysis showed that MT‐treated plants possessed stronger JA signal, reactive oxygen species stability, and the ability of flavonoid synthesis under aphid infection, while mediating plant growth and sucrose metabolism.CONCLUSIONIn summary, MT as an environmentally friendly substance mitigated aphid damage to cucumbers by affecting the aphids themselves and enhancing plant resistance. This will facilitate exploring sustainable MT‐based strategies for cucumber aphid control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The impact of surface heterogeneity on the diurnal cycle of deep convection
Authors: Harvey Natalie J. , Daleu Chimene L. , Stratton Rachel A. , Plant Robert S. , Woolnough Steven J. , Stirling Alison J. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractDespite some recent improvements, major deficiencies remain in model simulations using parameterised convection in capturing both the phase and amplitude of the daily cycle of precipitation in tropical regions. The difficulties are particularly acute in regions of heterogeneous surface conditions, since the simulations need not only to respond appropriately to the local forcing from surface fluxes but also to capture the interactions with near‐surface mesoscale circulations. Here, we examine such a situation by means of idealised cloud‐resolving simulations of deep convection over a heterogeneous surface, performed using the cloud‐resolving simulation known as the Met Office NERC Cloud model (MONC). In these simulations, we show that precipitation forms preferentially over dry and warm patches (“DRY”) compared with wet and cold patches (“WET”), with the peak precipitation rates differing by a factor of approximately 4. The initiation of precipitation occurs approximately 1.5 hr earlier in the DRY patches compared with the WET patches. Moreover, within the WET and DRY patches there are marked differences in the spatial distribution of the precipitation. These cloud‐resolving simulations are then used as a benchmark to assess the behaviour of simulations using parameterised convection, performed using the idealised configuration of the Met Office Unified Model (MetUM). The MetUM simulations produce a response with some qualitative similarities to the cloud‐resolving simulations. In particular, although the simulations with parameterised convection initiate precipitation too early, they are capable of capturing the relative amounts of daily‐mean precipitation in the DRY and WET patches. We propose that the cloud‐resolving simulations could be used further to investigate the impact of fully interactive surface schemes and as benchmark simulations to evaluate new parameterisation schemes.
Do green innovation and financial globalization contribute to the ecological sustainability and energy transition in the United Kingdom? Policy insights from a bootstrap rolling window approach
Authors: Ramzan Muhammad , Razi Ummara , Quddoos Muhammad Umer , Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday 
Published: September 2022

AbstractEnvironmental sustainability and energy transition, especially the renewable energy transition, have become critical concerns of nations throughout the world in recent decades. The sustainable and eco‐friendly technologies have led to more sustainable methodologies, substantial stewardship of our natural resources, and the conversion to renewable energy sources, all of which have been demonstrated to benefit the environment significantly. However, prior studies have overlooked the ecological sustainability and energy transition effects of green technology innovation. Therefore, this study endeavored to investigate the role of green innovation (lnGRN) and financial globalization (lnFIG) on the sustainability of the environment (lnEFT) and energy transition (lnENT) in the United Kingdom using quarterly data for the period from 1995 to 2020. The study applied the time‐varying (bootstrapping) rolling window technique, which can retrieve casual associations among variables at different periods of sub‐samples. Besides this, the method is advantageous for addressing the non‐consistency of parameters and eliminating the pre‐test distortion. The novel Bootstrap Rolling‐Window full‐sample causality technique results demonstrate that lnGRN and lnFIG have unidirectional causality toward lnEFT and lnENT. Furthermore, the bootstrap rolling‐window subsamples in the final stage indicate that lnGRN and lnFIG mitigate lnEFT, whereas lnGRN and lnGDP enhance energy transition. On the other hand, lnGDP and lnETX contribute to environmental deterioration, while lnFIG hinders the energy transition. Several important policy implications are derived from the results to encourage financial globalization, green innovation technologies, renewable energy resources consumption, and environmental taxes.