bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aflatoxins contamination in nuts for direct human consumption: analytical findings from three years of official control in Italy
Authors: Vita Valeria , Franchino Cinzia , Iammarino Marco , De Pace Rita 
Published: March 2022

SummaryIn this study, an Enzyme‐Linked Immuno Assay (ELISA) was used to detect the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and total aflatoxins (AFTs) in 200 samples of nuts for human consumption. The analytical technique was validated, with detection limit equal to 1 µg kg‐1 and recovery percentage exceeding 90% for both AFB1 and AFT. The percentage of samples with aflatoxins concentration higher than legal limits amounted to 9% and 10% for AFB1 for AFT, respectively, and they were composed of almond and pistachio. Three samples of almond and 15 of pistachio resulted as non‐complaint for AFB1. Other 2 samples of pistachio were non‐compliant only for AFT. Taking into account that the levels exceeded up to five times the maximum permitted limits set by European Commission (AFT maximum concentration: 52.8 µg kg‐1), the results of this survey confirmed the need of official control and the reliability of ELISA as sensitive screening method.
Surgical and focal treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A literature review
Authors: Naito Sei , Kato Tomoyuki , Tsuchiya Norihiko 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAccompanied by the development of systemic therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, the concept of focal treatment, including surgical treatment, has been changing. Although immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy was essentially considered for synchronous metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients, the CARMENA trial and SURTIME trial revealed the negative impact of immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy. Therefore, immediate cytoreductive nephrectomy is currently considered only for a limited number of patients. Besides, deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy seems to have efficacy for overall survival in prior retrospective studies. Two randomized controlled trials, the PROBE trial (NCT04510597) and the NORDIC‐SUN trial (NCT03977571), are underway to elucidate deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy. Metastasectomy is also considered in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients because previous studies demonstrated the overall survival benefit of metastasectomy. However, since all reports were retrospective studies, physicians could exclude the patients who were not expected to show the efficacy of metastasectomy. Therefore, an adequate patient selection for metastasectomy is important. A common factor predicting better overall survival was complete resection. Radiotherapies for metastatic lesions during systemic therapy showed approximately 90% local disease control rate at 1 year. However, no report has demonstrated that radiotherapy improves survival so far. Since surgical and focal treatments for metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients generally have minimal evidence, further investigations are needed.
Thermal performance regulation of high‐entropy rare‐earth disilicate for thermal environmental barrier coating materials
Authors: Wang Xu , He Yuxuan , Wang Chao , Bai Yu , Zhang Fan , Wu Yusheng , Song Guihong , Wang Zhan Jie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe prepared the novel high‐entropy (xRE1/x)2Si2O7 (RE = Y, Yb, Er, Sc, Gd and Eu, x = 2–6) ceramics by a two‐step method for the application of thermal environmental barrier coatings (TEBCs), and the effect of configuration entropy and lattice distortion on microstructures and thermal properties at high temperature were investigated. The results showed that the configuration entropy resulted from mass disorder can only contribute to the stability of thermal properties and microstructure. Lattice distortion should be responsible for reduction in thermal properties, which may be due to the enhancement of atomic nonharmonic vibration, resulting in intensified phonon scattering and hindering atomic amplitude oscillation. As‐prepared high‐entropy (Y1/6Yb1/6Er1/6Sc1/6Gd1/6Eu1/6)2Si2O7 ceramic exhibited the relatively low thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion, which were 0.89–0.50 mm2 s–1, 1.99–2.50 W m–1 K–1 and (3.01–3.78) × 10–6 K–1 in the temperature range of 293–1373 K, respectively. This work provides a solid guarantee for the application of TEBC materials.
Effects of multi‐metal exposure on the risk of diabetes mellitus among people aged 40–75 years in rural areas in southwest China
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yin Huanhuan , Zhu Xuemei , Xiang Rong , Miao Yeqiu , Zhang Yu , Song Yang , Chen Jinyao , Zhang Lishi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAims/IntroductionMetals play an important role in diabetes mellitus. This cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the overall, individual and interactive effects of multi‐metal exposure on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) rate and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels.Materials and MethodsThe FBG levels of a study population from a cadmium (Cd)‐polluted area (n = 250) and an unpolluted area (n = 204), and the metal levels, including magnesium, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), Cd, copper and lead (Pb) in blood and urine were detected. The study population was divided into a normal fasting glucose group, an IFG group and a diabetes mellitus group on the basis of FBG levels.ResultsThe IFG rate and diabetes mellitus prevalence were negatively associated with blood Cd and urine Zn levels (IFG rate: odds ratio [OR] 0.780, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.655–0.928; OR 0.622, 95% CI 0.465–0.831. Diabetes mellitus prevalence: OR 0.506, 95% CI 0.288–0.888; OR 0.609, 95% CI 0.395–0.939), the IFG rate was positively associated with urine Fe levels (OR 1.876, 95% CI 1.290–2.778), and diabetes mellitus prevalence was positively associated with urine Pb and blood Fe levels (OR 1.185, 95% CI 1.022–1.376; OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.001–1.014). A linear negative correlation was observed between FBG levels and blood Cd, and non‐linear inverted U‐shaped associations were found between FBG levels and Zn, Pb and copper in urine.ConclusionsThis research suggests that multi‐metal exposure, especially Cd, Fe, Zn, copper and Pb, is linked to diabetes mellitus, and the interactive effects of multiple metals require further exploration.
Elevated prolactin secretion during proestrus in mice: Absence of a defined surge
Authors: Phillipps Hollian R. , Khant Aung Zin , Grattan David R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThroughout the reproductive cycle in rodents, prolactin levels are generally low. In some species, including rats, a prolactin surge occurs on proestrus with peak concentrations coinciding with the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. In mice, however, there are conflicting reports relating to the occurrence and timing of a proestrous prolactin surge. To gain further insight into the incidence and characteristics of this surge in mice, we have used serial tail tip blood sampling and trunk blood collection from both C57BL/6J (inbred) and Swiss Webster (outbred) mouse strains to build a profile of prolactin secretion during proestrus in individual mice. A clearly defined LH surge was detected in most animals, suggesting the blood sampling approach was suitable for detecting patterns of hormone secretion on proestrus. Despite this, levels of prolactin were quite variable between individuals. Overall both mouse strains showed a generalized rise in prolactin levels on the day of proestrus compared with levels seen in diestrus. This pattern is quite distinct from the discreet, circadian‐entrained surge observed in rats.
Oral tranexamic acid with a triple combination cream versus oral tranexamic acid monotherapy in the treatment of severe melasma
Authors: Martinez‐Rico Jessica Carolina , Chavez‐Alvarez Sonia , Herz‐Ruelas Maira Elizabeth , Sosa‐Colunga Sergio Axel , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge , Suro‐Santos Yeudiel , Vazquez Martinez Osvaldo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundMelasma is an acquired pigmentation disorder with a complex multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Oral tranexamic acid (TA) is a promising drug for its treatment and may enhance outcomes when used in combination.ObjectiveTo provide evidence of the efficacy and safety of oral TA as a monotherapy, and in combination with a triple combination cream, for treating melasma in the Hispanic population.MethodsForty‐four female Hispanic patients with melasma were randomly assigned to receive 325 mg of oral TA every 12 h plus f‐TCC (fluocinolone‐based triple combination cream) every 24 h (group A) or 325 mg of oral TA every 12 h (group B) for 8 weeks, after which both groups were crossed‐over, and treated for an additional 8 weeks. Evaluations of the mMASI score, the melanin index, and the MelasQoL were made at baseline and Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16.ResultsThere was a 50.04% and 65.45% improvement in mMASI at Weeks 4 and 8, respectively, in group A, compared to baseline, while for Week 16, an improvement of 76.85% was achieved in group B compared to baseline. Highest scores were consistent with the use of the combined treatment modality in both groups, and were evidenced by the values of the melanin index obtained. There was no significant difference in MelasQoL scores between the 2 groups. No serious side effects were observed.ConclusionThe combination of oral TA and f‐TCC is more effective than oral TA alone in the treatment of severe melasma in Hispanic patients.
Fully Closed: Individual Responses to Realized Gains and Losses
Authors: MEYER STEFFEN , PAGEL MICHAELA 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTWe analyze how individuals reinvest realized capital gains and losses exploiting plausibly exogenous sales due to mutual fund liquidations. Individuals reinvest 83% if a forced sale results in a gain relative to the initial investment; but reinvest only 40% in the event of a loss. This difference is statistically significant for more than six months and arises because many individuals forced to realize a loss choose not to reinvest anything and some even exit the stock market altogether. Individuals treat realized losses differently from paper losses and are discouraged from investing more and participating in the stock market.
The Limits of Model‐Based Regulation
Authors: BEHN MARKUS , HASELMANN RAINER , VIG VIKRANT 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTUsing loan‐level data from Germany, we investigate how the introduction of model‐based capital regulation affected banks' ability to absorb shocks. The objective of this regulation was to enhance financial stability by making capital requirements responsive to asset risk. Our evidence suggests that banks “optimized” model‐based regulation to lower their capital requirements. Banks systematically underreported risk, with underreporting more pronounced for banks with higher gains from it. Moreover, large banks benefitted from the regulation at the expense of smaller banks. Overall, our results suggest that sophisticated rules may have undesired effects if strategic misbehavior is difficult to detect.
Bacterial meningitis: Aetiology, risk factors, disease trends and severe sequelae during 50 years in Sweden
Authors: Block Nils , Naucler Pontus , Wagner Philippe , Morfeldt Eva , Henriques‐Normark Birgitta 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundBacterial meningitis (BM) is a rare but severe infection. Few population‐based studies have characterised BM episodes and sequelae over long periods.MethodsThis was a population‐based observational cohort study with national coverage, using data on aetiological pathogens, sex, premorbid conditions, steroid pretreatment, severe sequelae and birth, death and diagnosis dates collected from 10,339 patients with BM reported to the National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden between 1964 and 2014.ResultsDuring the 50‐year study period, the incidence of BM decreased in young children, but not in the elderly. The most common cause of BM was pneumococci (34%), followed by Haemophilus influenzae (26%), and meningococci (18%), mainly community acquired. Premorbid conditions were found in 20%. After the H. influenzae type b vaccine was introduced in 1993, the BM incidence decreased by 36%. Following pneumococcal conjugated vaccine introduction in 2009, the incidence and 30‐day mortality from pneumococcal meningitis decreased by 64% and 100%, respectively, in previously healthy children, and the 30‐day mortality decreased by 64% among comorbid adults. The BM incidence in immunosuppressed patients increased by 3% annually post vaccine introduction. The 30‐day mortality was 3% in children and 14% in adults, and the rate of severe sequelae was 44%. On average, patients lost 11 years of healthy life due to BM.ConclusionThe introduction of conjugated vaccines into the childhood vaccination program has reduced the incidence of BM in young children, but not in adults. Post vaccine introduction, patients present with more premorbid conditions and other bacterial causes of BM, emphasising the need for a correct diagnosis when treating these infections.
Anatomical, behavioural and physiological analyses of craniofacial development by cineradiographic imaging in marmosets
Authors: de Oliveira Luciana Rezende , Borges Luana Siqueira , Sarmet Max , Kagiyama Kensuke , Silva Brena Oliveira , Picinato‐Pirola Melissa , Takehara Sachiko , Kumei Yasuhiro , Zeredo Jorge Luís Lopes 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundNon‐human primates are the closest animal models to humans regarding genetics, physiology and behaviour. Marmoset monkeys in particular are one of the most versatile species for biomedical research.ObjectiveTo assess the craniofacial growth and development of the masticatory function in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), from birth to the fourth month of life through minimally invasive cineradiographic imaging.MethodsTen individuals were followed‐up from 0 to 4 months of age regarding craniofacial growth and masticatory function assessed by cineradiography. For the experimental procedure, we used a microfocal X‐ray source apparatus and a beryllium fast‐response image‐intensifier.ResultsThe duration of the masticatory cycles was stable across age groups. Chewing a very soft Castella cake or the slightly harder Marshmallow did not change the masticatory cycle in the time domain. On the other hand, linear and angular measurements of the jaw‐opening movement showed a tendency for bigger movements at the latter stages of craniofacial growth. Qualitative analysis showed that marmosets had a small preference for Castella over Marshmallow, that they most often bit off pieces of food to chew with their posterior teeth, that they manipulated the food with their hands, and that they chewed the food continuously.ConclusionWe observed critical developmental events during the first 3 months of life in marmosets. Cineradiographic imaging in marmosets may provide valuable information on craniofacial form and function for basic and preclinical research models.
Surface Characteristics and Adhesion of Veneering Composite Resin to PAEK‐Based Substructure Restorative Materials
Authors: Alsadon Omar , Moorehead Robert , Almansour Haitham , Bangalore Durgesh , Alageel Omar , Wood Duncan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate and compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of composite veneering material to polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), zirconia (YZ), and nickel‐chromium alloy (NiCr) substructure restorative materials.Materials and methodsForty samples (12 × 2 mm) were prepared from four materials: PEKK, PEEK, zirconia, and NiCr alloy (n = 10). The Vickers hardness was evaluated before preparing the surface for bonding by shot‐blasting using 110 μm Al2O3 particles. The surface roughness (Ra) of each sample was determined using a noncontact optical profilometer. The veneering resin was bonded onto each sample following primer application. The prepared samples were then subjected to an SBS test using a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Failure modes and surface topography following debonding were assessed. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's post‐hoc comparison test (p < 0.05). ResultsThe highest and lowest mean surface roughness was observed in PEEK (3.45 ±0.13 μm) and NiCr (1.87 ±0.07 μm) materials, respectively. A significant difference in roughness values was observed between the materials except for NiCr and YZ (p = 0.547). Concerning SBS, PEEK and NiCr exhibited the highest (16.23 ±0.96 MPa) and lowest (10.1 ±0.63 MPa) values. The mean difference in SBS indicated a statistically significant difference between the material groups (p < 0.01).ConclusionsPEKK materials demonstrated significantly lower SBS than PEEK and significantly higher SBS values than conventional zirconia and alloy materials. A positive and significant correlation between mean roughness and SBS was observed, but the causality could be either intrinsic to the material or the roughness.
Teachers’ Verbal Lexical Explanation for Second Language Vocabulary Learning: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lee Jang Ho , Lee Hansol 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article reports a meta‐analysis of studies on the effects of teachers’ verbal lexical explanation (TVLE), as one type of lexical focus on form, on second language vocabulary learning. The dataset for this meta‐analysis included 14 studies, representing a total of 36 independent samples (N = 3,304). The results of this study reveal that TVLE resulted in more vocabulary gains than an absence of TVLE, at posttest and delayed posttest. In addition, explanation in the first language was more effective than explanation in the second language at posttest and delayed posttest. We further identified a range of potential moderators that may influence the effects of TVLE. In particular, we found that the overall effectiveness of TVLE was greater when the degree of vocabulary knowledge was measured through recall tests rather than through recognition tests in the long term.
Art, not a science: How legal impact organizations identify community need
Authors: Trowbridge David 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe cause lawyering and social movement organization literature explains that movement groups may not prioritize needs that are important to marginalized subgroups within their constituencies. This echoes common and salient critiques within the LGBTQ legal industry. Using a case study of legal organizations within the LGBTQ movement, this article attempts to identify the mechanisms used to determine community need. Contrary to expectations, legal organizations take deliberate and often systematic steps to understand community need and recognize it as central to priority setting. Information flow about needs between large impact groups and smaller state/local groups moves in both directions. However, there are features of these mechanisms that may explain the perceived gap between organizational agendas and community need. The identification of sites and tools for determining need found in this project might provide organizations with guideposts to help them improve practices and close that gap. Finally, the findings here add to our understanding of how lawyers seek to promote organizational accountability.
“Acquired” Brugada syndrome in a cardiac allograft
Authors: Power Alyssa , Lynch Áine , Zahavich Laura , Lévesque Sébastien A. , Stephenson Elizabeth A. , Jean‐St‐Michel Emilie , Dipchand Anne I. , Jeewa Aamir 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionBrugada syndrome is an inherited channelopathy characterized by arrhythmia and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Implantation of a defibrillator for primary or secondary prevention is the only effective strategy to decrease the risk of SCD in Brugada syndrome. We present a case in which a cardiac donor had a pathogenic variant for Brugada syndrome, discovered on genetic testing after transplantation.Case reportA young child with dilated cardiomyopathy underwent orthotopic heart transplantation from a donor with in‐hospital cardiac arrest in the context of fever and a normal ECG. Approximately 1 month after transplant, the donor's post mortem genetic testing revealed a pathogenic loss‐of‐function SCN5A variant associated with Brugada syndrome, which was confirmed on genetic testing on a post‐transplant endomyocardial biopsy from the recipient. The recipient's post‐transplant electrocardiographic monitoring revealed persistent right bundle branch block and progressive, asymptomatic sinus node dysfunction. The recipient was managed with precautionary measures including aggressive fever management, avoidance of drugs that increase arrhythmia risk in Brugada syndrome, and increased frequency of arrhythmia surveillance. The recipient remains asymptomatic at over 3 years post‐transplant with preserved graft function and no documented ventricular arrhythmias.ConclusionWe describe the clinical course of “acquired” Brugada syndrome in a cardiac allograft recipient, which has not been previously reported. The time‐sensitive nature of donor organ selection, especially in critically ill recipients, combined with the growing use of molecular autopsies in patients with unexplained etiologies for death may increasingly result in important donor genetic information being made available after transplantation.
Involvement of Akt and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐xL in the inhibition of apoptosis of dendritic cells by Leishmania mexicana
Authors: Rodríguez‐González Jorge , Wilkins‐Rodríguez Arturo A. , Gutiérrez‐Kobeh Laila 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe intracellular parasite Leishmania mexicana inhibits camptothecin (CPT)‐induced apoptosis of monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (moDC) through the down‐regulation of p38 and JNK phosphorylation, while the kinase Akt is maintained active for 24 h. In addition, the infection of moDC with L. mexicana promastigotes increases the protein presence of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐xL. In the present work, we aimed to investigate the role of Akt in the inhibition of apoptosis of moDC by L. mexicana and in the modulation of the expression of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl‐2, Mcl‐1 and Bcl‐xL. moDC were infected with L. mexicana metacyclic promastigotes and treated with CPT, an Akt inhibitor, or both and the mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) and protein presence of active caspase 3, Bcl‐2, Mcl‐1 and Bcl‐xL were evaluated. Our results show that the specific inhibition of Akt reverts the apoptosis protective effect exerted by L. mexicana on moDC reflected by a reduction in MOMP, caspase 3 activation, and upregulation of Bcl‐xL. Interestingly, we also found that the infection of moDC with L. mexicana promastigotes induces a decrease in Bcl‐2 along with an isoform change of Mcl‐1, this independently to Akt activity. We demonstrated that Akt is deeply involved in the inhibition of apoptosis of moDC by L. mexicana.