bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel High-Resolution Melting Method for Detection of Adulteration on Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)
Authors: Ay Neslihan , Hürkan Kaan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe pistachio nut (Pistacia vera L.) is a popular nut which is beneficial for health. As a result of its high price, adulteration of pistachio products with other foods is common. The green pea (Pisum sativum L.) is similar to pistachio in colour and texture when both are in a fine powder form, therefore powdered pistachio products are often adulterated with powdered green pea. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel method based on high resolution melting (HRM) to detect green pea adulteration in powdered pistachio products as low as in ratio. Methods and ResultsNovel primers that targeted the chloroplastidial sequence atpA, rpoC1 and ycf3 were tested on admixture ratios of 90:10, 99:1, 499:1 and 999:1 of pistachio:green pea. The melting temperatures (Tm) were found to detect the adulteration for the targets rpoC1 and ycf3. Since the atpA amplicon has identical guanine-cytosine content in both pistachio and green pea, it failed to distinguish the admixtures from the positive control samples. Differential plots and genotyping confidence percentages clearly distinguished the admixtures from positive controls down to a 0.1% ratio of pistachio:green pea. Sequencing of the amplicons supported the use of HRM to distinguish between pistachio and green pea. ConclusionsThe use of HRM with novel rpoC1 and ycf3 primer sets was found to be useful for rapid, cost-effective and reliable detection of green pea adulteration of pistachio down to a ratio of 0.1%.
Effects of an outpatient multifaceted medication review in older patients on the prevalence of emergency department visit and hospital admission
Authors: Zwietering Anne , Linkens AEMJH , Kuy PHM van der , Cremers H , Nie-Visser N. van , Hurkens KPGM 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background. The prevalence of medication related emergency department visit and acute hospital admission is significant in older patients due to the high prevalence of multimorbidity and associated polypharmacy. Aim. To explore whether a multifaceted outpatient medication review could alter the overall prevalence of an emergency department visit and acute hospital admission.Method. All new patients visiting our geriatric outpatient clinic had a multifaceted medication review (evaluation by a geriatrician, pharmacist and clinical decision support system). Subsequently we analysed the number of and reason for emergency department visit, acute hospital admission and readmission in the year prior to and following the index-date (date of first presentation and medication review).Results. The mean number of acute hospital admissions per patient in the year before and after medication review did not differ (0.3 ± 0.6 vs. 0.4 ± 0.6, p=0.153), as did the 30- and 180-day readmission rate (p=0.69 and p=0.83). There were no differences in reasons for acute hospital admission before and after medication review, but there was a significant difference in the number of potentially medication related emergency department visits (38.9 vs. 19.6%, p<0.01).Conclusion. There was no beneficial effect of an outpatient clinic multifaceted medication review on the overall rate of acute hospital admission or readmission during 12 months follow-up. There was however a reduction of 20% in potentially medication related emergency department visits after medication review.
Pembrolizumab in combination with gemcitabine for patients with HER2-negative advanced breast cancer: GEICAM/2015-04 (PANGEA-Breast) study
Authors: Cruz-Merino Luis de la , Gion María , Cruz Josefina , Alonso-Romero Jose Luis , Quiroga Vanesa , Moreno Fernando , Andrés Raquel , Santisteban Marta , Ramos Manuel , Holgado Esther , Cortés Javier , López-Miranda Elena , Cortés Alfonso , Henao Fernando , Palazón-Carrión Natalia , Rodriguez Luz Milva , Ceballos Isaac , Soto Asunción , Puertes Ana , Casas Maribel , Benito Sara , Chiesa Massimo , Bezares Susana , Caballero Rosalía , Jiménez-Cortegana Carlos , Sánchez-Margalet Víctor , Rojo Federico 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: We evaluated a combination of two immunomodulatory agents considering a synergism that may induce long-term clinical benefit in advanced breast cancer (ABC). Methods: HER2-negative ABC patients received 21-day cycles of pembrolizumab 200 mg (day 1) and gemcitabine (days 1 and 8). A run-in-phase (6+6 design) was planned with two dose levels (DL) of gemcitabine (1,250 mg/m2 [DL0]; 1,000 mg/m2 [DL1]) to determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D). The primary objective was objective response rate (ORR). Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) density and PD-L1 expression in tumors and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) levels in peripheral blood were analyzed. Results: Fourteen patients were treated with DL0, resulting in RP2D. Thirty-six patients were evaluated during the first stage of Simon’s design. Recruitment was stopped as statistical assumptions were not met. The median age was 52; 21 (58%) patients had triple-negative disease, 28 (78%) visceral involvement, and 27 (75%) ≥2 metastatic locations. Progression disease was observed in 29 patients. ORR was 15% (95% CI, 5–32). Eight patients were treated ≥6 months before progression. Fourteen patients reported grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events. No association was found between TILs density and treatment efficacy. Patients with negative PD-L1 expression showed significantly prolonged progression-free survival. MDSCs levels were associated with treatment response.Conclusion: Pembrolizumab 200 mg and gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m2 were considered as RP2D. The objective of ORR was not met; however, 22% patients were on treatment for ≥6 months. Tumor PD-L1 expression and MDSCs levels suggested a potential predictive role in this population.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov and EudraCT (NCT03025880 and 2016-001779-54, respectively).
Research on the process of virus infecting cells using atomic force microscope measuring mechanical properties
Authors: Gu Yuping , Yuan Shuai , Chu Tianshu , Liu Likai 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The relationship between the infectivity of virus infecting cells and its mechanical properties has been becoming a hot issue of biology. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides an effective tool for studying the interaction of viruses infecting cells under physiological conditions. In order to explore the process of virus infecting cells and reveal the action principle of antiviral drugs, this paper analyzes the changing trend of mechanical properties of cells under normal conditions and after being infected by viruses, which is always soft → hard → soft for adhesion and Young's modulus; Next the influence of virus quantity on the process of infecting cells is studied, the result represents that increasing the viruses will speed up the change of mechanical properties and accelerate cell apoptosis. Then, through the comparison of the two experimental results, the process of the antiviral drug ribavirin in inhibiting the virus infecting cells is studied, which revealed that ribavirin could inhibit the virus infecting cells by modifying the surface structure of the virus. This conclusion is illustrated by measuring the hardness changing before and after the adenovirus is modified by ribavirin.
Purified complement C3b triggers phagocytosis and activation of human neutrophils via Complement receptor 1
Authors: Boero Elena , Gorham Ronald D. , Francis Emmet A. , Brand Jonathan , Teng Lay Heng , Doorduijn Dennis J. , Ruyken Maartje , Lehmann Christian , Verschoor Admar , Kessel Kok P.M. , Heinrich Volkmar , Rooijakkers Suzan H.M. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The complement system provides vital immune protection against infectious agents by labeling them with complement fragments that enhance phagocytosis by immune cells. Many details of complement-mediated phagocytosis remain elusive, partly because it is difficult to study the role of individual complement proteins on target surfaces. Here, we employ serum-free methods to couple purified complement C3b onto E. coli bacteria and beads and then expose human neutrophils to these C3b-coated targets. We examine the neutrophil response using a combination of flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, luminometry, single-live-cell/single-target manipulation, and dynamic analysis of neutrophil spreading on opsonin-coated surfaces. We show that purified C3b can potently trigger phagocytosis and killing of bacterial cells via Complement receptor 1. Comparison of neutrophil phagocytosis of C3b- versus antibody-coated beads with single-bead/single-target analysis exposes a similar cell morphology during engulfment. However, bulk phagocytosis assays of C3b-beads combined with DNA-based quenching reveal that these are poorly internalized compared to their IgG1 counterparts. Similarly, neutrophils spread slower on C3b-coated compared to IgG-coated surfaces. These observations support the requirement of multiple stimulations for efficient C3b-mediated uptake. Together, our results establish the existence of a direct pathway of phagocytic uptake of C3b-coated targets and present methodologies to study this process.
Integrated Flood Studies in Sicily: An Hydro-geomorphological Approach
Authors: carlino martina , Francesco Silvia Di 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The present study originates from the need to investigate and monitor rivers in order to manage and mitigate fluvial dynamics and prevent flood adverse effects. The aim is to develop an integrated flood risk management procedure that properly incorporates safety and quality issues, in accordance respectively with Flood Directive and Water Framework Directive (WFD). Flood inundation models (2‐D) were used to develop flood inundation maps that takes into account uncertainty related to modeling process and hazards related to channel dynamics were investigated. Two survey and classification tools, recently developed in the IDRAIM methodology, were tested: the Morphological Dynamics Index (MDI) and the Event’s Dynamics Classification ( EDC ). These latter tools are required for integrating the standard hydraulic analyses used for flood mapping and, therefore, for obtaining an overall more robust and reliable flood risk assessment.
Hydraulic simulations and applications of morphological indexes were applied on two different rivers located in Sicily: a highly controlled river, Arena river, and a more dynamic gravel-bed river, Tempio river. Specifically, the indexes were used to identify portions of river interested by morphologic variability. Based on obtained results, interventions addressed to mitigate fluvial dynamics and prevent flood adverse effects were designed.
Neighbourhood matching creates realistic surrogate
temporal networks
Authors: Longa Antonio , Cencetti Giulia , Lehmann Sune , Passerini Andrea , Lepri Bruno 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Temporal networks are essential for modeling and understanding systems whose behavior varies in time, from social interactions to biological systems. Often, however, real-world data are prohibitively expensive to collect or unshareable due to privacy concerns. A promising solution is ‘surrogate networks’, synthetic graphs with the properties of real-world networks. Until now, the generation of realistic surrogate temporal networks has remained an open problem, due to the difficulty of capturing both the temporal and topological properties of the input network, as well as their correlations, in a scalable model. Here, we propose a novel and simple method for generating surrogate temporal networks. By decomposing graphs into temporal neighborhoods surrounding each node, we can generate new networks using neighborhoods as building blocks. Our model vastly outperforms current methods across multiple examples of temporal networks in terms of both topological and dynamical similarity. We further show that beyond generating realistic interaction patterns, our method is able to capture intrinsic temporal periodicity of temporal networks, all with an execution time lower than competing methods by multiple orders of magnitude.
Molecular analysis reveals a distinct subgenogroup of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in Northern Vietnam in 2018–2019
Authors: LE THANH HOA , Duong Bui Thi Thuy , Thao Pham Thi Phuong , Hoa Nguyen Thi , Thu Ha Thi , Phuoc Man Hong , Quyen Dong Van 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is known as a serious disease infecting all ages of pigs, with a mortality rate of up to 100% in piglets. The spike protein (S) of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), in particular, the S1-CTD (C-terminal domain), which contains the conservative neutralizing epitopes CO­26K equivalent (COE) (aa 499–638), exhibits a high degree of genetic and antigenic diversity. We obtained 26 Vietnamese PEDV-S1-CTD sequences (630 bp) from samples collected from seven northern provinces from June 2018 to January 2019 and analyzed them with 35 sequences from previous studies, representing the G1a and 1b, G2a and 2b, and recombinant (G1c) genotypes, and PEDV vaccines. The majority (73.1%) of strains (19/26) belonged to the subgroup G2b. With strong nodal support (98%), seven strains were clustered into an independent, “distinct subgenogroup” (named dis-subG), separate from both G1a and G1b and other G2a, 2b, and 1c (recombinant strains). When compared with the prototype CV777 strain (AF353511), sequence analysis revealed distinct changes of 513T>S, 520G>D, 527V>(I/L/M), 591L>F, 669A>(S/P), 691V>I in the COE and S1D regions of the S1-CTD protein that were only identified in these Vietnamese strains. This cluster is a new antigenic variant subgroup and further studies are required to investigate its anigenicity. The results in this study revealed the continuous evolution in the S1 region of the Vietnamese PEDV strains, which emphasizes the need for frequent updates of the vaccines for effective protection.
Optical Tomography Dynamics Induced by Qubit-Resonator Interactions Under Intrinsic Decoherence
Authors: Mohamed A.-B. A. , Eleuch Hichem 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A superconducting circuit with a qubit and a resonator resonantly coupled via a two-photon interaction is considered. When the resonator is initially in a superposition of coherent states, optical tomography and quantum coherence dynamics are examined in the context of intrinsic decoherence. The results reveal that optical tomography is a good quantifier of the quantum coherence produced by the qubit-resonator interaction. The effects of qubit-resonator detuning and intrinsic decoherence on the dynamics of optical tomography distributions for coherent and even coherent states are investigated. The dynamics of optical tomography distributions are highly dependent on detuning and intrinsic decoherence.
Incidence of cereblon protein in intensive care patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayvat Pinar , Diniz Gulden , Gulmez Hakan , Yurtlu Derya Arslan , Asar Kamil , Katircioglu Kaan , Ece Cem , Sofuoglu Zeynep 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background-
Sepsis remains a common cause of death. Involving in important cellular processes, the cereblon (CRBN) protein plays a role in sepsis. This study aimed to show the CRBN protein expression and its effects on the patients in the intensive care unit.
Methods-
Samples were taken by deep tracheal aspiration from patients. The presence of CRBN was pathologically investigated by using immunohistochemical tests and polyclonal antibodies against CRBN. The relationship between gender, sepsis, steroid, survival, and the presence of CRBN was examined.
Results-
Respiratory and neurologic diseases were the most common reasons for admission. Acinetobacter was the most frequent microorganism. In patients with more than normal inflammatory cells, we observed a negative correlation between CRBN expression and PNL rate (p = 0.031). In patients with CRBN, there was no correlation between steroid and mortality, APACHE/Glasgow score, length of stay in hospital and ICU.
Conclusion-
Although the prognosis in sepsis is better in CRBN-deficiency animals, the presence of CRBN in humans does not affect it. The more we saw inflammatory cells in aspiration material, the less there was a CRBN. The response to steroids, an immunomodulator, did not change with the presence of the immunomodulator target molecule, CRBN. This requires us to reconsider using immunomodulators in the treatment of sepsis.
Modeling the spray range of rotating nozzles based on modified ballistic trajectory equation parameters
Authors: Rui Zhang , Yichuan Liu , Delan Zhu , Xiaomin Zhang , Fei Gao , Zheng Changjuan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In order to determine the spray range of the rotating nozzles, this study conducted a force analysis of the jet micro-element generated by the sprinkler spray, using the dimensional analysis, least squares regression and 207 sets of sprinkler irrigation test data. The jet deformation parameter kjet, which can measure the mass and shape of jet microelements generated by different sprinkler conditions, was proposed. Based on the modified ballistic trajectory equation of the spray water motion, a rotating nozzle spray range model was established, verified and compared, the results showed that: 1) The dimension of jet deformation parameter kjet is the length L, is a function of the nozzle diameter, working pressure and nozzle elevation angle; 2) The maximum mean absolute error (RMSE) and root mean square error (MAE) of this model were1.749 and 1.348, respectively, in the nozzle elevation angle range of 7°~43°, which was significantly better than other types of models in terms of prediction accuracy; 3) Sensitivity analysis yielded the degree of impact on the nozzle range from the largest to the smallest in order of nozzle diameter > nozzle working pressure > nozzle elevation angle > nozzle installation height; 4) The maximum spray range of the nozzle was positively related to the nozzle diameter and working pressure. Influenced by the working pressure and nozzle diameter to reach the maximum spray range of the nozzle elevation angle in the vicinity of 30° change. This study can provide a reference for the design of sprinkler systems and the development of rotating nozzles.
Shiga toxin-targeted gold nanorods for head-neck cancer photothermal therapy in clinical samples
Authors: Navarro-Palomares Elena , García-Hevia Lorena , Galán-Vidal Jesús , Gandarillas Alberto , García-Reija Fe , Sánchez-Iglesias Ana , Liz-Marzán Luis M. , Valiente Rafael , Fanarraga Mónica L. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background A great challenge in nanomedicine, and more specifically in theranostics, is to improve the specificity and selectivity of nanomaterials towards target tissues or cells. The topical use of nanomedicines as adjuvants to systemic chemotherapy can significantly improve the survival of patients affected by localized carcinomas, reducing the side effects of traditional drugs and preventing local recurrences.Results Here we have used the Shiga toxin, to design a safe, high-affinity protein-ligand (ShTxB) to bind the globotriaosylceramide receptor (GB3) that is overexpressed on the surfaces of preneoplastic and malignant cancer cells in head and neck tumors. We find that ShTxB functionalized gold nanorods are efficiently retrotranslocated to the GB3 positive cell cytoplasms. After 3-10 minutes of laser radiation with a wavelength resonant with the AuNR longitudinal localized surface plasmon, the death of the targeted cancer cells is activated. Both preclinical models and patient biopsy cells show the non-cytotoxic nature of these functionalized nanoparticles prior to light activation and their treatment selectivity.Conclusions These results show how the topical use of nanomedicines targeted by natural ligands can represent an effective treatment for aggressive localized cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Differences in healthcare utilization inequity amongst latent classes of patients with chronic diseases and factor decomposition of the elderly with chronic diseases in China
Authors: Zhao Jie , Yan Chaoyang , Han Dan , Wu Yunyi , Liao Hui , Ma Ying , Zhang Mei , Li Sangsang , wang jing 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background Studies have shown chronic disease-based healthcare utilization inequity is common. Exploring it will help establish targeted measures and protect the rights and interests of vulnerable groups. Against this background, the purpose of this study is to explore the latent classification of elderly patients with chronic disease and compare healthcare utilization inequity among latent classes.Methods Data on 7243 patient with chronic diseases and over 60 years old were collected from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Latent class analysis was used to classify the patients with chronic diseases, and analysis of variance and x2 tests were utilized to test the differences in characteristics among latent classes. Healthcare utilization inequity was measured on the basis of the concentration index (CI), and the CI was decomposed to compare the horizontal index of healthcare utilization among the latent classes.Results The patients with chronic diseases were divided into five latent classes, namely, the musculoskeletal system, hypertension, respiratory system, digestive system and cardiovascular system groups. Statistically significant differences in social demographic characteristics were observed among the five latent classes. A pro-rich healthcare utilization inequity for all respondents was found, and a similar phenomenon was observed for latent classes. For access to healthcare utilization, the digestive system group had the worst equity and the respiratory system group had the best. After balancing the influence of health need factors, healthcare utilization inequity was almost alleviated by different degree. Furthermore, the contribution of health need factors was larger than that of socioeconomic factors, and self-rated health status was the greatest contributor.Conclusions Healthcare utilization inequity still exists in elderly patients with chronic diseases, and the level and direction of inequity vary among latent classes. Moreover, self-rated health status plays an important role in healthcare utilization inequity. Providing financial support to low-income patients with certain chronic diseases, focusing on the physical and mental feelings of patients with chronic diseases and guiding these patients to evaluate their health status correctly could be essential for alleviating healthcare utilization inequity among elderly patients with chronic diseases.
Inequality and Regional Poverty in Nigeria: A Decomposition Analysis from Foster-Greer-Thorbecke Index
Authors: Omeje Ambrose Nnaemeka , Chukwu Ndubuisi Obeka , Isiwu Paul Chukwuemeka 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This study examined inequality and regional poverty in Nigeria using the Nigeria Living Standard Survey – NLSS (2019), and adopted decomposition analysis of the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke Index. It was therefore found by the study that in this regard, inequality and regional poverty is more in the Northern Nigeria with North West having the greatest head count ratio or poverty incidence, poverty gap or poverty intensity and poverty severity. This is followed by the North East, and North Central. Going southern part of the country, it was found by the study that inequality and regional poverty is more in South West, followed by South-South, and least in the South East. The study therefore recommends that there is urgent need for national policies geared towards reduction of poverty incidence in all the geopolitical regions of the country. This could come through employment creation, increased investment in infrastructure, increased development and support of informal sector businesses, among other social investments that could increase incomes through increased employment.