bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of laboratory and serological test results in patients with acute brucellosis during follow‐up
Authors: Ta Na , Yu Ruiping , Liang Hanwei , Zhang Wenqiang , Song Litao , Fan Menguang , Wen Yongjun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe laboratory test results and serum‐specific antibodies of patients with acute brucellosis initial infection were followed up and analyzed.Methods70 patients in Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with acute brucellosis were followed up for 360 days. Serum samples were collected at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, and 360 days after diagnosis and analyzed by Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), colloidal gold test paper (GICA), and test tube agglutination test (SAT). The serum‐specific antibodies IgG and IgM were detected.ResultsRBPT results: False negative (‐) gradually increased with the extension of the course of disease, with the largest change in 30–60 days after diagnosis, and the constituent ratio increased by 12.9%. GICA results: The false negative increased with the course of disease, and the constituent ratio of false negative was 20.0% after 180 days of diagnosis. SAT results: 1:100 positive showed a ladder like decrease with the increase in the course of disease, and the largest decrease was 90–180 days, with a decrease of 34.3% in the constituent ratio. 360 days after diagnosis, the constituent ratio of positive was only 14.3%. During the follow‐up period, the IgG average value fluctuated and the average IgM value decreased.ConclusionThe false‐negative results of RBPT, GICA, and SAT increased with the course of disease, and the false‐negative rates were higher than 20% after half a year. IgM level is beneficial to the early diagnosis of brucellosis, while IgG level is helpful to the judgment of brucellosis stage.
A simple and reliable bile acid assay in human serum by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Shen Ying , Liu Ke , Luo Xia , Guan Qing , Cheng Liming 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundBile acids, as important signaling molecules and regulatory factors acting on glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism, are always involved in liver, biliary, and intestinal diseases. Development and validation of a simple liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method for determination of bile acids is significant for the routine clinical testing.MethodsFifty microlitre of serum was mixed with 10 μl of the internal standard working solution and then 140 μl of methanol for protein precipitation. After centrifuged, the supernatant was directly used for LC‐MS/MS analysis.ResultsGood separation of all bile acid species was achieved. The method was validated with consistent linearity for individual bile acids, good recovery, low carryover, satisfactory sample stability, and analytical specificity against hemolysis, lipemia, and bilirubinemia. The intra‐day and the inter‐day imprecision values were in the range of 1.53%–10.63% and 3.01%–13.98%, respectively. No obvious matrix effect was observed. The reference intervals of bile acids in adults have been established for the clinical testing.ConclusionsThe low sample volume, simple sample preparation, good separation of all species, and satisfying validation results make this LC‐MS/MS approach suitable for usage as a high‐throughput assay in routine clinical laboratories.
Stepping in and up to meet community needs: How community‐based college access and success programs responded to COVID‐19
Authors: Case Amanda S. , Kang Ellice , Krutsch Jacqueline , Bhojwani Jaya , Fanok Sophie , Contreras Stephanie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe current study uplifts the efforts of community‐based college access and success programs (CAS) to support the college preparation, matriculation, and persistence of underserved students during COVID‐19. Fifty‐eight CAS across the United States completed an online survey that gathered information about organizational demographics, COVID‐19 challenges, responses to challenges, and communication with constituents and funding needs during COVID‐19. Results suggested CAS faced multiple challenges due to COVID‐19 that affected the organization, staff, and constituents. Results also revealed organizations of varying sizes, locations, and demographics responded to challenges by revising existing programming for students, creating new programming for students and caretakers, and updating staff policies to meet ongoing and emergent needs despite limited resources. CAS are essential service providers for students who are under‐ and mis‐served in formal education systems. Recommendations are provided for how such organizations can be invested in and better prepared for future disruptions.
Early pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiation and continuation among pregnant and postpartum women in antenatal care in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Joseph Davey Dvora Leah , Mvududu Rufaro , Mashele Nyiko , Lesosky Maia , Khadka Nehaa , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Gorbach Pamina , Coates Thomas J. , Myer Landon 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionPre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe and effective prevention strategy to reduce women's risk of HIV in pregnancy and postpartum. Effective PrEP protection requires daily PrEP adherence, but little is known about maternal PrEP continuation and factors that influence PrEP use.MethodsThe PrEP in pregnancy and postpartum (PrEP‐PP) study enrolled consenting pregnant, HIV‐negative women at first antenatal care (ANC) visit with follow‐up through 12 months postpartum. Eligible and consenting women and girls ≥16 years received HIV prevention counselling and were offered PrEP. Interviewers collected socio‐demographic and behavioural data from participants at each visit. We analysed the proportion of women who initiated PrEP and the proportion who continued PrEP after 3 months with associated correlates by estimating the prevalence ratio adjusting fora prioriconfounders.ResultsBetween August 2019 and October 2021, we enrolled 1201 pregnant women (median gestation 21 weeks; age 26 years); 84% of women initiated PrEP at their first ANC visit (n= 1014); 55% were married or cohabiting. Overall, 66% of women on PrEP returned for a repeat prescription at 1 month; 58% returned at 3 months (n= 493 of 844). Almost one‐half of women on PrEP reported a side effect at 1 month, mostly nausea/vomiting. Women on PrEP in the first and second trimesters had higher odds of reporting side effects (aOR 2.61; 95% CI 1.17–5.84) versus postpartum women. Women who reported side effects continued with PrEP less than those who did not report side effects (aPR = 0.87; 95% CI 0.77–0.97). Women with ≥1 previous pregnancy (aPR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.57–1.01) or were postpartum (aPR 0.85; 95% CI 0.75–0.97) were less likely to continue PrEP compared to women who were primigravid or pregnant. Women who reported having an HIV+ partner (aPR = 1.45; 95% CI 1.13–1.85) or high HIV risk perception (aPR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.01–1.41) were more likely to continue on PrEP than those who had HIV‐negative partners or low risk perception.ConclusionsPrEP initiation and early continuation were high in this setting, compared to other studies in women. Being postpartum and experiencing side effects were associated with lower PrEP continuation, presenting opportunities for counselling on early transient side effects. Interventions for postpartum women on PrEP are needed.
DEK, a nuclear protein, is chemotactic for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells acting through CXCR2 and Gαi signaling
Authors: Capitano Maegan L , Sammour Yasser , Ropa James , Legendre Maureen , Mor-Vaknin Nirit , Markovitz David M 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFew cytokines/growth modulating proteins are known to be chemoattractants for hematopoietic stem (HSC) and progenitor cells (HPC); stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF1α/CXCL12) being the most potent known such protein. DEK, a nuclear DNA-binding chromatin protein with hematopoietic cytokine-like activity, is a chemotactic factor attracting mature immune cells. Transwell migration assays were performed to test whether DEK serves as a chemotactic agent for HSC/HPC. DEK induced dose- and time-dependent directed migration of lineage negative (Lin–) Sca-1+ c-Kit+ (LSK) bone marrow (BM) cells, HSCs and HPCs. Checkerboard assays demonstrated that DEK's activity was chemotactic (directed), not chemokinetic (random migration), in nature. DEK and SDF1α compete for HSC/HPC chemotaxis. Blocking CXCR2 with neutralizing antibodies or inhibiting Gαi protein signaling with Pertussis toxin pretreatment inhibited migration of LSK cells toward DEK. Thus, DEK is a novel and rare chemotactic agent for HSC/HPC acting in a direct or indirect CXCR2 and Gαi protein-coupled signaling-dependent manner.
Fertilizer combination effects on aggregate stability and distribution of aluminum and iron oxides#
Authors: Anthonio Christian Kofi , Huang Jing , Han Tianfu , Qaswar Muhammad , Liu Kailou , Du Jiangxue , Daba Nano Alemu , Ali Sehrish , Matelele Lehlogonolo Abner , Liu Shujun , Liu Guangrong , Zhang Huimin , Chen Jin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundOne main anthropogenic activity through which aggregate stability and elements are impacted in soils is through fertilization. Inputs of phosphate fertilizers to soils, for instance, have direct impacts on other elements in soils. Organic fertilizer sources are also known to markedly influence the availability of microelements. However, the extent to which different combination ratios of organic and chemical fertilizers affect the availability of these microelements in paddy soil aggregates is not clear.AimTherefore, this study examined aggregate stability and the distribution pattern of various extractable aluminum, and iron oxides as influenced by a long‐term varied combinations of pig manure with chemical nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer in a rice‐managed paddy.MethodMehlich 3, dithionite, oxalate, and pyrophosphate solutions were used to extract oxides of Al and Fe in bulk soil, and aggregates under long‐term fertilizer combinations, which included unfertilized CK (control), chemical NPK, 30% chemical NPK + 70% pig manure, 50% chemical NPK + 50% pig manure, and 70% chemical NPK + 30% pig manure in a randomly complete block design.ResultsThe highest manure treatment (70% manure) markedly increased total organic carbon (TOC), and total nitrogen (TN) in contrast to other treatments. Soil pH was higher in all manure‐treated fertilizers than in chemical NPK fertilizer likely because organic matter (OM) neutralized the protons. Additionally, the highest manure treatment led to the creation of more macroaggregates (2–0.25 mm), which translated into higher aggregate stability indices such as mean weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD) compared to other treatments. It was also noted that the 70% manure treatment in comparison with other treatments, was associated with higher concentrations of extractable Al and Fe oxides. It was, however, not clear if the changes in extractable metals detected in this treatment resulted from OM‐driven redistribution of metals or if the manure contained some Al and Fe itself.ConclusionThe 70% manure treatment increased TOC, TN, pH, and aggregate stability indices (higher MWD and GMD). This fertilizer treatment was also associated with more extractable Al and Fe oxides. For more sustainable rice‐managed paddies, the 70% manure treatment should be considered over the other fertilizer combinations.
Soil health, soil genetic horizons and biodiversity#
Authors: Costantini Edoardo A. C. , Mocali Stefano 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMaintaining or recovering soil health is becoming a goal of many policies carried out at national, continental and global scales to promote global health. This viewpoint is aimed at stressing the relevance of a holistic approach to soil health assessment and monitoring, which is not only related to soil functional biodiversity but also considers the genetic horizons of the soil profile and not just the topsoil. We highlight that soil health has different connotations depending on the environmental setting and may show high spatial and temporal dynamics. Although the biological activity is often concentrated in the surficial horizon, we report increasing evidence that deep soil horizons host relevant biological communities, which are regulated by soil conditions that are usually different from those present in the topsoil. The processes responsible for the formation of surface and subsurface soil genetic horizons produce soil features that select the presence of organisms. The natural self‐organization of soil features is at the basis of the soil classification systems and of their ability to differentiate soil taxa and appreciate pedodiversity. Examples are reported of surface and deep soil genetic horizons as an important interpretative tool of soil functional biodiversity and soil health. Therefore, the assessing and monitoring of soil health should not be carried out at fixed depth, but according to soil genetic horizons. We conclude that the loss of the natural self‐organization of genetic horizons is a form of soil health degradation.
Blueberry by‐product as a novel food ingredient: physicochemical characterization and study of its application in a bakery product
Authors: Irigoytia Maria Belén , Irigoytia Karen , Sosa Natalia , de Escalada Pla Marina , Genevois Carolina 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDIndustrial blueberry juice processing results in a significant amount of by‐product, the so called pomace, which could represent a nutritionally valuable source of fibre and bioactive compounds to enhance either technological or nutritional characteristics of foods. The aim of this study was to obtain novel ingredients based on blueberry by‐product, applying different drying methods: convective (CD), freeze drying (FD) and vacuum drying (VD). The powders were physicochemically, functionally and nutritionally characterized. Finally, its application to formulate muffins in replacing 10–20–30% of wheat flour was studied to evaluate the effect on textural, colour and sensorial characteristics.RESULTSCD reduced the hydration and functional properties when compared to FD and VD. The powders were characterized by a high content of dietary fibre (273 ± 5 g kg−1) and good retention and bioaccessibility of antioxidant compounds (39–85% range). The powder addition to formulate muffin decreased lightness and chromaticity, without differences due to the drying process. The texture parameters were reduced with 10% of ingredient addition; meanwhile, 20–30% showed similar values to the muffin control. Sensorial evaluation presented good overall acceptability (>6 ± 2 on a 9‐point hedonic scale) and some specific attributes showed a significant drop in overall acceptability, recommending its optimization according to penalty analysis.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that functional ingredients rich in fibre and bioactive compounds may be obtained from an industrial by‐product, giving added value and avoiding or reducing their loss; this could also be a promising vehicle to incorporate dietary fibre and bioactive compounds into bakery goods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
OpenLDAT—A system for the measurement of display latency metrics
Authors: Dossena Federico , Trentini Andrea 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe OpenLDAT project (short for Open Latency Display and Analysis Tool) is a system composed of a self‐buildable device and an open‐licensed application to measure several display latency metrics. The most interesting metric is total system latency: the time between an action happening in the physical world, like a mouse being clicked, and the result being displayed on the screen, such as a muzzle flash from a weapon in a videogame. There is currently no similar device on the market, and this type of measurement is traditionally done manually using a modified mouse and a high speed camera, but OpenLDAT can measure it automatically using a built‐in test, or interactively, allowing testing of virtually any game or application, potentially on a separate machine. In addition to system latency, OpenLDAT can also measure more traditional metrics, such as pixel response times.
Development of novel thin‐film solid‐phase microextraction materials based on deep eutectic solvents for preconcentration of trace amounts of parabens in surface waters
Authors: Werner Justyna , Zgoła‐Grześkowiak Agnieszka , Grześkowiak Tomasz 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA green and sensitive thin‐film solid‐phase microextraction method based on deep eutectic solvent was developed that enables simultaneous isolation, preconcentration, and determination of parabens in surface waters. Six new deep eutectic solvents were synthesized and used directly to prepare thin‐film coatings on a stainless steel mesh support. Among the compounds obtained, the highest efficiency in the extraction of parabens was found for a material consisting of trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride and n‐docosanol in a molar ratio of 1:2. For the proposed method, parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of parabens, such as the coating material, the desorption solvent, the volume of the sample, the pH of the sample, the extraction and desorption time, and the salting‐out effect, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the proposed method allowed us to achieve good precision between 3.6 and 6.5% and recovery ranging from 68.1 to 91.4%. The limits of detection range from 0.018 to 0.055 ng/mL.
A case of livedoid vasculopathy, a thrombotic occlusive vasculopathy
Authors: Huot Anais , Maniu Christa‐Maria , Bogiatzi Sofia , Hohl Daniel , Alberio Lorenzo , Stalder Gregoire 
Published: February 2022

AbstractLivedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a rare thrombotic occlusive vasculopathy presenting with chronic relapsing‐remitting bilateral painful skin ulcerations predominating on the ankles and dorsal surface of the feet. LV can be idiopathic or secondary to endothelial dysfunction, rheological disorder, haemostatic or fibrinolytic pathology. We describe the case of a 49‐year‐old patient with LV and summarise the current knowledge on epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment of this rare condition. It is important to differentiate LV from vasculitic disorders, the management of the latter being based on immunosuppression, whereas the treatment of LV is based on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.
Long‐term data reveal effects of climate, road access, and latitude on mountain goat horn size
Authors: Martchenko Daria , White Kevin S. , Shafer Aaron B. A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPotential negative artificial selection on horn size is a concern for many harvested ungulates. The mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) has distinct black horns, but targeting animals based on horn size in the field can be challenging. We analyzed over 23,000 horn records that included base circumference and total length, from which we also derived horn volume, from mountain goats harvested in Alaska, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories from 1980 to 2016. We tested 3 potential drivers of horn size variation: geographical location, environmental conditions, and artificial selection. We found no support for a latitudinal effect with surprisingly little variation across the sampling distribution. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation had the largest effect outside age in the model, suggesting a role of climate in shaping variation. Mountain goats harvested closer to roads had larger horns, indicating that ease of access might allow hunters to be more selective, though the effect size was small. Our findings reinforce the value of accurate and complete record keeping on horn size, age, and sex of harvested animals, and highlight the importance of explicitly considering climate and accessibility when devising management strategies for the mountain goat.
Effect of alloyed Cr on corrosion behavior of low‐alloy steel in wet atmosphere
Authors: Yuan Rui , Wu Huibin , Gu Yang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe effect of 1.5% Cr on the corrosion resistance of low‐alloy steel in a simulated mine environment was studied. To clarify the effect of Cr on the corrosion of low‐alloy steel in the wet environment at the initial stage of corrosion, salt spray corrosion tests were performed to simulate the corrosion process in the field, and the bare steel and corrosion products were characterized. The results showed that the addition of 1.5% Cr reduced the surface potential and the kinetic tendency of the corrosion reaction, making the corrosion rate at the initial stage of the test lower than anticipated. An increase in Cr content significantly elevates the level of α‐FeOOH. The corrosion product film (CPF) had a bilayer structure, with α‐FeOOH of Cr‐rich and Cr(OH)3 were found in the inner layer and at the junction of the inner and outer layer. The CPF had a dense structure that effectively reduced electrochemical reaction activity and improved corrosion resistance.
Design of 70% PAE Class‐F 1.2–1.4 GHz 10 WGaNpower amplifierMMIC
Authors: Zhang Lu‐Chuan , Shi Long‐Xing 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis letter presents a novel design of a Class‐F monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifier (PA) operating at L‐band with a power‐added‐efficiency (PAE) better than 70%. The MMIC PA is designed via load/source‐pull techniques to locate the optimal impedances at fundamental and harmonic frequencies on not only output but also input terminations. Moreover, rather than quarter wavelength stubs used in conventional designs, several parallel/series LC resonators are utilized to behave open/short at certain harmonics and to reform the drain waveform, yielding highly efficient performance of the PA MMIC. A prototype PA MMIC validating the proposed method is designed, fabricated and measured, which implemented on a 0.25 μm gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor technology. The measurement results of the PA under a drain voltage of 28 V at 1 ms pulse width with 30% duty cycle demonstrated a PAE better than 70% over 1.2–1.4 GHz with an output power greater than 40 dBm (10 W). The chip size is 2.5 mm × 3.5 mm (8.75 mm2).
In their own words: Topic analysis of the motivations and strategies of over 6,000 long‐term weight‐loss maintainers
Authors: Phelan Suzanne , Roake James , Alarcon Noemi , Ng Sarah M. , Glanz Hunter , Cardel Michelle I. , Foster Gary D. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to identify major themes of a large cohort experiencing long‐term weight‐loss maintenance who answered open‐ended questions about weight‐loss triggers, current motivations, strategies, and experiences.MethodsMachine learning and topic modeling were used to analyze responses to six open‐ended questions among 6,139 WW International, Inc., (formerly Weight Watchers) members with weight‐loss maintenance; inclusion criteria included ≥9.1‐kg loss with weight‐loss maintenance for ≥1 year.ResultsParticipants (mean age = 53.6 years; 94.3% White; mean BMI = 27.8 kg/m2) had lost 24.5 kg and maintained the loss for 3.4 years. Descriptions of factors triggering weight loss coalesced into five topics: medical status, appearance, mobility, social prompts, and change needed. Factors currently motivating weight‐loss maintenance yielded two topics: looking back at experiences at higher weight and health/appearance concerns. Advice for others to succeed in weight‐loss maintenance coalesced on two recommendations: perseverance in the face of setbacks and consistency in tracking. Rewards for weight management included improved confidence, pain, mobility, fitness, body image, medical status, and affect. Two thematic negative consequences were clothing costs and sagging skin.ConclusionsFuture weight‐maintenance research should include more diverse populations and investigate weight‐loss maintenance as a journey with highs and lows, perseverance in the face of setbacks, sustained tracking, and making changes in medical status more salient during the weight‐maintenance journey.