bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graphite nanosheet/polyaniline nanocomposites: Effect of in situ polymerization and dopants on the microstructure, thermal, and electrical conduction properties
Authors: Martin Eliza Sbrogio , Sanches Alex Otávio , Maraschin Thuany Garcia , de Souza Basso Nara Regina , de Paula Fernando Rogério , Malmonge José Antonio 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis work proposed a study of in situ polymerization of polyaniline (Pani) in the presence of graphite nanosheets (GNS). The study focused on the different physical–chemical interactions promoted among them during the Pani synthesis using different dopants (HCl and DBSA). By means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), and DC electrical conductivity, the study demonstrated the production of nanocomposites with different electrical, thermal, and morphological properties and correlating them with the different physicochemical interactions evidenced from the different dopants used. The type of anchoring has been shown to directly influence the amount of GNS that could be incorporated into the reaction medium. It also demonstrated as highlight the possible existence of a hybrid intercalation/pseudo‐intercalation process that was responsible for promoting an increase of up to 50°C in the thermal stability of the nanocomposites depending on the general characteristics of the synthesized Pani type. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites proved to be dependent on the type of dopant, the GNS/Pani interaction, and the regularity of the Pani coating on the nanostructure surface, resulting in a non‐universal percolation profile.
The quantification of di‐octyl terephthalate and calcium carbonate in polyvinyl chloride using Fourier transform‐infrared and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Irvin Kate S. , Potgieter Johannes H. , Liauw Christopher , Sparkes Robert , Potgieter‐Vermaak Sanja 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe polyvinyl chloride (PVC) industry relies heavily on material property testing during the development of a product. Many of these testing procedures are outdated and time‐consuming, resulting in high financial input. Non‐destructive, fast, easy‐to‐use testing methods can significantly reduce the time required to quantify raw materials. We explored alternative analysis techniques, Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) and micro‐Raman spectroscopy to quantify the main components within a plasticised PVC (pPVC) compound with dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP) plasticizer and calcium carbonate filler. This can reduce costs in the testing and development of new products up to 50%. We prepared 36 samples with varying proportions of DOTP and calcium carbonate and analyzed them using a Raman Microscope and FT‐IR Spectrometer. We found a strong correlation (R2 = 0.923) between DOTP and FT‐IR spectroscopy data, as well as a strong correlation (FT‐IRR2 = 0.910; RamanR2 = 0.813) between the calcium carbonate and data obtained with both spectroscopies. We reported for the first‐time correlations that could be used to determine the raw material levels within pPVC provided by both techniques. Five samples were then made and tested, showing some success in the quantification. This study provided a solid baseline for reducing the time taken to make a recommendation from >168 h to <1 h and therefore reducing the costs of product development by up to 50%.
School and childcare center drinking water: Copper chemistry, health effects, occurrence, and remediation
Authors: Montagnino Elizabeth , Lytle Darren A. , Rose Joan , Cwiertny David , Whelton Andrew J. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe study goal was to better understand the risks of elevated copper levels at US schools and childcare centers. Copper health effects, chemistry, occurrence, and remediation actions were reviewed. Of the more than 98,000 schools and 500,000 childcare centers, only 0.2% had copper water testing data in the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System database. Of the facilities designated public water systems, about 13% had reported an exceedance. Schools that were not designated a public water system (PWS) also had exceedances. Few studies document levels in schools and childcare centers. Widely different sampling and remedial actions were reported. Flushing contaminated water was the most evaluated remedial action but was unreliable because copper quickly rebounded when flushing stopped. Building water treatment systems have been used, but some were not capable of making the water safe. The health risk was difficult to determine due to the limited occurrence data and lack of best management practice studies. A national drinking water testing campaign and field studies are recommended.
The Beatles in life sciences: Facts and fictions
Authors: Weiskirchen Ralf 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe Beatles formed in Liverpool are one of the most famous music groups in the history of pop considered as the best‐selling artists in the category “band,” with the highest amount of claimed record sales. With their foremost pioneering activities in songwriting, artistic presentation, and recording, the band revolutionized many aspects of music industry and impacted social developments. Although active as a foursome in the 1960s, their music and films still attract new generations all over the world. Similar to former periods, the popularity of the Beatles and the fanaticism toward the band (i.e., “Beatlemania”) has an ongoing impact on society and culture. Mostly unknown, Beatles songs inspire scientists in daily work and are part of clinical studies investigating aspects of human health and disease. This review briefly discusses the influence of The Beatles on Life Sciences, highlights the “better than the Beatles problem” affecting new drug development, and discusses several examples in which The Beatles impacted progression in Medicine. Finally, it is discussed if the meteoric success of the band contributed to the rapid progress in modern radiology.
Conditional survival of trimodal therapy for nonmetastatic muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: A SEER database analysis
Authors: Shangguan Wentai , Hu Jintao , Xie Yingwei , Chen Zhiliang , Zhong Qiyu , Zheng Zaosong , Zhu Dingjun , Zhang Yishan , Yang Jingying , Han Jinli , Xie Wenlian 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveConventional survival analysis plays a limited role in patients who have survived a period after initial treatment. The present study analyzed how conditional survival (CS) predicted survival rate over time for nonmetastatic muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients after trimodal treatment.MethodThis retrospective study from the SEER database included consecutive patients with nonmetastatic MIBC who received trimodal therapy (TMT) between January 2010 and December 2017. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to estimate overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS). CS was defined as the rate of surviving y years after already surviving for x years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors.ResultA total of 1110 nonmetastatic MIBC patients treated with TMT were included. Given a 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐year after TMT, the rate of surviving to 5‐year, respectively, improved by +5.0 (20.0%), +17.0 (32.0%), +30.0 (45.0%), and +52.8 (67.8%) from those calculated at baseline (15.0%). The 2‐year CS rate of patients who had survived 1‐, 2‐, or 3‐year after TMT improved, respectively, compared to 3‐, 4‐, or 5‐year actual survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that adverse variables (T stage, age) of OS and CSS lost their prognostic significance over time.Discussion and ConclusionConditional survival rate of surviving to 5‐year after TMT kept a relatively stable level over time. In addition, those adverse variables were not always the prognostic factors over time. Only age was always the significant prognostic factor for conditional OS from baseline to 5‐year survival. Our results provided real‐time survival information and prognosis estimates to adjust follow‐up plans for nonmetastatic MIBC patients after TMT.
Gaze‐evoked nystagmus in Wernicke encephalopathy
Authors: Shirota Shogo , Nishioka Hiroaki 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWernicke encephalopathy is caused by vitamin B1 deficiency. It presents as a triad consisting of altered mental status, oculomotor dysfunction, and gait ataxia. Early vitamin B1 administration alleviates symptoms. We present a video of gaze‐evoked nystagmus in an elderly patient with Wernicke encephalopathy.
Flavonoid 3ʹ‐hydroxylase reduces Ca and Mg content in soybean seeds, resulting in decreased hardness of cooked beans
Authors: Toda Kyoko , Hirata Kaori , Yamada Tetsuya , Takahashi Koji , Ogiso‐Tanaka Eri , Tsubokura Yasutaka , Hajika Makita 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFlavonoid 3ʹ‐hydroxylase (F3ʹH) catalyzes hydroxylation at the 3ʹ position of the B ring of flavonoids. F3ʹH is associated with the seed coat and pubescence color, antioxidant properties, and chilling stress tolerance of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. In this study, we found that soybean F3ʹH increases the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents in pods and reduces the levels of these elements in seeds. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) analysis using a near‐isogenic line (NIL) derived from Japanese cultivars ‘Natto‐shoryu’ and ‘Hyoukei‐kuro 3’ for F3ʹH (Glyma.06g202300), also known as the T gene, indicated that the contents of Ca and Mg were higher in the pods but lower in the seed coats and cotyledons from soybean with active F3ʹH than from soybean with inactive F3ʹH. No such clear tendency was observed for other inorganic ions measured in this study. These data suggested that the transport of Ca and Mg from the pod to the seed was inhibited by flavonoid produced through F3ʹH activity. The hardness of cooked beans from soybean with active F3ʹH was lower than that from soybean with inactive F3ʹH, which was likely related to the increase in heat‐labile pectin caused by fewer cross‐linked divalent ions. These results were supported by ICP‐MS analysis and the hardness of cooked beans of other NILs for the T gene. Our findings demonstrate a novel and unexpected effect of flavonoids on the processing quality of soybean.
Cysticercosis: A case of missed diagnosis
Authors: Goyal Snigdha , Goyal Sunder 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHuman cysticercosis caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm—Taenia solium, is a potentially dangerous systemic disease with vague clinical manifestations. Subcutaneous and muscular tissues are most commonly involved followed by, the eye and brain. A variety of clinical presentations, pathology that ranges from simple cysts to calcified lesions, and limited familiarity with the parasitic infection can make it challenging to diagnose. Cysticercosis when present as an isolated lesion. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can play an important role in the early and rapid detection of this disease, particularly when the lesion is superficial and /or easily sampled. We report a case of cysticercosis diagnosed on FNAC in a 35‐year‐old female, who presented with an isolated swelling in the neck.
Little hope for the polyploid endemic Pyrenean Larkspur (Delphinium montanum): Evidences from population genomics and Ecological Niche Modeling
Authors: Salvado Pascaline , Aymerich Boixader Pere , Parera Josep , Vila Bonfill Albert , Martin Maria , Quélennec Céline , Lewin Jean‐Marc , Delorme‐Hinoux Valérie , Bertrand Joris A. M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSpecies endemic to restricted geographical ranges represent a particular conservation issue, be it for their heritage interest. In a context of global change, this is particularly the case for plants which belong to high‐mountain ecosystems and, because of their ecological requirements, are doomed to survive or disappear on their “sky islands”. The Pyrenean Larkspur (Delphinium montanum, Ranunculaceae) is endemic to the Eastern part of the Pyrenees (France and Spain). It is now only observable at a dozen of localities and some populations show signs of decline, such as a recurrent lack of flowering. Implementing population genomics approach (e.g., RAD‐seq like) is particularly useful to understand genomic patterns of diversity and differentiation in order to provide recommendations in term of conservation. However, it remains challenging for species such as D. montanum that are autotetraploid with a large genome size (1C‐value >10 pg) as most methods currently available were developed for diploid species. A Bayesian framework able to call genotypes with uncertainty allowed us to assess genetic diversity and population structure in this system. Our results show evidence for inbreeding (mean GIS = 0.361) within all the populations and substantial population structure (mean GST = 0.403) at the metapopulation level. In addition to a lack of connectivity between populations, spatial projections of Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM) analyses under different climatic scenarios predict a dramatic decrease of suitable habitat for D. montanum in the future. Based on these results, we discuss the relevance and feasibility of different conservation measures.
Errors in aerial survey count data: Identifying pitfalls and solutions
Authors: Davis Kayla L. , Silverman Emily D. , Sussman Allison L. , Wilson R. Randy , Zipkin Elise F. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAccurate estimates of animal abundance are essential for guiding effective management, and poor survey data can produce misleading inferences. Aerial surveys are an efficient survey platform, capable of collecting wildlife data across large spatial extents in short timeframes. However, these surveys can yield unreliable data if not carefully executed. Despite a long history of aerial survey use in ecological research, problems common to aerial surveys have not yet been adequately resolved. Through an extensive review of the aerial survey literature over the last 50 years, we evaluated how common problems encountered in the data (including nondetection, counting error, and species misidentification) can manifest, the potential difficulties conferred, and the history of how these challenges have been addressed. Additionally, we used a double‐observer case study focused on waterbird data collected via aerial surveys and an online group (flock) counting quiz to explore the potential extent of each challenge and possible resolutions. We found that nearly three quarters of the aerial survey methodology literature focused on accounting for nondetection errors, while issues of counting error and misidentification were less commonly addressed. Through our case study, we demonstrated how these challenges can prove problematic by detailing the extent and magnitude of potential errors. Using our online quiz, we showed that aerial observers typically undercount group size and that the magnitude of counting errors increases with group size. Our results illustrate how each issue can act to bias inferences, highlighting the importance of considering individual methods for mitigating potential problems separately during survey design and analysis. We synthesized the information gained from our analyses to evaluate strategies for overcoming the challenges of using aerial survey data to estimate wildlife abundance, such as digital data collection methods, pooling species records by family, and ordinal modeling using binned data. Recognizing conditions that can lead to data collection errors and having reasonable solutions for addressing errors can allow researchers to allocate resources effectively to mitigate the most significant challenges for obtaining reliable aerial survey data.
Indications and outcomes for elective dissection of level V in primary parotid cancer
Authors: Katz Andrew P. , Larkin Riley , Cohen Erin R. , Franzmann Elizabeth , Weed Donald , Civantos Francisco 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe extent of cervical lymphadenectomy required for primary parotid cancer is not well‐established.MethodsIn this retrospective case–control study, 84 patients who underwent primary parotidectomy and neck dissection for primary parotid cancer between 2010 and 2019 were identified and analyzed.ResultsOf the 84 patients, 37 underwent elective level V neck dissection. All six (16.0%) who had occult level V nodes had clinically evident, preoperative anterior cervical metastases, a statistically significant finding. No other clinical factors are correlated with posterior neck involvement. There was no significant difference in disease‐free or overall survival for patients with occult level V disease relative to positive lymph nodes in other levels.ConclusionsPatients with clinically evident anterolateral cervical lymphatic metastases from parotid cancer preoperatively have high rates of occult level V nodes. Level V neck dissection can be avoided in cN0 patients and offered no survival advantage.
MiR‐363‐3p promotes prostate cancer tumor progression by targeting Dickkopf 3
Authors: Xu Li‐zhe , Ning Jin‐zhuo , Ruan Yuan , Cheng Fan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is a frequent malignant tumor worldwide with high morbidity along with mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as key posttranscriptional modulators in diverse cancers. Herein, we purposed to explore the impacts of miR‐363‐3p on PCa growth, migration, infiltration along with apoptosis.MethodsThe expressions of miR‐363‐3p along with Dickkopf 3 (DKK3) were assessed in clinical PCa specimens. We adopted the PCa cell line PC3 and transfected it using miR‐363‐3p repressors or mimic. The relationship of miR‐363‐3p with DKK3 was verified by a luciferase enzyme reporter assay. Cell viability along with apoptosis were determined by MTT assay coupled with flow cytometry analysis. Cell migration along infiltration were detected via wound healing, as well as Transwell assays. The contents of DKK3, E‐cadherin, vimentin along with N‐cadherin were analyzed via Western blotting accompanied with qRT–PCR.ResultsMiR‐363‐3p was found to be inversely associated with the content of DKK3 in clinical PCa specimens. Further investigations revealed that DKK3 was miR‐363‐3p's direct target. Besides, overexpression of miR‐363‐3p decreased the contents of DKK3, promoted cell viability, migration coupled with infiltration, and reduced cell apoptosis, while silencing of miR‐363‐3p resulted in opposite influence. Upregulation of miR‐363‐3p diminished E‐cadherin contents but increased vimentin along with N‐cadherin protein contents in PC3 cells; in contrast, miR‐363‐3p downregulation produced the opposite result.ConclusionOur study indicates that miR‐363‐3p promotes PCa growth, migration coupled with invasion while dampening apoptosis by targeting DKK3.
Mapping ongoing nutrition intervention trials in muscle, sarcopenia, and cachexia: a scoping review of future research
Authors: Orsso Camila E. , Montes‐Ibarra Montserrat , Findlay Merran , van der Meij Barbara S. , de van der Schueren Marian A. E. , Landi Francesco , Laviano Alessandro , Prado Carla M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMuscle loss alone, or in the context of sarcopenia or cachexia, is a prevalent condition and a predictor of negative outcomes in aging and disease. As adequate nutrition is essential for muscle maintenance, a growing number of studies has been conducted to explore the role of specific nutrients on muscle mass or function. Nonetheless, more research is needed to guide evidence‐based recommendations. This scoping review aimed to compile and document ongoing clinical trials investigating nutrition interventions as a strategy to prevent or treat low muscle mass or function (strength and physical performance), sarcopenia, or cachexia. ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched up to 21 April 2021 for planned and ongoing trials. Randomized controlled trials with ≥20 participants per arm were included based on intent to explore the effects of nutrition interventions on muscle‐related outcomes (i.e. muscle mass or strength, physical performance, or muscle synthesis rate) in both clinical and non‐clinical conditions (i.e. aging). Two reviewers independently screened records for eligibility, and a descriptive synthesis of trials characteristics was conducted. A total of 113 trials were included in the review. Most trials (69.0%) enroll adults with clinical conditions, such as cancer (19.5%), obesity and metabolic diseases (16.8%), and musculoskeletal diseases (10.7%). The effects of nutrition interventions on age‐related muscle loss are explored in 31% of trials. Although nutrition interventions of varied types were identified, food supplements alone (48.7%) or combined with dietary advice (11.5%) are most frequently reported. Protein (17.7%), amino acids (10.6%), and β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB, 6.2%) are the top three food supplements' nutrients under investigation. Primary outcome of most trials (54.9%) consists of measures of muscle mass alone or in combination with muscle strength and/or performance (as either primary or secondary outcomes). Muscle strength and physical performance are primary outcomes of 38% and 31.9% of the trials, respectively. These measurements were obtained using a variety of techniques. Only a few trials evaluate muscle synthesis rate either as a primary or secondary outcome (5.3%). Several nutrition studies focusing on muscle, sarcopenia, and cachexia are underway and can inform future research in this area. Although many trials have similar type of interventions, methodological heterogeneity may challenge study comparisons, and future meta‐analyses aiming to provide evidence‐based recommendations. Upcoming research in this area may benefit from guidelines for the assessment of therapeutic effects of nutrition interventions.
The efficacy of posterior wall isolation in atrial fibrillation ablation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kanitsoraphan Chanavuth , Rattanawong Pattara , Techorueangwiwat Chol , Kewcharoen Jakrin , Mekritthikrai Raktham , Prasitlumkum Narut , Shah Parthav , El Masry Hicham 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundPosterior wall isolation (PWI) is an emerging approach in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, yet its efficacy remains controversial. This is the first meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of PWI in AF ablation.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of PWI in reducing atrial arrhythmia recurrence following initial AF ablation at long‐term follow‐ups when compared to conventional methods.MethodsWe conducted a literature search from inception through September 2021 in EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. We included RCTs that compared outcomes in PWI and conventional approaches of AF ablation. Data from each study were combined using the random‐effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird to calculate odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsEight RCT from 2009 to 2020, including 1024 AF patients, were included. PWI did not decrease overall atrial arrhythmias recurrence (RR 0.96, 95% CI:0.88–1.05, I2 = 31.6%, p‐value 0.393). However, the pooled analysis showed a significant decrease in AF recurrence in PWI compared to controlled approaches (RR 0.88, 95% CI:0.81–0.96, I2 = 48.2%, p‐value .004). In the subgroup analysis, PWI significantly decreased AF recurrence in the studies that included only persistent AF (RR = 0.89, 95% CI:0.80–0.98, I2 = 65.2%, p‐value .014). PWI significantly decreased AF recurrence when compared to PVI with roof line (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74–0.95, I2 0.00%, p‐value .008).ConclusionOur study suggests that adding PWI significantly decreased AF recurrence in patients with persistent AF compared to controlled approaches. It highlights the importance of considering PWI during the initial procedure in this patient population.