bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Lenalidomide in HIV-associated Cryptococcal Meningitis (HIV-CM) Patients with Persistent Intracranial Inflammation： An Open-label, Single-arm Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tao Ran , Wan Zhikai , Hui Jiangjin , Liu Xiang , Peng Xiaorong , Guo Yongzheng , Zhu Xueling , Hang Ying , Zhu Biao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background Several HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (HIV-CM) patients were found to have persistent intracranial inflammation despite negative Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fungal cultures after being optimally treated for CM, which could be devastating for the central nervous system. However, there is no definitive treatment strategy for this condition. Method We identified 14 HIV-CM patients with persistent intracranial inflammation and conducted a 24 weeks, prospective cohort study. All participants received oral lenalidomide 25 mg on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle. The follow-up lasted for 24 weeks with visits performed at the baseline, week 4,8,12,24. The primary endpoint was the efficacy of lenalidomide therapy which was determined by the clinical manifestations, the changes in routine CSF parameters, and radiological findings within 24 weeks post-treatment. In addition, an exploratory analysis was made on the changes of CSF cytokine. Safety and efficacy analysis was performed in patients who received at least one dose of lenalidomide. Results Of the 14 participants, 11 patients completed the 24 weeks of follow-up. it was observed that rapid clinical remission followed lenalidomide therapy, clinical presentation such as fever, headache, and cognitive impairment was fully recovered at week 4 and remained stable during follow-up. And a significant reduction of CSF white blood cell (WBC) count occurred at week 4 [Median count 3.00×10 6 /L (IQR 0-45.00 P=0.009)] from baseline [35×10 6 /L (IQR 4.50 to 90.00)]. Median CSF protein concentration decreased from 1.39 g/L (IQR 0.74-3.23) at baseline to 0.91 g/L (IQR 0.63-1.41) at week 4 (P=0.004). CSF WBC count, CSF protein remained stable and approached the normal range through week 24. And after the 24‐week lenalidomide therapy, CSF IgG levels were also decreased, though not statistically significant. Brain MRI demonstrated that the multiple lesions were also absorbed post-therapy. In addition, it was observed that TNF-α G-CSF, IL-6, IL-17A decreased significantly during the 24-week follow-up. 2(14.3%) patients had a mild skin rash, which resolved spontaneously without drug interruption. No study drug-related serious adverse events were observed and no patient withdrew from therapy because of unacceptable toxicity. Conclusion Our study found that lenalidomide can significantly improve persistent intracranial inflammation of HIV-CM patients and have well tolerance and without notable side effects.
Interactive Effects of Melatonin and Salicylic Acid on Brassica Napus Under Drought Condition
Authors: Rafique Noman , Ilyas Noshin , Aqeel Muhammad , Raja Naveed Iqbal , Shabbir Ghulam 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Aims
Understanding the interactive actions of melatonin and salicylic acid in counteracting the negative effects of drought is imperative for increasing growth and yield of canola. Here we discuss the interactive effects of exogenously applied melatonin (MET) and salicylic acid (SA) on morphology, physiology, and biochemical characteristics of drought stressed canola plants.
Methods
Two cultivars of canola (Super canola and Faisal canola) were used. MET (0.1µM) and SA (0.50mM) were applied in two ways, i.e., as seed priming and as foliar spray. Plants were exposed to severe drought stress of 45% field capacity at reproductive stage.
Results
Subjecting canola cultivars to drought caused significant reduction in shoot length (19%), plant fresh (15%) and dry (17%) biomass, yield (30%), photosynthetic attributes (43%), meanwhile enhanced free amino acids (20%), total soluble sugars (5%), and different antioxidant enzymes like catalase (27%), peroxidase (23%) and superoxide dismutase (20%) Seed priming, and foliar application of MET and SA resulted in significant increase in growth parameters and yield attributes of both canola cultivars via improving photosynthetic attributes and activity of compatible solutes and antioxidant enzyme systems. Priming of seeds with MET as well as MET priming combined with SA foliar spray were the most effective treatments of all, showing 22% increase in plant height, 46% in fresh and 40% in dry biomass and yield components (49%) of canola cultivars at either drought stress or normal irrigation.
Conclusions
The combined application of MET and SA has the potential to enhance canola plants growth under drought.
A Multi-Analytical Study of the Palette of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Puerto Rican Artists
Authors: Vermeulen Marc , Miranda Annette S. Ortiz , Tamburini Diego , Rivera Sol , Walton Marc 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This paper presents the pigment characterization in six impressionist and post-impressionist paintings by three leading Puerto Rican artists: Francisco Oller (1833 – 1917), José Cuchí y Arnau (1857-1925), and Ramón Frade (1875-1954). The paintings, belonging to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (San Juan, Puerto Rico), were investigated through a combination of non- and micro-invasive scientific techniques. The non-invasive application of macro-X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) and reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) to the characterization of Puerto Rican artists’ palette is presented for the first time. The non-invasive approach was integrated with spectroscopic techniques such as Raman and/or Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, as well as high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS), when sampling was possible. While this technical investigation reveals pigments that are typical for late 19th/early 20th century paintings, it also emphasizes some unexpected findings, including the use of cobalt green and synthetic yellow lakes, which enabled the date attributed to some of the paintings to be refined to post 1910 rather than their current dates of ca. 1890. This study confirms that the Puerto Rican artist’s palettes are very similar to their European contemporaries, underscoring both their European training and their attempt to adapt these methods of painting to a new Caribbean identity emerging from the Spanish American War.
Zinc (II) complex of (Z)-4-((4-nitrophenyl) amino) pent-3-en-2-one, a potential antimicrobial agent: Synthesis, characterization, electrochemical, antimicrobial, DFT and docking studies
Authors: Wahab Olaide Olalekan , Waziri Ibrahim , Oselusi  , Egieyeh S. A. , Mala G. A. , Nasir H. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Herein, the syntheses, characterizations, antimicrobial activities, density functional theory (DFT) predictions, and molecular docking (MD) studies are reported on (Z)-4-((4-nitrophenyl) amino) pent-3-en-2-one (HL) and its Zn (II) complex. The deployed characterization techniques include elemental analysis, solubility and conductivity measurements, TGA, electrochemical studies, FTIR, UV-Vis, 1H and 13C{H}NMR, HRMS, and PXRD. Antimicrobial activity was studied using some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. DFT predictions were achieved using B3LYP, WB97XD and M06-2X functionals with 6-31+G(d,p) and LANL2DZ basis sets for nonmetallic and metallic atoms, respectively. The therapeutic potentials of the compounds were evaluated based on protein binding energy, ADME/T and drug-likeness properties. The experimental results revealed the formation of a complex in which two molecules of the ligand are coordinated to the zinc ion in a tetrahedral arrangement that involve the carbonyl and amino portions of the ligand. Both the ligand and the complex displayed a cyclic voltammetric behavior that is indicative of an irreversible one-electron transfer and redox diffusion-controlled process. The results of the antimicrobial study showed that the complex possesses higher antimicrobial potency than the free ligand. The B3LYP emerged as the best performing functional because it yielded the best IR spectra and geometrical parameters relative to the experimental data. The DFT predictions revealed that the complex is more reactive than the ligand, and its formation is thermodynamically feasible and exothermic. However, both the ligand and the complex showed comparable polarity. The MD results revealed the relative binding affinities of the compounds as well as their binding modes, which are in good correlation with the in-vitro data. Finally, drug-likeness studies showed that the studied compounds are promising therapeutic candidates.
A Series of Coordination Polymers Constructed by 2-Phenylsuccinic Acid and Flexible Bis(imidazole) Ligands: Syntheses, Structures, and Photoluminescent Properties
Authors: YEŞİLEL Okan Zafer , Güler Umut , Çiftçi Esengül , Arıcı Mürsel 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Eight coordination polymers (CPs), namely, [Co(m-phsuc)(m-obix)]n (1), {[Co2(m-phsuc)2(m-pbix)1.5]×2H2O}n (2), [Zn(m-phsuc)(m-obix)]n (3), {[Zn(m-phsuc)(m-mbix)]×H2O}n (4), {[Zn(m-phsuc)(m-pbix)]×H2O}n (5), {[Zn(m-phsuc)(m-pbix)]×1.5H2O×CH3OH}n (6), [Cd(m-phsuc)(m-obix)]n (7) and [Cd(m3-phsuc)(m-pbix)0.5]n (8) (phsucH2 = 2-phenylsuccinic acid, obix = 1,2-bis((imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene, mbix = 1,3-bis((imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene, pbix = 1,4-bis((imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene), were solvothermally synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, X-ray single-crystal diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), and thermal analyses. The structural analyses revealed that the compounds were 2D coordination polymers, in which metal ions were in tetrahedral coordination geometries in 1-6 and in octahedral coordination geometries in 2, 7 and 8. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 displayed a 4-connected 2D wave sheets with the point symbol of {44.62}. Compound 2 was rare example exhibiting a 2D polyrotaxane structure. Compound 6 showed a 2D two-fold interpenetrating 3-connected hcb net with the point symbol of {63}. In the compounds, the neighboring 2D layers were further assembled by p×××p stacking and weak C–H×××p interactions into the 3D supramolecular framework. The effects of the bis(imidazole) linkers and metals ions on the framework assemblies have been discussed. In addition, thermal and photoluminescent properties of the compounds were investigated.
Determination of reference genes as a quantitative standard for gene expression analysis in mouse mesangial cells stimulated with TGF-β
Authors: Bronel Bruno Aristides dos Santos , Anauate Ana Carolina , Maquigussa Edgar , Boim Mirian Aparecida , Novaes Antônio Silva 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard technique for gene expression analysis, but the choice of quantitative reference genes (housekeeping genes, HKG) remains challenging. Identification of the best HKG is essential for estimating the expression level of target genes. The aim of this study was to identify the best HKG for an in vitro model with mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) stimulated with 5 ng/mL of TGF-β. Candidate five HKG were selected: Actb, Hprt, Gapdh, 18S and Ppia. After quantitative expression, the best combination of these genes was analyzed in silico using six software programs. To validate the results, the best genes were used to normalize the gene expression of fibronectin, vimentin and α-SMA. In silico analysis revealed that Ppia, Gapdh and 18S were the most stable genes between the groups. GenEX software and Spearman's correlation determined that combination of Ppia and Gapdh is the best HKG pair. Validation of the HKG by normalizing fibronectin, vimentin and α-SMA were consistent with results from the literature. This study established the combination of Ppia and Gapdh as the best HKG pair for gene expression analysis by RT-PCR in this in vitro model using MMCs treated with TGF-β.
Helical milling for making holes on carbon fiber reinforced polymer
Authors: Su Chunjie , Cheng Xiang , Yan Xinhua , Zheng Guangming , Li Yang , Mu Zonggao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is widely used in various fields due to its excellent properties. However, machining defects such as delamination and burr are still the key issues constraining high-quality hole making on CFRP. This research takes the helical milling process to make holes on CFRP and two kinds of cutting conditions (dry cutting and jet cold air assisted cutting) are explored. Tool wear, cutting force, delamination and surface morphology are taken as the main indices to be analyzed. The influences of key cutting parameters (spindle speed n, axial feed per tooth fza and pitch ap) on cutting force and delamination are investigated and optimized. It turns out that the jet cold air condition is more suitable for helical milling of holes on CFRP with better qualities. The holes with smaller delamination factor and smoother surface are successfully fabricated based on the optimized cutting parameters.
Designing Grazing Susceptibility to Land Degradation Index (GSLDI) in Hilly Areas
Authors: MINEA Gabriel , CIOBOTARU Nicu , IOANA-TOROIMAC Gabriela , MITITELU-IONUȘ Oana , NECULAU Gianina , GYASI-AGYEI Yeboah , COMINO Jesús RODRIGO 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Evaluation of grazing impact on land degradation processes is a difficult task due to heterogeneity and complex interacting factors involved. In this research, we designed a new methodology based on a predictive index of GSLDI (Grazing Susceptibility to Land Degradation Index) built on artificial intelligence to assess land degradation susceptibility in areas affected by small ruminants (SRs) of sheep and goats grazing impacts. The data for model training, validation, and testing consisted of sampling points (erosion and no-erosion) taken from aerial imagery. Seventeen environmental factors (e.g., DEM derivatives, small ruminants’ stock), and 55 subsequent attributes (e.g., classes/features) were assigned to each sampling point. The impact of SRs stock density over the land degradation process has been evaluated and estimated with two extreme SRs’ density scenarios: missing (0), and double density (overstocking). We applied the GSLDI methodology on the Curvature Subcarpathians, a region that experiences the highest erosion rates in Romania, and found that SRs grazing is not the major contributor to land degradation, accounting for only 4.6%. This methodology could be replicated in other steep slopes grazing areas as a tool to assess and predict areas susceptible to land degradation, and to establish common strategies for good land-use practices.
COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake, Unmet Need and Reported Side Effect in Nigeria: an Online Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Eniade Olanrewaju Davies , Okedare Omowumi , Olarinmoye Abayomi T. , Olasunkanmi Yusuff , Otovwe Agofure ,   Funke Akintunde5, Aniyeloye Adebukola 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc in Nigeria, with more cases and deaths reported every day. However, vaccine development and uptake are believed to aid the fight against this outbreak. We investigated vaccine uptake, unmet need for vaccine, and reported side effects among the populace. An online cross-sectional study was conducted among 417 adults from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria using the online data collection tool, Kobo-toolbox. We obtained information on socio-demographic characteristics, vaccine uptake, unmet need, and related side effects of COVID-19 vaccine. Descriptive analysis, binary logistic regression were done using Stata MP 16. The mean age of the respondents was 32.1 ± 10.7 years. About half (49.9%) were aged below 30 years of age. The majority were females (63.1%), Christians (89.2%), and urban dwellers (74.6%). Majority (89.2%) of respondents know that vaccines are beneficial to health, and 41.2% have received the COVD-19 vaccine. Unmet need for COVID-19 vaccine was 74.3% and herd immunity was estimated as 93.1%. Respondents working in the private sector (AOR=0.32, 95% CI=0.11-0.90), and who said COVID-19 vaccine is not beneficial to health (AOR=0.04, 95% CI=0.01-0.29) were less likely to receive COVID-19 vaccine, while those who have tested for COVID-19 (AOR=3.93, 95%CI=1.98-7.84) have a higher likelihood of receiving COVID-19 vaccine. Continuous awareness for COVID-19 vaccine is needed. Government needs to persistently assure citizens of the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. Also, this study recommends that the administration of a highly effective vaccine would result in achievable herd immunity and curb the transmission of COVID-19 virus.
Effectiveness of adjunctive low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder refractory to medical treatment: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Jahanbakhsh Ghazal , Hajseyedjavadi Alireza , Majidi Mahnaz 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental illness.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved repetitive transcranial magneticstimulation (rMS) to treat OCD in 2018. So far, various approaches have beenevaluated. We evaluated the effect of adjunctive low-frequency rMS over the leftdorsolateral prefrontal cortex in patients with OCD refractory to treatment. Methods: The present clinical trial was done on 30 patients with OCD referring fromthe psychiatry clinic, 22 Bahman Hospital, Qazvin province, between 2018 and 2020and patients were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received rTMStreatment at 1 Hz for 20 min (1200 pulses/day) over the left DLPFC area as adjunctiveto the medical treatment three times a week and for five weeks, whereas those in thecontrol group were subjected to only the sham condition plus their medical treatment.The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (y-BOC.S) was completed by patientsbefore the study, following sessions 5 and 10 during the intervention, at the end of theintervention, and three to six months after the intervention under the direct supervisionof a psychiatrist. SPSS software version 26 was used to compare the results betweenthe two groups. Results: The intervention group showed significantly lower mean Y-BOCS scores afterthe intervention and at follow-up (P <0.05) and all patients of the intervention groupshowed significantly lower Y-BOCS scores than their own baseline scores (P <0.05). Also, using antipsychotic agents along with the serotonergic agents caused significantly lower scores in the intervention group at the end of the intervention (P <0.05). All the patients were found with higher follow-up scores than their scores at the end of the intervention; however, this difference was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Adjunctive low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS over the left DLPFC is able toeffectively reduce Y-BOCS score in OCD patients refractory to treatment following 15sessions, and the reduction was durable even after three to six months. Usingantipsychotic agents as an adjuvant with serotonergic agents was identified as apossible predictor for response to adjunctive rTMS therapy.
Universe: the dynamics of the minimum and maximum expansion states (Time: the collateral dimension)
Authors: Petrakis Sócrates Georges 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Two hypotheses stand out in describing the evolution of the Universe. The predominant one predicts that the present expansion began at a certain instant and will not preserve any variation of energy that performs work; apparent flat Universe (Ω = 1) is advocated by relativistic calculations and observational data, with an end at its maximum expansion (3D Space). The other hypothesis considers that the Universe is cyclical, always alternating phases of expansion and contraction. This proposal aims to demonstrate that both hypotheses can be correct by not being distinct, but complementary. Supported by the immutability of physical laws, analyses of concepts define an exclusive presence of 1D Space in static states of minimum and maximum expansion of the Universe. With our 3D Space Universe created and existing between these extreme states, the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric, becomes inadequate for this analysis; therefore, the concept of absolute rest energy (1D Space) is applied, demonstrating that the complete evolution of the Universe is spatially dynamic in a perpetual time dimension, always recreating our Universe, and making possible a relative maintenance of any existence.
Association of early-onset constipation and diarrhea with patient outcomes in critically ill ventilated patients: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Aikawa Gen , Ouchi Akira , Sakuramoto Hideaki , Hoshino Tetsuya , Enomoto Yuki , Shimojo Nobutake , Inoue Yoshiaki 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Constipation and diarrhea are closely related, but few studies have examined them simultaneously. The purpose of this study was to describe patient defecation status after ICU admission and determine the association of constipation and diarrhea in the early stage of ICU admission with outcomes for critically ill ventilated patients.Methods: Patients ventilated for ≥48 hours in an ICU were retrospectively investigated and their defecation status was assessed during the first week after admission. The patients were divided into three groups: normal defecation, constipation, and diarrhea, and multiple comparison tests were performed. Additionally, multivariable analysis was performed for mortality and length of stay.Results: Of the 85 critically ill ventilated patients, 47 (55%) experienced constipation, and 12 (14%) experienced diarrhea during the first week of ICU admission. Patients with normal defecation and diarrhea increased from the fourth and fifth day of ICU admission. Diarrhea was significantly associated with the length of ICU stay (B=7.534, 95% confidence interval: 0.116-14.951).Conclusions: Early-onset constipation and diarrhea were common in critically ill ventilated patients, and early-onset diarrhea was associated with the length of ICU stay. Thus, prevention of constipation and diarrhea before the fifth day of ICU admission is essential.