bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of different methods for breaking cypsela dormancy in two local populations of Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium L.) collected from the west and northwest of Iran
Authors: Sarabi Vahid , Bagheri Alireza , Chitband Ali Asghar 
Published: May 2022

Scotch thistle ( Onopordum acanthium L.) is a weed species on farmlands and pastures in parts of the west and northwest of Iran. Cypselas can remain in the soil seedbank over a prolonged period due to varying degrees of dormancy. This study examined different methods for breaking cypsela dormancy in two local populations of Scotch thistle at the research laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture of Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University in 2020. In these experiments, the effects of sulfuric acid, wet and dry prechilling, potassium nitrate, and gibberellic acid were evaluated on the breaking of dormancy. All the experiments were conducted as a completely randomized design with four replications and two runs. The response of two local populations of Scotch thistle were similar, and no significant difference was observed. The experiment treatments significantly increased cypsela germination compared with the control. The maximum germination percentages were observed in cypselas soaked in 98% sulfuric acid for 10 min (60.60%), KNO3 for 96 h (69.36%), GA3 for 48 h (88.43%), and wet prechilling for 72 h (34.61%). Although prechilling increased germination, it was suggested that germination could be more than the recorded values if the duration of wet prechilling was increased. The best cypsela germination rate, mean germination time, T50, and radicle and plumule length were observed after soaking in GA3 for 48 h and KNO3 for 96 h. It seems that water-soluble inhibitors in the embryo and probably the cypsela coat cause seed dormancy in this weed species. These findings could help develop effective management strategies associated with the dormancy of cypselas for this species.
On validity of different PDFs sets using the proton $$k_t$$-factorization structure functions and the Gaussian $$k_t$$-dependence of KMR UPDFs
Authors: Baghsiyahi Z. Badieian , Modarres M. , Valeshabadi R. Kord 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this work, we discuss: (i) The ratios of different parton distribution functions (PDFs), i.e., MMHT2014, CJ15, CTEQ6l1, HERAPDF15, MSTW2008, HERAPDF20 and MSHT20, and the corresponding Kimber–Martin–Ryskin (KMR) unintegrated parton distribution functions (UPDFs) sets versus the hard scale$$Q^2$$Q2, to find out the sensibility of the KMR UPDFs with respect to the input PDFs sets. It is shown that there is not much difference between the different input-PDFs or corresponding UPDFs sets ratios. (ii) Then, the dependence of proton$$k_t$$kt-factorization structure functions on the different UPDFs sets which can use the above PDFs sets as input, are presented. The results are compared with the experimental data of ZEUS, NMC and H1+ZEUS at the hard scale$$Q^2 =27$$Q2=27and$$90~\text {GeV}^2$$90GeV2, and a reasonable agreement is found, considering different input PDFs sets. (iii) Furthermore, by fitting a Gaussian function, which depends on the transverse momentum$$k_t$$kt, to the KMR UPDFs and averaging overx(the fractional parton momentum), we obtain the average transverse momentum,$$\langle k_t^2\rangle $$⟨kt2⟩, in the scale range$$Q^2=2.4{-}1.44\times 10^4~\text {GeV}^2$$Q2=2.4-1.44×104GeV2, which is in agreement with the other groups predictions,$$0.25{-}0.44~\text {GeV}^2$$0.25-0.44GeV2at$$Q^2=2.4$$Q2=2.4 $$\text {GeV}^2$$GeV2. (iv) Finally we explore the average transverse momentum for which, the results of proton structure function with the KMR UPDFs and that of the Gaussian$$k_t$$kt-dependent, are consistent to each other. Through the above report, at each step the parton branching (PB) UPDFs, i.e., the transverse momentum dependent PDFs (PB TMDPDFs) are considered for comparisons with the corresponding KMR UPDFs output.
Soret separation and thermo-osmosis in porous media
Authors: Hafskjold Bjørn , Bedeaux Dick , Kjelstrup Signe , Wilhelmsen Øivind 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWhen a temperature difference is applied over a porous medium soaked with a fluid mixture, two effects may be observed, a component separation (the Ludwig–Soret effect, thermodiffusion) and a pressure difference due to thermo-osmosis. In this work, we have studied both effects using non-equilibrium thermodynamics and molecular dynamics. We have derived expressions for the two characteristic parameters, the Soret coefficient and the thermo-osmotic coefficient in terms of phenomenological transport coefficients, and we show how they are related. Numerical values for these coefficients were obtained for a two-component fluid in a solid matrix where both fluid and solid are Lennard–Jones/spline particles. We found that both effects depend strongly on the porosity of the medium and weakly on the interactions between the fluid components and the matrix. The Soret coefficient depends strongly on whether the fluid is sampled from inside the porous medium or from bulk phases outside, which must be considered in experimental measurements using packed columns. If we use a methane/decane mixture in bulk as an example, our results for the Soret coefficient give that a temperature difference of 10 K will separate the mixture to about 49.5/50.5 and give no pressure difference. In a reservoir with 30% porosity, the separation will be 49.8/50.2, whereas the pressure difference will be about 15 bar. Thermo-osmotic pressures with this order or magnitude have been observed in frost-heave experiments.Graphic abstract
Features of highly sensitive thermoluminescence dosimetry Ag3PO4:li nanophosphor under gamma irradiation
Authors: Hussein A. , Sheha E. R. , El-Adawy A. , Abdel-Samad S. , Hassan Ahmad A. , Al-Abyad M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this work, new synthetic nanophosphor materials of Li+ doped Ag3PO4 orthophosphate were prepared with different impurity concentrations. The coprecipitation method was utilized in the preparation at room temperature. The prepared nanophosphors were characterized via x-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and the results confirmed the existence of nanoparticles. The thermoluminescence properties of samples with different concentrations of Li-cohost salt were extensively studied. The Ag3PO4 sample doped with 5 Wt% of Li (i.e. APL5) impurity revealed the highest thermoluminescence intensity of any of the other compositions, according to the thermoluminescence response of the synthesized nanophorsphors. All the studied samples were subjected to optimum thermal annealing of 500 °C for 1 h and readout with thermoluminescence reader at a heating rate of 5 °C/s. The APL5 nanophosphor samples revealed a good linearity dependence of thermoluminescence response against gamma dose within the range of 15–100 Gy. This sample showed a relatively low rate of fading of about 19% within two months of storage and good reusability. These characteristics make the newly prepared APL5 phosphor highly considered as a new potential thermoluminescence dosimeter and can be efficiently used in various γ-radiation detection applications.
BHLHE40 Regulates the T-Cell Effector Function Required for Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling and Immune Checkpoint Therapy Efficacy
Authors: Salmon Avery J. , Shavkunov Alexander S. , Miao Qi , Jarjour Nicholas N. , Keshari Sunita , Esaulova Ekaterina , Williams Charmelle D. , Ward Jeffrey P. , Highsmith Anna M. , Pineda Josué E. , Taneja Reshma , Chen Ken , Edelson Brian T. , Gubin Matthew M. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) using antibody blockade of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) can provoke T cell–dependent antitumor activity that generates durable clinical responses in some patients. The epigenetic and transcriptional features that T cells require for efficacious ICT remain to be fully elucidated. Herein, we report that anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 ICT induce upregulation of the transcription factor BHLHE40 in tumor antigen–specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and that T cells require BHLHE40 for effective ICT in mice bearing immune-edited tumors. Single-cell RNA sequencing of intratumoral immune cells in BHLHE40-deficient mice revealed differential ICT-induced immune cell remodeling. The BHLHE40-dependent gene expression changes indicated dysregulated metabolism, NF-κB signaling, and IFNγ response within certain subpopulations of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Intratumoral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from BHLHE40-deficient mice exhibited higher expression of the inhibitory receptor gene Tigit and displayed alterations in expression of genes encoding chemokines/chemokine receptors and granzyme family members. Mice lacking BHLHE40 had reduced ICT-driven IFNγ production by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and defects in ICT-induced remodeling of macrophages from a CX3CR1+CD206+ subpopulation to an iNOS+ subpopulation that is typically observed during effective ICT. Although both anti–PD-1 and anti–CTLA-4 ICT in BHLHE40-deficient mice led to the same outcome—tumor outgrowth—several BHLHE40-dependent alterations were specific to the ICT that was used. Our results reveal a crucial role for BHLHE40 in effective ICT and suggest that BHLHE40 may be a predictive or prognostic biomarker for ICT efficacy and a potential therapeutic target.
Effect of Intensive Blood Pressure Control on Incident Stroke Risk in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: de Havenon Adam , Sharma Richa , Falcone Guido J. , Prabhakaran Shyam , Sheth Kevin N. 
Published: May 2022

Background:
Patients with mild cognitive impairment may be at higher risk of incident stroke, but the effect of intensive blood pressure (BP) control on that risk has not been explored.

Methods:
We performed a post hoc analysis of SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial) and included patients with a baseline Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of 19 to 25 and without a prior history of stroke. The primary outcome was incident stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic) during follow-up. We report the unadjusted cumulative risk of our primary outcome by SPRINT randomization arm (intensive versus standard BP control) and also fit Cox models to the primary outcome and adjusted for patient age at randomization, race/ethnicity, sex, baseline BP, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, and smoking.

Results:

We included 5091 patients (mean age 68.2, 44% female, 56.7% non-Hispanic White, and 50.2% randomized to intensive BP control), of which 95/5091 (1.9%) had an incident stroke during a mean of 3.8±0.9 years of follow-up. The risk of incident stroke in patients randomized to standard BP control was 57/2536 (2.3%) and to intensive BP control was 38/2555 (1.5%;
P
=0.045). In the adjusted Cox model, the hazard ratio for incident stroke events with intensive BP control was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.43–0.98;
P
=0.040).

Conclusions:
Although the SPRINT trial failed to show a reduction in stroke with intensive BP control for all subjects, those with a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score consistent with mild cognitive impairment at baseline had an association between intensive BP control and lower risk of incident stroke. Future trials of primary prevention of stroke may benefit from enrichment using baseline vascular biomarkers of elevated risk, such as mild cognitive impairment.
Healthcare Providers’ Perspectives Toward the Integration of over the Counter Supplements During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jordan
Authors: Al-Shatnawi Samah F. , Khasawneh Rawand A. , Alhamad Hamza 
Published: May 2022

Objective: During COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers (HCPs) have been inundated with consultations related to over the counter (OTC) dietary supplements’ protective role. Thus, the present study focused on assessing HCPs perceptions toward OTC products integration during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Pertinent data was collected using validated-online survey comprising four sections: demographics, OTC supplementation perceptions, awareness related to safety of OTC supplements, confidence in recommending dosage and counseling to patients regarding OTC supplements’ safety, and some health-related behaviors. Quantified perception score represented by corrected confidence-concern ratio was used in assessing perceptions, and associations between demographics with perception and awareness were explored. Results: A total of 600 responses were included in the final analysis. Vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D were the most popularly recommended OTC supplements. Most respondents indicated positive perceptions toward dietary supplementation while around 60% of respondents reported reluctance about the protective role of COVID-19 vaccination. Bachelor’s degree holders (AOR = 4.39, 95% CI = 2.25–10.33), pharmacists (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.5–9.5), and junior HCPs (<1 year experience) had improved perceptions compared to college graduates, physicians, and senior practitioners (AOR = .17, 95% CI = .04–.78 and AOR = .15, 95% CI = .02–.93), respectively. Conclusion: Suboptimal knowledge among HCPs toward the safety and hazards associated with integration of different OTC supplements during the COVID-19 pandemic dictates further education to ensure the safe integration of OTC supplements.
Changing Epidemiology of Oral Cavity Cancer in the United States
Authors: Stepan Katelyn O. , Mazul Angela L. , Larson Jeffrey , Shah Parth , Jackson Ryan S. , Pipkorn Patrik , Kang Stephen Y. , Puram Sidharth V. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveWe aim to more accurately characterize the current distribution and rates of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases across various oral cavity subsites in the United States.Study DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingDatabase study evaluating cancer incidence in the United States from 2001 to 2017.MethodsWe utilized the US Cancer Statistics Public Use Database, which includes deidentified cancer data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute's SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results), capturing 97% of newly diagnosed cancers. We restricted our analysis to SCC arising from oral cavity subsites from 2001 to 2017. We calculated trends in annual cancer incidence rates using SEER*Stat, as well as annual and average annual percentage change and joinpoints with the National Cancer Institute's Joinpoint program.ResultsMost oral cavity SCC cases arise from the oral tongue (41.7%), followed equally by lip and floor of mouth (each 16.5%), gingival (10.6%), buccal (6.7%), retromolar trigone (5.6%), and hard palate (2.3%) involvement. The overall incidence of oral tongue SCC continues to rise with an average annual percentage change of 1.8% (95% CI, 1.6%‐2.1%; P < .001), with a 2.3% increase among women. This increase is seen among males and females of all age groups. Cancers involving the gum, buccal mucosa, and hard palate were also found to be increasing in rate, albeit to a lesser degree and with substantially lower incidence.ConclusionsThe tongue is the most frequently involved subsite of oral cavity SCC and is increasing in incidence among males and females of all ages.
Non-ECG-gated high-pitch CT angiography versus hybrid ECG-gated CT angiography for aorta using 512-slice CT: comparison of image quality and radiation dose
Authors: Lee Jimin , Jeong Yeon Joo , Lee Geewon , Kim Chang Won , Kim Jin You , Lee Nam Kyung , Lee Han Cheol , Lee Ji Won 
Published: May 2022

Background There have been few reports comparing image quality and radiation dose of aorta computed tomography angiography (CTA) between the high-pitch and the hybrid technique. Purpose To compare the image quality and radiation dose among non-electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated high-pitch CTA and hybrid ECG-gated CTA of the aorta using 512-slice CT. Material and Methods This retrospective study included 110 patients who underwent non-ECG-gated high-pitch CTA (group 1) or hybrid ECG-gated CTA (group 2) of the entire aorta. Interpretability, image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the mean effective radiation dose were compared. Results The mean image noise of the whole aorta was significantly lower (15.7 ± 1.8 HU vs. 16.5 ± 1.2 HU, P = 0.008) in group 1 than in group 2. The CNR (22.3 ± 4.7 vs. 20.0 ± 3.9, P < 0.001) and SNR (26.5 ± 4.9 vs. 23.2 ± 4.0, P < 0.001) were higher in group 2 compared with group 1. Neither group showed a significant difference in interpretability of the ascending aorta, cardiac chamber, aortic valve, right ostium, and left ostium (all P = 1). The mean effective radiation dose was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (3.5 ± 0.9 mSv vs. 4.3 ± 0.8 mSv, P < 0.001). Conclusion The non-ECG-gated high-pitch technique shows significantly improved CNR and SNR due to reduced noise with lower radiation exposure. The interpretability of the cardiac structure, ascending aorta, aortic valve, and both ostia did not differ significantly between the two groups.
Ramanujan’s Equation as an Aid to Predict Arch Perimeter Changes with Precision: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Antala Kishan , Iyengar Shreya , Desai Hina , Chandarana Pranav 
Published: May 2022

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of Ramanujan’s equation in measuring arch perimeter on untreated natural dentition models and their orthodontically corrected posttreatment models. The secondary objective was to apply the equation to predict the arch perimeter gained by the expansion of the molar teeth or proclination of the incisor teeth and compare it with the actual posttreatment arch perimeter changes. Methods 32 maxillary and mandibular (16 pretreatment and 16 posttreatment each) fairly aligned diagnostic casts of orthodontically treated nonextraction patients with class I molar relationships were used. The arch perimeter was measured using 0.012 mm stainless steel wire and was compared with the calculated arch perimeter obtained using Ramanujan’s equation. Pearson correlations were used to determine the correlation between the measured and predicted values. Paired t-tests were used to assess changes in different variables in the pre- and posttreatment study casts of maxilla and mandible. Results Positive correlation of 0.06 (90% CI) between predicted and measured values was found. In maxillary ( P = .04) study models, predicted arch perimeter by use of Ramanujan’s equation was more reliable than mandibular ( P = .74) study models. Conclusion Ramanujan’s equation can be an important aid to calculate the arch perimeter change by the expansion of molar teeth and proclination of incisor teeth 0.06 (90% CI). It is helpful for more accurate nonextraction treatment planning before the start of orthodontic treatment. In maxillary ( P = .04) study models, calculated arch perimeter using Ramanujan’s equation is even more reliable than mandibular study models ( P = .74).
Increasing access to HIV testing for men who have sex with men in Japan using digital vending machine technology
Authors: Kaneko Noriyo , Sherriff Nigel , Takaku Michiko , Vera Jaime H , Peralta Carlos , Iwahashi Kohta , Ishida Toshihiko , Mirandola Massimo 
Published: May 2022

Background: In Japan, most new HIV cases are reported amongst men who have sex with men (MSM); thus, there is an urgent need for further widespread testing of MSM. The use of Digital Vending Machines (DVM) in the UK offering HIV test kits targeting MSM show promising results. Digital Vending Machines could be useful to promote and increase the uptake of testing in Japan, although no studies have yet been conducted. We aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of distributing HIV test kits using DVMs exploring needs and concerns as well as preferred types of test kits and locations. Methods: Fifty-four individuals participated in workshops and meetings with a further 224 MSM answering a quantitative survey assessing HIV testing and prevention needs. Results: Amongst MSM who had never been tested, 73% showed willingness to purchase tests from DVMs. Responses were broadly positive about DVMs but there were concerns regarding being seen receiving test kits from the machines and linkage to confirmatory testing and appropriate care. Conclusions: Using DVMs to distribute HIV test kits in Japan was found to be both acceptable and feasible and may have the potential to increase access to testing for MSM. Future large-scale evaluation studies are required.
Midline peripheral catheters inserted in the superficial femoral vein at mid-thigh: Wise choice in COVID-19 acute hypoxemic respiratory failure patients with helmet continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Gidaro Antonio , Samartin Federica , Salvi Emanuele , Casella Francesco , Cogliati Chiara , Giustivi Davide , Lugli Francesca , Trione Chiara , Melchionda Chiara , Bartoli Arianna , Foschi Antonella , Schiavini Monica , Schiuma Marco , Castelli Roberto , Calloni Maria 
Published: May 2022

Background: During coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Helmet Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (h-CPAP) has been widely used to treat Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure (AHRF). In COVID-19 patients undergoing h-CPAP a simple short peripheral catheter could be insufficient. According to the European Recommendations for Proper Indication and Use of Peripheral venous access consensus, a stable peripheral Vascular Access Device is indicated for intravenous treatment compatible with the peripheral route scheduled for more than 1 week. Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the performance and the potential complications of superficial femoral midline catheters (SFMC) inserted in the Superficial Femoral Vein by direct Seldinger technique with peripheral tip (Arrow®, Teleflex; 20 cm length four FR single lumen and seven FR dual lumen) in AHRF COVID-19 patient. Complications were divided in early (accidental puncture of superficial femoral artery (APSFA); accidental saphenous nerve puncture (ASNP); bleeding) and late (Catheter Related Thrombosis (CRT); Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSI); Accidental Removal (AR); persistent withdrawal occlusion (PWO)). Methods: From 1st October 2020 to 30th June 2021 we conducted a prospective observational study in COVID-19 sub-intensive wards at Luigi Sacco Hospital (Milan). Results: Hundred seventy five SFMC (mean dwell time 11.1 ± 9.8 days) were implanted in COVID-19 patients, 107 (61.1%) during h-CPAP treatment (10.5 ± 8.9 days), the remaining 68 (38.9%) in patients with severe disease. We recorded two minor immediate/early complications (APSFA without sequelae) and no major complications. The long-term follow-up registered four CRBSI (2.3%–2.5/1000 catheters days (CD)), five CRT (2.9%: 2.6/1000 CD), 22 AR (12.6%; 11.4/1000 CD), 38 PWO (36.5%), 34 of which occurred due to fibroblastic sleeve (32.7%). Conclusions: SFMC proved to be safe, easy and time-saving. It could be implemented, after a careful benefits and risks evaluation, in particular settings such as h-CPAP, delirium, bleeding risk factors and palliative care patients.