bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesona chinensis Benth Polysaccharides Alleviate DSS‐Induced Ulcerative Colitis via Inhibiting of TLR4/MAPK/NF‐κB Signaling Pathways and Modulating Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Lu Hanyu , Shen Mingyue , Chen Ting , Yu Yue , Chen Yi , Yu Qiang , Chen Xianxiang , Xie Jianhua 
Published: June 2022

ScopeUlcerative colitis (UC) is a severe disease of the intestinal tract. To investigate the role of TLR4/Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/Nuclear factor kappa‐B(NF‐κB) pathways and intestinal flora in UC, and the protective mechanisms of Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharides (MBP), potential therapeutic agents due to their diabetes‐relieving, cancer‐suppressing, and immunomodulatory properties.Methods and resultsA dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced mouse colitis model is used for experiments; the histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting’s results suggest that MBP can alleviate the colitis symptoms, inhibits the overproduction of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, promote IL‐10, reduces myeloperoxidase activity, and alleviates the inflammatory response probably by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/MAPK/NF‐κB pathways. Furthermore, MBP improvs the ratio of Bcl‐2/BAX, maintains the intestinal integrity by promoting the levels of zonulin occludin‐1 (ZO‐1), occluding and mucin mucin‐2 (MUC‐2), reduces the levels of endotoxin (ET), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) in serum, and oxidative stress in liver. Moreover, using 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing analysis, MBP regulates gut microbiota by decreasing the abundances of Helicobacter and Prevotella and increasing the abundances of Lactobacillus and Coprococcus, reverses microbiota dysbiosis caused by DSS.ConclusionThese findings confirm the anti‐inflammatory effects of MBP, restoration of the intestinal barrier and intestinal flora, and have therapeutic potential to attenuate the development of UC.
Evaluation of alumina slurry dispersion by nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation as a comparison to conventional dispersion evaluation methods
Authors: Shakirbay Akerke , Choi Jeong Sik , Kim Dong Chul , Shin Hyo Soon , Yeo Dong Hun , Lee Joon Hyung 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we evaluated the particle dispersion degree of alumina slurry containing a dispersant by solvent nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation and compared it with conventional dispersion evaluation methods such as viscosity, particle size, and sedimentation height measurements. The dispersion of slurry was evaluated via numerical analysis of the transverse relaxation time (T2). The effect of the changes in different parameters of the experiment in terms of milling time, solid loading, and dispersant amount was investigated by NMR relaxation as well as conventional methods. The results of NMR relaxation measurements revealed that T2 correlates well with other dispersion evaluation methods; thus, it is an efficient technique to evaluate the dispersion of alumina slurry, specifically, when studying the effect of the change in milling time and dispersion amount.
Reachable workspace analysis is a potential measurement for impairment of the upper extremity in neuralgic amyotrophy
Authors: IJspeert Jos , Lustenhouwer Renee , Janssen Renske M. , Han Jay J. , Hatch Maya N. , Cameron Ian , Helmich Rick C. , van Engelen Baziel , van der Wees Philip , Geurts Alexander C. H. , van Alfen Nens , Groothuis Jan T. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsNeuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a multifocal neuropathy involving the nerves of the upper extremity, limiting functional capability and reducing range of motion. The reachable workspace (RWS) is a computerized three‐dimensinal analysis system that evaluates the relative surface area (RSA) of an individual's arm reachability and has shown utility in several neuromuscular disorders. The aims of this study were to examine the ability of the RWS to quantitatively detect limitations in upper extremity active range of motion in patients with NA, and correlate these with other upper extremity functional outcome measures.MethodsForty‐seven patients with NA and 25 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls were measured with the RWS. Study participants’ RSAs were correlated with scores on the Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (SRQ), the Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, and upper extremity strength measurements using hand‐held dynamometry.ResultsPatients with NA showed significantly lower values in the affected arm for all quadrants (except for the ipsilateral lower quadrant) and total RSA compared with controls (P < 0.001). We found moderate correlations between the reachable workspace, the DASH questionnaire result (r = −0.415), and serratus anterior muscle strength (r = 0.414).DiscussionRWS is able to detect limitations in active range of motion of the affected arm in patients with NA, and is moderately correlated with upper extremity functional measures. RWS can demonstrate impairment of the affected upper extremity in NA and it has potential as a clinical outcome measure.
A new method to quantify innervation of the ulnar intrinsic hand muscles by the anterior interosseous nerve in Martin‐Gruber anastomosis and nerve transfer surgery
Authors: Wu Simon , Curran Matthew W. T. , Hachisuka Akiko , Rajshekar Mithun , Chan K. Ming 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsIt is important to quantify the amount of crossover innervation from the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) through Martin‐Gruber anastomosis (MGA) particularly in patients with high ulnar nerve injury who undergo nerve transfer surgery. The objective of this study is to describe a novel electrophysiological method for quantifying innervation from the AIN that can be done using conventional nerve conduction study setup and commonly available software for analysis.MethodsSeven subjects with MGA and nine patients who had undergone AIN to ulnar nerve transfer underwent conventional motor nerve conduction studies. Recording was done over the hypothenar and first dorsal interosseous muscles while stimulating the median and ulnar nerves at the wrist and elbow. Datapoint‐by‐datapoint subtraction of the compound muscle action potentials evoked at the elbow and wrist was performed after they had been onset‐aligned. The results were compared to the collision technique and innervation ratio method.ResultResults from the digital subtraction method were highly correlated with the collision technique (r = 0.96, p < 0.05). In contrast, its correlation with the innervation ratio method is substantially lower.DiscussionIn comparison to previously described techniques, the digital subtraction method has a number of practical advantages. It uses conventional nerve conduction study setup, and the added step of digital alignment and subtraction can be done through commonly available software. With the increasing use of nerve transfer surgery in severe high ulnar nerve injury, this could be a useful method to identify the presence of MGA prior to surgery and for evaluating nerve recovery following surgery.
Plasmonic metasurface assisted by thermally imprinted polymer nano‐well array for surface enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Segervald Jonas , Boulanger Nicolas , Salh Roushdey , Jia Xueen , Wågberg Thomas 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPlasmonic nanometasurfaces/nanostructures possess strong electromagnetic field enhancement caused by resonant oscillations of free electrons, and has been extensively applied in biosensing, nanophotonic and photocatalysis. However, fabrication of uniform nanostructured metasurfaces by conventional methods is complicated and costly, which mitigates a wide‐spread use of this technique in ubiquitous applications. Here, we present a facile and scalable method to fabricate an active nanotrench plasmonic gold substrate. The surface comprises sub‐10 nm plasmonic nanogaps and their formation is assisted by a pre‐fabrication of nano‐imprinted polymer nano‐well arrays. The plasmonic metasurface is optimized to maximize the density of the nano‐trenches by tuning the substrate material, imprinting procedure and film deposition. We show that the surface Raman enhancement due to plasmonic resonances correlates well with trench density and reach a meritorious enhancement factor of EF > 105 over large surfaces.We further show that the electric field strength at the nanotrench features are well explained by finite element method simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics. The plasmonic substrate is transparent in the visible spectrum and conductive. In combination with a scalable bottom‐up fabrication the plasmonic metasurface opens up for a wider use of the sensitive and reliable SERS substrate in applications such as portable sensing devices and for future internet of things.
Continuous monitoring of postirradiation reoxygenation and cycling hypoxia using electron paramagnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kawai Tatsuya , Matsuo Masayuki , Takakusagi Yoichi , Saito Keita , Hyodo Fuminori , Devasahayam Nallathamby , Matsumoto Shingo , Kishimoto Shun , Yasui Hironobu , Yamamoto Kazutoshi , Krishna Murali C. 
Published: June 2022

Reoxygenation has a significant impact on the tumor response to radiotherapy. With developments in radiotherapy technology, the relevance of the reoxygenation phenomenon in treatment efficacy has been a topic of interest. Evaluating the reoxygenation in the tumor microenvironment throughout the course of radiation therapy is important in developing effective treatment strategies. In the current study, we used electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) to directly map and quantify the partial oxygen pressure (pO2) in tumor tissues. Human colorectal cancer cell lines, HT29 and HCT116, were used to induce tumor growth in female athymic nude mice. Tumors were irradiated with 3, 10, or 20 Gy using an x‐ray irradiator. Prior to each EPRI scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to obtain T2‐weighted anatomical images for reference. The differences in the mean pO2 were determined through two‐tailed Student's t‐test and one‐way analysis of variance. The median pO2 60 min after irradiation was found to be lower in HCT116 than in HT29 (9.1 ± 1.5 vs. 14.0 ± 1.0 mmHg, p = 0.045). There was a tendency for delayed and incomplete recovery of pO2 in the HT29 tumor when a higher dose of irradiation (10 and 20 Gy) was applied. Moreover, there was a dose‐dependent increase in the hypoxic areas (pO2 < 10 mmHg) 2 and 24 h after irradiation in all groups. In addition, an area that showed pO2 fluctuation between hypoxia and normoxia (pO2 > 10 mmHg) was also identified surrounding the region with stable hypoxia, and it slightly enlarged after recovery from acute hypoxia. In conclusion, we demonstrated the reoxygenation phenomenon in an in vivo xenograft model study using EPRI. These findings may lead to new knowledge regarding the reoxygenation process and possibilities of a new radiation therapy concept, namely, reoxygenation‐based radiation therapy.
Imaging of sugar‐based contrast agents using their hydroxyl proton exchange properties
Authors: Knutsson Linda , Xu Xiang , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Chan Kannie W. Y. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe ability of CEST MRI to detect the presence of millimolar concentrations of non‐metallic contrast agents has made it possible to study, non‐invasively, important biological molecules such as proteins and sugars, as well as drugs already approved for clinical use. Here, we review efforts to use sugar and sugar polymers as exogenous contrast agents, which is possible based on the exchange of their hydroxyl protons with water protons. While this capability has raised early enthusiasm, for instance about the possibility of imaging D‐glucose metabolism with MRI in a way analogous to PET, experience over the past decade has shown that this is not trivial. On the other hand, many studies have confirmed the possibility of imaging a large variety of sugar analogues, each with potentially interesting applications to assess tissue physiology. Some promising applications are the study of (i) sugar delivery and transport to assess blood–brain barrier integrity and (ii) sugar uptake by cells for their characterization (e.g., cancer versus healthy), as well as (iii) clearance of sugars to assess tissue drainage—for instance, through the glymphatic system. To judge these opportunities and their challenges, especially in the clinic, it is necessary to understand the technical aspects of detecting the presence of rapidly exchanging protons through the water signal in MRI, especially as a function of magnetic field strength. We expect that novel approaches in terms of MRI detection (both saturation transfer and relaxation based), MRI data analysis, and sugar design will push this young field forward in the next decade.
Enteral nutrition support for infants with pulmonary hypoplasia: A qualitative evaluation of caregiver and provider perspectives
Authors: Bose Sourav K. , White Brandon M. , Cook Robin C. , Herkert Lisa M. , Flohr Sabrina J. , Williams Hannah L. , Markovits Annie , Teerdhala Shiva , Peranteau William H. , Hedrick Holly L. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundEnteral nutrition is a critical intervention that supports the growth of children with pulmonary hypoplasia (PH). We explored the experiences of caregivers and providers caring for children with PH to better understand gaps in knowledge transfer and identify barriers and facilitators to caregiving to inform interventions that may improve support.MethodsThis qualitative study included 10 interviews with caregivers and 10 clinical team members at a single integrated care program for children with PH. An inductive and iterative coding strategy was employed to produce a codebook. After cluster analysis, themes were generated to capture participant sentiments.ResultsThemes were defined along a care continuum (1) initiation, (2) adaptation, and (3) maintenance that represented distinct phases of adjustment to enteral nutrition support (1) in the perinatal period and initial neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, (2) from discharge planning through the family's first days at home and establishment of a stable feeding regime, and (3) through long‐term follow‐up and weaning. Notable subthemes included uncertainty, partnerships in training, and obstacles to adaptation.ConclusionsAmong children with PH, the caregiver–provider relationship during the perinatal and NICU course is critical to promoting caregiver adaptation to the needs of the child. Ongoing considerations to support resource alignment and transition to a stable feeding regimen may facilitate caregiver adjustment to a “new normal,” culminating in successful growth and/or weaning. These findings will inform interventions focused on training curricula, discharge planning, and the provision of follow‐up in the context of an integrated care program for PH.
Virtual elements on agglomerated finite elements to increase the critical time step in elastodynamic simulations
Authors: Sukumar N. , Tupek Michael R. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIn this article, we use the first‐order virtual element method (VEM) to investigate the effect of shape quality of polyhedra in the estimation of the critical time step for explicit three‐dimensional elastodynamic finite element (FE) simulations. Low‐quality FEs are common when meshing realistic complex components, and while tetrahedral meshing technology is generally robust, meshing algorithms cannot guarantee high‐quality meshes for arbitrary geometries or for non‐water‐tight computer‐aided design models. For reliable simulations on such meshes, we consider FE meshes with tetrahedral and prismatic elements that have badly shaped elements—tetrahedra with dihedral angles close to and , and slender prisms with triangular faces that have short edges—and agglomerate such “bad” elements with neighboring elements to form a larger polyhedral virtual element. On each element, the element‐eigenvalue inequality is used to estimate the critical time step. For a suite of illustrative FE meshes with being a mesh‐coordinate parameter that leads to poor mesh quality, we show that adopting VEM on the agglomerated polyhedra yield critical time steps that are insensitive as . The significant reduction in solution time on meshes with agglomerated virtual elements vis‐à‐vis tetrahedral meshes is demonstrated through explicit dynamics simulations on a tapered beam.
Investigation of the linear structures of the Menderes Massif (Western Anatolia) using the moving average differences ‘mad’ boundary analysis method
Authors: Aydın Nedim Gökhan , İşseven Turgay 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTThe Menderes Massif, located at Western Anatolia, Turkey, is a wide area that is under an extensional regime, resulting in the area having large grabens along with many faults and being geothermally rich. Due to having a large number of linear structures, the Menderes Massif has been a popular area for boundary analysis studies using gravity and magnetic prospecting. Since both prospecting methods result in potential field anomalies that are directly related to the positions of the anomaly sources, boundary analyses prove useful to mark the location of linear subsurface features. In this study, we have examined the Menderes Massif with a different boundary analysis approach that we call moving average differences. We have briefly introduced the method via synthetic gravity anomalies and carried out a tests to show that the algorithm is effective. Next, we have applied the moving average differences method to the actual Bouguer gravity data from the Menderes Massif and interpreted the results, briefly. Finally, we have compared our results with the already‐known faults and two other boundary analysis studies’ results from the area. The moving average differences results revealed new lineaments spread all around the Menderes Massif, which are possibly contacts/faults that are yet to be mapped. Our results also indicate that the moving average differences algorithm we have implemented provides useful information about the lineaments within the gravity anomalies, sufficient for it to be acknowledged as a boundary analysis method.
A bioarcheological contribution to the social history of Roman Macedonia: The Pontokomi‐Vrysi site in Kozani Prefecture, Greece
Authors: Vergidou Chryssa , Karamitrou‐Mentessidi Georgia , Voutsaki Sofia , Nikita Efthymia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractRoman Macedonia has been largely neglected by bioarcheological research. As a result, little is known about the imprint of living conditions of that time on the skeletons of its inhabitants, especially those of the lower classes. This paper presents the paleopathological study conducted on a Roman period (1st–4th c. CE) skeletal assemblage from Pontokomi‐Vrysi, a site in the semi‐mountainous region of Eordaea in Upper Macedonia (now in Kozani Prefecture, Greece). The aim is to investigate differences in the frequency of multiple paleopathological conditions in the buried population and to assess whether these are linked to sex‐ or age‐related differences. The study examines cribra orbitalia (CO), porotic hyperostosis (PH), enamel hypoplasia (EH), osteoarthritis (OA), vertebral osteoarthritis (VOA), intervertebral disk disease (IDD), Schmorl's nodes (SNs), trauma (Tr), and lower limb periostitis/periostosis (PO). The results show higher frequencies of OA, IDD, PO, and Tr among males compared with those among females. These results suggest increased male physical hardship, pointing to a possible gender division of labor with the men of the community being mostly responsible for the physically demanding agricultural and animal husbandry activities. Additionally, comparisons of the CO, PH, and EH patterns in adults and nonadults support that, in general, the Pontokomi‐Vrysi community was resilient enough to overcome stress. Overall, these findings make an important contribution to both the bioarcheology and social history of Roman Macedonia and stress the need for more studies that combine historical, archeological (cultural), and bioarcheological data.
The fetal sequencing consortium: The value of multidisciplinary dialog and collaboration
Authors: Giordano Jessica L. , Wapner Ronald J. 
Published: June 2022

Key pointsWhat is already known about this topic?

Exome and genome sequencing is increasingly used in prenatal diagnosis. Clinicians face numerous challenges in how to interpret genes and variants identified through prenatal sequencing.

What does this study add?

An international, multidisciplinary consortium allows for real‐time collaboration on ongoing cases, assessment of new technologies, and the opportunity to create a novel fetal sequencing repository.
Cerebral small vessel disease caused by PLOD3 mutation: Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of lysyl hydroxylase‐3 deficiency
Authors: Zhou Ji , Feng Weixing , Zhuo Xiuwei , Lu Wenting , Wang Junling , Fang Fang , Wang Xiaohui 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACTIntroductionPathogenic variants in PLOD3, encoding lysyl hydroxylase‐3 (LH3), can cause a hereditary connective tissue disorder that has rarely been reported. It is a multi‐system disease, presenting with craniofacial dysmorphisms, skeletal and eye manifestations, sensorineural hearing loss, and variable skin manifestations. Severe central nervous system involvement has not been reported.Case presentationA 10‐month‐old girl was admitted with development delay and clustered epileptic spasms. Hypertelorism, an upturned nose, and low‐set ears were noted in physical examination. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple intracranial malacias and bleeding foci, extensive abnormal signals in the white matter, and obvious brain atrophy, which was consistent with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Electroencephalography suggested hypsarrhythmia. The vertebrae were flattened. The distal end of the metacarpal bone in the left hand was irregular. She was diagnosed with West syndrome. Whole‐exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous variant of c.1216_1218delCTC (p.L406del) in PLOD3, which was found to be inherited from her heterozygous parents.ConclusionWe report a patient with pathogenic PLOD3 mutation who presented with cerebral SVD. This report expands the phenotypic spectrum of LH3 deficiency.
Investigation of dynamic hyperinflation and its relationship with exercise capacity in children with bronchiectasis
Authors: Caglar Tosun Beyza Nur , Zeren Melih , Barlik Meral , Demir Esen , Gulen Figen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackground and AimDynamic hyperinflation (DH) is a major contributor to exercise intolerance in patients with obstructive lung diseases. However, it has not been investigated in children with bronchiectasis (BE). We aimed to investigate dynamic ventilatory responses and their influence on functional exercise capacity in children with BE.MethodsForty children with BE (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1] = 78 ± 19%pred) were included. Six‐minute walk test (6MWT) was conducted using Spiropalm 6MWT® for evaluating dynamic ventilatory responses including inspiratory capacity (IC), minute ventilation (VE), breathing reserve (BR) and respiratory rate (RR). A decrease of ≥100 ml in IC during exertion was defined as DH. Also, spirometry was performed, and peripheral muscle strength were measured.ResultsTwenty patients (50%) developed DH, and four patients (10%) were ventilatory limited (BR < %30) during 6MWT. There was a 176 [100−590] ml decrease in IC after exertion in patients with DH. DH did not correlate to clinical or functional indicators of the disease, except for an increase in RR (∆RR) during exertion. High ∆RR was associated with presence of DH (rpb= 0.390; p < 0.05). Clinical features, peripheral muscle strength, and Spiropalm 6MWT metrics including 6MWT distance did not differ between patients with and without DH. Univariate analysis revealed FVC% (R = 0.340), VEpeak (R = 0.565), quadriceps strength (R = 0.698) and handgrip strength (R = 0.711) were the only predictors of 6MWT distance (p < 0.05).ConclusionAlthough DH is common in children with BE, the severity of DH is rather low and may not seem to affect functional exercise capacity. However, peripheral muscle strength was a major contributor to functional exercise capacity.