bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation for detecting changes in blood hormone levels caused by endocrine disruptors in a 28‐day repeated‐dose study in rats
Authors: Akane Hirotoshi , Toyoda Takeshi , Mizuta Yasuko , Cho Young‐Man , Ide Tetsuya , Kosaka Tadashi , Tajima Hitoshi , Aoyama Hiroaki , Ogawa Kumiko 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAlthough measurements of blood hormone levels in rodent toxicological studies can provide important information on the mechanisms of toxicity and extrapolation to humans, there are several difficulties such as large individual differences and limited sample volume. To develop a more simplified method that does not depend solely on blood samples, we examined the possible application of immunohistochemistry for detecting endocrine disruptors in short‐term studies. Aminotriazole (AMT), propylthiouracil (PTU), phenobarbital, aminoglutethimide (AGT), estradiol, and vitamin D3 were administered orally to 6‐week‐old male and female SD rats (five/group) for 28 days. Measurements of serum hormone levels revealed decreases in triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in the AMT and PTU groups, an increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the AMT, PTU, and AGT groups, and an increase in adrenocorticotrophic hormone in the AGT group. Increased thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal gland weights; histopathological lesions, including follicular hypertrophy/hyperplasia, hypertrophy/vacuolation of anterior pituitary cells, and increased adrenocortical vacuolation were observed in association with the hormone level changes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a decreased T4 level in the thyroid gland of the AMT and PTU groups and an increased area of TSH positive immunostaining in the pituitary gland of the AMT, PTU, and AGT groups, consistent with the changes in serum T4 and TSH levels, respectively. These results suggest that histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry for T4 and TSH might be useful and sensitive methods of detecting thyroid dysfunction, and that combining organ weight measurements is a reliable parameter of detecting endocrine disruptors.
Galangin attenuates cadmium‐evoked nephrotoxicity: Targeting nucleotide‐binding domain‐like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2, and nuclear factor kappa B signaling
Authors: Salama Samir A. , Abd‐Allah Gamil M. , Gad Hesham S. , Kabel Ahmed M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe kidney is highly vulnerable to cadmium‐evoked oxidative injury. Galangin is a natural flavone with reported antioxidant properties. This study investigated the potential modulating activity of galangin against cadmium‐induced nephrotoxicity and explored the underlining mechanisms. Western blot analysis, spectrophotometric, ELISA, and histopathological techniques were employed. The results revealed that galangin suppressed tubular injury and improved glomerular function in the cadmium‐intoxicated rats as evidenced by downregulation of kidney injury molecule‐1, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Galangin reduced cadmium‐evoked inflammatory response and oxidative stress as indicated by reduced levels of interleukin‐1 beta and TNF‐α, decreased DNA damage, and improved antioxidant potential of the renal tissues. Mechanistically, galangin suppressed the nucleotide‐binding domain‐like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome and efficiently decreased caspase‐1 activity in the cadmium‐intoxicated rats. Equally important, it inhibited the cadmium‐induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B and upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 signaling. The results highlight the ability of galangin to attenuate cadmium‐evoked nephrotoxicity and support its therapeutic implementation although clinical investigations are warranted.
Therapeutic plasma exchange in the intensive care unit and with the critically ill, a focus on clinical nursing considerations
Authors: Baldwin Ian , Todd Sarah 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTherapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a blood purification technique removing antibodies and plasma proteins to modulate disease and promote recovery. The procedure has different methods, using a membrane or plasma separator with many elements similar to continuous renal replacement therapy (CCRT) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These nursing knowledge and skill sets apply where ICU nurses are providing TPE with increasing need. However, different care models are also in place where TPE is the responsibility of apheresis and nephrology teams visiting the ICU. The plasma replacement volume and prescribing is aligned with published guidelines but is variable when critical illness overlays the primary indication for TPE. There are some important considerations for TPE with respect to anticoagulation, machine settings, prescribing, and associated nursing management. TPE can be performed concurrent with CRRT in acute situations using Y‐piece and valve connectors and is a new and recent advanced blood purification for the ICU.
Nonlinear Population Pharmacokinetics of Anifrolumab in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Almquist Joachim , Kuruvilla Denison , Mai Tu , Tummala Raj , White Wendy I. , Tang Weifeng , Roskos Lorin , Chia Yen Lin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe characterized the population pharmacokinetics of anifrolumab, a type I interferon receptor–blocking antibody. Pharmacokinetic data were analyzed from the anifrolumab (intravenous [IV], every 4 weeks) arms from 5 clinical trials in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 664) and healthy volunteers (n = 6). Population pharmacokinetic modeling was performed using a 2‐compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear elimination pathways. The impact of covariates (demographics, interferon gene signature [IFNGS, high/low], disease characteristics, renal/hepatic function, SLE medications, and antidrug antibodies) on pharmacokinetics was evaluated. Time‐varying clearance (CL) was characterized using an empirical sigmoidal time‐dependent function. Anifrolumab exposure increased more than dose‐proportionally from 100 to 1000 mg IV every 4 weeks. Based on population pharmacokinetics modeling, the baseline median linear CL was 0.193 L/day in IFNGS‐high patients and 0.153 L/day in IFNGS‐low/healthy volunteers. After a year, median anifrolumab linear CL decreased by 8.4% from baseline. Body weight and IFNGS were significant pharmacokinetic covariates, whereas age, sex, race, disease activity, SLE medications, and presence of antidrug antibodies had no significant effect on anifrolumab pharmacokinetics. Anifrolumab at a concentration of 300 mg IV every 4 weeks was predicted to be below the lower limit of quantitation in 95% of patients ≈10 weeks after a single dose and ≈16 weeks after stopping dosing at steady state. To conclude, anifrolumab exhibited nonlinear pharmacokinetics and time‐varying linear CL; doses ≥300 mg IV every 4 weeks provided sustained anifrolumab concentrations. This study provides further evidence to support the use of anifrolumab 300 mg IV every 4 weeks in patients with moderate to severe SLE.
X‐linked hypophosphatemic rickets: Description of seven new variants in patients followed up in reference hospitals in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Sant’ Ana Iara , Torrini Renato , Alves Coelho Maria Caroline , Cantoni Joyce , Madeira Miguel , Ribeiro Márcia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundX‐linked hypophosphatemic rickets (XLHR) is a rare genetic disease, often delayed in diagnosis due to the low degree of suspicion and limited access to sophisticated diagnostic tools that confirm the diagnosis, such as genetic testing.MethodsThrough a cross‐sectional and observational study, 26 patients with a previously presumptive diagnosis of X‐linked hypophosphatemic rickets (based on clinical history, laboratory findings, and physical examination), were followed for approximately 12 months. During 12 months of follow‐up, only 16 patients underwent genetic testing and enrolled in the study. Previous data were analyzed, such as clinical history (e.g., gender, current age, age of clinical diagnosis, age of admission to hospital, family history, and previous orthopedic surgery), physical exam, imaging tests (e.g., radiological changes) and laboratory tests (e.g., tubular maximum reabsorption rate of phosphate to glomerular filtration rate, alkaline phosphatase, and phosphate levels) at the time of the patient’s admission to IEDE and UFRJ, to corroborate and substantiate our research. These data were extracted from the medical records of the patients.ResultsAmong the 16 patients analyzed by molecular biology techniques, the new generation sequencing (NGS), using DNA samples from oral swabs, we obtained seven variants never previously described, which were verified by Sanger sequencing. Among the seven variants never previously described, the most common coding impact was the nonsense mutation. We found two frameshift, one intronic splicing variant, three nonsense, and one deletion splice junction loss. Among patients with new mutations who presented data in the medical record, 100% showed a reduction in TmP/GFR (average of 1.98 mg/dl), the most sensitive laboratory parameter at the time of diagnosis, as well as serum phosphorus (100% had hypophosphatemia on arrival at the referral hospitals––average of 2.4 mg/dl and median 2.3 mg/dl). We also performed NGS on three mothers of the patients with identified mutations. Among these mothers, only one tested negative for the mutation and no family history was reported as well. This mother had serum phosphate of 3.5 mg/dl (normal range: 2.5–4.5 mg/dl) at the time of genetic test collection. The others had a positive test, low serum phosphorus at the time of the molecular test, in addition to a positive family history.ConclusionThis study describes seven new variants in the PHEX gene and aims to increase the knowledge of the scientific community about the types of mutations involving this gene, increasing information on the genetic basis of this condition, enabling future considerations about genotype–phenotype correlation, in addition to diagnosis accurate and early.
Evaluating the Performance of a Small-Scale Culture System for Delta Smelt
Authors: Tsai Yi-Jiun Jean , Ellison Luke , Stevenson Troy , Mulvaney William J. , Carson Evan W. , Hung Tien-Chieh 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Since 2008, a refuge population of Delta Smelt Hypomesus transpacificus has been cultured in a conservation hatchery to help protect the imperiled species from extinction. Culture techniques for this population have thus far focused on maximizing genetic diversity in conjunction with large-scale operations (40 larval tanks, 5,954-L larval system, 224,000 larvae capacity), which includes rearing multiple family groups within the same tanks. However, Delta Smelt production and associated research projects would benefit from also being able to rear fish on a smaller scale, such as in individual family groups. Recently, a new culture system and modified culture practices were developed for rearing small groups of larval Delta Smelt. We (1) determined the performance of the small-scale “experimental” rearing system from embryo to 80 d posthatch (dph) and (2) tested whether the performance of the experimental system met the standard set by the large-scale “refuge” rearing system at critical culturing life stages in terms of embryo hatching rate (10 d postfertilization) and larval survival, length, and weight (40 and 80 dph). From 1,000 embryos, the experimental system produced a mean ± SE of 376 ± 44 late-stage larvae. The hatching rate of embryos did not differ between systems. Early-stage larvae (0–40 dph) reared in the experimental system did not differ in survival rate but were longer and heavier than those reared in the refuge system. In contrast, late-stage larvae (41–80 dph) reared in the experimental system had poorer survival and were shorter and lighter than refuge-reared larvae. Thus, the experimental system met the refuge-system benchmark for embryo hatching and exceeded the benchmark in early-larval production, but it could be improved for late-larval rearing. Nevertheless, this small-scale rearing system will provide much-needed flexibility to enhance Delta Smelt culture practices and facilitate future research.
Reinforcement of nest‐like Zn layers on the surface of carbon fibers for rigid polyurethane composites
Authors: Zhou Yilong , Li Weiwei , Liu Huixin , Pei Kaiyuan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this paper, the nest‐like Zn layers on the surface of short carbon fibers (CFs) was obtained by electrodeposition technique to improve the mechanical properties of rigid polyurethane (RPU) composites. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the desired nest‐like Zn crystals were successfully deposited on the surface of CFs. The X‐ray powder diffractometer (XRD) and contact angle instrument were used to analyze the crystal composition of the layers and the wettability of fiber surface. Compared with pristine short carbon fibers/rigid polyurethane (CFs‐RPU) composites, the tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of nest‐like Zn layers decorated short carbon fibers/rigid polyurethane (NS‐CFs/RPU) composites were improved simultaneously. Dynamic mechanical test (DMA) results showed that the nest‐like Zn layers on the surface of CFs effectively improved the interfacial bonding strength between CFs and the RPU matrix. In addition, the cross‐section of NS‐CFs/RPU composites showed the metal layer combines well with the matrix. The above results indicated that the improvement of strength and toughness of NS‐CFs/RPU composites was attributed to the pinning effect of the nest‐like Zn layers on the surface of carbon fiber and the increased of crack propagation path.
Impact of timing and dosing of four‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate administration on outcomes in warfarin‐associated intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Cicci Corey D. , Weiss Ashley , Dang Cathyyen , Stanton Matthew , Feldman Ryan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractStudy objectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes associated with time to administration and dose of four‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F‐PCC) in patients with ICH on warfarin.DesignThis was a single‐center retrospective analysis of patients with ICH on warfarin who received 4F‐PCC.SettingThe site of the study was a large, Level I trauma, academic medical center with a dedicated neurologic intensive care unit and an emergency department (ED) that has approximately 72,000 visits annually.PatientsPatients were included if they were ≥18 years of age, diagnosed with ICH, had an INR >1 due to warfarin use, and received both 4F‐PCC and IV vitamin K for anticoagulation reversal. Exclusion criteria included patients who were less than 18 years of age, were not currently taking warfarin, had a bleeding site other than ICH, were pregnant or incarcerated, had an inadequate medical record, had a left ventricular assist device, had known liver disease with Child‐Pugh Class C, received anticoagulation with heparin therapy within 24 h of anticoagulation reversal, or did not receive vitamin K within 24 h of hospital admission.InterventionOur primary outcome was a composite of hematoma expansion or death due to neurologic injury. Treatment groups were defined as receipt of 4F‐PCC within 0–30, 31–60, 61–90, 91–120 min, or greater than 120 min. Hematoma expansion was defined as any increase in hematoma size as assessed by a radiologist via standard 6‐h CT. Death due to neurologic injury was defined as death prior to a repeat CT being performed or documentation of a neurologic cause of death. Adequate INR reversal (INR ≤1.3 on repeat INR) vs. inadequate INR reversal and weight‐based vs. fixed‐dose 4F‐PCC were also assessed.Measurements and Main ResultsA total of 94 patients met the inclusion criteria. Forty‐one patients (43.6%) met the composite endpoint, including 60% of the 31–60 min group, 47.6% of the 61–90 min group, 71.4% of the 91–120 min group, and 30.6% of the >120‐min group. A significant difference in primary outcome occurred between the 91–120 min and >120‐min groups (71.4% vs. 30.6%; p= 0.005), but this difference was not observed when accounting for disparities in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Patients with adequate INR reversal were less likely to meet the primary endpoint than those with inadequate INR reversal (28.1% vs. 58.6%; p= 0.0059). There was less failure of anticoagulation reversal with weight‐based dosing compared with fixed dosing (24.2% vs. 65.0%; p< 0.001).ConclusionsNo difference in clinical outcomes among 4F‐PCC dosing strategies or time windows to administration was observed in patients with GCS <15. Rates of repeat INR ≤1.3 were higher with weight‐based dosing, suggesting investigation of populations in which fixed dosing may be inappropriate is warranted.
Performance of children with ASD on the WISC‐V ancillary index scales
Authors: Dale Brittany A. , Finch William Holmes , Shellabarger Kassie A. R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAncillary index scales provide assessment professionals the opportunity to conduct a more comprehensive interpretation of a student's performance on the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC‐V); however, little is known about the performance of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on these scales. The ASD special group population from the standardization sample of the WISC‐V and their demographically matched controls were included in the study (totaln = 124; mean age = 11.5 years). The results of a discriminant analysis revealed that the Auditory Working Memory Index, the Cognitive Proficiency Index, and the Full‐Scale IQ were the best at discriminating among the different groups suggesting that the various groups perform differently on these indexes. School psychologists should calculate all ancillary index scales to obtain the most comprehensive understanding of the cognitive strengths and weaknesses of a child with ASD.
Event‐triggered quantized L2−L∞$$ {\mathfrak{L}}_2-{\mathfrak{L}}_{\infty } $$ filtering for neural networks under denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Zhou Youmei , Chang Xiao‐Heng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis article deals with the reliable event‐triggered quantized filtering issue for neural networks with exterior interference under denial‐of‐service attacks. In order to lighten the load of communication channels and save network resources, a resilient event‐triggered mechanism and a quantization scheme are employed, simultaneously. By applying a piecewise Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method, sufficient conditions containing limitations of denial‐of‐service attacks are derived to guarantee that the filter error system is exponentially stable as well as possesses a prescribed disturbance attenuation performance. Then, a co‐design method of the desired quantized filtering gain matrix and event‐triggering parameter can be obtained provided that the linear matrix inequalities have a feasible solution. Finally, the usefulness of the proposed design method is demonstrated by a numerical example.
Non‐Hookean Droplet Spring for Enhancing Hydropower Harvest
Authors: Xue Luanluan , Li Huizeng , Li An , Zhao Zhipeng , Li Kaixuan , Li Mingzhu , Song Yanlin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNonlinear elastic materials are significant for engineering and micromechanics. Droplets with the merits of easy‐accessibility, diversity, and energy‐absorption capability exhibit a variety of non‐Hookean elastic behaviors. Herein, benefiting from the confinement of heterogeneous‐wettable parallel plates, the non‐Hookean mechanics of the droplet‐based spring are systematically investigated. Experimental results and theoretical analysis reveal that the force generated by the spring varies nonlinearly with its deformation, and a force model is accordingly built to depict the mechanics of springs with different sized/numbered droplets and confined by different wettability patterns. Importantly, for the droplet‐based spring, the droplet‐plate contact area expands nonlinearly with the pressing force, which is employed to optimize the output performance of the droplet‐based triboelectric nanogenerator to 226% compared with the control test. This finding deepens the understanding of the non‐Hookean behavior of droplet‐based springs, and sheds light on applications in energy harvesting, micromechanics, and miniature optic/electric devices.
Towards the enhancement of AES IP security using hardware obfuscation technique: A practical approach for secure data transmission in IoT
Authors: Chhabra Surbhi , Lata Kusum 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe global market of developing Internet of Things (IoT) devices increases rapidly with improved design goals like cost, energy efficiency, and performance. Unfortunately, the above design goals often come at the expense of security. Illegal access to the network, malicious device control, compromised sensitive information, and theft of personal data are main threats to these devices. As a result, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is sometimes employed to ensure safe transmission and processing of data in IoT Systems. However, tampering, cloning, and reverse engineering are main concerns that impair the computational complexity of the 128‐bit AES at the hardware level. Recently hardware obfuscation‐based AES has emerged as a comprehensive hardware security approach for reducing threat impacts. The hardware obfuscation schemes efficiently introduce obfuscation keys for AES to conceal its functionality. The Xilinx Vivado 2016.2 software and BASYS‐3 FPGA have been used to implement obfuscated AES approaches in this work. The proposed methods have low resource usage in terms of area and power overhead while providing a high level of security in terms of Hamming Distance of 50% and Avalanche Effect of 40% for each obfuscation method. We have also analyzed the probability of success for brute‐force attacks for proposed methodologies.
Leydig cell function in adult male rats is disrupted by perfluorotetradecanoic acid through increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: Tang Yunbing , Ying Yingfen , Zou Cheng , Yan Haoni , Wang Yiyan , Li Huitao , Li Xiaoheng , Xu Zhangye , Lv Jieqiang , Ge Ren‐shan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPerfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) is a long‐chain perfluoroalkyl compound with increased applications. Its effect on Leydig cell function and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (60 days old) were gavaged with PFTeDA at doses of 0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day from 60 to 87 days after birth. PFTeDA significantly reduced serum testosterone levels at 1 mg/kg and higher doses, while markedly increasing serum luteinizing hormone level at 10 mg/kg and follicle‐stimulating hormone at ≥1 mg/kg. PFTeDA significantly reduced the sperm number at the cauda of epididymis at ≥1 mg/kg. PFTeDA also reduced the number of CYP11A1‐positive Leydig cells due to increased apoptosis shown by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. PFTeDA significantly repressed the expression of Cyp17a1 and Star and their proteins at 1–10 mg/kg, while it increased the expression of Srd5a1 and its protein (an immature Leydig cell biomarker) at 10 mg/kg. PFTeDA markedly increased testicular malondialdehyde level, while inhibiting antioxidants (SOD1, SOD2, and CAT), triggering oxidative stress, thereby further inducing BAX and CASP3 while inhibiting BCL2, which led to cell apoptosis. PFTeDA also reduced DHH level secreted by Sertoli cells, which indirectly affected Leydig cell function. PFTeDA inhibited testosterone secretion in primary Leydig cells in vitro by increasing reactive oxygen species and inducing apoptosis at 50 μM. In conclusion, PFTeDA inhibits the function of Leydig cells by inducing oxidative stress and subsequently stimulating cell apoptosis.