bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High CRP-albumin ratio predicts poor prognosis in transplant ineligible elderly patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Senjo Hajime , Onozawa Masahiro , Hidaka Daisuke , Yokoyama Shota , Yamamoto Satoshi , Tsutsumi Yutaka , Haseyama Yoshihito , Nagashima Takahiro , Mori Akio , Ota Shuichi , Sakai Hajime , Ishihara Toshimichi , Miyagishima Takuto , Kakinoki Yasutaka , Kurosawa Mitsutoshi , Kobayashi Hajime , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Hashimoto Daigo , Kondo Takeshi , Teshima Takanori 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients older than 65 years have a poor prognosis. Recently, CAR (C-reactive-protein/albumin ratio) has been actively reported as a prognostic index reflecting the nutritional and inflammatory status of elderly patients with solid tumors, but the usefulness of this index as a prognostic indicator in transplant-ineligible elderly AML patients has not been investigated. We studied genetic alterations and CARs in 188 newly diagnosed AML patients aged 65 years or older who were treated in a multicenter setting and had treated without HSCT. Both NCCN 2017 risk group, reflecting the genetic component of the tumor, and CAR, reflecting the inflammatory and nutritional status of the patient, successfully stratified the overall survival (OS) of the patients (2-year OS; CAR low vs high, 42.3% vs 17.8%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, NCCN 2017 poor group and high CAR were extracted as independent poor prognostic factors predicting 2-year OS in the current study. We found, for the first time, that CAR at diagnosis predicted the prognosis of elderly patients with newly diagnosed AML treated without HSCT.
Belgian endive-derived biostimulants promote shoot and root growth in vitro
Authors: Ogunsanya Halimat Yewande , Motti Pierfrancesco , Li Jing , Trinh Hoang Khai , Xu Lin , Bernaert Nathalie , Van Droogenbroeck Bart , Murvanidze Nino , Werbrouck Stefaan P. O. , Mangelinckx Sven , Ramirez Aldana , Geelen Danny 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRecovering biostimulant compounds from by-products of crops is a promising strategy to add value, enhance sustainability, and increase the environmental safety of the agricultural production chain. Here, we report consistent root and shoot growth-stimulating bioactivity present in water-based extracts from Belgian endive forced roots (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum) over two consecutive harvest years. The shoot and the primary root of in vitro cultivated Arabidopsis thaliana treated with Belgian endive extract were about 30% increased in size compared to plants grown under control conditions. The ornamental species Plectranthus esculentus also showed enhanced in vitro shoot and root growth, suggesting bioactivity on a broad range of species. Fractionation of the Belgian endive extracts into aqueous and organic subfractions coupled with bioactivity measurements showed that the principal root and shoot growth-promoting ingredients are primarily water-soluble. NMR-based characterization of the bioactive aqueous fractions revealed the presence of predominantly sugars and organic acids. Malate and sugars were abundant and common to all water fractions, suggesting these molecules contributed to the growth stimulation phenotype. The findings indicate that Belgian endive roots are a source for the development of organic waste-derived biostimulants with potential for application in tissue culture and putatively for soil-grown crop production.
Symptom burden correlates to impairment of diffusion capacity and exercise intolerance in long COVID patients
Authors: Kersten Johannes , Wolf Alexander , Hoyo Luis , Hüll Elina , Tadic Marijana , Andreß Stefanie , d’Almeida Sascha , Scharnbeck Dominik , Roder Eva , Beschoner Petra , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Buckert Dominik 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAfter acute infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a considerable number of patients remains symptomatic with pathological changes in various organ systems. This study aimed to relate the physical and mental burden of symptoms of long COVID patients to the findings of a somatic evaluation. In patients with persistent long COVID symptoms three months after acute infection we assessed physical and mental health status using the SF-36 questionnaire. The cohort was dichotomised by the results (upper two quartiles vs. lower to quartiles) and compared with regard to transthoracic echocardiography, body plethysmography (including diffusion capacity), capillary blood gas analysis and 6-min walk test (6-MWT). From February 22 to September 13, 2021, 463 patients were prospectively examined, of which 367 completed the SF-36 questionnaire. A positive correlation between initial disease severity (need for hospitalization, intensive care medicine) and resulting symptom burden at follow-up could be demonstrated. Patients with impaired subjective physical and mental status were significantly more likely to be women. There was a significant correlation between symptom severity and reduced exercise tolerance in the 6-MWT (495.6 ± 83.7 m vs 549.7 ± 71.6 m, p < 0.001) and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (85.6 ± 14.3% of target vs 94.5 ± 14.4, p < 0.001). In long COVID patients, initial disease severity is correlated with symptom burden after at least 3 months of follow-up. Highly symptomatic long COVID patients show impaired diffusion capacity and 6-MWT despite average or mildly affected mechanical lung parameters. It must be further differentiated whether this corresponds to a transient functional impairment or whether it is a matter of defined organ damage.
A portable non-invasive microwave based head imaging system using compact metamaterial loaded 3D unidirectional antenna for stroke detection
Authors: Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Almutairi Ali F. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA metamaterial (MTM) loaded compact three-dimensional antenna is presented for the portable, low-cost, non-invasive microwave head imaging system. The antenna has two slotted dipole elements with finite arrays of MTM unit cell and a folded parasitic patch that attains directional radiation patterns with 80% of fractional bandwidth. The operating frequency of the antenna is 1.95–4.5 GHz. The optimization of MTM unit cell is performed to increase the operational bandwidth, realized gain, and efficiency of the antenna within the frequency regime. It is also explored to improve radiation efficiency and gain when placed to head proximity. One-dimensional mathematical modelling is analyzed to precisely estimate the power distribution that validates the performance of the proposed antenna. To verify the imaging capability of the proposed system, an array of 9 antennas and a realistic three-dimensional tissue-emulating experimental semi-solid head phantom are fabricated and measured. The backscattered signal is collected from different antenna positions and processed by the updated Iterative Correction of Coherence Factor Delay-Multiply-and-Sum beamforming algorithm to reconstruct the hemorrhage images. The reconstructed images in simulation and experimental environment demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed system as a portable platform to successfully detect and locate the hemorrhages inside the brain.
Ultrasensitive detection of salivary SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in individuals with natural and COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity
Authors: Thomas Stefani N. , Karger Amy B. , Altawallbeh Ghaith , Nelson Kathryn M. , Jacobs David R. , Gorlin Jed , Barcelo Helene , Thyagarajan Bharat 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWe assessed the feasibility of a highly sensitive immunoassay method based on single molecule array (Simoa) technology to detect IgG and IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) in saliva from individuals with natural or vaccine-induced COVID-19 immunity. The performance of the method was compared to a laboratory-developed SARS-CoV-2 RBD total antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Paired serum and saliva specimens were collected from individuals (n = 40) prior to and 2 weeks after receiving an initial prime COVID-19 vaccine dose (Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 or Moderna mRNA-1273). Saliva was collected using a commercially available collection device (OraSure Inc.) and SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG antibodies were measured by an indirect ELISA using concentrated saliva samples and a Simoa immunoassay using unconcentrated saliva samples. The IgG results were compared with paired serum specimens that were analyzed for total RBD antibodies using the ELISA method. The analytical sensitivity of the saliva-based Simoa immunoassay was five orders of magnitude higher than the ELISA assay: 0.24 pg/mL compared to 15 ng/mL. The diagnostic sensitivity of the saliva ELISA method was 90% (95% CI 76.3–97.2%) compared to 91.7% (95% CI 77.5–98.2%) for the Simoa immunoassay without total IgG-normalization and 100% (95% CI 90.3–100%) for the Simoa immunoassay after total IgG-normalization when compared to the serum ELISA assay. When analyzed using the SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG antibody ELISA, the average relative increase in antibody index (AI) between the saliva of the post- and pre-vaccinated individuals was 8.7 (AIpost/pre). An average relative increase of 431 pg/mL was observed when the unconcentrated saliva specimens were analyzed using the Simoa immunoassay (SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgGpost/pre). These findings support the suitability of concentrated saliva specimens for the measurement of SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG antibodies via ELISA, and unconcentrated saliva specimens for the measurement of SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG and IgA using an ultrasensitive Simoa immunoassay.
Therapeutic potential of biogenic and optimized silver nanoparticles using Rubia cordifolia L. leaf extract
Authors: Chandraker Sandip Kumar , Lal Mishri , Khanam Farheen , Dhruve Preeti , Singh Rana P. , Shukla Ravindra 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRubia cordifolia L. is a widely used traditional medicine in the Indian sub-continent and Eastern Asia. In the present study, the aqueous leaf extract of the R. Cordifolia was used to fabricate silver nanoparticles (RC@AgNPs), following a green synthesis approach. Effect of temperature (60 °C), pH (8), as well the concentration of leaf extract (2 ml) and silver nitrate (2 mM) were optimized for the synthesis of stable RC@AgNPs. The phytofabrication of nanosilver was validated by UV–visible spectral analysis, which displayed a distinctive surface plasmon resonance peak at 432 nm. The effective functional molecules as capping and stabilizing agents, and responsible for the conversion of Ag+ to nanosilver (Ag0) were identified using the FTIR spectra. The spherical RC@AgNPs with an average size of ~ 20.98 nm, crystalline nature, and 61% elemental composition were revealed by TEM, SEM, XRD, and. EDX. Biogenic RC@AgNPs displayed a remarkable anticancer activity against B16F10 (melanoma) and A431 (carcinoma) cell lines with respective IC50 of 36.63 and 54.09 µg/mL, respectively. Besides, RC@AgNPs showed strong antifungal activity against aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus, DNA-binding properties, and DPPH and ABTS free radical inhibition. The presented research provides a potential therapeutic agent to be utilized in various biomedical applications.
Experimental /numerical study of a circular rib-stiffened flange connection with inner and outer flange plates under combined bending and tensile loading
Authors: Chen Yong , Mou Wending , Guo Yong , Wang Jiyang , Xue Bin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFocusing on circular rib-stiffened flange connections with inner and outer flange plates, termed inner-outer flange, the mechanical behavior of the flange subjected to the combined bending and tensile loading is experimentally studied. Four nominally identical specimens were utilized to investigate the effects of the eccentricity on the mechanical behavior. The distribution of the gap between flange plates, as well as the distribution of the bolt forces, is presented. It is found that the neutral axis would gradually approach the central axis of the flange connection, as the eccentricity increases. Moreover, provided the sufficiently strong ribs, welds, and flange plates, the capacity of the flange is found to be mainly predominated by the bolt strength. A good agreement is found in the comparison of the results obtained via the finite element analysis, the semi-analytic method (SAM) and the experimental study. It corroborates the validity of using the bolt failure assumption and the plane cross-section assumption in the SAM for approximating the capacity of the inner-outer flange. In terms of the interaction of the tensile capacity with the bending capacity, the experimental results along with those in the literature are compared with the curves defined by the codes, and suggestions for design are concluded. Yield capacity, defined as the load when the bolt stress reaches the yield strength, is recommended herein for the design of a structure under in-service condition. It is found the specifications in the current codes for the rib-stiffened flanges with a single flange plate would occasionally overestimate the yield capacity of the inner-outer flanges under the combined bending and tensile loading. Moreover, both the experimental and the numerical results show a linear load interaction curve, in terms of the ultimate capacity.
Chitin-glucan supplementation improved postprandial metabolism and altered gut microbiota in subjects at cardiometabolic risk in a randomized trial
Authors: Ranaivo Harimalala , Zhang Zhengxiao , Alligier Maud , Van Den Berghe Laurie , Sothier Monique , Lambert-Porcheron Stéphanie , Feugier Nathalie , Cuerq Charlotte , Machon Christelle , Neyrinck Audrey M. , Seethaler Benjamin , Rodriguez Julie , Roumain Martin , Muccioli Giulio G. , Maquet Véronique , Laville Martine , Bischoff Stephan C. , Walter Jens , Delzenne Nathalie M. , Nazare Julie-Anne 
Published: May 2022

AbstractChitin-glucan (CG), an insoluble dietary fiber, has been shown to improve cardiometabolic disorders associated with obesity in mice. Its effects in healthy subjects has recently been studied, revealing its interaction with the gut microbiota. In this double-blind, randomized, cross-over, twice 3-week exploratory study, we investigated the impacts of CG on the cardiometabolic profile and gut microbiota composition and functions in 15 subjects at cardiometabolic risk. They consumed as a supplement 4.5 g of CG daily or maltodextrin as control. Before and after interventions, fasting and postprandial metabolic parameters and exhaled gases (hydrogen [H2] and methane [CH4]) were evaluated. Gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis), fecal concentrations of bile acids, long- and short-chain fatty acids (LCFA, SCFA), zonulin, calprotectin and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) were analyzed. Compared to control, CG supplementation increased exhaled H2 following an enriched-fiber breakfast ingestion and decreased postprandial glycemia and triglyceridemia response to a standardized test meal challenge served at lunch. Of note, the decrease in postprandial glycemia was only observed in subjects with higher exhaled H2, assessed upon lactulose breath test performed at inclusion. CG decreased a family belonging to Actinobacteria phylum and increased 3 bacterial taxa: Erysipelotrichaceae UCG.003, Ruminococcaceae UCG.005 and Eubacterium ventriosum group. Fecal metabolites, inflammatory and intestinal permeability markers did not differ between groups. In conclusion, we showed that CG supplementation modified the gut microbiota composition and improved postprandial glycemic response, an early determinant of cardiometabolic risk. Our results also suggest breath H2 production as a non-invasive parameter of interest for predicting the effectiveness of dietary fiber intervention.
Nonspecific hebbian neural network model predicts musical scales discreteness and just intonation without using octave-equivalency mapping
Authors: Pankovski Toso , Pankovska Ana 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study continues investigating the consonance-pattern emerging neural network model introduced in our previous publication, specifically to test if it will reproduce the results using 100-fold finer precision of 1/100th of a semitone (1 cent). The model is a simplistic feed-forward generic Hebbian-learning generic neural network trained with multiple-harmonic complex sounds from the full auditory sound spectrum of 10 octaves. We use the synaptic weights between the neural correlates of each two-tone from the said spectrum to measure the model’s preference to their inter-tonal interval (12,0002 intervals), considering familiarity as a consonance predictor. We analyze all the 12,000 intervals of a selected tone (the tonic), and the results reveal three distinct yet related features. Firstly, Helmholtz’s list of consonant intervals re-emerges from the synaptic weights of the model, although with disordered dissonant intervals. Additionally, the results show a high preference to a small number of selected intervals, mapping the virtually continual input sound spectrum to a discrete set of intervals. Finally, the model's most preferred (most consonant) intervals are from the Just Intonation scales. The model does not need to use cross-octave interval mapping due to octave equivalence to produce the said results.
Ionic liquid-assisted synthesis of chitin–ethylene glycol hydrogels as electrolyte membranes for sustainable electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Wysokowski Marcin , Nowacki Krzysztof , Jaworski Filip , Niemczak Michał , Bartczak Przemysław , Sandomierski Mariusz , Piasecki Adam , Galiński Maciej , Jesionowski Teofil 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA novel chitin–ethylene glycol hybrid gel was prepared as a hydrogel electrolyte for electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate [Bmim][Ac] as a chitin solvent. Examination of the morphology and topography of the chitin–EG membrane showed a homogeneous and smooth surface, while the thickness of the membrane obtained was 27 µm. The electrochemical performance of the chitin–EG hydrogel electrolyte was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements. The specific capacitance value of the EDLC with chitin–EG hydrogel electrolyte was found to be 109 F g−1 in a potential range from 0 to 0.8 V. The tested hydrogel material was electrochemically stable and did not decompose even after 10,000 GCD cycles. Additionally, the EDLC test cell with chitin–EG hydrogel as electrolyte exhibited superior capacitance retention after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles compared with a commercial glass fiber membrane.
The effects of CuO/CeO2 mixture nanoparticles on the performance of a vapor compression refrigeration system
Authors: Mohamed HudaElslam Abdali , Camdali Unal , Biyikoglu Atilla , Aktas Metin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis study was built on the basis of experimental results from a simple refrigeration system using R134a as a refrigerant. Based on the real dimensions of the system and the experimental results, Ansys fluent software was used to simulate the system to prepare the system to introduce the nanoparticles theoretically. Since the nanoparticle preparation process is expensive, this research presents a simple, easy, and inexpensive method for the preparation process based on, distilled water, ammonia, copper nitrate, and cerium nitrate to synthesize seven types of nanoparticles as a single oxide and as a mixture from two different oxides The results of preparing using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the particles were spherical in shape, with suitable average diameters ranging between 78.95 nm, 79.9 nm, 44.15 nm and 63.3 nm for copper oxide, cerium oxide, the first mixture, and the second mixture respectively. The theoretical study confirmed that both copper oxide, cerium oxide, and the mixture consisting of both improved the performance of the refrigeration system and reduced energy consumption. Moreover using the numerical equations available in the literature to calculate the thermophysical properties proved an improvement in these properties with an increase in the nanoparticle concentration when mixed with R134a.
Nitrogen-rich energetic polymer powered aluminum particles with enhanced reactivity and energy content
Authors: Li Yaru , Ren Hui , Wu Xinzhou , Wang Huixin , Yu Xilong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAluminum particles are of significant interest in enhancing the energy release performance of explosives. One of the major impediments to their use is that Al2O3 shell significantly decreases overall performance. To address this issue, we investigate creating aluminum particles with a glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) coating to improve their reactivity while retaining their energy content. We found that the aluminum particles were coated with a GAP layer of thickness around 8.5 nm. The coated aluminum particles were compared to non-coated powder by the corresponding reactivity parameters obtained from simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, coupled with mass spectral and infrared spectral analyses. Besides, the comparison on the energy content was also conducted based on P–t tests and a laser-induced air shock from energetic materials (LASEM) technique. It was found that GAP shifted the oxidation onset of aluminum particles to a lower temperature by ~ 10 °C. Besides, the oxidation activation energy of aluminum particles was also reduced by ~ 15 kJ mol−1. In return, aluminum particles reduced the activation energy of the second stage decomposition of the GAP by 276 kJ mol−1. And due to the synergistic effect between aluminum and GAP, the decomposition products of GAP were prone to be oxycarbide species rather than carbonitride species. In addition, the P–t test showed the peak pressure and pressurization rate of GAP coated aluminum particles were separately 1.4 times and 1.9 times as large as those of non-coated aluminum particles. Furthermore, the LASEM experiment suggested the shock wave velocity of the GAP coated aluminum particles was larger than that of non-coated aluminum particles, and the largest velocity difference for them could be 0.6 km s−1. This study suggests after coating by GAP, the aluminum particles possess enhanced reaction performance, which shows potential application value in the fields of aluminized explosives and other energetic fields.
The effect of body mass reduction on functional stability in young obese women
Authors: Cieślińska-Świder Joanna , Błaszczyk Janusz Wiesław , Opala-Berdzik Agnieszka 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFunctional stability is necessary for everyday activities. The studies have indicated the deterioration of functional stability during standing in the obese adults. This study aimed to determine whether the 3-month weight-loss program that resulted in body mass reduction equal to or greater than 5% of the initial body mass would improve functional stability in young obese women. For the purpose of this study, the data of 30 females were included. Their mean age was 35.8 ± 9.2. The women performed the anterior limit of stability test on the force platform twice: before and after weight-loss program. Their BMI at two sessions was 36.1 ± 5.1 and 32.3 ± 5, respectively. After the weight loss program, the COP velocities were increased in both phases of the anterior limit of stability test: the dynamic transition from standing to maximal forward-leaning and the maintenance of maximal forward-leaning position (p < 0.05). No significant changes in the values of the COP parameters were found in the eyes-closed trial (p > 0.05). The results suggest that body mass reduction in young obese women led to improved mobility and postural control when visual cuing was available. The longer-lasting weight-loss program might be necessary to observe this effect under visual deprivation conditions. Body mass should be reduced in obese patients to improve their mobility and functional stability; it may prevent unexpected falls.