bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of a wireless ultrasound probe as a portable, noninvasive method for studying reproductive biology in the asp viper, Vipera aspis
Authors: Sassoè‐Pognetto Marco , Acierno Sonia , Roatta Silvestro 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the use of wireless ultrasonography as an imaging system to study the reproductive ecology of the asp viper (Vipera aspis), a viviparous snake found in southwestern Europe. Female vipers were captured during the summer and immediately scanned to obtain an estimate of the number of embryos. Ultrasound imaging was performed with a pocket‐sized wireless ultrasound probe interfaced with a tablet with a dedicated app. Vipers were then released at the exact capture site after collecting data on body size and weight. We validate wireless ultrasonography as a non‐destructive, effective tool for ultrasonic investigations in the field. Wireless probes are light and compact, which facilitates carriage in rugged terrain. Moreover, the absence of cables simplifies the maneuvers to be made on a small, potentially dangerous snake. Importantly, ultrasound scans can be performed at the capture site, thus minimizing restraint time and handling of gravid females.
Humoral immune response to authentic circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants elicited by booster vaccination with distinct receptor‐binding domain subunits in mice
Authors: Jiang Yushan , Zhang Huan , Yu Jianhai , Huang Dong , Zhai Linlin , Li Mengjun , Wang Yuelin , Ren Zuning , Zou Lirong , Zheng Zhonghua , Hu Huanyu , Zhang Junfang , Zhang Bao , Zhao Wei , Yang Xingfen , Li Baisheng , Shen Chenguang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants could induce immune escape by mutations of the spike protein which are threatening to weaken vaccine efficacy. A booster vaccination is expected to increase the humoral immune response against SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in the population. We showed that immunization with two doses of wild type receptor‐binding domain (RBD) protein, and booster vaccination with wild type or variant RBD protein all significantly increased binding and neutralizing antibody titers against wild type SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants in mice. Only the booster immunization by Omicron (BA.1)RBD induced a strong antibody titer against the omicron virus strain and comparable antibody titers against all the other virus strains. These findings might shed the light on coronavirus disease 2019 booster immunogens.
A bivalent vaccine containing D614G and BA.1 spike trimer proteins or a BA.1 spike trimer protein booster shows broad neutralizing immunity
Authors: Du Peng , Li Ning , Xiong Xinxin , Tang Shengjun , Dai Qinjin , Liu Zhihai , Wang Taorui , Gu Xueping , Zhou Zhongcheng 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe newly emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron variant, sublineages BA.1 and BA.2, recently became the dominant variants of concern (VOCs) with significantly higher transmissibility than any other variant appeared and markedly greater resistance to neutralization antibodies and original ancestral WA1 spike‐matched vaccine. Therefore, it is urgent to develop vaccines against VOCs like Omicron. Unlike the new booming messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine, protein vaccines have been used for decades to protect people from various kinds of viral infections and have advantages with their inexpensive production protocols and their relative stability in comparison to the mRNA vaccine. Here, we show that sera from BA.1 spike protein vaccinated mice mainly elicited neutralizing antibodies against BA.1 itself. However, a booster with BA.1 spike protein or a bivalent vaccine composed of D614G and BA.1 spike protein‐induced not only potent neutralizing antibody response against D614G and BA.1 pseudovirus, but also against BA.2, other four SARS‐CoV‐2 VOCs (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta) and SARS‐CoV‐2‐related coronaviruses (pangolin CoV GD‐1 and bat CoV RsSHC014). The two recombinant spike protein vaccines method described here lay a foundation for future vaccine development for broad protection against pan‐sarbecovirus.
Surgical outcomes of gastro‐entero‐pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors G3 versus neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Li Mu‐Xing , Lopez‐Aguiar Alexandra G. , Poultsides George , Rocha Flavio , Weber Sharon , Fields Ryan , Idrees Kamran , Cho Cliff , Maithel Shishir K. , Zhang Xu‐Feng , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo define surgical outcomes of patients with high‐grade gastro‐entero‐pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm grade G3 (GEP‐NEN G3).MethodsPatients who underwent surgical resection between 2000 and 2016 were identified. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of patients with gastro‐entero‐pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors grade G3 (GEP‐NET G3) versus neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) were evaluated.ResultsFifty‐one out of 2182 (2.3%) patients who underwent surgical resection were diagnosed as GEP‐NEN G3. The pancreas was the most common primary site (n = 3772.5%). A majority of patients had lymph node metastasis (n = 3262.7%); one in three (n = 1631.4%) had distant metastasis. The median OS and RFS of the entire cohort were 56.4 and 34.5 months, respectively. Perineural invasion was a strong prognostic factor associate with OS after surgical resection. Patients with NEC had a worse survival outcome versus patients with NET G3 (median OS: 33.1 months vs. not attained, p = 0.088). In contrast, among patients who underwent curative‐intent resection, patients with NEC had comparable RFS versus patients with NET G3 (median RFS: 35.6 vs. 33.9 months, p = 0.774).ConclusionsSurgical resection provided acceptable short‐ and long‐outcomes for well‐selected patients with resectable GEP‐NEN G3. NEC was associated with a worse OS versus NET G3.
Application of liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry methods to 45 weight loss compounds in health functional food, food, and illegal drug
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Jin Kim Su , Seo Min Kyeong , Ham Hyeon Joo , Jung Eun Ju , Kim Nam Sook , Kim Hyung Il , Baek Sun Young 
Published: May 2022

In order to effectively and quickly monitor such illegal food and drugs, simultaneous screening and quantitative analysis for multiple compounds are needed. In this study, we established a method of identifying fragmentation ions of 45 compounds for weight loss using liquid chromatography and high‐resolution mass spectrometry and developed a quantitation method through liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Note that, 656 samples selected as health functional food, food, and illegal drug were applied. The detection rate of banned weight loss compounds in health functional food, food, and illegal drug was showed as 19.2, 27.3, 40.7%, respectively. Among them, sibutramine, sennoside A and B, ephedrine were most frequently detected in 237 samples that contained weight loss compounds. The detection range about sibutramine was 0.03–159.3 mg/g, sennoside was 0.1–97.6 mg/g, and ephedrine was 0.1–587.7 mg/g in the detected 237 samples. In addition, the unknown compounds not included in our simultaneous analysis method in some samples were identified as furosemide and chlorpheniramine. High selectivity of high resolution mass spectrometry combined with these fragmentation pathways and tandem mass spectrometry methods can be successfully applied to screening and identifying 45 weight loss compounds for continuous blocking and supervision of illegally distributed health functional food, food, and illegal drug.
Recurrent sudden sensorineural hearing loss—A literature review
Authors: Zhang Bang‐Yan , Wang Yu‐Chien , Chan Kai‐Chieh 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveSudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is one of the few emergent otologic conditions. Although more than half of all patients would benefit from timely treatment, recurrence occasionally develops unexpectedly. The aim of our study is to evaluate the recurrence rate after SSNHL, and present the prognosis after first‐episode and recurrent SSNHL.MethodsA literature search was conducted of the PubMed and Embase electronic databases.ResultsSeven studies with a total of 3781 patients were included, and 96 patients experienced recurrence. The recurrence rate ranged between 1.4% and 17%. The average time to recurrence was about 2 years in most studies. The majority of the studies reported using systemic steroids for treating first‐episode SSNHL, and one study used a plasma expander in patients with recurrent SSNHL. The recovery rate for first‐episode patients was 58%–79%, while that for recurrent SSNHL ranged widely, from 21% to 86%. There were no common risk factors for SSNHL recurrence among the studies, although low‐frequency hearing loss, the presence of tinnitus during follow‐up, and an increased neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio have been proposed.ConclusionUnderstanding the recurrence rate, risk factors, and prognosis after recurrence of SSHNL is crucial for comprehensive medical care; in this respect, further prospective studies with long‐term follow‐up may be instructive.Level of Evidence4
Genetic Determinants of Survival in Parkinson's Disease in the Asian Population
Authors: Li Chunyu , Hou Yanbing , Ou Ruwei , Gu Xiaojing , Chen Yongping , Zhang Lingyu , Liu Kuncheng , Lin Junyu , Cao Bei , Wei Qianqian , Chen Xueping , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Wu Ying , Cui Yiyuan , Shang Huifang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundPatients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have reduced life expectancy compared to the general population. Genetic variation was shown to play a role in the heterogeneity of survival for patients with PD, although the underlying genetic background remains poorly studied.ObjectiveThe aim was to explore the genetic determinants influencing the survival of PD.MethodsWe performed a genome‐wide association analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model in a longitudinal cohort of 1080 Chinese patients with PD. Furthermore, we built a clinical‐genetic model to predict the survival of patients using clinical variables combined with polygenic risk score (PRS) of survival of PD.ResultsThe cohort was followed up for an average of 7.13 years, with 85 incidents of death. One locus rs12628329 (RPL3) was significantly associated with reduced survival time by ~10.8 months (P = 2.72E‐08, β = 1.79, standard error = 0.32). Functional exploration suggested this variant could upregulate the expression of RPL3 and induce apoptosis and cell death. In addition, adding PRS of survival in the prediction model substantially improved survival predictability (concordance index [Cindex]: 0.936) compared with the clinical model (Cindex: 0.860).ConclusionsThese findings improve the current understanding of the genetic cause of survival of PD and provide a novel target RPL3 for further research on PD pathogenesis and potential therapeutic options. Our results also demonstrate the potential utility of PRS of survival in identifying patients with shorter survival and providing personalized clinical monitoring and treatment. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Adipocytes‐Derived Exosomal microRNA‐1224 Inhibits M2 Macrophage Polarization in Obesity‐Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation via MSI2‐Mediated Wnt/β‐Catenin Axis
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Yao Xiaoyan , Teng Yaqin , Zhao Tiantian , Lin Liangyan , Li Yuanyuan , Shang Hongxia , Jin Yongjun , Jin Qingsong 
Published: May 2022

ScopePhenotypic switch of macrophage polarization in adipose tissue has been associated with obesity‐induced adipose tissue inflammation (OATI). Therefore, this study aims to explore the possible mechanism of adipocytes‐derived exosomes (ADEs) carrying microRNA‐1224 (miR‐1224) in M2 macrophage polarization of OATI.Methods and resultsmiR‐1224‐knockout (miR‐1224‐KO) mice for this study, and isolated primary adipocytes from high‐fat diet (HFD) or normal diet (SD)‐fed mice are developed. ADEs are extracted and cocultured with bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs). The macrophagic crown‐like structures (CLS) and M1 and M2 phenotype macrophages in epididymal white adipose tissue (epiWAT) are observed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The obtained data indicate that miR‐1224 is highly expressed in adipose tissues and adipocytes of obese mice. miR‐1224 knockout decreases CLS number and increases M2 macrophages polarization in epiWAT. In addition, miR‐1224 can be transferred to BMDMs via ADEs, which targeted musashi RNA binding protein 2 (MSI2) expression and inactivated Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, inhibiting macrophage M2 polarization and promoting inflammatory factor release.ConclusionExosomal miR‐1224 derived by adipocytes targets MSI2 and blocks the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which inhibits macrophage M2 polarization and promotes inflammatory factor release, ultimately promoting OATI.
Assessing perspectives of disease burden and clinically meaningful changes using the Spinal Muscular Atrophy Health Index in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Mazzella Allison , Cruz Rosángel , Belter Lisa , Curry Mary , Dilek Nuran , Zizzi Christine , Heatwole Chad , Jarecki Jill 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) treatment may increase survival and improve physical function among adolescents and young adults. Validated patient‐reported outcome measures are needed to understand which treatment benefits are clinically meaningful and to develop targeted resources for this population. To date, use of the SMA Health Index (SMA‐HI) in pediatric and young adult populations has been limited. Here, we report results from a survey of adolescents and young adults with SMA to quantifiably understand individuals' perceptions of disease burden.MethodsParticipants aged 12–25 y with a self‐reported diagnosis of SMA completed an online survey containing demographic questions and the SMA‐HI, a patient‐reported outcome measure that assesses individuals' perceptions of disease burden in 15 symptomatic areas.ResultsEighty‐eight participants completed the survey. Total SMA‐HI scores and SMA‐HI subscale scores including shoulder and arm function; back, chest, and abdominal function; activity participation; hand and finger strength; swallowing function; gastrointestinal function; respiratory function; mobility and ambulation, and total disease burden were significantly higher (greater disease burden) in patients with poorer motor function and severe SMA. SMA‐HI total and subscale scores were generally lower in adolescents (12–17 y old) versus adults (18–25 y old), suggesting a possible progression of symptomatic disease burden over time.DiscussionThis study demonstrates the utility of the SMA‐HI for measuring clinically relevant disease burden in adolescents and young adults with SMA. This study demonstrates how disease burden varies by age, SMA type, and other demographics.
A case report of possible Legg–Calve–Perthes disease on Roman dogs from Gaul (France)
Authors: Lamarque Camille 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis case study reviews the first archeological cases of avascular femoral head necrosis, known as Legg–Calve–Perthes disease, on two small Roman dogs from ancient Gaul (France). LCPD diagnosis is difficult in advanced degenerative stages of the disease and one of its differential diagnoses is slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). In both cases presented here, the development of this disease is probably related to the small morphology of the two dogs. Small dogs appeared to emerge in the Roman Empire when the dog became highly specialized. This disease raises questions about the health conditions of these small dogs in Roman times.
Amide polymers based on N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine with α‐olefins‐co‐maleic anhydride as multifunctional additives for lubricant application
Authors: Faujdar Ekta , Singh Raj K. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe high temperature and harsh oxidizing conditions in engine sump results in sludge and varnish deposits in the engine, due to which wear debris and corrosion developed in the internal parts of the engine. This is also responsible for the increased oil viscosity. To address these problems, four polymeric multifunctional amides of N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine were synthesized from copolymer intermediates poly(α‐olefins‐co‐maleic anhydride) having C‐12, C‐14, C‐16, and C‐18 chain length. This article describes the systematic study of poly(α‐olefin‐co‐maleic anhydride)amides chemistry as multifunctional lubricant additives. Molecular elucidation was carried out by Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance while molecular weight and thermal stability were measured by gel permeation chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis. Standard methods were used to analyze the viscosity‐temperature relationship along with detergent‐dispersant, anti‐oxidant, and anti‐corrosion activities in reference base oil at varying concentration levels. All the prepared polymer compounds effectively addressed the concern problems, but poly(octadecene‐co‐maleic anhydride)amide of N‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine showed better performance over the other additives due to the increased solubility. The pour point depressed from the base value −15 to −30°C while viscosity index (VI) increased to 197 from 178 with longer chain additive at 5000 ppm concentration. Dispersancy was found to be increased by 145%, while as far detergency was concerned, sludge deposition was reduced to 20.1 mg from 87.5 mg base value of reference base oil at 5000 ppm. 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay was used to determine the anti‐oxidant activity and at 1000 ppm, long alkylated polymer shows the excellent result by increasing the inhibition efficiency by 95.58% while the same additive impart the best results at 5000 ppm by reducing the corrosion and penetration rate by 75.80% and 75.43% respectively. Rheology also studied to examine the shear and temperature effect on the dynamic viscosity of the reference oil.
Improving comprehension, recall and attention using multimedia‐informed assent among pediatric oncology patients: A comparative randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wongthai Passara , Photia Apichat , Traivaree Chanchai , Monsereenusorn Chalinee , Lertvivatpong Nawachai , Sudnawa Khemika Khemakanok , Rujkijyanont Piya 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundAssent should be obtained in all children involved in research in keeping with their level of maturity. Traditional assent forms contain too much information and are difficult to read. The study aimed to identify an effective tool to enhance children's comprehension during the assent process and focused on those with cancer who are likely more engaged in research involving greater than minimal risk.MethodsIn all, 116 children with cancer were randomized to receive either a paper‐based assent document or a multimedia‐based assent document. Open‐ended and multiple‐choice questions were used to assess comprehension and recall. Time spent on the documents and children's behavior during the assent process was recorded to determine their attention and satisfaction.ResultsChildren randomized to a multimedia‐based assent document achieved significant higher comprehension and recall assessment scores (p‐values <.001). The high score achievement significantly correlated with the child's age with adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.90 (p‐value <.001; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35–2.66) for comprehension assessment and 1.59 (p‐value .001; 95% CI: 1.20–2.12) for recall assessment. Children randomized to a multimedia‐based assent document had significant longer time spent on the document (p‐value .001) with less numbers of inattention (p‐value <.001) and expressed more signs of enjoyment during the assent process (p‐values <.001).ConclusionMultimedia‐based assent document successfully enhanced comprehension, recall, and attention with more satisfaction compared with a traditional paper‐based document among children with cancer. This approach may be considered as an alternative format for children engaging in research involving greater than minimal risk.
Mental health assessment of youth with sickle cell disease and their primary caregivers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Green Nancy S. , Manwani Deepa , Smith‐Whitley Kim , Aygun Banu , Appiah‐Kubi Abena , Smaldone Arlene M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractYouth with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their caregivers are susceptible to stress and depression, perhaps exacerbated by pandemic‐associated health and economic concerns. Most of the 50 youth–caregiver dyads enrolled in the multisite trial, Hydroxyurea Adherence for Personal Best in Sickle Cell Treatment (HABIT), took an online survey of self‐reported mental health symptoms and food insecurity during the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic. Compared to largely pre‐pandemic results, prevalence of mental health symptoms in dyad members appeared to have shifted: fewer youth and more caregivers were affected during the pandemic; many of both groups lacked optimism. Pandemic/post‐pandemic screening of youth with SCD for mental health symptoms and food insecurity appears warranted.
Effect of fumed silica and halloysite nanoparticles on the microstructure, mechanical, and fracture properties of thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer toughened polypropylene
Authors: Rajaee Pouya , Ashenai Ghasemi Faramarz , Fasihi Mohammad , Sadeghi Alireza , Kakeh Behnam 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this article, mechanical and fracture properties of two types of nanoparticles, namely fumed silica (FS) and halloysite nanotube filled polypropylene (PP) toughened with two types of thermoplastic elastomers (TPOs), namely ethylene‐based TPO (ETPO) and propylene‐based TPO (PTPO) were investigated. A full factorial design was exploited to clarify the influence of each factor as well as its interaction on outcomes. The essential work of fracture (EWF) approach was utilized to study the effect of each factor on fracture behavior. The addition of TPO enhanced the elongation at break and non‐EWF by 62% and 40%, in turn. In addition, the tensile strength, modulus, and EWF increased by 8%, 34%, and 7%, respectively, by increasing the nanoparticles up to 1 wt%. The blend nanocomposite with 10 wt% of PTPO and 1 wt% of FS was selected as the best stiffness‐ toughness‐strength equivalence based on optimization results. Additionally, the R2extracted from the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and plots of normal probability indicated good agreement between the experimental data and for foreseen one using full factorial models.
Improved electromagnetic interference shielding properties of poly (vinylidene fluoride) composites based on carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Hui , Wang Zeyun , Xin Dehua , Luo Jingyun , Bai Shijian , Zhou Hongfu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn order to improve the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), both carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as functional fillers were chosen and employed in this work. The PVDF‐based composites were prepared through melt blending and the hybrid fillers exhibited fine interaction with PVDF matrix. CNTs and GNPs could act as heterogeneous nucleation agents for PVDF matrix, thus increased the crystallization peak temperature. The gradual formation of interconnected conductive network of hybrid fillers could improve the conductivity and rheological properties of PVDF effectively. Especially, in contrast to those of pure PVDF, about four orders of magnitude increment for their storage modulus and complex viscosity of PVDF/GNPs/CNTs composite as well as approximate 10 orders of magnitude improvement in their electrical conductivity were obtained. Adding 2 wt% CNTs in PVDF matrix could generate the conductive network and further GNPs addition was helpful to obtain higher EMI shielding effectiveness. The new PVDF samples would possess wide applications as electromagnetic shielding materials, on account of their simple processing, low‐cost and without use of organic solvent characteristics.