bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MTRR rs1532268 polymorphism and gastric cancer risk: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong Guping , Luo Xiaojin , Li Ji , Liao Yuanhang , Gui Guan , Sheng Jianwen 
Published: May 2022

Objective The methionine synthase reductase ( MTRR) gene encodes the MTRR enzyme involved in the metabolic pathway of homocysteine. Several studies investigated the effect of the MTRR rs1532268 gene polymorphism on the risk of gastric cancer (GC), but the results have been inconsistent. Methods We performed a comprehensive and systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, CNKI, and Web of Science. Five studies were included in this meta-analysis to determine whether MTRR rs1532268 polymorphism contributes to the risk of GC. Results Pooled data indicated that the MTRR rs1532268 polymorphism significantly increased GC risk under the allele comparison model (odds ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.29) and dominant model (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.00–1.30). In the analysis stratified by ethnicity, no relationship was found in Whites or Asians. Conclusion Our meta-analysis suggests a positive correlation between MTRR rs1532268 polymorphism and GC development.
Effects of sperm preparation techniques on sperm survivability and DNA fragmentation
Authors: Le Minh Tam , Dang Hong Nhan Thi , Nguyen Trung Van , Nguyen Thai Thanh Thi , Nguyen Quoc Huy Vu , Cao Ngoc Thanh 
Published: May 2022

Objective This study was performed to determine the effect of swim-up (SU) and density gradient centrifugation (DGC) on sperm survival and DNA fragmentation. Methods Individual semen samples were analyzed before each was divided into two aliquots (half for SU and half for DGC) for calculation of sperm survival and the DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Sperm DNA fragmentation was determined using the sperm chromatin dispersion test. Results The DFI of the 63 semen samples processed using both procedures was lower than that of the fresh semen samples. The DFI was significantly lower for samples processed using the SU than DGC method. In the sperm survival test, the SU technique was associated with increased sperm motility and vitality following preparation. After 24 hours, however, the concentration and percentage of surviving sperm were significantly lower in the SU than DGC group. Conclusions Both semen preparation techniques help to minimize sperm DNA fragmentation; however, when the DFI is <30%, the SU technique is more appropriate than DGC. While DGC may be superior for intrauterine insemination, the SU method may be preferable for in vitro fertilization or maturation.
Preclinical assessment of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of mild traumatic brain injury-related acute and persistent post-traumatic headache
Authors: Navratilova Edita , Oyarzo Janice , Anderson Trent , Broide Ron S , Subramaniam Sudhakar R , Vazquez-Cintron Edwin J , Brin Mitchell F , Schwedt Todd J , Dodick David W , Porreca Frank 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveInvestigation of onabotulinumtoxinA in a murine model of acute and persistent post-traumatic headache.MethodsMild traumatic brain injury was induced with a weight drop method. Periorbital and hindpaw cutaneous allodynia were measured for 14 days. Mice were then exposed to bright light stress and allodynia was reassessed. OnabotulinumtoxinA (0.5 U) was injected subcutaneously over the cranial sutures at different post-injury time points.ResultsAfter milt traumatic brain injury, mice exhibited periorbital and hindpaw allodynia that lasted for approximately 14 days. Allodynia could be reinstated on days 14–67 by exposure to stress only in previously injured mice. OnabotulinumtoxinA administration at 2 h after mild traumatic brain injury fully blocked both transient acute and stress-induced allodynia up to day 67. When administered 72 h post-mild traumatic brain injury, onabotulinumtoxinA reversed acute allodynia, but only partially prevented stress-induced allodynia. OnabotulinumtoxinA administration at day 12, when initial allodynia was largely resolved, produced incomplete and transient prevention of stress-induced allodynia. The degree of acute allodynia correlated positively with subsequent stress-induced allodynia.ConclusionMild traumatic brain injury induced transient headache-like pain followed by long lasting sensitization and persistent vulnerability to a normally innocuous stress stimulus, respectively modeling acute and persistent post-traumatic headache.. Administration of onabotulinumtoxinA following the resolution of acute post-traumatic headache diminished persistent post-traumatic headache but the effects were transient, suggesting that underlying persistent mild traumatic brain injury-induced maladaptations were not reversed. In contrast, early onabotulinumtoxinA administration fully blocked both acute post-traumatic headache as well as the transition to persistent post-traumatic headache suggesting prevention of neural adaptations that promote vulnerability to headache-like pain. Additionally, the degree of acute post-traumatic headache was predictive of risk of persistent post-traumatic headache.
Clinical and quality of life assessment in patients with latex allergy during COVID-19 pandemic: Possible protective role of continuous latex immunotherapy
Authors: Di Rienzo Alessia , Urbani Sara , Longhino David , Sarnari Caterina , Buonomo Alessandro , Rizzi Angela , Aruanno Arianna , Nucera Eleonora 
Published: May 2022

Introduction: During COVID-19 pandemic, the massive use of Personal Protective Equipment could provoke severe adverse reactions in latex allergy patients and could negatively affect their quality of life. Methods: Trough a survey the study aimed: (a) to evaluate the incidence of allergic reactions in patients with latex allergy during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; (b) to evaluate the protective role of continuous latex sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) during this period; and (c) to evaluate quality of life of natural rubber latex allergy (NRLA) patients during the pandemic. Results: 67 patients (9 males and 58 females, mean age of 45.9 ± 11.4 years) suffering from latex allergy were included in the present study. We recorded among our patients 13 cases (34.2%) of urticarial/angioedema (U/A), 9 cases (23.6%) of respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, shortness of breath and wheezing) and 7 cases (18.4%) of anaphylaxis. In patients who underwent continuous SLIT, we observed less cases of U/A ( p < 0.001), respiratory symptoms ( p < 0.001), anaphylaxis ( p = 0.003), hospitalizations ( p = 0.014) and a lower therapy administration. We compared the results of SF-36 questionnaire in patients who underwent continuous and not-continuous SLIT with a significance differences score between these two groups. Conclusions: Our study is the first that investigated the clinical and quality of life effects of COVID-19 pandemic in NRLA patients.
Sexual Assault and Behavioral Health: What Can We Learn From a Probability Sample of Young Sexual Minority Men?
Authors: Gibbs Jeremy J. , Baldwin-White Adrienne 
Published: May 2022

Background: Previous research indicates that young sexual minority men (YSMM) are at increased risk of experiencing sexual assault compared to their heterosexual peers. While this increased risk is documented in comparison studies, very little is known about the specific range of sexual assault experiences. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of sexual assault experiences and their association with depression and alcohol use for YSMM. Methods: In 2017 and 2018, 124 YSMM (18–24 year-olds) were recruited to participate in an online study using probability-based sampling methods, in Los Angeles, CA. Participants answered items about lifetime and recent sexual assault experiences (i.e., unwanted touching, oral rape, penetrative rape), characteristics of the coercive behaviors, recent alcohol use, and depression. Analysis of variance (ANOVAs) and multiple linear regressions investigated the relationships between sexual assault experiences and behavioral health. Results: The sample reported a range of lifetime sexual assault experiences: 70% unwanted touching and 28% penetrative rape. Fifty-five percent of the sample reported some type of recent sexual assault, with 17% reporting a recent penetrative rape. ANOVAs of the impact of different forms of sexual assault on behavior health indicated that unwanted touching was associated with higher depression and alcohol use. Further investigation of recent unwanted touching indicated that frequency is associated with depression and binge drinking. Of participants who reported experiences of unwanted touching, 61% reported it occurred while they were intoxicated. Discussion: Findings support previous evidence of high rates of sexual assault among YSMM. Further, the majority of men who reported sexual assault indicated that it occurred while they were intoxicated, suggesting that unwanted touching is occurring while men are drinking alcohol, likely in bars. The culture of gay bars may encourage nonconsensual touching during intoxication and these experiences of sexual assault have consequences (i.e., higher levels of depression and alcohol use).
Emotional responses to a global stressor: Average patterns and individual differences
Authors: Willroth Emily C , Smith Angela M , Graham Eileen K , Mroczek Daniel K , Shallcross Amanda J , Ford Brett Q 
Published: May 2022

Major stressors often challenge emotional well-being—increasing negative emotions and decreasing positive emotions. But how long do these emotional hits last? Prior theory and research contain conflicting views. Some research suggests that most individuals’ emotional well-being will return to, or even surpass, baseline levels relatively quickly. Others have challenged this view, arguing that this type of resilient response is uncommon. The present research provides a strong test of resilience theory by examining emotional trajectories over the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In two pre-registered longitudinal studies (total N =1147), we examined average emotional trajectories and predictors of individual differences in emotional trajectories across 13 waves of data from February through September 2020. The pandemic had immediate detrimental effects on average emotional well-being. Across the next 6 months, average negative emotions returned to baseline levels with the greatest improvements occurring almost immediately. Yet, positive emotions remained depleted relative to baseline levels, illustrating the limits of typical resilience. Individuals differed substantially around these average emotional trajectories and these individual differences were predicted by socio-demographic characteristics and stressor exposure. We discuss theoretical implications of these findings that we hope will contribute to more nuanced approaches to studying, understanding, and improving emotional well-being following major stressors.
High specific surface area triphenylamine-based covalent organic framework/polyaniline nanocomposites for supercapacitor application
Authors: Xiong Shanxin , Li Zhuolong , Wang Xiaoqin , Gong Ming , Chu Jia , Zhang Runlan , Wu Bohua , Wang Chenxu , Li Zhen 
Published: May 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) possess extraordinary porosity, structural diversity, and good electrochemical performance, and have broad application prospects in the field of energy storage. However, the low conductivity of COFs limits its further development. In this paper, the electrochemical performance of triphenylamine-based COFs (TPA-COFs) was improved by compounding with highly conductive polyaniline (PANI) using solvothermal synthesis process. The highly conductive polyaniline fibers can act as conductive path in the composite to accelerate the charge transfer rate of TPA-COFs. The π-π interaction between TPA-COFs and PANI effectively decreases the agglomeration degree of PANI. The good dispersion of composite results in that the specific surface area of TPA-COFs/PANI-20 is high as 1233.9 m2 g−1, which provides rich diffusion channels for electrolyte ions. Moreover, the strong π-π structure in the composites ensures the stability of the material skeleton. Thus, TPA-COFs/PANI composite exhibits excellent rate characteristics and cycling stability.
Structural, thermal, and electrochemical studies of biodegradable gel polymer electrolyte for electric double layer capacitor
Authors: Chaurasia Sujeet K , Sharma Atul K. , Singh Pramod K. , Lu Li , Ni Jiangfeng , Savilov Serguei V , Kuznetsov Alexey , Polu Anji R. , Singh Abhijeet , Singh Manoj K. 
Published: May 2022

A quasi-solid-state supercapacitor is fabricated using a biodegradable gel polymer electrolyte (GPE), and graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) capacitive electrodes. The GPE film comprises biodegradable polymer cellulose acetate (CA), ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate (EMImSCN) and dopant salt potassium thiocyanate (KSCN). The polymeric gel films are prepared using the standard “solution cast technique” and characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravemetric analysis (TGA), Impedance spectroscopy, and Linear sweep voltammetry techniques. The synthesized GPE exhibits maximum room temperature ionic conductivity ∼1.2 x 10−3 S cm−1 and an electrochemical stability window of ∼2.4 V. The electrical double layer capacitor (EDLC) is configured by sandwiching the GPE film between two graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) electrodes. The performance of the EDLC cell is evaluated in terms of specific capacitance, rate, and pulse power by using cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance measurement techniques.
Numerical studies on contact behavior in polymer composite sprocket - Roller chain drive under dynamic conditions
Authors: Kanniyappan Sivakumar , Venkata Timmaraju Mallina , Rajappa Gnanamoorthy 
Published: May 2022

The unique properties along with ease of manufacturing make short fiber reinforced polyamide 66 composites ideal for sprockets used in low positive power transmission. An explicit dynamic finite element simulation of short fiber reinforced polyamide 66 composite sprocket—roller chain drive was carried out. The sprocket was approximated as a plane stress body and roller was considered as a rigid circle. The contact force extracted from the numerical simulation was validated with the analytical results for a standard chain. The deviations in the pitch of the chain produced a varied dynamic contact behavior in terms of a distinct contact width and pressure distribution pattern. The position of maximum contact shear stress altered from subsurface to surface due to low contact normal stress and associated slip. The variation in the chain pitch (up to 3%) affected the peak force of driver sprocket significantly (up to 41%). The increase of pretension of roller chain from 100 to 300 N induced the rise in contact force of driver sprocket up to 169% without changing the pattern.
Environmental degradation and mechanical behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposites used in offshore applications
Authors: singh Shubhendu Prashant , Sharma Lochan , Chhibber Rahul 
Published: May 2022

Present study aims at the variation of mechanical properties of glass fiber/epoxy composite under the effect of temperature, alkalinity, and rate of loading. Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) with plain epoxy and GFRP with 1–2% variation of Nanoclay were utilized for experimentation. Flexural testing of specimen at optimum percentage of Nanoclay in GFRP and epoxy was performed and after that pre-stretching of GFRP with plain epoxy and GFRP with optimum percentage of Nanoclay was conducted. Combined effect of moisture, alkali, and temperature on the degradation behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymers in different environments was studied. The macroscopic and microscopic behavior of the GFRP composite specimen and pure epoxy and Nanoclay reinforced epoxy exposed to varying hygrothermal loads has also been analyzed. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to study the microscopic behavior of GFRP composites. X-Ray diffraction analysis of epoxy with 1%, 2%, and 3% Nanoclay addition was also performed. Tensile and flexural testing of specimen at different orientations such as 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° were also studied. At 0° orientation, maximum average flexural strength of 295.04 MPa and 481.69 MPa was observed for plain glass fiber reinforced polymer and 2% Nanoclay/glass fiber reinforced polymer before hygrothermal loading. At 20% and 50% loading conditions the maximum flexural strength of 46.7 MPa for plain glass fiber reinforced polymer and 147.52 MPa for 2% Nanoclay/glass fiber reinforced polymer was observed before hygrothermal conditions. Maximum degradation in tensile strength (384.78 MPa at 50% loading) for 2% Nanoclay/glass fiber reinforced polymer after hygrothermal loading was observed in NaCl environment. Lower tensile strength observed for 1% of Nanoclay addition in pure epoxy as compared to the 0% and 2% mixing. There is decrease in tensile strength for specimen with 2% of Nanoclay in pure epoxy as compared to the 0% and 1% mixing. Tensile strength changed by moisture as well as mechanical loading of the glass composites. There is lesser degradation and significant increase in tensile strength of glass fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposite was observed when it exposed for lesser time period while tensile strength significantly reduced when specimen was exposed for longer time (3000 hr). After degradation in four different environments (four tanks) for 30 days intervals, SEM analysis of glass fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposite at pre-stretching of 20% and 50% loading was observed. At 20% loading there is lesser damage of glass fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposite with the formation of small irregular lumps were observed while at 50% loading there is significant damage of glass fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposite with the formation of voids of epoxy was clearly observed during SEM analysis.
Impaired left ventricular systolic synchrony in patients with lupus Nephritis: A speckle tracking echocardiography study
Authors: He Wei , Xie Peihan , Li Wei , Yao Fengjuan , Liu Yanqiu , Liang Liuqin , Liu Donghong 
Published: May 2022

Objectives We aimed to explore the value of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography measurements of the global longitudinal strain (GLS) and left ventricular mechanical dispersion (LVMD) in the assessment of early stage left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heterogeneity of myocardial contraction in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). Methods Patients with LN and extra-renal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy participants in the control group underwent echocardiography for the traditional measurement of the left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and speckle tracking measurements of the GLS and LVMD. GLS was defined as the average value of the peak strain during systole of the left ventricular 17 segments, and LVMD was defined as the standard deviation. The demographic characteristics including age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) of all the participants were collected. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients with LN were collected. Results We included 41 healthy control, 37 patients with extra-renal SLE, and 73 patients with LN. There were statistically significant differences in the GLS and LVMD between the extra-renal SLE and LN groups (GLS −19.36% vs. −17.61%, p < 0.001; LVMD 35.62 ms vs 42.96 ms, p<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the LVMD between the extral-renal SLE and control groups (35.62ms vs 25.51ms, p<0.001), but not in GLS (−19.36% vs −19.52%, p > 0.05). Multiple regression analyses were conducted in a subset of patients, and 24-hour proteinuria was independently associated with LVMD (β [SE], 0.793 [0.302], p < .05). Conclusions Patients with LN have more severe myocardial involvement than patients with extra-renal SLE. The asynchrony in myocardial contraction represented by the LVMD can be recognized earlier than that of the overall contractile functional impairment represented by GLS. In patients with LN, the 24-hour proteinuria was associated with LVMD. This indicates that the heterogeneity in the contractile function may be associated with the severity of renal damage.
Sensory and autonomic innervation of the local tissues at traditional acupuncture point locations GB14, ST2 and ST6
Authors: Wang Jia , Cui Jing-jing , Xu Dong-sheng , Su Yu-xin , Liao Jie-ying , Wu Shuang , Zou Ling , Guo Ya-ting , Shen Yi , Bai Wan-zhu 
Published: May 2022

Objective: To visualize and compare the sensory and autonomic innervation of the local tissues at the sites of different traditional acupuncture points in the rat forehead and face by histochemical examination. Methods: GB14 ( Yangbai), ST2 ( Sibai) and ST6 ( Jiache) were selected as the representative traditional acupuncture points in this study, and the local tissues at these sites were dissected in rats after perfusion followed by double or triple fluorescent histochemical staining. Here, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) were used to label the sensory, sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers, respectively. Results: The CGRP+ sensory, TH+ sympathetic and VAChT+ parasympathetic nerve fibers were simultaneously demonstrated in the local tissues at GB14, ST2 and ST6. Although the three kinds of nerve fibers ran in parallel or intermingled with each other, by the analysis from the view of three-dimensional reconstruction, it was clear that each of them distributed in an independent pattern to their corresponding target tissues including the blood vessels, hair follicles, arrector pili and subcutaneous muscles, as well as sebaceous glands. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the sensory and autonomic innervation of the local tissues at GB14, ST2 and ST6, providing neurochemical evidence indicating that the CGRP+ sensory, TH+ sympathetic and VAChT+ parasympathetic nerve fibers form a neural network at these point locations that may respond to acupuncture stimulation.