bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decline in human T‐cell lymphotropic virus seroprevalence in blood donors from Minas Gerais, Brazil over a 12‐year period (2006–2017)
Authors: da Silva Malta Maria Clara Fernandes , Silva Sônia Mara Nunes , de Oliveira Milena Batista , Ribeiro Maisa Aparecida , Martins Marina Lobato 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTo investigate a 12‐year historical series (2006–2017) of human T‐cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)‐positive blood donations from Fundação Hemominas, Minas Gerais, Brazil, an observational retrospective study was performed to evaluate data of blood donor candidates who were screened for HTLV‐1/2 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or chemiluminescence assays and confirmed by Western blot. We analyzed 3 309 716 blood donations covering 2006–2017 that were extracted from the institutional database. In a total of 3 308 738 donations that have complete algorithm tests, the global frequency of HTLV‐positive donations was 0.012%. The seroprevalence in first‐time blood donors was 28.82/100 000 donors; 0.95/100 000 donations were HTLV‐positive in repeat blood donors. The frequency of HTLV‐seropositive females was significantly higher than males (odds ratio = 1.85, p < 0.001) in first‐time donors. The median age of HTLV‐positive first‐time and repeat donors was similar (36 and 32 years, respectively). First‐time donors ≥41 years had higher odds to be infected. There was a clear tendency of decline in the HTLV‐positive donations in the period analyzed, going from 19.26/100 000 donations to 8.50/100 000 donations. The increase in the proportion of repeat donors over the period analyzed (from 23% in 2006 to 67% in 2017) must be the principal factor that contributed to this drop. Our results showed a continuous decline in the frequency of HTLV‐positive donations from Minas Gerais, Brazil throughout 12 years and emphasize the importance of having a high rate of repeat donors in blood centers to reduce the residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections.
Abrogation of LBX1 in skeletal muscle results in hypoplastic limbs and progressive kyphosis in mice
Authors: Matsuhashi Yusuke , Horiuchi Keisuke , Nakagawa Takahiro , Takahashi Yohei , Imabayashi Hideaki , Hosogane Naobumi , Watanabe Kota , Matsumoto Morio , Chiba Kazuhiro 
Published: July 2022

AbstractLBX1 is a gene located near a single‐nucleotide polymorphism, rs11190870, which is highly associated with susceptibility to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. However, the potential involvement of LBX1 in the etiology of this spinal deformity has not been elucidated. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the lack of LBX1 in skeletal muscle results in spinal deformities in mice. We generated mutant mice in which the Lbx1 allele was conditionally excised under the control of a human muscle actin promoter. Mice lacking LBX1 from the skeletal muscle were fertile and available. The mutant mice had hypoplastic forelimbs and weighed less than control animals, but otherwise, there were no overt anomalies. The mice did not exhibit a scoliosis‐like spinal deformity; however, they developed moderate kyphosis as they grew old. These observations indicated that LBX1 is involved in limb development and potentially in the maintenance of spinal curvature/alignment in mice.
An AB2‐Type Hyperbranched Supramolecular Polymer Based on Calix[4]Pyrrole Anion Recognition: Construction, Stimuli‐Responsiveness, and Morphology Tuning
Authors: Yelda Ünlü Fatma , Aydogan Abdullah 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAn AB2‐type monomer comprised of a calix[4]pyrrole skeleton and alternating bis‐carboxylate units is reported and used for the construction of a novel supramolecular hyperbranched polymer based on anion recognition ability of calix[4]pyrrole. 1H‐, DOSY‐NMR spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, and dynamic light scattering techniques are used for the characterization of the supramolecular hyperbranched polymer exhibiting thermo‐, pH‐, and chemical responsiveness, as well as concentration dependent morphology tune as inferred from electron microscopy analyses. The present study enriches the field of supramolecular polymers with a new construction motif, building block, and provides a simple approach for the fabrication of smart polymer material with multi‐responsiveness and ‐morphologies.
3D numerical prediction of thermal weakening effects on granite
Authors: Saksala Timo 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis paper presents a numerical method to predict the temperature weakening effects on tensile and compressive strength and stiffness of granitic rock. Thermally induced cracking, leading to degradation of the material stiffness and strength, is modelled in the continuum sense by using a damage‐viscoplasticity model based on the Drucker‐Prager criterion with a rounded tensile cut‐off surface. The governing thermo‐mechanical initial/boundary value problem is solved with an explicit (in time) staggered method while using extreme mass scaling to increase the critical time step. Rock heterogeneity is described as random clusters of finite elements assigned with the constituent mineral, here Quartz, Feldspar, and Biotite, material properties further randomized by Weibull distribution. In the present approach, only Quartz thermal expansion coefficient is assumed temperature dependent due to its strong and anomalous temperature dependence upon approaching the α‐β transition. In the numerical testing, the sample is first volumetrically heated to a target temperature. Then, the uniaxial tension and compression tests are performed on the cooled down numerical samples. The simulations demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach as the experimental weakening effects on the rock strength and stiffness as well as the macroscopic failure modes, both in tension and compression, are realistically predicted in a non‐circular way, that is, not using the temperature dependence of any material parameter, save Quartz thermal expansion, as an input data.
Evaluating a brief intervention for mealtime difficulty on older adults with dementia
Authors: Rehman Salma , Likupe Gloria , McFarland Agi , Watson Roger 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAims and objectiveTo test a spaced retrieval intervention using spaced retrieval to alleviate mealtime difficulties in older people with dementia.DesignA single‐case study design.SettingNursing Homes in North Central England, United Kingdom.ParticipantsOlder people with Alzheimer’s disease.MethodsA single‐case study using an ABA design was used. Data were collected using the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment, and Body Mass Index before intervention, postintervention and following 3 months of postintervention. Realist evaluation was used to identify for which participants the intervention was effective, and an economic evaluation was also carried out.FindingOf 15 participants who entered the study, eight completed all phases of the study. A mean 104.4 h were needed to deliver the intervention. The number of sessions required ranged from 90–222. The length of time each participant retained information (for all sessions) ranged from 13–28 min. Participants had most difficulty with: “putting food into mouth and chewing it”; “realizing it was mealtime”; and “eating a whole meal continuously.” A reduction in the difficulty with mealtimes occurred between phase A1–A2 for most participants. Six participants maintained this in phase A3. Similar patterns were evident for nutritional scores. For most participants, the effect size of the intervention was moderate or large.ConclusionsSpaced retrieval is useful in reducing mealtime difficulties in older participants with dementia. While the results of this study are promising, further large and multicentre trials are needed to explore the effectiveness of the intervention in diverse populations.
An elite hybrid strategy for solar photovoltaic system based optimized cascade controller under uniform and partial shading conditions
Authors: Kuppusamy Mohan , Balaraman Sujatha 
Published: July 2022

AbstractA hybrid technique for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for a photovoltaic (PV) system is proposed in this paper. The proposed hybrid system is combination of Wing suit Flying Search (WFS) and modified Transient search optimization (MTSO), therefore it is called WFS‐MTSO method. The proposed controller has three processes: (i) to identify the operating level of photovoltaic (uniform or in PSC), (ii) to estimate the maximal power point using WFS technique, and (iii) to ensure the photovoltaic system runs on the estimated maximum power point (MPP) by MTSO optimized cascade controller. This method begins with a sense of irradiance and temperature. The proposed photovoltaic system has two components. The first one is WFS maximal power point tracking algorithm attain maximal power point. The second one is MTSO optimized cascade controller to force the photovoltaic system to activate at maximal power point. Here, the proposed hybrid technique is utilized at MPPT to diminish tracking error and oscillation across MPP for optimizing power output. The proposed optimized cascade control improves the system efficiency by averting interruptions previously they propagate to the system. Finally, the performance of proposed hybrid system is executed on MATLAB/Simulink working platform and the performances are compared with various existing approaches. The statistical matrices, like mean, median, and standard deviation is analyzed the tracking efficiency of the proposed WFS‐MTSO approach.
Health‐related quality of life of patients with sickle cell disease aged 8–17 years at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi
Authors: Wachepa Stella , Bvalani Ruth , Namubiru Teddy , Namugerwa Shamim , Kaudha Gloria , Mpasa Atupele , Munube Deogratias , Rujumba Joseph , Ozuah Nmazuo , Kiguli Sarah 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackground: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by both acute and chronic complications that affect the daily lives of patients and lower their quality of life.Objective: To describe the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and the associated factors in children aged 8–17 years with SCD attending the pediatric hematology clinic at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, Malawi.Methods: A mixed‐methods cross‐sectional study was conducted at KCH. Patient data were collected with the aid of a standardized case report form. HRQoL was assessed using PedsQL™ Sickle Cell Disease Module by the child's report. Associations between HRQoL scores and independent variables were evaluated by a linear regression model. In‐depth interviews were then carried out and the qualitative data were analyzed using content thematic analysis.Results: A hundred and sixty‐three children with SCD were enrolled and 52.1% were females. Their median age was 11.2 ± 2.7 years. The mean global HRQoL score of the children was 62 ± 17.3. The highest scores were in the treatment domain (72.5 ± 15.1) while the lowest scores were in the emotions domain (55.2 ± 28.7). The mean pain score was 58.8 ± 16.3. The factors associated with low HRQoL scores were pain (β‐coefficient −6.97 CI (−3.07,−15.58); p value .034) and low hemoglobin levels (β‐coefficient 2.29 CI (.65–3.91); p value .006).Conclusion: The HRQoL of this population is low. Pain and low hemoglobin were significantly associated with low HRQoL scores. Adequate treatment to control pain and increase the steady‐state hemoglobin may improve the HRQoL of children with SCD. Interventions to address low emotional scores are recommended.
The two‐hit hypothesis in practice: Monozygotic twins with simultaneous hyperdiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Davidow Kimberly , Mumanachit Sarah , Mangum David Spencer 
Published: July 2022

AbstractApproximately 25% of B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) cases are defined by hyperdiploidy, with RAS mutations occurring in 30% of hyperdiploid B‐ALL patients. It is believed that hyperdiploidy is an in utero event with RAS mutations occurring postnatally, but clinical evidence of this is based on relatively few patients. We present a case of monozygotic, monochorionic twins who developed concordant hyperdiploid B‐ALL with identical chromosomal gains but different RAS mutations, adding further evidence that hyperdiploidy is occurring prenatally, with RAS mutations developing postnatally. Environmental exposures were reviewed with the family without identification of a clear association.
Maternal MTHFR 677C>T, 1298A>C gene polymorphisms and risk of offspring aneuploidy
Authors: Miljanović Olivera , Teofilov Slađana , Anđelić Miljana , Magić Zvonko , Cikota‐Aleksić Bojana 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to investigate the association between maternal methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms, crucial for DNA methylation, and risk of offspring aneuploidy.MethodsMTHFR gene polymorphisms 677C>T and 1298A>C were determined by polymerase chain reaction based method, in 163 women with offspring aneuploidy and 155 women with healthy children. Five genetic models were used to assess risk, according to the type of aneuploidy and the age of women at conception.ResultsMTHFR 677TT genotype and T allele were significantly more prevalent among women with offspring aneuploidy, with an increased risk of aneuploidy demonstrated under a recessive (OR 3.499), homozygote (OR 3.456) and allele contrast model (OR 1.574). The more prominent association was found with sex chromosome aneuploidies and trisomy 13/18, and also in women ≤35 years at conception. No association was observed between 1298A>C polymorphism and risk of offspring aneuploidy, although synergistic effect of two polymorphisms increase the risk of aneuploidy, primarily amplifying the 677T allele effects (p < 0.001).ConclusionMaternal MTHFR 677C>T gene polymorphism, alone or in combination with another 1298A>C polymorphism, appears to be a substantial risk factor for offspring aneuploidy in Montenegro population, especially for sex chromosome aneuploidies and trisomy 13/18, and among younger women.
Population pharmacokinetics of linezolid and its major metabolites PNU‐142300 and PNU‐142586 in adult patients
Authors: Sakurai Norihiro , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Abe Junko , Kuwabara Gaku , Imoto Waki , Shibata Wataru , Yamada Koichi , Yasui Hiroyuki , Nakamura Yasutaka , Kakeya Hiroshi 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIntroductionOnly a few reports are available on the population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of linezolid and its main metabolites. Therefore, we investigated the population PK of linezolid and its metabolites in adult patients treated with intravenous linezolid to identify the causative factors affecting pharmacokinetics, and evaluated the relationship between the parent compound and major metabolites PNU‐142300 and PNU‐142586.MethodsPopulation PK analysis was performed using medical data collected from patients who were treated with intravenous linezolid (600 mg twice daily). We examined the impact of covariate candidates such as demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters. Simulations using the final model were investigated and used to estimate the plasma concentrations, trough concentrations (Cmin), and area under the curve (AUC) of linezolid and its metabolites, and the metabolite‐to‐parent ratios for Cmin and AUC were used to assess the accumulation of metabolites over linezolid.ResultsA total of 82 plasma concentrations from 23 patients were analyzed. The volume of distribution was estimated to be 47.1 L, assuming that linezolid and its metabolites were the same. The total clearance (CL) of linezolid, and CLs of PNU‐142300 and PNU‐142586 were influenced by creatinine clearance (CLcr), with population mean CLs of 3.86, 7.27, and 13.54 L/h, respectively. The Cmin and AUCs of linezolid and its metabolites and the ratios of metabolites per linezolid were predicted to increase exponentially with decreasing renal function.ConclusionWe developed the first population PK model in which CLcr was incorporated as a covariate in the CL of linezolid and its metabolites. Using the final model, it was possible to predict the plasma concentration, Cmin, and AUC appropriately. The model was found to be a potentially useful tool for future studies on optimal dosing and toxicity analysis.
Reduced error and uncertainty in analysis and forecasting in the Southern Hemisphere through assimilation of PANSY radar observations from Syowa Station: A midlatitude extreme cyclone case
Authors: Sato Kazutoshi , Inoue Jun , Yamazaki Akira , Tomikawa Yoshihiro , Sato Kaoru 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe sparse distribution of the observing network over the high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere reduces the accuracy of regional atmospheric circulation (re)analysis and weather forecasting. Using operational medium‐range ensemble forecasts, we compared the forecast skill among forecast centres regarding a midlatitude cyclone close to western Australia on 17 December 2017. At forecast day 4.5, a large ensemble spread in an upper‐level trough over western Australia, which had travelled from coastal Antarctica, caused large uncertainty and error in the predicted position of the midlatitude cyclone. Using an ensemble data assimilation system and the Atmospheric General Circulation Model for the Earth Simulator and the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter Experimental Ensemble Reanalysis version 2 (ALERA2), we conducted an operational forecast experiment to investigate the impact on ALERA2 and its forecast result of assimilation of 1‐hourly horizontal wind speed observational data from the PANSY radar located at the Japanese Syowa Station in Antarctica. An observing system experiment revealed that incorporation of PANSY radar data improved the reproducibility of atmospheric parameters in the troposphere and lower stratosphere as initial conditions for forecasting. To investigate the impact of PANSY radar data on forecast skill regarding the midlatitude cyclone, 63‐member ensemble forecast experiments were conducted using analysis data both with and without PANSY data as initial conditions. Comparison of the forecast results from the ensemble forecast experiments confirmed that incorporation of PANSY radar data reduced the ensemble spread and error in the upper troposphere over the Antarctic region as initial conditions, which enhanced the accuracy of the prediction of the positions of the upper‐level trough and surface cyclone over western Australia at forecast day 4.5. These experiments suggest that the PANSY radar represents an observing system suitable for continuous improvement in forecast skill of the atmospheric circulation in the Southern Hemisphere.
Magnetic Nanosorbents for Adsorption of Blood Mercury
Authors: Li Minghai , Tang Shuwan , Chu Meilin , Xue Yunxin , Mao Jiazhou , Guo Wenyan , Mao Chun , Zhou Min 
Published: July 2022

AbstractMercury enters the human body through the food chain and various ways and exists in blood, kidney and other organs, which will cause great harm. Therefore, it is important to design a safe and effective mercury remover for the removal of blood mercury. In this work, we modified a layer of amino‐rich hyperbranched polyamide nanomaterials (HPN) on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe/HPN‐NH2 NPs). Among them, tetraethylenepentamine was crosslinked with hyperbranched polyamide by methyl acrylate, which effectively increased the number of amino functional groups in the material. The morphology, structural characteristics and composition of Fe/HPN‐NH2 NPs were characterized. The results of adsorption experiments showed that Fe/HPN‐NH2 NPs had good adsorption ability for inorganic mercury and methylmercury in water. Series of in vitro biocompatibility evaluation tests such as coagulation time tests, erythrocyte morphology observation, blood routine test, complement activation and immune factor test at the molecular level showed that the synthesized Fe/HPN‐NH2 NPs had good biocompatibility. When the initial concentration of lead was 1 ppm and the concentration of adsorbent was 10 mg/mL, the removal efficiency of blood mercury can reach up to 65 % without changing the amount of other commonly existing ions. This blood mercury removal strategy provides the possibility for blood purification.
Progress in COVID research and developments during pandemic
Authors: Shukla Sudheesh K. , Patra Santanu , Das Trupti R. , Kumar Dharmesh , Mishra Anshuman , Tiwari Ashutosh 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe pandemic respiratory disease COVID‐19 has spread over the globe within a small span of time. Generally, there are two important points are being highlighted and considered towards the successful diagnosis and treatment process. The first point includes the reduction of the rate of infections and the next one is the decrease of the death rate. The major threat to public health globally progresses due to the absence of effective medication and widely accepted immunization for the COVID‐19. Whereas, understanding of host susceptibility, clinical features, adaptation of COVID‐19 to new environments, asymptomatic infection is difficult and challenging. Therefore, a rapid and an exact determination of pathogenic viruses play an important role in deciding treatments and preventing pandemic to save the people's lives. It is urgent to fix a standardized diagnostic approach for detecting the COVID‐19. Here, this systematic review describes all the current approaches using for screening and diagnosing the COVID‐19 infectious patient. The renaissance in pathogen due to host adaptability and new region, facing creates several obstacles in diagnosis, drug, and vaccine development process. The study shows that adaptation of accurate and affordable diagnostic tools based on candidate biomarkers using sensor and digital medicine technology can deliver effective diagnosis services at the mass level. Better prospects of public health management rely on diagnosis with high specificity and cost‐effective manner along with multidisciplinary research, specific policy, and technology adaptation. The proposed healthcare model with defined road map represents effective prognosis system.
Loads assessment of a fixed‐bottom offshore wind farm with wake steering
Authors: Shaler Kelsey , Jonkman Jason , Barter Garrett E. , Kreeft Jasper J. , Muller Jelle P. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWake steering via deliberate yaw offset is an emerging wind farm control technique that has the potential to mitigate wake losses and further increase wind farm energy yield. The loads impact of this technique has been studied, but there is limited insight into wind‐farm‐wide impacts of wake steering. Understanding such impacts is crucial to determining the feasibility of using wake steering in commercial wind farms. To that end, this work investigates the impacts of wake steering on the loads of all turbine components across all turbines in a wind farm operating under a broad set of inflow conditions, including inflow velocity, shear exponent, turbulence class, and inflow angle. This was done by performing FAST.Farm simulations of a 12‐turbine wind farm array, excerpted from a larger hypothetical wind farm. The International Energy Agency Wind 15‐MW reference wind turbine was modeled atop a monopile substructure, an open‐source model that closely approximates the properties of similar commercial options. Wake steering was included via yaw offsets that were computed using an offline optimization with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory tool FLORIS. For each inflow case, the 12‐turbine array was simulated with and without wake steering. Results were compared in terms of time‐averaged means, standard deviations, ultimate loads, and damage‐equivalent loads. The findings show that because wake steering is generally applied at rated wind speeds and below, it is unlikely to drive ultimate loads. For fatigue loads, wake steering does increase the overall fatigue accumulation for some load channels, such as blade‐root and shaft bending. This is to be expected when overall power yield increases but may cause the damage accumulation to be more uniform throughout the array. The significance of the added fatigue loading is dependent on how frequent wake steering is utilized in the overall set of inflow conditions across the wind rose.