bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conditioned serum in vitro treatment of chondrocyte pellets and osteoarthritic explants
Authors: Löfgren Maria , Ekman Stina , Ekholm Josefine , Engström Mona , Fjordbakk Cathrine T. , Svala Emilia , Holm Forsström Karin , Lindahl Anders , Skiöldebrand Eva 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundAutologous conditioned serum (ACS) is used to treat osteoarthritis in horses, although its effects are not fully investigated.ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of equine serum and conditioned serum on chondrocytes stimulated with interleukin (IL)‐1β and cartilage explants with mild osteoarthritis.Study designIn vitro experimental study.MethodsThe effect of three different serum preparations (unincubated control [PS], serum incubated 24 h [PS24h] and serum incubated 24 h in ACS containers [PCS]) pooled from lame horses were tested in two in vitro models. IL‐1β and IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) concentrations were measured in all sera. In model 1, chondrocyte pellet cultures were stimulated with IL‐1β prior to treatment with the serum preparations for 2 and 48 h. Microarray, polymerase chain reaction, and matrix metallopeptidase‐13 analyses were performed. In model 2, cartilage explants from horses with structural osteoarthritis were treated with PS or PCS on days 0, 6 and 12, or left untreated, and evaluated at day 24 using the OARSI grading scale for histological evaluation of articular cartilage.ResultsThe IL‐1Ra concentration in PS24h and PCS was significantly higher than in PS. In model 1, inflammation‐ and cartilage matrix degradation‐related genes were upregulated after 48 h in all treatment groups versus untreated controls. Cartilage matrix molecules, aggrecan and collagens, were downregulated in PS24h‐ and PCS‐treated pellets versus untreated controls. Growth factor signalling genes were upregulated—FGF7 in all treatment groups, BMP2 in PS24h‐, and INHBA in PCS‐treated—compared with untreated controls. In model 2, the OARSI score at day 24 was not significantly different between treatment groups.Main limitationsResults from in vitro models cannot be directly translated to in vivo situations.ConclusionsIn vitro treatment with conditioned serum did not alleviate IL‐1β‐induced responses in chondrocyte pellets or lead to morphological improvement in osteoarthritic cartilage explants.
Inclusion orientation dependent flaking process in rolling contact fatigue observed by laminography using ultrabright synchrotron radiation X‐ray
Authors: Nakai Yoshikazu , Shiozawa Daiki , Kikuchi Shoichi , Saito Hitoshi , Nishina Takashi , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Makino Taizo , Neishi Yutaka 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe formation and propagation of cracks in rolling contact fatigue were observed by synchrotron radiation computed laminography, and the effect of stringer‐type inclusion orientation was examined. For longitudinal inclusions, cracks started forming at their tips. After cracks propagated toward the rolling direction, a longitudinal crack was kinked simultaneously at both its tips, and propagated toward the direction perpendicular to the rolling direction to form lateral cracks. After kinking, horizontal cracks were formed from the deepest point of a lateral crack, leading to flaking. On the other hand, for specimens with lateral inclusions, cracks propagated to the lateral direction without the formation of longitudinal cracks. Since the propagation life of lateral cracks and that of horizontal cracks were unrelated to the inclusion orientation, the rolling contact fatigue life of specimens with longitudinal inclusions was considerably longer than that of specimens with lateral inclusions.
Proficiency development and smartphone usage in study abroad: Microgenetic longitudinal case studies of French learners
Authors: Mroz Aurore P. , Thrasher Tricia 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThis longitudinal study explores how the language proficiency of eight (N = 8) US‐affiliated university students developed relative to their smartphone usage during study abroad (SA) in Paris. Phone usage was tracked daily withSpace, proficiency weekly using NCSSFL‐ACTFL Can‐Do statements, and language use monthly via a Language Engagement Questionnaire. Adopting a Complex Dynamic Systems Theory (CDST) framework and following a microgenetic approach to case studies, the trajectories of each participant's phone consumption and Can‐Do statements were established, allowing to visualize floors, ceilings, and probes in proficiency development. Spearman's correlations served to determine whether and how phone usage related to fluctuations in proficiency, and Kendall's tau‐b its link with language used. Findings revealed that these relationships varied widely across participants, types of phone usage, and phone applications, with students displaying positive, mixed, or negative relationships, thus suggesting that there is no one‐size‐fits‐all model to proficiency/smartphone management, but idiosyncratic complex cases.
Gene therapy – are we ready now?
Authors: Kaczmarek Radoslaw 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionHaemophilia therapy has evolved from rudimentary transfusion‐based approaches to an unprecedented level of innovation with glimmers of functional cure brought by gene therapy. After decades of misfires, gene therapy has normalized factor (F)VIII and factor (F)IX levels in some individuals in the long term. Several clinical programmes testing adeno‐associated viral (AAV) vector gene therapy are approaching completion with imminent regulatory approvals.DiscussionPhase 3 studies along with multiyear follow‐up in earlier phase investigations raised questions about efficacy as well as short‐ and long‐term safety, prompting a reappraisal of AAV vector gene therapy. Liver toxicities, albeit mostly low‐grade, occur in the first year in at least some individuals in all haemophilia A and B trials and are poorly understood. Extreme variability and unpredictability of outcome, as well as a slow decline in factor expression (seemingly unique to FVIII gene therapy), are vexing because immune responses to AAV vectors preclude repeat dosing, which could increase suboptimal or restore declining expression, while overexpression may result in phenotoxicity. The long‐term safety will need lifelong monitoring because AAV vectors, contrary to conventional wisdom, integrate into chromosomes at the rate that calls for vigilance.ConclusionsAAV transduction and transgene expression engage the host immune system, cellular DNA processing, transcription and translation machineries in ways that have been only cursorily studied in the clinic. Delineating those mechanisms will be key to finding mitigants and solutions to the remaining problems, and including individuals who cannot avail of gene therapy at this time.
von Willebrand disease and von Willebrand factor
Authors: Sadler Brooke , Castaman Giancarlo , O'Donnell James S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSummaryProgress in both basic and translational research into the molecular mechanisms of VWD can be seen in multiple fields.Genetics of VWDIn the past several decades, knowledge of the underlying pathogenesis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) has increased tremendously, thanks in no small part to detailed genetic mapping of the von Willebrand Factor (VWF) gene and advances in genetic and bioinformatic technology. However, these advances do not always easily translate into improved management for patients with VWD and low‐VWF levels.VWD and pregnancyFor example, the treatment of pregnant women with VWD both pre‐ and postpartum can be complicated. While knowledge of the VWF genotype at some amino acid positions can aid in knowledge of who may be at increased risk of thrombocytopenia or insufficient increase in VWF levels during pregnancy, in many cases, VWF levels and bleeding severity is highly heterogeneous, making monitoring recommended during pregnancy to optimize treatment strategies.VWF and COVID‐19New challenges related to the consequences of dysregulation of hemostasis continue to be discovered. The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic has highlighted that VWF has additional biological roles in the regulation of inflammatory disorders and angiogenesis, disruption of which may contribute to COVID‐19 induced vasculopathy. Increased endothelial cell activation and Weibel‐Palade body exocytosis in severe COVID‐19 lead to markedly increased plasma VWF levels. Coupled with impairment of normal ADAMTS13 multimer regulation, these data suggest a role for VWF in the pathogenesis underlying pulmonary microvascular angiopathy in severe COVID‐19.ConclusionWith the increased affordability and availability of next‐generation sequencing techniques, as well as a push towards a multi‐omic approach and personalized medicine in human genetics, there is hope that translational research will improve VWD patient outcomes.
The relation of climate change denial with benevolent and hostile sexism
Authors: Nicol Adelheid A. M. , De France Kalee , Mayrand Nicol Ariane 
Published: May 2022

AbstractEcofeminism purports that sexist ideology and climate change denial are related, as prejudice, and its desire for power and nonuniversalism, create a disregard for both. In three studies we examined the associations between hostile and benevolent sexism with climate change denial. The first study (n = 270) demonstrated that hostile sexism explained unique variance in climate change denial over and above two strong predictors of prejudice and climate change denial, social dominance orientation and right‐wing authoritarianism. The second study (n = 294) reports on the significant indirect effects of willingness to make sacrifices for the environment on the relation between hostile/benevolent sexism and climate change denial. The third and final study (n = 514) found significant indirect effects of hostile and benevolent sexism, as well as willingness to make sacrifices for the environment, on the relation between power and climate change denial. Universalism demonstrated direct effects with climate change denial when benevolent sexism and willingness to make sacrifices for the environment were taken into account; direct and indirect effects were found when hostile sexism and willingness to make sacrifices for the environment were considered. Our findings provide support for a strong relation between hostile sexism and climate change denial and suggest underlying psychological processes that may represent paths through which climate change attitudes could be indirectly modified.
BMAT's predictive validity for medical school performance: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Davies Daniel J. , Sam Amir H. , Murphy Kevin G. , Khan Shahid A. , Choe Ruth , Cleland Jennifer 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundAlthough used widely, there is limited evidence of the BioMedical Admissions Test's (BMAT) predictive validity and incremental validity over prior educational attainment (PEA). We investigated BMAT's predictive and incremental validity for performance in two undergraduate medical schools, Imperial College School of Medicine (ICSM), UK, and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), Singapore. Our secondary goal was to compare the evidence collected with published evidence relating to comparable tools.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of four ICSM (1188 students, entering 2010–2013) and three LKCMedicine cohorts (222 students, 2013–2015). We investigated associations between BMAT Section 1 (‘Thinking Skills’), Section 2 (‘Scientific Knowledge and Applications’) and Section 3a (‘Writing Task’) scores, with written and clinical assessment performance across all programme years. Incremental validity was investigated over PEA (A‐levels) in a subset of ICSM students.ResultsWhen BMAT sections were investigated independently, Section 2 scores predicted performance on all written assessments in both institutions with mainly small effect sizes (standardised coefficient ranges: ICSM: 0.08–0.19; LKCMedicine: 0.22–0.36). Section 1 scores predicted Years 5 and 6 written assessment performance at ICSM (0.09–0.14) but nothing at LKCMedicine. Section 3a scores only predicted Year 5 clinical assessment performance at ICSM with a coefficient <0.1. There were no positive associations with standardised coefficients >0.1 between BMAT performance and clinical assessment performance. Multivariable regressions confirmed that Section 2 scores were the most predictive. We found no clear evidence of incremental validity for any BMAT section scores over A‐level grades.DiscussionSchools who wish to assess scientific knowledge independently of A‐levels may find BMAT Section 2 useful. Comparison with previous studies indicates that, overall, BMAT seems less useful than comparable tools. Larger scale studies are needed. Broader questions regarding why institutions adopt certain admissions tests, including those with little evidence, need consideration.
Temporal variation of high‐level pyrethroid resistance in the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Yaoundé, Cameroon, is mediated by target‐site and metabolic resistance
Authors: Tene‐Fossog Billy , Fotso‐Toguem Yvan Gaetan , Amvongo‐Adjia Nathalie , Ranson Hilary , Wondji Charles S. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractConstant assessment of insecticide resistance levels is mandatory to implement adequate malaria control tools, but little information is available on the annual dynamics of resistance. We, therefore, monitored variations in resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. over four seasons during 2 years in two localities of Yaoundé: urban Etoa‐Meki and peri‐urban Nkolondom. Mosquitoes were collected seasonally at larval stage and reared to adults for insecticide susceptibility tests and molecular analysis of resistance mechanisms. Anopheles coluzzii was found in Etoa‐Meki and An. gambiae in Nkolondom. Low mortalities to pyrethroids were observed (permethrin <10%, deltamethrin <21%), and resistance extended to 5× and 10× diagnostic doses, revealing a marked increase compared to previous studies. A seasonal variation in resistance was observed with the highest levels within dry seasons in Etoa‐Meki and rainy seasons in Nkolondom. The 1014F kdr allele shows a high frequency (0.9), associated with overexpression of metabolic genes (Cyp6M2, Cyp6P4, Cyp9K1, Cyp6Z1, and Cyp6Z2) varying significantly seasonally. This study reveals an escalation in resistance to pyrethroids in Yaoundé's malaria vectors with seasonal variations. An adequate choice of the implementation period of punctual vector control actions according to the resistance profile will help to potentiate the desired effect and thus improve its efficiency.
The common triggers of urticaria in children admitted to the pediatric emergency room
Authors: Bezirganoglu Handan , Arik Yilmaz Ebru , Sahiner Umit M. , Soyer Ozge , Sekerel Bulent E. , Teksam Ozlem , Buyuktiryaki Betul , Sackesen Cansin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundUrticaria frequently causes pediatric emergency department (PED) admissions. Children with urticaria may unnecessarily avoid suspected allergens. We aimed to investigate the possible and exact triggers of urticaria in children admitted to the PED.MethodsMedical records of children admitted to the PED within a 1‐year period were evaluated for the International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD‐10) L50 urticaria code, noting symptoms, and possible triggers of urticaria. We performed telephone interviews to complete the missing data and further diagnostic tests for IgE‐mediated allergies to identify the exact triggers of urticaria.ResultsAmong 60,142 children, 462 (0.8%) with the L50 code were evaluated. Possible triggers based on the history and physical examination could be identified in 46%: infections (18%), drugs (11%), foods (8%), infections and drugs (3%), insects (3%), pollen (1%), blood products (0.4%), and vaccines (0.4%). The most frequent infections related to urticaria were upper respiratory tract infections (74.5%), urinary tract infections (13.2%), gastroenteritis (8.2%), and otitis media (4.1%). After a diagnostic workup, IgE‐mediated allergic diseases were diagnosed in 6% of patients. Twenty‐two percent of the patients had multiple PED admission for the same urticaria flare. Urticaria severity was found to be the most important risk factor for readmissions to the PED (odds ratio: 3.86; 95% confidence interval: 2.39–6.23; p < .001). No relationship between urticaria severity, duration, and the triggers was present.ConclusionsDespite detailed diagnostic tests, IgE‐mediated allergic triggers were rarely the cause of urticaria in children admitted to the PED. Infections are the most frequent trigger. Severe urticaria causes more frequent readmissions to the PED.
Dynamically expressed small RNAs, substantially driven by genomic structural variants, contribute to transcriptomic changes during tomato domestication
Authors: Qing You , Zheng Yi , Mlotshwa Sizolwenkosi , Smith Heather N. , Wang Xin , Zhai Xuyang , van der Knaap Esther , Wang Ying , Fei Zhangjun 
Published: May 2022

SUMMARYTomato has undergone extensive selections during domestication. Recent progress has shown that genomic structural variants (SVs) have contributed to gene expression dynamics during tomato domestication, resulting in changes of important traits. Here, we performed comprehensive analyses of small RNAs (sRNAs) from nine representative tomato accessions. We demonstrate that SVs substantially contribute to the dynamic expression of the three major classes of plant sRNAs: microRNAs (miRNAs), phased secondary short interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs), and 24‐nucleotide heterochromatic siRNAs (hc‐siRNAs). Changes in the abundance of phasiRNAs and 24‐nucleotide hc‐siRNAs likely contribute to the alteration of mRNA gene expression in cis during tomato domestication, particularly for genes associated with biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. We also observe that miRNA expression dynamics are associated with imprecise processing, alternative miRNA‐miRNA* selections, and SVs. SVs mainly affect the expression of less‐conserved miRNAs that do not have established regulatory functions or low abundant members in highly expressed miRNA families. Our data highlight different selection pressures on miRNAs compared to phasiRNAs and 24‐nucleotide hc‐siRNAs. Our findings provide insights into plant sRNA evolution as well as SV‐based gene regulation during crop domestication. Furthermore, our dataset provides a rich resource for mining the sRNA regulatory network in tomato.
Platelet transfusions in a murine model of neonatal polymicrobial sepsis: Divergent effects on inflammation and mortality
Authors: Davenport Patricia , Fan Hsuan‐Hao , Nolton Emily , Feldman Henry A. , Lorenz Viola , Canas Jorge , Acosta‐Zaldívar Maikel , Yakah William , Arthur Connie , Martin Camilia , Stowell Sean , Koehler Julia , Mager Donald , Sola‐Visner Martha 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundPlatelet transfusions (PTxs) are often given to septic preterm neonates at high platelet count thresholds in an attempt to reduce bleeding risk. However, the largest randomized controlled trial (RCT) of neonatal transfusion thresholds found higher mortality and/or major bleeding in infants transfused at higher thresholds. Using a murine model, we investigated the effects of adult PTx on neonatal sepsis‐induced mortality, systemic inflammation, and platelet consumption.Study design and methodsPolymicrobial sepsis was induced via intraperitoneal injection of cecal slurry preparations (CS1, 2, 3) into P10 pups. Two hours after infection, pups were transfused with washed adult Green Flourescent Protein (GFP+) platelets or control. Weights, platelet counts, and GFP% were measured before 4 and 24 h post‐infection. At 24 h, blood was collected for quantification of plasma cytokines.ResultsThe CS batches varied in 24 h mortality (11%, 73%, and 30% in CS1, 2, and 3, respectively), due to differences in bacterial composition. PTx had differential effects on sepsis‐induced mortality and systemic inflammatory cytokines, increasing both in mice infected with CS1 (low mortality) and decreasing both in mice infected with CS2 and 3. In a mathematical model of platelet kinetics, the consumption of transfused adult platelets was higher than that of endogenous neonatal platelets, regardless of CS batch.DiscussionOur findings support the hypothesis that transfused adult platelets are consumed faster than endogenous neonatal platelets in sepsis and demonstrate that PTx can enhance or attenuate neonatal inflammation and mortality in a model of murine polymicrobial sepsis, depending on the composition of the inoculum and/or the severity of sepsis.
Material Selection and Corrosion Studies of Candidate Bearing Materials for Use in Molten Chloride Salt
Authors: Keiser James R. , He Xin , Sulejmanovic Dino , Qu Jun , Robb Kevin R. , Oldinski Keith 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Molten chloride salts are being given strong consideration for use in heat transfer and storage in concentrating solar power (CSP) systems as well as in some nuclear reactor applications. Containment of the molten salt, particularly at the highest temperatures, is a major material concern and has received considerable study. Another material issue is the pumps that will be required to move the molten salt along with the bearing materials that will be required to have sufficient corrosion resistance as well as wear resistance in the high temperature salt. A pair of coordinated studies in our laboratory has addressed the corrosion, and the wear issues of candidate bearing materials including the selection of candidate materials as well as their performance in a molten sodium chloride-potassium chloride-magnesium chloride salt environment. This article addresses the selection of candidate materials and their chemical compatibility with the molten salt. The studies have identified material pairs that have suitable properties for use as bearings that would be immersed in molten chloride salt.
830-million-year-old microorganisms in primary fluid inclusions in halite
Authors: Schreder-Gomes Sara I. , Benison Kathleen C. , Bernau Jeremiah A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPrimary fluid inclusions in bedded halite from the 830-m.y.-old Browne Formation of central Australia contain organic solids and liquids, as documented with transmitted light and ultraviolet–visible (UV-vis) petrography. These objects are consistent in size, shape, and fluorescent response with cells of prokaryotes and eukaryotes and with organic compounds. This discovery shows that microorganisms from saline depositional environments can remain well preserved in halite for hundreds of millions of years and can be detected in situ with optical methods alone. This study has implications for the search for life in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial chemical sedimentary rocks.