bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subepidermal Schwann cell counts correlate with skin innervation – an exploratory study
Authors: Özdağ Acarlı Ayşe Nur , Klein Thomas , Egenolf Nadine , Sommer Claudia , Üçeyler Nurcan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsSchwann cell clusters have been described at the murine dermis‐epidermis border. We quantified dermal Schwann cells in the skin of patients with small‐fiber neuropathy (SFN) compared with healthy controls to correlate with the clinical phenotype.MethodsSkin punch biopsies from the lower legs of 28 patients with SFN (11 men, 17 women; median age, 54 [range, 19‐73] years) and 9 healthy controls (five men, four women, median age, 34 [range, 25‐69] years) were immunoreacted for S100 calcium‐binding protein B as a Schwann cell marker, protein‐gene product 9.5 as a pan‐neuronal marker, and CD207 as a Langerhans cell marker. Intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and subepidermal Schwann cell counts were determined.ResultsSkin samples of patients with SFN showed lower IENFD (P < .05), fewer Schwann cells per millimeter (P < .01), and fewer Schwann cell clusters per millimeter (P < .05) than controls. When comparing SFN patients with reduced (n = 13; median age, 53 [range, 19‐73] years) and normal distal (n = 15, median age, 54 [range, 43‐68] years) IENFD, the number of solitary Schwann cells per millimeter (p < .01) and subepidermal nerve fibers associated with Schwann cell branches (P < .05) were lower in patients with reduced IENFD. All three parameters correlated positively with distal IENFD (P < .05 to P < .01), whereas no correlation was found between Schwann cell counts and clinical pain characteristics.DiscussionOur data raise questions about the mechanisms underlying the interdependence of dermal Schwann cells and skin innervation in SFN. The temporal course and functional impact of Schwann cell presence and kinetics need further investigation.
Incomplete bladder emptying and urinary tract infections after botulinum toxin injection for overactive bladder: Multi‐institutional collaboration from the SUFU research network
Authors: Reynolds William Stuart , Suskind Anne M. , Anger Jennifer T. , Brucker Benjamin M. , Cameron Anne P. , Chung Doreen E. , Daignault‐Newton Stephanie , Lane Giulia I. , Lucioni Alvaro , Mourtzinos Arthur P. , Padmanabhan Priya , Reyblat Polina X. , Smith Ariana L. , Tenggardjaja Christopher F. , Lee Una J. ,   The SUFU Research Network
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroductionOnabotulinumtoxin A (BTX‐A) is an effective therapy for overactive bladder (OAB), however, adverse events may prevent patients from initiating therapy. The study objective was to report real‐world rates of incomplete emptying and urinary tract infection (UTI) in men and women undergoing BTX‐A for OAB.MethodsEleven clinical sites performed a retrospective study of adults undergoing first‐time BTX‐A injection (100 units) for idiopathic OAB in 2016. Exclusions included: postvoid residual (PVR) > 150 ml, prior BTX‐A, pelvic radiation, or need for preprocedure catheterization. Primary outcomes at 6 months were incomplete emptying (clean intermittent catheterization [CIC] or PVR ≥ 300 ml without the need for CIC); and UTI (symptoms with either positive culture or urinalysis or empiric treatment). We compared rates of incomplete emptying and UTI within and between sexes, using univariate and multivariable models.Results278 patients (48 men and 230 women) met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 65.5 years (range: 24–95). 35% of men and 17% of women had incomplete emptying. Men had 2.4 (95% CI: 1.04–5.49) higher odds of incomplete emptying than women. 17% of men and 23.5% of women had ≥1 UTI, the majority of which occurred within the first month following injection. The strongest predictor of UTI was a history of prior UTI (OR: 4.2 [95% CI: 1.7–10.3]).ConclusionsIn this multicenter retrospective study, rates of incomplete emptying and UTI were higher than many previously published studies. Men were at particular risk for incomplete emptying. Prior UTI was the primary risk factor for postprocedure UTI.
Scholarly activity training in pediatric pulmonology fellowship programs
Authors: Weiss Pnina , Rama Jennifer , Gerber Linda M. , Qiu Yuqing , Li Su‐Ting T. , Duncan Jennifer G. , Naifeh Monique M. , Stevenson Michelle D. , Mauer Elizabeth , Abramson Erika L. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundScholarly activity training is a required component of pediatric pulmonology fellowship programs. However, there are no data on resources and barriers to training and factors associated with fellow productivity.MethodsWe surveyed US pediatric pulmonology fellowship program directors (FPDs) between March and October 2019. Our primary outcome was fellow productivity (>75% of fellows in the past 5 years had a manuscript accepted in a peer‐reviewed journal). Analyses included descriptive statistics, χ2 and Fisher's exact tests for categorical values, and t‐test or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test for numerical values.ResultsSixty‐one percent (33/54) of FPDs completed the survey. Seventy‐nine percent reported that most fellows completed clinical, basic science, or translational research. However, only 21% reported that most fellows pursued research positions after graduation; academic clinical positions were more common. For 21%, lack of funding and competing clinical responsibilities were barriers to completing the scholarly activity. Only 39% had highly productive programs; those FPDs were more likely to be highly satisfied with fellow scholarly activity products (p = 0.049) and have >6 publications in the previous 3 years (p = 0.03). Fifty‐two percent of FPDs believed that pediatric pulmonary training should be shortened to 2 years for those pursuing clinical or clinician‐educator careers.ConclusionsBarriers to scholarly activity training in pediatric pulmonology programs threaten the pipeline of academic pediatric pulmonologists and physician‐investigators. Aligning fellow scholarly activity and clinical training with the skills required in their postgraduate positions could optimize the utilization of limited resources and better support career development.
Vitamins A, D, E status as related to supplementation and lung disease markers in young children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Lai HuiChuan J. , Chin Lyanne H. , Murali Sangita , Bach Taiya , Sander Danielle , Farrell Philip M. ,   FIRST Study Group
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe variable response to fat‐soluble vitamin supplementation in young children with cystic fibrosis (CF), and factors contributing to this variability, remain under‐investigated.ObjectiveTo determine if recommended supplement doses normalize serum vitamins A (retinol), D (25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D, 25OHD), and E (α‐tocopherol), and identify factors predictive of achieving sufficiency, in children with CF in the first 3 years of life.DesignWe studied 144 infants born during 2012–2017 and diagnosed with CF through newborn screening. Serum retinol, 25OHD, α‐tocopherol and plasma cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were measured in early infancy and yearly thereafter. Vitamin supplement intakes and respiratory microbiology were assessed every 1–2 months in infancy and quarterly thereafter.ResultsThe prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (<30 ng/ml) at all ages combined was significantly higher (22%) compared to vitamin A (<200 ng/ml, 3%) and vitamin E (<5 µg/ml, 5%). All children were vitamin A sufficient by age 2 years. Vitamin E insufficiency was rare. Only 42% were early responders of vitamin D and 17% remain insufficient despite high supplement intakes. IL‐6 was positively correlated, while IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α were negatively correlated, with retinol and 25OHD. Multiple regression analysis revealed that supplement dose, season, α‐tocopherol, pancreatic insufficiency, respiratory infections and IL‐10 were significant predictors of 25OHD.ConclusionDiagnosis through newborn screening coupled with supplementation normalized serum retinol and α‐tocopherol in almost all infants with CF by age 3 years. However, response to vitamin D supplements in young children with CF occurred later and variably despite early and sustained supplementation.
Insect growth regulators elicit transovarial effects on Teleonemia scrupulosa (Hemiptera: Tingidae)
Authors: Joseph Shimat V 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDLantana lace bug, Teleonemia scrupulosa Stål (Hemiptera: Tingidae), is an important insect pest of lantana (Lantana camara L.). The adults and nymphs feed on the leaves, gradually deteriorating the quality of leaf tissue, as the affected leaves appear brown and desiccated. Infestations of T. scrupulosa reduce the market value of container plants in nurseries and the aesthetic value of ornamental landscapes. Because T. scrupulosa typically is managed using neonicotinoids and concerns related to the nontargeted effects of neonicotinoids on pollinators are mounting, practitioners are seeking alternative options to manage T. scrupulosa infestations. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) elicit transovarial activity, where adults exposed to IGRs produce nonviable eggs, but this effect has not been documented for T. scrupulosa.RESULTSA significantly lower number of T. scrupulosa nymphs was produced when adults were sprayed topically with novaluron and pyriproxyfen than nontreated adults. The number of T. scrupulosa nymphs produced was not significantly different when adults were exposed to a lower dose (0.125×) and a maximum dose (1.0×) of novaluron.CONCLUSIONNovaluron and pyriproxyfen elicited transovarial effects on T. scrupulosa when adults were exposed to these IGRs. Evidence of transovarial effects was demonstrated when T. scrupulosa adults were exposed to lower doses (≤0.125×) than the maximum label dose, as densities of nymphs were similar between the lower doses and the maximum label dose of novaluron. © 2022 The Author. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Predicting model‐informed precision dosing: A test‐case in tacrolimus dose adaptation for kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Faelens Ruben , Luyckx Nicolas , Kuypers Dirk , Bouillon Thomas , Annaert Pieter 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBefore investing resources into the development of a precision dosing (model‐informed precision dosing [MIPD]) tool for tacrolimus, the performance of the tool was evaluated in silico. A retrospective dataset of 315 de novo kidney transplant recipients was first used to identify a one‐compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model with time‐dependent clearance. MIPD performance was subsequently evaluated by calculating errors to predict future concentrations, which is directly related to dosing precision and probability of target attainment (PTA). Based on the identified model residual error, the theoretical upper limit was 45% PTA for a target of 13.5 ng/ml and an acceptable range of 12–15 ng/ml. Using empirical Bayesian estimation, this limit was reached on day 5 post‐transplant and beyond. By incorporating correlated within‐patient variability when predicting future individual concentrations, PTA improved beyond the theoretical upper limit. This yielded a Bayesian feedback dosing algorithm accurately predicting future trough concentrations and adapting each dose to reach a target concentration. Simulated concentration‐time profiles were then used to quantify MIPD‐based improvement on three end points: average PTA increased from 28% to 39%, median time to three concentrations in target decreased from 10 to 7 days, and mean log‐squared distance to target decreased from 0.080 to 0.055. A study of 200 patients was predicted to have sufficient power to demonstrate these nuanced PK end points reliably. These simulations supported our decision to develop a precision dosing tool for tacrolimus and test it in a prospective trial.
Stabilization of two kinds of nonhomogeneous Markovian jump systems via sliding mode control
Authors: Sun Hui‐Jie , He Ping , Shi Peng 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this article, the stabilization is addressed for the continuous‐time nonhomogeneous nonlinear Markovian jump system (MJS) with parameter uncertainty and stochastic disturbance via sliding mode control (SMC) technique. By using a piecewise homogeneous Markov chain to describe its time‐varying characteristics, the considered nonhomogeneous MJS is established by two kinds of piecewise homogeneous MJSs. After that, an integral sliding mode function is constructed. Then, by applying the SMC theory, two control schemes are proposed to force the states of the piecewise homogeneous MJSs onto the designed sliding surface. Sufficient conditions are given to assure the stochastic stability of the sliding mode dynamics. In addition, the reachability of the system states under the developed SMC law is discussed via Lyapunov stability theory. Lastly, some simulation results are provided to show the effectiveness of the presented SMC methods.
Thermodynamic Studies on the Adsorption of Organophosphate Pesticides (Diazinon) onto ZnO/Polyethersulfone Nanocomposites
Authors: Mahmoodi Zahra , Abhari Abbas Rajabi , Lalehloo Rahman Shakibaei , Bakr Zinab H. , Ali Gomaa A. M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study reports experimental analyses of adsorption thermodynamics using the polymeric adsorbent surface, polyethersulfone (PES), with different molar ratios of ZnO nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) were performed to study the adsorbent structure and morphology. FTIR results showed that both PES and ZnO nanoparticles were successfully incorporated into the nanocomposite, while the XRD analysis showed that the crystal adsorbent characteristics did not change. FESEM of the ZnO exhibits the formation of aggregates in the form of small spherical grains, and the sizes were in the range of 45–65 nm. The effects of different parameters (contact time, pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and diazinon concentrations) were investigated to find the optimal conditions of the prepared adsorbents. The equilibrium data for diazinon adsorption onto PES and ZnO/PES were analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin‐Radushkevich, Jovanovic, and Flory‐Huggins models. Based on the values of the correlation coefficient, Langmuir and pseudo‐second‐order were found to be the best‐fitting model. In addition, adsorption at different temperatures (288.15–303.15 K) was used to determine thermodynamic parameters such as free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes. Finally, these results allow designing different processing units for pollution removal.
Facile Preparation and Controllable Absorption of a Composite Based on PMo12/Ag Nanoparticles: Photodegradation Activity and Mechanism”
Authors: Yu Haihui , Zhu Jiayu , Qiao Run , Zhao Nan , Zhao Mingyu , Kong Li 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTo overcome the low photocatalytic activity and efficiently harvest solar energy, a new type of composite photocatalyst PMo12/AgNPs is constructed based on polymolybdate (PMo12) and Ag nanosheets as the co‐active ingredient, and the composite material is characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, EDS, SEM, UV‐vis, EIS and PL. In this study, the controllable absorption range silver nanosheets with different sizes and morphologies are prepared by regulating the reaction condition, and the nanosheets further combined with PMo12 polyoxoanion to construct composite photocatalyst with efficient visible‐light response and photocatalytic activity. The EIS plots, Bode plots and PL spectra analysis results indicate that the PMo12/28 h‐AgNPs hybrid material exhibits excellent interfacial charge transfer efficiency and potential photocatalytic application. The photodegradation experiment of rhodamine B (RhB) is selected as the model reaction to evaluate the catalytic activity of PMo12/28 h‐AgNPs hybrid material under simulate visible light, in which the photocatalytic degradation98.75 % with pH=5 for PMo12/28 h‐AgNPs is higher than that of others. The .O2− and h+ are detected as active groups by different scavengers tests, and the possible photocatalytic mechanism of the composites is investigated.
Phytobiological Investigation and In Silico Docking Study of Secondary Metabolites from Saussurea lappa Roots
Authors: Moustafa Mahmoud , Zaghloul Mona G. , Sabry Mohamed A. , Aboelmaaty Walaa S. , Hamed Refaat B. , Ebada Sherif S. , Ebrahim Weaam 
Published: January 2022

AbstractChromatographic exploration of methanol extract derived from Saussurea lappa roots yielded four sesquiterpene lactones, santamarin (1), dehydrocostuslactone (2), costunolide (3) and zaluzanin C (4) along with the well‐known triterpene, β‐sitosterol (5). Chemical structures were determined based on extensive 1D/2D NMR analyses. In antiviral assay, compounds 1–5 showed % antiviral activity ranging from 2.18±3.1 to 53.7±10.05 % and from 15.39±4.83 to 92.91±2.47 % when tested against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), respectively. Molecular docking simulation studies against (HSV‐1) DNA polymerase and (HAV) 3 C proteinase enzymes showed similar binding interactions as for acyclovir. Compounds (1 and 3–5) showed moderate to potent antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 (MIC values between 7.9 and 31.25 μg/ml) whereas, dehydrocostuslactone (2) and costunolide (3) exhibited comparable antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 90274 (MIC values=125 μg/ml) compared to gentamicin as a positive control. In cytotoxicity assay against human colorectal carcinoma (HCT‐116) and human epithelioid cervical carcinoma (HeLa), compounds 1 and 4 exhibited weak to moderate activities. Compound 1 showed IC50 values of 46.05 μg/ml (185.44 μM) and 59.38 μg/ml (239.1153 μM) whereas compound 4 showed IC50 values of 36.08 μg/ml (146.48 μM) and 46.59 μg/ml (189.175 μM), respectively.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis, Antimicrobial Activities and Molecular Docking of Methoxycarboxylated Chalcone Derived Pyrazoline and Pyrazole Derivatives
Authors: Farooq Saba , Ngaini Zainab 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe synthesis of effective antimicrobial therapeutics has become a challenge due to the occurrence of genetic mutations in microbes that reduced the efficiency of drugs. A new series of heterocyclic chalcone derivatives (1 a‐g, 2 a‐g, 3 a‐g, 4 a‐g) were designed with 52.64‐93.69 % yield under microwave and scrutinized for their antimicrobial activities on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) via turbidimetric and disc diffusion method. Carboxylated pyrazoline derivatives (3 a‐g) gave strong interaction potency with the zone inhibition of 12–16 mm compared to the reference drug of ampicillin (11 mm). Among all synthesized compounds, phenyl carboxyl pyrazoline (3 d) gave the highest antimicrobial activity with inhibition zone 16 mm compared to other carboxylated chalcone derivatives (1 a‐g) (6‐11 mm) and phenyl carboxylated pyrazole derivatives (4 a‐g) (8‐13 mm) against S. aureus bacteria. The molecular docking analysis of compounds (1 d), (3 d), and (4 e) exhibited the binding affinity −7.4 kcal/mol, −7.7 kcal/mol, −7.6 kcal/mol respectively, which significantly conclude the pyrazoline derivatives have better antimicrobial activity than chalcone and pyrazole derivatives. This research on effective and safe drug designing is beneficial for the medicinal field and pharmaceutical industry.
Ionically Active MXene Nanopore Actuators
Authors: Mojtabavi Mehrnaz , Tsai Wan‐Yu , VahidMohammadi Armin , Zhang Teng , Gogotsi Yury , Balke Nina , Wanunu Meni 
Published: January 2022

AbstractReversible electrochemical intercalation of cations into the interlayer space of 2D materials induces tunable physical and chemical properties in them. In MXenes, a large class of recently developed 2D carbides and nitrides, low intercalation energy, high storage capacitance, and reversible intercalation of various cations have led to their improved performance in sensing and energy storage applications. Herein, a coupled nanopore‐actuator system where an ultrathin free‐standing MXene film serves as a nanopore support membrane and ionically active actuator is reported. In this system, the contactless MXene membrane in the electric field affects the cation movement in the field through their (de)intercalation between individual MXene flakes. This results in reversible swelling and contraction of the membrane monitored by ionic conductance through the nanopore. This unique nanopore coupled to a mechanical actuation system could provide new insights into designing single‐molecule biosensing platforms at the nanoscale.
Screening and Understanding Lattice Silicon‐Controlled Catalytically Active Site Motifs from a Library of Transition Metal‐Silicon Intermetallics
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Mingcheng , Zhang Kexin , Li Zhenyu , Liang Xiao , Ai Xuan , Zou Xiaoxin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA joint theoretical and experimental study is reported to systematically explore over a library of transition metal‐silicon intermetallics for understanding silicon‐controlled active site motifs and discovering hydrogen‐evolving electrocatalysts. On the one hand, every low‐index surface termination of 115 transition metal (M)‐silicon (Si) intermetallics is enumerated, followed by cataloging of stable adsorption sites and prediction of catalytic activities on the main exposed facets. It is theoretically found that silicon atoms in silicon‐rich structures (especially MSi2 and MSi) show a strong site‐isolating effect, which can eliminate M‐M‐M hollow and M‐M bridge sites with too strong hydrogen‐binding ability and thereby provide great opportunities for the exposure of novel highly active sites (e.g., M‐top and Si‐related sites). On the other hand, solid‐state redox reactions are developed to synthesize a set of 24 silicides containing 5 MSi, 13 MSi2, and 6 others, most of which are phase‐pure samples. The experimental studies demonstrate that too rich silicon content in silicides (e.g., MSi2) leads to adverse effects, such as the formation of amorphous SiOx layers on the silicide surface, masking the presence of active sites during electrocatalysis. Finally, 5 MSi (M = Rh, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir) as highly active hydrogen‐evolving electrocatalysts are identified.
Assessment of Native Fish Passage through Brandon Road Lock and Dam, Des Plaines River, Illinois, Using Fin Ray Microchemistry
Authors: Snyder Claire E. , Oliver Devon C. , Knights Brent C. , Pescitelli Stephen M. , Whitledge Gregory W. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study examined evidence of native fish passage through Brandon Road Lock and Dam (BRLD) on the Des Plaines River, Illinois, in light of proposed modifications to prevent the upstream passage of invasive carps. Direct evidence of upstream passage by native fishes at BRLD is lacking and could help to inform assessment of the impacts of barrier technology installation. Fin ray microchemistry was used to assess upstream BRLD passage in the native taxa Centrarchidae, Catostomidae, Ictaluridae, and Lepisosteidae. The fin ray edge strontium : calcium ratio (Sr:Ca) of fish sampled from the Des Plaines River upstream of BRLD and in rivers downstream of BRLD was used to characterize ranges of river‐specific fin ray Sr:Ca for each taxon. These were applied to Sr:Ca data along a transect from fin ray core to edge to infer the environmental history of individual fish that were captured upstream from BRLD and to estimate the proportion of fish that had passed upstream through BRLD. Depending on the taxon, 6–37% of individuals sampled upstream from BRLD exhibited fin ray Sr:Ca indicating prior residency in rivers downstream of BRLD and therefore upstream passage through BRLD. Upstream passage was indeterminate for 19–91% of individuals in each taxon due to uncertainty in environmental history inferred from fin ray Sr:Ca. These results provide the first definitive evidence of upstream native fish passage at BRLD and suggest that the installation of barrier technology could have an impact on native fish.