bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture at BL15 attenuates chronic fatigue syndrome by downregulating iNOS/NO signaling in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Zhu Yang , Wang Jingya , Yao Lin , Huang Yunxuan , Yang Haitao , Yu Xiaojiang , Chen Xinghua , Chen Yongjun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has a high incidence due to the increased pressure of daily life and work in modern society. Our previous clinical studies have found the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on CFS patients, however, the mechanism of EA on CFS is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of EA on cardiac function in a CFS mouse model to explore its underlying mechanism. The mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, CFS, and CFS mice receiving EA (CFS + EA). After behavioral assessments and echocardiographic measurement, blood and heart tissue of the mice were collected for biochemical tests, and then we evaluated the effects of EA on the CFS mouse model when nitric oxide (NO) levels were enhanced byl‐arginine. The results showed that EA ameliorated the injured motor and cardiac function. Meanwhile, EA also inhibited increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at heart tissue and the serum NO levels in mice subjected to sustained forced swimming stress. Furthermore, the NO level in serum increased withl‐arginine administration, which blocked the effects of EA on CFS mice. This study suggested that EA could improve the motor function and cardiac function in CFS mice and its effects may be associated with the down‐regulation of iNOS/NO signaling.
In Vivo Generation of SSA/Ro Antigen–Specific Regulatory T Cells Improves Experimental Sjögren's Syndrome in Mice
Authors: Xu Junji , Liu Ousheng , Wang Dandan , Wang Fu , Zhang Dunfang , Jin Wenwen , Cain Alexander , Bynum Andrew , Liu Na , Han Yichen , Chen WanJun 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveSjögren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease, and T cells play an important role in the initiation and perpetuation of the disease. In this study, we developed an immunotherapy for NOD/LtJ mice with SS‐like symptoms by combining a transient depletion of CD4+ T cells with the administration of autoantigen‐specific peptide Ro480.MethodsNOD/LtJ mice were treated with single anti‐CD4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) followed 2 days later by a series of 6 intraperitoneal injections of Ro480–494 every other day. Salivary flow rates were determined pre‐ and posttreatment once a week. Mice were euthanized 6 weeks after the initial anti‐CD4 mAb treatment, salivary glands (SGs) were collected for analyses of histologic disease scores and inflammatory cell infiltration, polymerase chain reaction determination of genes was conducted, and flow cytometry analysis including major histocompatibility complex class II tetramer staining of immune cells was performed. In addition, adoptive transfer of Treg cells was administrated to investigate the function of the newly generating Treg cells in vivo.ResultsThe combination of anti‐CD4 mAb with autoantigen‐specific peptide Ro480 generated SSA/Ro antigen–specific Treg cells in vivo, which can suppress interferon‐γ production of CD4+ T cells and inflammation infiltration in SGs and maintain the function of SGs.ConclusionOur findings provide a new approach to generating antigen‐specific Treg cells in vivo for SS treatment, which may have implications for potential therapy for patients with SS.
Outcomes of simultaneous resection for elderly patients with colorectal liver metastasis: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Chen Qichen , Zhang Yizhou , Deng Yiqiao , Huang Zhen , Zhao Hong , Cai Jianqiang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundEvidence on simultaneous resection for elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years) with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) is lacking.MethodsFour hundred and eighty‐two CRLM patients treated by simultaneous resection were categorised into young group (age < 70 years) and elderly group (age ≥ 70 years). Propensity score matching (PSM1) was performed to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics and compare short‐term outcomes. An additional propensity score matching (PSM2) including short‐term outcomes was performed to analyse survival. Subgroup analysis was performed in patients stratified by the Clinical Risk Score (CRS).ResultsAfter PSM1, 87 young group patients were matched to 50 elderly group patients. Patients in the elderly group had a significantly higher rate of overall post‐operative complications (68.0% vs. 46.0%, p = 0.013). After PSM2, 89 young group patients were matched to 47 elderly group patients. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was comparable between the two groups (median 11.0 months vs. 9.8 months, p = 0.346). Age ≥ 70 independently predicted worse overall survival (OS) (Hazard ratio, HR = 2.57, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.37–4.82) in multivariate analysis. In the subgroup multivariate analysis of patients with CRS score 3–5, age ≥ 70 was independently associated with worse PFS (HR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.01–2.62) and OS (HR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.26–4.35).ConclusionsSimultaneous resection for elderly CRLM patients is acceptable. Further studies are required to determine the optimal treatment for elderly CRLM patients with high CRS scores.
Pure Sertoli cell tumor of the ovary: A case report
Authors: Shrestha Suraj , Homagain Sushan , Bhatta Suraj , Tiwari Sansar Babu , Rijal Rishikesh , Aryal Roshan , Sharma Nisha , Paudyal Pooja , Katuwal Neeta , Rawal Suniti Joshi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPure Sertoli cell tumors are an uncommon variant of rare ovarian Sertoli‐Leydig cell tumors. Due to nonspecific clinical and imaging features, diagnosis is often made after histopathological examination. The prognosis is excellent as most are detected in the early stages and surgical resection is often curative in most cases.
Creation of High‐Dimensional Reduction Analysis‐Compatible Histocytometry Files from Images of Densely‐Packed Cells and/or Variable Stain Intensity
Authors: Munoz‐Erazo Luis , Schmidt Alfonso J. , Shinko Diana , Eccles David A. , Price Kylie M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe power of high‐dimensional reduction techniques using multiparameter images has been demonstrated across a variety of different publications. Recently, we published an end‐to‐end low‐cost GUI‐based protocol for performing histocytometric spatial analysis on images derived from the most common microscope image formats. However, this protocol is limited by the normalized marker intensity outputs and the difficulty in processing images of highly aggregated and/or exceptionally heterogenous cell populations.Here we present the basic protocols required to construct an advanced histocytometric data file using only freeware. This data file is compatible with images containing cell nuclei clusters that are difficult to segment, and results in histocytometry files retaining the original marker intensity values of the microscopic images they were derived from. This is especially useful in cells that are phenotyped based on relative marker expression levels. Histocytometry data files produced by these protocols are compatible with high‐dimensional reduction analysis using marker intensity data, such as tSNEs. This methodology is showcased using stitched microscopic images of murine lymph nodes, complex organs with highly aggregated heterogenous cell populations, that are typically difficult to segment. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Image preprocessing and generation of nuclei marker probability mapsBasic Protocol 2: Cell segmentation using ilastik‐derived probability mapsBasic Protocol 3: Generation of histocytometric .fcs files
Full spectrum cytometry improves the resolution of highly autofluorescent biological samples: Identification of myeloid cells in regenerating skeletal muscles
Authors: Kharraz Yacine , Lukesova Vera , Serrano Antonio L. , Davison Adam , Muñoz‐Cánoves Pura 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAutofluorescence (AF) is an intrinsic characteristic of cells caused by the presence of fluorescent biological compounds within the cell; these can include structural proteins (e.g., collagen and elastin), cellular organelles, and metabolites (e.g., aromatic amino acids). In flow cytometric studies, the presence of AF can lead to reduced antigen and population resolution, as well as the presence of artifacts due to false positive events. Here, we describe a methodology that uses the inherent ability of full spectrum cytometry to treat AF as a fluorochrome and to thereby separate it from the other fluorochromes of the assay. This method can be applied to complex inflamed tissues; for instance, in regenerating skeletal muscle we have developed a 16‐color panel targeting highly autofluorescent myeloid cells. This represents a first step toward overcoming technological limitations in flow cytometry due to AF.
The effect of increasing Women's autonomy on primary and repeated caesarean sections in Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Victor Hugo , Lee Ines , Quintana‐Domeque Climent 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCaesarean section (C‐section) rates continue to rise globally. Yet, there is little consensus about the key determinants of rising C‐section rates and the sources of variation in C‐section rates across the world. While C‐sections can save lives when medically justified, unnecessary surgical procedures can be harmful for women and babies. We show that a state‐wide law passed in São Paulo (Brazil), which increased women's autonomy to choose to deliver via C‐section even when not medically necessary, is associated with a 3% increase in overall C‐section rates. This association was driven by a 5% increase in primary C‐sections, rather than repeated C‐sections. Since the law emphasizes women's autonomy, these results are consistent with mothers' demand being an important contributor to high C‐section rates in this context.
Community pharmacists perception and role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease conditions: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Henneh Amanda Henewaa , Teg‐Nefaah Tabong Philip 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading non‐communicable diseases with a high mortality if not detected and managed early. The study assessed community pharmacists' perception and determined their role in CVDs prevention and management.MethodA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 103 registered community pharmacists in the Ahafo, Bono and Bono East regions of Ghana. Data was collected using validated questionnaires through an online and in‐person surveys. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and STATA 14.1.ResultsCommunity Pharmacists had knowledge on the concept of pharmaceutical care (n = 93, 92.2%). The roles that Pharmacists played in CVD management and control included educating clients on their conditions and drug therapy, checking for possible drug interactions and screening for risk factors. The barriers to CV health promotion were increase of the pharmacist's workload (n = 96, 93.2%), lack of time (n = 91, 88.4%) and lack of CVD educational materials and clinical tools (n = 56, 54.4%).ConclusionCommunity pharmacists have a positive perception of their role in CVDs and performed various activities to reduce the burden of CVDs. However, cardiovascular health promotion in community pharmacies is hindered by increase of the pharmacist's workload, lack of time and lack of CVD educational materials.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on provision of HIV/AIDS services for key populations
Authors: Nguyen Thu Ha , Nguyen Quynh Anh , Khuat Hai Oanh , Le Thi Thanh Ha , Nguyen Thanh Huong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has aggravated the obstacles for HIV/AIDS programs in limited‐resource countries like Vietnam to achieve the HIV/AIDS‐related Sustainable Development target. The paper aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the provision of HIV/AIDS services—a pathway to achieving universal health coverage for key populations (KPs). Employing mix‐methods, we conducted a desk study, one focus group discussion, and ten in‐depth interviews with participants from the Ministry of Health, Provincial Centres for Disease Control, and HIV/AIDS‐related facilities. The results showed the reduced coverage of KPs with access to prevention (i.e., harm‐reduction services, counselling), testing, and treatment services (i.e., antiretroviral therapy, isoniazid preventive therapy). It also showed the reduced coverage of quality essential services, mainly in skipping consultation and testing, delaying un‐emergency services, and redirecting KPs to non‐HIV‐specialised facilities. There was a gap in providing support for mental health, violence/abuse, and reproductive health. Financial risk protection for KPs was reduced due to uncertain local budget allocation; decreasing their ability to pay for HIV/AIDS‐related services and social health insurance premiums; and increased out‐of‐pocket payments to comply with the COVID‐19 control measures. This paper provides recommendations for strategic planning to ensure universal health coverage for KPs in the post COVID‐19 era, especially for limited‐resource countries like Vietnam.
Incongruous employer brand signals and organizational attractiveness: Evidence from multinational companies in China
Authors: Wang Lan , Han Jian , Ramasamy Bala , Peng Siqing 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn an era of information explosion, employers' information is often disclosed to employees and potential applicants from multiple channels and angles, which are usually combinations of positive and negative signals. How do such uncoordinated brand signals affect the attractiveness of an organization? Building on micro‐corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature and three studies, we found that when potential employees perceived imbalanced brand signals of CSR and corporate ability, the positive impact of CSR on organizational attractiveness was strengthened when the company was weaker in its corporate ability. When they perceived conflicting brand signals of corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR) and corporate ability, the negative impact of CSiR on organizational attractiveness was strengthened when the company was stronger in its corporate ability. Supplementary analyses also demonstrated a significant three‐way interaction among CSR, CSiR, and corporate ability. When such conflicting brand signals were presented, CSR weakened CSiR's negative impact when corporate ability was stronger. However, when corporate ability was weaker, CSR strengthened the negative impact of CSiR on organizational attractiveness. Our study offers guidance for companies with mixed employer brand signals and suggests enhancing applicant attraction via synergy among a company's public relations, human resources, and marketing functions.
What leads to cyberslacking intentions among students in Pakistan: An enhanced theory of planned behavior perspective
Authors: Hanif Muhammad Shehzad , Abdul Hamid Abu Bakar , Khurshid Atzaz , Butt Muhammad Farooq Tariq 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCyberslacking or nonproductive activity in the classroom environment is one of the key problems that academicians face today. This study aims to investigate various determinants of cyberslacking attitudes and intentions among students enrolled in higher education institutions in Pakistan to bridge the gap in the literature about the limited understanding of cyberslacking behaviors of students in the developing world. Structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was employed to analyze the relationships between determinants of cyberslacking attitude and intention based on the survey data collected from 403 students. Results suggest that lack of attention, apathy to course material, and student consumerism significantly contribute to cyberslacking attitudes among these students while attitude and student escapism drive the cyberslacking intentions. Perceived threat and habit fail to show any significant influence lending useful implications for the academicians and researchers. The research is concluded with limitations guiding future research direction.
Modification of Fibers and Matrices in Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ramachandran ArunRamnath , Mavinkere Rangappa Sanjay , Kushvaha Vinod , Khan Anish , Seingchin Suchart , Dhakal Hom N. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractApplication of natural fiber‐polymer composites (NFPCs) in different industrial applications provides competitive edge due to their lightweight, higher specific mechanical properties than glass fibers, sustainability, and lower cost involved in production. There are certain challenges associated with natural fibers and their reinforcement in composites such as poor bonding between the fibers and matrix due to their contradictory nature of characteristics, moisture absorption, lower thermal properties, and poor interfacial adhesion between the natural fiber and polymer matrix. The challenges involved in NFPCs need to be overcome to produce materials with relatively equivalent properties to those of conventional composites and other metallic structures. Several researchers around the globe have conducted investigations with the primary attention being paid to the modification of natural fibers and matrix by employing surface treatments and other chemical treatment methods. In order to address the need for eco‐friendly and sustainable materials in different domains, a comprehensive review on natural fibers and their sources, available matrix materials, modification techniques, mechanical and thermal properties of NFPCs, is needed for better understanding of the behavior of NFPCs. This work provides the information and holistic view of natural fiber‐reinforced composites based on the results obtained from modification techniques, with the view of focusing the review in terms of different chemical and physical treatment techniques, modification of fibers and matrix, and enhanced mechanical and thermal properties in the composites.
Germline mutations in Chinese ovarian cancer with or without breast cancer
Authors: Kwong Ava , Ho Cecilia Yuen Sze , Shin Vivian Yvonne , Au Chun Hang , Luk Wing Pan , Fung Ling Hiu , Chan Tsun‐Leung , Chan Karen Kar Loen , Ngan Hextan Yuen Sheung , Ma Edmond Shiu Kwan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundOvarian and breast cancers are known to have significant genetic components. Considering the differences in the mutation spectrum across ethnicity, it is important to identify hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) genes mutation in Chinese for clinical management.MethodsTwo cohorts of 451 patients with ovarian cancer only (OV) and 93 patients with both breast and ovarian (BROV) cancers were initially screened for BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, and PTEN. 109 OV and 43 BROV patients with extensive clinical risk and were being tested negative, were then further characterized by 30‐gene panel analysis.ResultsPathogenic BRCA1/2 variants were identified in 45 OV patients and 33 BROV patients, giving a prevalence of 10% and 35.5%, respectively. After the extended screening, mutations in other HBOC genes were identified in an additional 12.8% (14/109) of the OV cohort and 14% (6/43) in the BROV cohort. The most commonly mutated genes in the OV cohort were MSH2 (4.6%) while in the BROV cohort were MSH2 (4.7%) and PALB2 (4.7%). With this extended multigene testing strategy, pathogenic mutations were detected in 12.8% of OV patients (BRCAs: 10%; additional genes: 12.8%) and 40.9% (BRCAs: 35.5%; additional genes: 14%) of BROV patients.ConclusionExtended characterization of the contributions of HBOC genes to OV and BROV patients has significant impacts on further management in patients and their families, expanding the screening net for more asymptomatic individuals.
Compact filtering balun with ultra‐wide stopband based on π‐type capacitive networks
Authors: Cheng Ganxiaoyu , Zhang Gong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn this letter, a new compact filtering balun with an ultra‐wide stopband is proposed on the ceramic substrate. Four coupled line units are utilized to design the distributed balun with a second‐order filtering response. Then, three‐/two‐port inductively loaded π‐type capacitive networks without high‐order harmonics are equivalent to distributed three‐/two‐port distributed coupled line units; therefore, the proposed compact lumped filtering balun based on these π‐type capacitive networks inherently have ultra‐wide stopband characteristics. To verify the design concept, a prototype with 15‐dB bandwidth across 0.85–1 GHz is designed at 0.95 GHz, and its amplitude and phase imbalances are 0.4 dB and E4.5°, respectively. The upper stopband attenuation higher than 20 dB of the balun is extended to 12.9 f0, where f0 is the center frequency, and its size is only 0.0025λg2, where λg is the guide wavelength.
Electrically small, low‐profile, full‐duplex Huygens dipole filtenna
Authors: Wu Zhentian , Tang Ming‐Chun , Ziolkowski Richard W. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAn electrically small, full‐duplex Huygens dipole filtenna (HDF) is realized as a dense array of two HDF elements consisting of Egyptian axe dipole and capacitively‐loaded loop near‐field resonant parasitic (NFRP) elements. The dual‐band HDF elements operate at two very nearby frequency bands and are physically separated by only 0.12 λLB. Benefitting from the HDF element's good out‐of‐band rejection performance characteristics, high isolation levels between the lower‐band (LB) and higher‐band (HB) ports are obtained without any decoupling structure. The measured results, in good agreement with their simulated values, demonstrate that the entire system is electrically small (ka = 0.975) and low‐profile (0.041 λLB). The measured isolation levels at its LB (HB) port is, respectively, over 33.9 (29.2) dB. When the LB (HB) port is excited, its fractional bandwidth, broadside realized gain, front‐to‐back ratio, and overall efficiency values are, respectively, 0.86% (0.77%), 2.1 (2.31) dBi, 8.1 (9.6 ) dB, and 62.1% (62.8%).
Characterization and correction of the effects of hepatic iron on T1ρ relaxation in the liver at 3.0T
Authors: Qian Yurui , Hou Jian , Jiang Baiyan , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Lee Jack , Chan Queenie , Wang Yixiang , Chu Winnie Chiu‐Wing , Chen Weitian 
Published: May 2022

PurposeQuantitative T1ρ imaging is an emerging technique to assess the biochemical properties of tissues. In this paper, we report our observation that liver iron content (LIC) affects T1ρ quantification of the liver at 3.0T field strength and develop a method to correct the effect of LIC.Theory and MethodsOn‐resonance R1ρ (1/T1ρ) is mainly affected by the intrinsic R2 (1/T2), which is influenced by LIC. As on‐resonance R1ρ is closely related to the Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) R2, and because the calibration between CPMG R2 and LIC has been reported at 1.5T, a correction method was proposed to correct the R2 contribution to the R1ρ. The correction coefficient was obtained from the calibration results and related transformed factors. To compensate for the difference between CPMG R2 and R1ρ, a scaling factor was determined using the values of CPMG R2 and R1ρ, obtained simultaneously from a single breath‐hold from volunteers. The livers of 110 subjects were scanned to validate the correction method.ResultsLIC was significantly correlated with R1ρ in the liver. However, when the proposed correction method was applied to R1ρ, LIC and the iron‐corrected R1ρ were not significantly correlated.ConclusionLIC can affect T1ρ in the liver. We developed an iron‐correction method for the quantification of T1ρ in the liver at 3.0T.