bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical utility of circulating calprotectin to assist prediction and monitoring of COVID‐19 severity: An Italian study
Authors: Infantino Maria , Manfredi Mariangela , Alessio Maria Grazia , Previtali Giulia , Grossi Valentina , Benucci Maurizio , Faraone Antonio , Fortini Alberto , Grifoni Elisa , Masotti Luca , Russo Edda , Amedei Amedeo , FitzGerald Emily , Albesa Roger , Norman Gary L. , Mahler Michael 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundCalprotectin (S100A8/A9) has been identified as a biomarker that can aid in predicting the severity of disease in COVID‐19 patients. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between levels of circulating calprotectin (cCP) and the severity of COVID‐19.MethodsSera from 245 COVID‐19 patients and 110 apparently healthy individuals were tested for calprotectin levels using a chemiluminescent immunoassay (Inova Diagnostics). Intensive care unit (ICU) admission and type of respiratory support administered were used as indicators of disease severity, and their correlation with calprotectin levels was assessed.ResultsSamples from patients in the ICU had a median calprotectin concentration of 11.6 µg/ml as compared to 3.5 µg/ml from COVID‐19 patients who were not in the ICU. The median calprotectin concentration in a cohort of healthy individuals collected before the COVID‐19 pandemic was 3.0 µg/ml (95% CI: 2.820–2.969 µg/ml). Patients requiring a Venturi mask, continuous positive airway pressure, or orotracheal intubation all had significantly higher values of calprotectin than controls, with the increase of cCP levels proportional to the increasing need of respiratory support.ConclusionCalprotectin levels in serum correlate well with disease severity and represent a promising serological biomarker for the risk assessment of COVID‐19 patients.
Epidemiological and sociodemographic transitions of severe periodontitis incidence, prevalence, and disability‐adjusted life years for 21 world regions and globally from 1990 to 2019: An age‐period‐cohort analysis
Authors: Cui Yiran , Tian Gang , Li Ri , Shi Yan , Zhou Tong , Yan Yan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundSevere periodontitis is one of the most prevalent diseases and a global public health problem due to its high incidence and prevalence. However, there are few studies on the burden of periodontitis in different regions of the world.MethodsWe extracted data on the incidence, prevalence, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) from the Global Burden of Disease study as severe periodontitis burden measures. We also explored the global burden of severe periodontitis according to 21 world regions and Socio‐Demographic Index (SDI) quintiles. The joinpoint model was used to analyze temporal trends of major regions from 1990 to 2019, and the age‐period‐cohort model was used to estimate age, period, and cohort trends in severe periodontitis.ResultsGlobally, the age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age‐standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) rate increased from 1990 to 2019 (percentage change: 5.77%, 7.78%, and 8.01%, respectively), with average annual percent changes of 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.3%, respectively. The region with the highest DALY rate was western sub‐Saharan Africa with a value of 142.5 (95% uncertainty interval: 56.3, 303.7) per 100,000 in 2019. For the ASIR, ASPR, and DALY, the age effect of severe periodontitis showed an increase followed by a decrease, the period effect showed an upward trend, the cohort effect showed an overall decreasing trend, and the cohort relative risk for incidence for some SDI quintiles showed a slight increase in recent years.ConclusionsOral health varies significantly across regions, and it is essential to address inequalities in oral health between countries. Effective measures to prevent severe periodontitis risk factors should also be taken in regions with low SDI.
How fine wine producers can make the best of counterfeiting
Authors: Grolleau Gilles , Evon Juliette , Qian Yi 
Published: August 2022

AbstractGiven that counterfeiting cannot be easily eliminated, we develop four approaches by which luxury wine producers can leverage the opportunities of being counterfeited. Counterfeit wines can increase brand exposure and awareness and serve as gateways for their genuine counterparts. Genuine producers can exploit the existence of counterfeit wines to develop innovative wine‐based experiences that cannot be counterfeited and boost innovation strategies.
Conversion of drylands to paddy fields on former wetlands restores soil organic carbon by accumulating labile carbon fractions in the Sanjiang Plain, northeast China
Authors: Chen Hui‐Min , Shi Fu‐Xi , Wang Xian‐Wei , Zhang Xin‐Hou , Mao Rong 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDSince the 1990s, drylands have been extensively converted to rice paddy fields on the former wetlands in the Sanjiang Plain of northeast China. However, the influence of this successiveland‐use change from native wetlands to drylands to rice paddy fields on soil organic carbon (C) dynamics remains unexplored. Here, we compared the difference in soil organic C stock among native wetlands, drylands, and paddy fields, and then used a two‐step acid hydrolysis approach to examine the effect of this land‐use change on labile C I (LPI‐C), labile C II (LPII‐C), and recalcitrant C (RP‐C) fractions at depths of 0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–50 cm.RESULTSSoil organic C stock at a depth of 0–50 cm was reduced by 79% after the conversion of wetlands to drylands but increased by 24% when drylands were converted to paddy fields. Compared with wetlands, paddy fields had 74% lower soil organic C stock at a depth of 0–50 cm. The conversion of wetlands to drylands reduced the concentrations of LPI‐C, LPII‐C, and RP‐C fractions at each soil depth. However, land‐use change from drylands to paddy fields only increased the concentrations of LPI‐C and LPII‐C fractions at the 0–15 cm and 30–50 cm depths.CONCLUSIONThe conversion of drylands to paddy lands on former wetlands enhances the soil organic C stock by promoting labile C fraction accumulation, and labile C fractions are more sensitive to this successive land‐use change than recalcitrant C fractions in the Sanjiang Plain of northeast China. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Resection of retroperitoneal tumors with inferior vena cava involvement without caval reconstruction
Authors: Palacios Arnold R. , Schmeusser Benjamin N. , Midenberg Eric , Patil Dattatraya , Xie Lillian , Nabavizadeh Reza , Ogan Kenneth , Cardona Kenneth , Maithel Shishir K. , Master Viraj A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesRetroperitoneal tumors with involvement of the inferior vena cava (IVC) often require resection of the IVC to achieve complete tumor removal. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of IVC ligation without caval reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients who underwent IVC ligation (IVC‐Ligation) and IVC resection with reconstruction (IVC‐Reconstruction) at our institution between May 2004 and April 2021 was performed. Outcomes from the two surgical techniques were compared via univariate analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables.ResultsForty‐nine IVC‐Ligation and six IVC‐Reconstruction surgeries were identified. There were no differences in baseline demographics, tumor characteristics, complication rates, postoperative morbidity, or overall 5‐year survival between groups. IVC‐Reconstruction patients were more likely to require intensive care unit admission (83% vs. 33%; p = 0.0257) and the IVC‐Ligation cohort had a tendency to present with nondebilitating postoperative lymphedema (35% vs. 0%; p = 0.1615), which resolved for most patients.ConclusionsIVC‐Ligation is a viable surgical option for select patients presenting with retroperitoneal tumors with IVC involvement and provides acceptable short‐ and medium‐term outcomes.
Bilirubin metabolism andUDP‐glucuronosyltransferase1A1variants in Asians: Pathogenic implications and therapeutic response
Authors: Huang May‐Jen , Chen Pei‐Lain , Huang Ching‐Shan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn the Asian general population, at least six single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT)1A1gene have been identified:−3279T>G,−53A(TA)6TAA>A(TA)7TAA, 211G>A, 686C>A, 1091C>T, and 1456T>G. Each of these six SNVs was observed in at least four ethnic groups of the 12 Asian populations studied. In East Asian populations, the descending frequency of these six SNVs was as follows:−3279G>[−53A(TA)7TAA, 211A]>(686A, 1091T)>1456G. Because of the presence of linkage disequilibrium and the expulsion phenomenon, when the SNVs−3279G,−53A(TA)7TAA, 211A, and 686A were simultaneously involved, 15 instead of the estimated 81 genotypes were observed. Those carrying 686AA or 1456GG developed Gilbert's syndrome or Crigler–Najjar syndrome type 2. Both−53A(TA)7TAA/A(TA)7TAA and 211AA are the main causes of Gilbert's syndrome in East Asian populations. In East Asian populations, the 211AA genotype is the main cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, whereas−53A(TA)7TAA/A(TA)7TAA exerts a protective effect on hyperbilirubinemia development in neonates fed with breast milk. Both 211A and−53A(TA)7TAA are significantly associated with adverse drug reactions induced by irinotecan (one of the most widely used anticancer agents) in Asians. However, at least three common SNVs (−3279G,−53A(TA)7TAA, and 211A) should be comprehensively analyzed. This study investigated the clinical significance of these six SNVs and demonstrated that examiningUGT1A1variants in Asian populations is considerably challenging.
Gray Matter Volume Loss in Proposed Brain‐First and Body‐First Parkinson's Disease Subtypes
Authors: Banwinkler Magdalena , Dzialas Verena ,   The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative, Hoenig Merle C. , van Eimeren Thilo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundα‐Synuclein pathology is associated with neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD) and considered to sequentially spread across the brain (Braak stages). According to a new hypothesis of distinct α‐synuclein spreading directions based on the initial site of pathology, the “brain‐first” spreading subtype would be associated with a more asymmetric cerebral and nigrostriatal pathology than the “body‐first” subtype.ObjectiveHere, we tested if proposed markers of brain‐first PD (ie, higher dopamine transporter [DaT] asymmetry; absence of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder [RBD]) are associated with a greater or more asymmetric reduction in gray matter volume (GMV) in comparison to body‐first PD.MethodsData of 255 de novo PD patients and 110 healthy controls (HCs) were retrieved from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. Structural magnetic resonance images were preprocessed, and GMVs and their hemispherical asymmetry were obtained for each of the neuropathologically defined Braak stages. Group and correlation comparisons were performed to assess differences in GMV and GMV asymmetry between PD subtypes.ResultsPD patients demonstrated significantly smaller bilateral GMVs compared to HCs, in a pattern denoting stage‐dependent disease‐related brain atrophy. However, the degree of putaminal DaT asymmetry was not associated with reduced GMV or higher GMV asymmetry. Furthermore, RBD‐negative and RBD‐positive patients did not demonstrate a significant difference in GMV or GMV asymmetry.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that putative brain‐first and body‐first patients do not present diverging brain atrophy patterns. Although certainly not disproving the brain‐first/body‐first spreading hypothesis, this study fails to provide evidence in support of it. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Single‐slice microwave imaging of breast cancer by reverse time migration
Authors: Bilgin Egemen , Çayören Mehmet , Joof Sulayman , Cansiz Gökhan , Yilmaz Tuba , Akduman Ibrahim 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPurposeMicrowave imaging of breast cancer is considered and a new microwave imaging prototype including the imaging algorithm, the antenna array, and the measurement configuration is presented. The prototype aims to project the geometrical features of the anomalies inside the breast to a single‐slice image at the coronal plane depending on the complex dielectric permittivity variation among the tissues to aid the diagnosis.MethodsThe imaging prototype uses a solid cylindrical dielectric platform, where a total of 24 optimized Vivaldi antennas are embedded inside to form a uniform circular antenna array. The center of the platform is carved to create a hollow part for placement of the breast and the multistatic, microwave scattering parameters are collected with the antenna array around the hollow center. The dielectric platform further enhances the microwave impedance matching against the breast fat tissue and preserves the vertical polarization during the measurements. In the imaging phase, a computationally efficient inverse electromagnetic scattering method—reverse time migration (RTM)—is considered and adapted in terms of scattering parameters to comply with the actual measurements.ResultsThe prototype system is experimentally tested against tissue‐mimicking breast phantoms with realistic dielectric permittivity profiles. The reconstructed single‐slice images accurately determined the locations and the geometrical extents of the tumor phantoms. These experiments not only verified the microwave imaging prototype but also provided the first experimental results of the imaging algorithm.ConclusionsThe presented prototype system implementing the RTM method is capable of reconstructing single‐slice, nonanatomical images, where the hotspots correspond to the geometrical projections of the anomalies inside the breast.
Immunolocalization of melatonin receptor type 1 in the sheep ovary and involvement of the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway in the effects of melatonin on survival and in vitro activation of primordial follicles
Authors: Barberino Ricássio S. , Macedo Taís J. S. , Lins Thae Lanne B. G. , Menezes Vanúzia G. , Silva Regina L. S. , Monte Alane P. O. , Palheta Raimundo C. , Smitz Johan E. J. , Matos Maria Helena T. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis study characterized the expression of melatonin receptor type 1 (MT1) protein in sheep ovaries, evaluated melatonin effects on primordial follicle survival and development after in vitro culture of ovarian tissue and verified the possible involvement of the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B/forkhead box O3a (PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a) pathway in the melatonin actions. Ovine ovarian fragments were cultured in α‐modified minimum essential medium alone (α‐MEM+) or supplemented with 100, 500, or 1000 pg/ml melatonin for 7 days. PI3K inhibition was performed through pretreatment of ovarian fragments with LY294002. Thereafter, immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of cleaved caspase‐3, Akt, phosphorylated‐Akt, and phosphorylated‐FOXO3a (p‐FOXO3a). The immunohistochemical localization of the MT1 receptor protein was documented in sheep preantral and antral follicles. After in vitro culture, 100 pg/ml melatonin showed higher follicular survival and activation than α‐MEM+ and other melatonin concentrations. After PI3K inhibition, there was an increase in cleaved caspase‐3‐positive follicles, and a decrease in the primordial follicle activation, Akt phosphorylation, and nuclear exclusion of p‐FOXO3a. In conclusion, MT1 receptor protein is present in the sheep ovary. Furthermore, 100 pg/ml melatonin maintains survival and stimulates activation of primordial follicles through the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway after in vitro culture of sheep ovarian tissue.
Closed‐form formulation of vertical dynamic response of single floating piles in homogeneous viscoelastic soil
Authors: Zheng Changjie , Kouretzis George , Ding Xuanming , Luan Lubao 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis paper presents a mathematical model for the elastic analysis of single floating piles subjected to axial dynamic loads, that is based on treating the soil surrounding the pile as a Tajimi‐type viscoelastic continuum. The pile and the soil column underlying the pile tip are modelled using one‐dimensional rod theory, and this allows obtaining an elegant solution that requires solving a system of linear equations, instead of complicated integral equations. Closed‐form expressions are derived for the dynamic stiffness at the pile head, and the frictional resistance along the pile shaft. The presentation concludes with a discussion on the main mechanisms that govern the inertial response of floating piles, and an investigation on the sensitivity of the dynamic stiffness and of the frictional resistance to the main geometrical and material problem parameters.
Hydrophobic association copolymer as viscosifier for high‐temperature high‐pressure anti‐sedimentation performance of water‐based drilling fluid
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Ming , Qin Xiaoliang , Sun Kun , Zhang Chunhua 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn this study, a new type of amphiphilic copolymer SPXFJ, with amide and sulfonate functional groups, was synthesized via the free radical polymerization method. And the chemical structure and properties of this new polymer were characterized by elemental analysis (EA), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), intrinsic viscosity tests, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The hydrophobic association and thermo‐thickening properties of SPXFJ copolymer were investigated through viscometer, contact angle tester, high‐resolution scanning electron microscope analysis, and X‐ray laser static scattering (XLSS) test. The test results indicated that SPXFJ copolymer showed superior amphiphilic properties, especially in the solution condition. Furthermore, a thermo‐associative behavior was found in the solution that aged at 180°C. Thus, SPXFJ‐based drilling fluid showed a higher temperature resistance. The test results, in both high‐temperature aging tests and high‐temperature high‐pressure (HTHP) downhole simulation tests, showed that the water‐based drilling fluid showed excellent anti‐sedimentation properties with the use of SPXFJ polymer and can be improved significantly, especially in the high‐pressure condition. The water‐based drilling fluid of 2.0 g/cm3 showed no sedimentation of barite powders at 180°C/100 MPa, of which the density deviation just reached approximately 0.06 g/cm3.
Efficient fluorescence‐based localization technique for real‐time tracking endophytes route in host‐plants colonization
Authors: Ondzighi‐Assoume Christine A. , Bhusal Bandana , Traore Adam M. , Ouma Wilson K. , Mmbaga Margaret T. , Swiggart Ethan M. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBacterial isolates that enhance plant growth and suppress plant pathogens growth are essential tools for reducing pesticide applications in plant production systems. The objectives of this study were to develop a reliable fluorescence‐based technique for labeling bacterial isolates selected as biological control agents (BCAs) to allow their direct tracking in the host‐plant interactions, understand the BCA localization within their host plants, and the route of plant colonization. Objectives were achieved by developing competent BCAs transformed with two plasmids, pBSU101 and pANIC‐10A, containing reporter genes eGFP and pporRFP, respectively. Our results revealed that the plasmid‐mediated transformation efficiencies of antibiotic‐resistant competent BCAs identified as PSL, IMC8, and PS were up 84%. Fluorescent BCA‐tagged reporter genes were associated with roots and hypocotyls but not with leaves or stems and were confirmed by fluoresence microscopy and PCR analyses in colonized Arabidopsis and sorghum. This fluorescence‐based technique's high resolution and reproducibility make it a platform‐independent system that allows tracking of BCAs spatially within plant tissues, enabling assessment of the movement and niches of BCAs within colonized plants. Steps for producing and transforming competent fluorescent BCAs, as well as the inoculation of plants with transformed BCAs, localization, and confirmation of fluorescent BCAs through fluorescence imaging and PCR, are provided in this manuscript. This study features host‐plant interactions and subsequently biological and physiological mechanisms implicated in these interactions. The maximum time to complete all the steps of this protocol is approximately 3 months.
NIR‐triggered hydrogel with dynamic stiffness via ion chelation to modulate macrophage phenotypes
Authors: Yuan Peiqi , Luo Yilun , Ma Lie 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe immune system plays a central role in tissue repair and regeneration. Macrophages have emerged as a primary target because of their critical roles in regulating multiple phases of tissue repair through their unique plasticity and ability to rapidly shift phenotypes. Smart biomaterials, which able to harness macrophage phenotypes on demand during the healing process, have become a promising strategy. Here, a novel integrated hydrogel with near‐infrared (NIR) responsive dynamic stiffness was conducted, and found sequentially polarizing bone marrow‐derived macrophages from pro‐inflammatory to anti‐inflammatory phenotype in situ. Under NIR irradiation, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid released from the IR780‐mixed phase change material into the hydrogel, resulting in the decrease of hydrogel stiffness in situ by chelating the calcium ion (Ca2+) in the calcium alginate hydrogel. The up‐regulation of arginase‐1 and interleukin‐10 were quantified by immunostaining and enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay, respectively. The result indicated the transformation of macrophage from the pro‐inflammatory to anti‐inflammatory phenotype by dynamic stiffness drop. The modulation of macrophage phenotypes by stiffness‐degradation without the stimuli of cytokines offers an effective and noninvasive strategy to manipulate inflammatory or tissue‐regenerative immune responses to achieve optimized healing or therapeutical outcomes.
Temperature Dependence of Water Absorption in the Biological Windows and Its Impact on the Performance of Ag2S Luminescent Nanothermometers
Authors: Muñoz‐Ortiz Tamara , Abiven Lise , Marin Riccardo , Hu Jie , Ortgies Dirk H. , Benayas Antonio , Gazeau Florence , Castaing Victor , Viana Bruno , Chanéac Corinne , Jaque Daniel , Maturi Fernando E. , Carlos Luís D. , Martín Rodríguez Emma , García Solé José 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe application of nanoparticles in the biological context generally requires their dispersion in aqueous media. In this sense, luminescent nanoparticles are an excellent choice for minimally invasive imaging and local temperature sensing (nanothermometry). For these applications, nanoparticles must operate in the physiological temperature range (25–50 °C) but also in the near‐infrared spectral range (750–1800 nm), which comprises the three biological windows of maximal tissue transparency to photons. In this range, water displays several absorption bands that can strongly affect the optical properties of the nanoparticles. Therefore, a full understanding of the temperature dependence of water absorption in biological windows is of paramount importance for applications based on these optical properties. Herein, the absorption spectrum of water in the biological windows over the 25–65 °C temperature range is systematically analyzed, and its temperature dependence considering the coexistence of two states of water is interpreted. Additionally, to illustrate the importance of state‐of‐the‐art applications, the effects of the absorption of water on the emission spectrum of Ag2S nanoparticles, the most sensitive luminescent nanothermometers for in vivo applications to date, are presented. The spectral shape of the nanoparticles’ emission is drastically affected by the water absorption, impacting their thermometric performance.