bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma microRNA expression and immunoregulatory cytokines in an Indian population occupationally exposed to cadmium
Authors: Mitra Prasenjit , Goyal Taru , Sharma Praveen , Sai Kiran Gangam , Rana Shweta , Sharma Shailja 
Published: September 2022

AbstractFollowing its accumulation in the body, cadmium (Cd) exposure is associated with devastating effects on multiple organ system of the human body. The immune system is one of the sensitive targets for Cd‐induced toxicity. Recently, studies have demonstrated a significant role of Cd in inducing epigenetic alterations. With this background, the present study was planned to study the changes in candidate microRNA (miRNA) expression associated with immune regulation in occupationally Cd‐exposed workers. One hundred individuals involved in welding and metal handicraft manufacturing, while 80 apparently healthy subjects without any prior history of occupational exposure were recruited for the study. Blood Cd level was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum cytokine levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and serum miRNA expression of candidate miRNAs (miR‐146a, miR‐210, and miR‐222) were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The median Cd level (2.40 μg/L) in the occupationally exposed workers was significantly higher than the nonexposed subjects (0.90 μg/L). Among the cytokines, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were significantly higher while IL‐2 and IL‐10 were significantly lower in the exposed. The expression level of miR‐146a and miR‐222 were significantly different between the groups with the former showing downregulation and later showing upregulation. Correlation analysis revealed a positive and negative association of miR‐222 and miR‐146a with blood cadmium level, IL‐17 as well as TNF‐α, respectively. Furthermore, the in‐silico analysis revealed a significant role of the studied miRNAs in various cellular and genetic pathways. The findings of the present study demonstrate significant involvement of Cd‐induced alteration in miRNAs in varied immune regulatory changes in exposed individuals.
Associations between HIV stigma, gender, and depression among people living with HIV in Hyderabad, India
Authors: Azhar Sameena , Jokhakar Vaidehi , Vaudrey Jason , Gandham Sabitha , Oruganti Ganesh , Yeldandi Vijay 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe goal of this study was to explore the association between HIV stigma and depression and whether gender moderated this relationship. The theoretical framework for the study combined an adapted version of Goffman's conceptualization of stigma with gender role theory. We surveyed 150 individuals living with HIV in Hyderabad, India (51 cisgender women, 49 cisgender men, and 50 third gender people) on their experiences with HIV stigma. While third gender people had statistically higher scores for HIV stigma over their cisgender counterparts, the association between each of three different forms of stigma (internalized stigma, perceived stigma, and experienced stigma) on depression was negatively moderated by third gender status. This demonstrates that third gender research participants who experienced certain forms of HIV stigma were less likely to be depressed than cisgender participants. These findings indicate resilience amongst third gender people living with HIV and can be used to better tailor social policies and gender‐affirming HIV care programs in south India.
Psychological empowerment and future orientation among adolescents in a youth participatory action research program
Authors: Szoko Nicholas , Dwarakanath Namita , Miller Elizabeth , Chugani Carla D. , Culyba Alison J. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractYouth participatory action research (YPAR) empowers youth to address challenges in their environment. Empowerment is associated with prosocial behaviors; however, understanding of how empowerment may serve as a protective factor and promote emotional health remains limited. We sought to characterize protective factors (future orientation and resilience) and emotional health (difficulties regulating emotion and psychological distress) among youth engaged in YPAR and examine associations with psychological empowerment. We administered cross‐sectional surveys to 63 youth in YPAR programming. Multivariable linear regression examined relationships between psychological empowerment, protective factors, and emotional health. Participants had high future orientation and resilience with high psychological distress. Empowerment was significantly associated with higher future orientation. There was no significant relationship between empowerment and measures of emotional health. We demonstrate the importance of evaluating protective factors and emotional health constructs in empowerment frameworks, calling for strategies that incorporate such protective factors and more directly address emotional health.
Tillage and manure effects on runoff nitrogen and phosphorus losses from frozen soils
Authors: Prasad Laxmi R. , Thompson Anita M. , Arriaga Francisco J. , Vadas Peter A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn cold regions, nutrient losses from dairy agroecosystems are a longstanding and recurring problem, especially when manure is applied during winter over snow‐covered frozen soils. This study evaluated two tillage (fall chisel tillage [CT] and no‐tillage [NT]) and three manure‐type management treatments (unmanured control, liquid manure [<5% solids], and solid manure [>20% solids]). The liquid and solid manure used in this study were from the same animal species (Bos taurus) and facility. The six management treatments were field tested in south‐central Wisconsin during the winters (November–April) of 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 with a complete factorial design. Seasonal runoff losses were significantly lower from fall CT compared with NT during both seasons. Manure applications (both liquid and solid) on top of snow significantly increased most of the nutrients (NH4+, dissolved reactive phosphorus, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, and total phosphorus) in runoff compared with unmanured control. Irrespective of tillage and multiple runoff events, solid manure was present on the surface for longer periods, potentially releasing nutrients each time it interacted with runoff. In contrast, liquid manure infiltrated the snowpack and was partly lost with snowmelt and infiltrated soil depending upon soil frost and surface conditions. Overall, results indicate that wintertime manure applications over snow‐covered frozen soils pose a risk of nutrient loss irrespective of tillage and manure type, but in unavoidable situations, prioritizing tillage × manure type combination can help reduce losses.
The combined effects of salinity and ammonia on the growth behavior, stress‐related markers, and hepato‐renal function of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Dawood Mahmoud A. O. , Sewilam Hani 
Published: September 2022

AbstractOne of the most critical factors affecting aquaculture efficiency is the capability of releasing ammonia from the water. By applying a high salinity strategy, this study provides a prompt approach for removing high ammonia levels and relieving its adverse impacts on common carp. The study investigated five groups with triplicates where the control was kept with fresh water, and the remaining four groups stressed with different salinity levels (5, 10, 15, and 20 ppt) for 8 weeks. Then fish were exposed to unionized ammonia (NH3) stress (0.5 ppm) for 6 h. The final weight (FBW) and weight gain (WG) showed lower values in fish stressed with 15 and 20 ppt salinity levels than fish reared in 0 and 5 ppt salinity levels (p < 0.05). The lowest FBW and WG and the highest feed conversion ratio were shown in fish grown in 20 ppt (p < 0.05). The survival rate was markedly lowered by 15 and 20 ppt salinity levels (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed among 0, 5, and 10 ppt salinity levels (p > 0.05). Liver condition‐related indices (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) were markedly increased in fish grown in 15 and 20 ppt before or after ammonia stress (p < 0.05). The results showed higher creatinine levels in fish raised in 15 and 20 ppt than the remaining salinity levels, with the highest value in fish of 20 ppt salinity before and after ammonia stress (p < 0.05). Markedly the blood glucose and cortisol levels were upraised in fish reared in 10, 15, and 20 ppt before and after ammonia stress (p < 0.05). The glucose level was not significantly different in fish reared in 5 ppt than 0 and 10 ppt salinity levels (p < 0.05). Generally, the blood glucose and cortisol levels were decreased markedly after ammonia stress than before ammonia stress (p < 0.05). Interestingly, total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were increased in common carp reared in different salinity levels after ammonia stress (p < 0.05). In conclusion, ammonia toxicity combined with high salinity resulted in a regulatory effect on the hepato‐renal function and stress‐related markers in common carp.
Evaluation of the usefulness of costovertebral angle tenderness in patients with suspected ureteral stone
Authors: Higuchi Hiroyasu , Harada Taku , Hiroshige Juichi 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe usefulness of costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness for the diagnosis of a suspected ureteral stone remains controversial.MethodsThis single‐center, retrospective, observational study included patients aged 16–64 years with acute‐onset unilateral lower back pain or abdominal pain. The diagnostic accuracy of CVA tenderness was investigated.ResultsIn total, 132 patients met the criteria; 80 were diagnosed with ureteral stones. The sensitivity and specificity of CVA tenderness were 0.65 and 0.50, respectively; positive and negative likelihood ratios were 1.3 and 0.7, respectively.ConclusionsCVA tenderness cannot be used as a single diagnostic indicator to confirm or exclude ureteral stone diagnosis.
Arylpyrazole as selective anti‐enterococci; synthesis and biological evaluation of novel derivatives for their antimicrobial efficacy
Authors: Sayed Ahmed M. , Abutaleb Nader S. , Kotb Ahmed , Ezzat Hany G. , Seleem Mohamed N. , Mayhoub Abdelrahman S. , Elsebaie Mohamed M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractExploring the structure–activity relationships (SAR) of a new set of phenylpyrazoles unveiled a potential anti‐enterococcus lead compound 12. The benzofuran moiety linked to the phenylpyrazole 12 was 32 times better than vancomycin against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 51299. Besides, compound 12 is expected to have an excellent oral bioavailability according to the in silico studies. Of SAR analysis, we found that the benzofuran side chain was essential for the activity. Changing the benzofuran with either benzothiophene, phenyl, pyridinyl, tolyl, or naphthyl reduces/nullifies the pharmacological action. Besides the anti‐enterococcal activity, derivatives 4 and 6 can be used to develop new broad‐spectrum antibiotics as they exhibited activity against the wild‐type highly virulent Escherichia coli isolate. Moreover, compound 13 was proved to show antifungal activity (MIC = 4 μg/ml) against the Candida albicans SS5314 (wild type). Finally, the in silico analysis showed that those compounds have good profiles regarding the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion studies, drug‐likeness and pharmacokinetics properties.
Co‐operative visible‐light and Cu/Cu2O@g‐C3N4 catalysis towards Hantzsch/Biginelli synthesis of dihydro‐pyridine/pyrimidine
Authors: Singh Puneet K. , Khuntey Bhushashi , Bhardiya Smita R. , Singh Manorama , Rai Vijai K. , Rai Ankita 
Published: September 2022

AbstractHerein, Cu/Cu2O@g‐C3N4 catalyzed direct Hantzsch and Biginelli protocols are reported for the synthesis of 1,4‐dihydropyridines and 1,4‐dihydropyrimidines, respectively. The reactions were carried out in the presence of visible light at room temperature via sequential activation of 1,3‐diketones and cyclodehydration steps to afford the target products in good to excellent yield (84–97%). Salient features of the developed methodology are operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, low catalyst loading, no use of column chromatography, and reusability of catalyst up to five times with no significant loss of catalytic activity.
Perspectives of healthcare providers on implementation of long‐acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine in US healthcare settings from a Hybrid III Implementation‐effectiveness study (CUSTOMIZE)
Authors: Czarnogorski Maggie , Garris Cindy P. , Dalessandro Marybeth , D'Amico Ronald , Nwafor Toyin , Williams Will , Merrill Deanna , Wang YuanYuan , Stassek Larissa , Wohlfeiler Michael B. , Sinclair Gary I. , Mena Leandro A. , Thedinger Blair , Flamm Jason A. , Benson Paul , Spreen William R. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionCUSTOMIZE evaluated the implementation of long‐acting (LA) cabotegravir + rilpivirine, a novel healthcare provider–administered injectable antiretroviral therapy regimen, in diverse US healthcare settings. Findings from staff‐study participants (SSPs) through 12 months of implementation are reported.MethodsCUSTOMIZE was a phase IIIb, 12‐month, single‐arm, hybrid III implementation‐effectiveness study conducted from July 2019 to October 2020 at eight US clinics of five clinic types: private practice (n = 2), federally qualified health centre (n = 2), university (n = 2), AIDS Healthcare Foundation (n = 2) and health maintenance organization (n = 1). Eligible patient participants received monthly cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA injections after a 1‐month oral lead‐in. At baseline, month 4 and month 12, SSPs (n = 3 each per clinic), including physicians, nurses or injectors, and administrators, completed quantitative surveys and semi‐structured interviews to assess implementation outcomes (acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of intervention measures), programme sustainability and SSP perceptions of, attitudes towards, and expectations for cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA. Month 12 data collection occurred during the COVID‐19 pandemic.ResultsIn surveys, SSPs reported high mean total scores for acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA implementation at baseline (4.43, 4.52 and 4.38 of 5, respectively) and month 12 (4.45, 4.61 and 4.46 of 5, respectively), regardless of clinic type. At month 12, SSPs were positive about the implementation sustainability (mean Program Sustainability Assessment Tool score, 5.83 out of 7). At baseline, SSPs’ top concern was patients’ ability to maintain monthly appointments (81%); at month 12, 39% had this concern. The proportion of SSPs reporting patient injection pain or soreness as a barrier was consistent at month 12 versus baseline (48% vs. 46%). Most (78%) SSPs reported optimal implementation of cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA in their clinics was achieved in 1–3 months. In interviews, SSP‐reported strategies for successful implementation included teamwork, using a web‐based treatment planner and having a designated person to track appointment scheduling. In month 12 interviews, SSP‐reported structural changes needed for implementation included changing clinic hours and purchasing refrigerators.ConclusionsIn CUSTOMIZE, cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA was successfully implemented across a range of US healthcare settings. Barriers were mitigated with minor process adjustments.
Skin inflammation and impaired adipogenesis in a mouse model of acid ceramidase deficiency
Authors: Rybova Jitka , Kuchar Ladislav , Sikora Jakub , McKillop William M. , Medin Jeffrey A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAcid ceramidase catalyzes the degradation of ceramide into sphingosine and a free fatty acid. Acid ceramidase deficiency results in lipid accumulation in many tissues and leads to the development of Farber disease (FD). Typical manifestations of classical FD include formation of subcutaneous nodules and joint contractures as well as the development of a hoarse voice. Healthy skin depends on a unique lipid profile to form a barrier that confers protection from pathogens, prevents excessive water loss, and mediates cell–cell communication. Ceramides comprise ~50% of total epidermis lipids and regulate cutaneous homeostasis and inflammation. Abnormal skin development including visual skin lesions has been reported in FD patients, but a detailed study of FD skin has not been performed. We conducted a pathophysiological study of the skin in our mouse model of FD. We observed altered lipid composition in FD skin dominated by accumulation of all studied ceramide species and buildup of abnormal storage structures affecting mainly the dermis. A deficiency of acid ceramidase activity also led to the activation of inflammatory IL‐6/JAK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and noncanonical NF‐κB signaling pathways. Last, we report reduced proliferation of FD mouse fibroblasts and adipose‐derived stem/stromal cells (ASC) along with impaired differentiation of ASCs into mature adipocytes.
Development of a multi‐recombinase polymerase amplification assay for rapid identification of COVID‐19, influenza A and B
Authors: Liang Li‐Guo , Zhu Miao‐jin , He Rui , Shi Dan‐Rong , Luo Rui , Ji Jia , Cheng Lin‐Fang , Lu Xiang‐Yun , Lu Wei , Liu Fu‐Ming , Wu Zhi‐Gang , Wu Nan‐Ping , Chen Hang , Chen Zhe , Yao Hang‐Ping 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused extensive loss of life worldwide. Further, the COVID‐19 and influenza mix‐infection had caused great distress to the diagnosis of the disease. To control illness progression and limit viral spread within the population, a real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) assay for early diagnosis of COVID‐19 was developed, but detection was time‐consuming (4–6 h). To improve the diagnosis of COVID‐19 and influenza, we herein developed a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) method for simple and rapid amplification of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative agent of COVID‐19 and Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2) and B (influenza B). Genes encoding the matrix protein (M) for H1N1, and the hemagglutinin (HA) for H3N2, and the polymerase A (PA) for Influenza B, and the nucleocapsid protein (N), the RNA‐dependent‐RNA polymerase (RdRP) in the open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) region, and the envelope protein (E) for SARS‐CoV‐2 were selected, and specific primers were designed. We validated our method using SARS‐CoV‐2, H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B plasmid standards and RNA samples extracted from COVID‐19 and Influenza A/B (RT‐PCR‐verified) positive patients. The method could detect SARS‐CoV‐2 plasmid standard DNA quantitatively between 102 and 105 copies/ml with a log linearity of 0.99 in 22 min. And this method also be very effective in simultaneous detection of H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B. Clinical validation of 100 cases revealed a sensitivity of 100% for differentiating COVID‐19 patients from healthy controls when the specificity was set at 90%. These results demonstrate that this nucleic acid testing method is advantageous compared with traditional PCR and other isothermal nucleic acid amplification methods in terms of time and portability. This method could potentially be used for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2, H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B, and adapted for point‐of‐care (POC) detection of a broad range of infectious pathogens in resource‐limited settings.
Regional winds over the Iberian Peninsula (Cierzo, Levante and Poniente) from high‐resolution COSMO‐REA6 reanalysis
Authors: Ortega María , Sánchez Enrique , Gutiérrez Claudia , Molina María Ofelia , López‐Franca Noelia 
Published: September 2022

AbstractCierzo in the Ebro Valley and Levante and Poniente in the Strait of Gibraltar are three of the main winds over the Iberian Peninsula. However, their study is difficult due to the limited amount of observational data and available literature. In addition, current reanalysis products do not usually have sufficient resolution, generally greater than 10 km, to capture the orographic characteristics of these winds. In this study we explore the ability of high‐resolution COSMO‐REA6 reanalysis (6 km, 0.055°) to describe Cierzo, Levante and Poniente using HadISD observational data validation whenever it was possible. A numerical definition according to the characteristics of these winds is proposed through speed and directional range thresholds. Regional winds statistics, annual cycles, wind roses and covered areas are calculated. The results show a reasonable agreement between reanalysis and observations, with an annual average of 95 Cierzo days, and around 80 Levante and Poniente days for the whole period. These windy days typically extend around 21,000 km2 (or 600 reanalysis cells). Both extension and number of days present strong annual cycles and interannual variability. Several weather regimes associated to those regional wind days are obtained, in agreement with other comparable studies. Therefore, the study shows the capability of the high‐resolution COSMO‐REA6 reanalysis to capture and describe regional winds such as Cierzo, Levante and Poniente.
Assessment of hot weather seasonal temperatures over India using Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecasting System hindcasts
Authors: Rohini P. , Rajeevan M. , Rao Suryachandra A. , Pillai Prasanth A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe present study evaluates the skill of seasonal forecasts of temperatures over India during April to June using the Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecasting System (MMCFS) model hindcasts, which are initialized with February initial conditions. Model hindcast data of 1981–2017 period have been used for the analysis. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) gridded temperature dataset has been used for model verifications. The MMCFS model captures the annual cycle of temperatures reasonably well, but with a higher mean and smaller variability compared to observations. The model hindcasts show a significant skill for seasonal forecasts of temperatures over most of northwest and central India. Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis suggests that the model captures temporal and spatial characteristics of different modes of maximum temperatures but with less accuracy. The model teleconnections of maximum temperatures with Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are weakly represented. The model is also found capable of predicting the spatial distribution of heat wave characteristics such as heat wave frequency (HWF) and heat wave duration (HWD) reasonably well. The present study suggests that the MMCFS Model can be used to generate a useful outlook of hot weather seasonal temperatures and heat waves over India.
Study of the efficiency of technical grade nonionic surfactants
Authors: Cattelaens Frederike , Myrdek Thomas 
Published: September 2022

AbstractParameters concerning the microemulsion phase behavior of nonionic surfactants of the alkyl polyglycol ether type have extensively been investigated in the last years. By studying these, essential parameters for future applications can be determined. Especially in the field of enhanced oil recovery, lubricants, and cosmetic applications these parameters are of special interest. In this work, the influence of technical grade nonionic surfactants on the phase behavior and the resulting surfactant efficiency has been studied. For this, the alkyl chain length, the degree, type, and order of alkoxylation of the surfactant have been varied. The investigation of these parameters has been conducted by measuring the phase behavior via the Kahlweit fish diagram. It has been found that varying the C‐chain length has a great impact on the efficiency, whereas the influence of the ethoxylation degree is minor. By the introduction of propylene oxide, the efficiency has been improved significantly. Additionally, it is important to have the right order of alkoxylation. If the fatty alcohol is first ethoxylated and afterwards propoxylated the efficiency is significantly decreased.