bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prolonged fecal shedding of SARS‐CoV‐2 in a young immunocompetent COVID‐19 patient: A case report and literature overview
Authors: Xiao Fang , Wan Peiqi , Wei Qiuling , Wei Guiyang , Yu Yanhong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractClinicians are facing several challenges in tackling coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19); one issue is prolonged detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) RNA. Here, we describe a case of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in a young immunocompetent patient with a virological course lasting for 71 days. Following antiviral treatment, but no additional glucocorticoid or interferon therapy, the patient recovered from COVID‐19 pneumonia (moderate). Detection of viral RNA via throat swabs showed negative results. However, the viral RNA reappeared and persisted in stool samples for an additional 27 days, while the patient remained asymptomatic and exhibited no abnormal signs. This case indicates that SARS‐CoV‐2 can result in a prolonged fecal RNA shedding, even in an immunocompetent patient with zero exposure to immunosuppressive therapies.
Comparison of extraction‐based and elution‐based polymerase chain reaction testing, and automated and rapid antigen testing for the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Authors: Yoshioka Nori , Deguchi Matsuo , Hagiya Hideharu , Kagita Masanori , Tsukamoto Hiroko , Takao Miyuki , Yoshida Hisao , Hamaguchi Shigeto , Maeda Ikuhiro , Hidaka Yoh , Tomono Kazunori 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe aimed to compare the differences in testing performance of extraction‐based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, elution‐based direct PCR assay, and rapid antigen detection tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). We used nasopharyngeal swab samples of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). We used the MagNA Pure 24 System (Roche Diagnostics K.K.) or magLEAD 12gC (Precision System Science Co., Ltd.) for RNA extraction, mixed the concentrates with either the LightMix Modular SARS‐CoV PCR mixture (Roche Diagnostics K.K.) or Takara SARS‐CoV‐2 direct PCR detection kit (Takara Bio Inc.), and amplified it using COBAS® z480 (Roche Diagnostics K.K.). For elution‐based PCR, we directly applied clinical samples to the Takara SARS‐CoV‐2 direct PCR detection kit before the same amplification step. Additionally, we performed Espline SARS‐CoV‐2 (Fuji Rebio Co., Ltd.) for rapid diagnostic test (RDT), and used Lumipulse SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen (Fuji Rebio Co., Ltd.) and Elecsys SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen (Roche Diagnostics K.K.) for automated antigen tests (ATs). Extraction‐based and elution‐based PCR tests detected the virus up to 214–216 and 210 times dilution, respectively. ATs remained positive up to 24–26 times dilution, while RDT became negative after 22 dilutions. For 153 positive samples, positivity rates of the extraction‐based PCR assay were 85.6% to 98.0%, while that of the elution‐based PCR assay was 73.2%. Based on the RNA concentration process, extraction‐based PCR assays were superior to elution‐based direct PCR assays for detecting SARS‐CoV‐2.
Bacterial overgrowth assessment and treatment among pediatric intestinal rehabilitation and nutrition support providers: An international survey of clinical practice patterns
Authors: Namjoshi Shweta S. , Galloway David , Herdes Rachel E. , Talathi Saurabh , Ding Victoria Y. , Mezoff Ethan A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundSmall bowel bacterial overgrowth (SBBO) is a common, but difficult to diagnose and treat, problem in pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS). Lack of clinical consensus criteria and unknown sensitivity and specificity of bedside diagnosis makes research on this potential SBS disease modifier challenging. The objective of this research was to describe clinical care of SBBO among international intestinal rehabilitation and nutrition support (IR&NS) providers treating patients with SBS.MethodsA secure, confidential, international, electronic survey of IR&NS practitioners was conducted between March 2021 and May 2021. All analyses were conducted in the R statistical computing framework, version 4.0.ResultsSixty percent of respondents agreed and 0% strongly disagreed that abdominal pain, distension, emesis, diarrhea, and malodorous stool, were attributable to SBBO. No more than 20% of respondents strongly agreed and no more than 40% agreed that any sign or symptom was specific for SBBO. For a first‐time diagnosis, 31 practitioners agreed with use of a 7‐day course of a single antibiotic, with a majority citing grade 5 evidence to inform their decisions (case series, uncontrolled studies, or expert opinion). The most common first antibiotic used to treat a new onset SBBO was metronidazole, and rifaximin was the second most commonly used. One hundred percent of respondents reported they would consider a consensus algorithm for SBBO, even if the algorithm may be divergent from their current practice.ConclusionSBBO practice varies widely among experienced IR&NS providers. Development of a clinical consensus algorithm may help standardize care to improve research and care of this complex problem and to identify risks and benefits of chronic antibiotic use in SBS.
Investigation into theanti‐inflammatoryproperties of metformin in intervertebral disc cells
Authors: Ramanathan Rahul , Firdous Ayesha , Dong Qing , Wang Dong , Lee Joon , Vo Nam , Sowa Gwendolyn 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionIntervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is closely related to heightened inflammation in the annulus fibrosis (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in the intervertebral disc. An imbalanced matrix homeostasis has been shown to contribute to disc degeneration and associated discogenic low back pain. Metformin, a diabetes medication, has been noted to exhibit anti‐inflammatory properties through upregulation of the AMPK pathway, leading to various anti‐inflammatory‐related responses in hepatocytes. However, it is still unclear how metformin influences disc cellular response to inflammatory stress and the corresponding mechanism. Hence, the objective of this study is to elucidate the effects of metformin on expression of key pro‐inflammatory, catabolic, and anabolic factors within rat AF cells in response to inflammatory stimulation and mechanical tensile stress.MethodsFive Fischer 344 rats were sacrificed and their spines isolated. AF cells were cultured and plated in flexible silicone membrane‐based six‐well plates. Wells were split into eight groups and subjected to metformin, IL‐1β, mechanical stretch, and combined treatments. Relative gene expressions of MMP‐13, COX‐2, iNOS, AGC, and Col1 were assessed with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and downstream prostaglandin E2(PGE2) production was quantified with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). NF‐kB nuclear translocation was also quantified.ResultsMetformin in the presence of the combined stress treatments (M + IL/S) significantly increased Col1, COX‐2, and MMP‐13 gene expression, decreased PGE2 production compared to IL/S conditions alone. Metformin treatment of cultured rat annulus fibrosus cells significantly reduced the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB after 4 h of IL‐1β treatment from 43.1% in case of IL‐1β treatment down to 26.2% in the case of metformin + IL‐1β treatment.DiscussionThe lack of metformin‐mediated suppression of inflammatory response in the nonstretch groups indicates that metformin may be enacting its effects through a stretch‐dependent manner. These results suggest a foundation for pursuing further research into metformin's potential role as an anti‐inflammatory agent for curtailing intervertebral disc degeneration.
Incomplete autophagy: Trouble is a friend
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Cao Shijie , Qiu Feng , Kang Ning 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIncomplete autophagy is an impaired self‐eating process of intracellular macromolecules and organelles in which accumulated autophagosomes do not fuse with lysosomes for degradation, resulting in the blockage of autophagic flux. In this review, we summarized the literature over the past decade describing incomplete autophagy, and found that different from the double‐edged sword effect of general autophagy on promoting cell survival or death, incomplete autophagy plays a crucial role in disrupting cellular homeostasis, and promotes only cell death. What matters is that incomplete autophagy is closely relevant to the pathogenesis and progression of various human diseases, which, meanwhile, intimately linking to the pharmacologic and toxicologic effects of several compounds. Here, we comprehensively reviewed the latest progress of incomplete autophagy on molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Moreover, implications of incomplete autophagy for pharmacotherapy are also discussed, which has great relevance for our understanding of the distinctive role of incomplete autophagy in cellular physiology and disease. Consequently, targeting incomplete autophagy may contribute to the development of novel generation therapeutic agents for diverse human diseases.
Promoting the combustion properties of boron powder through in‐situ coating
Authors: Piao Junyu , Deng Li , Mao Yaofeng , Wang Jun , Zhang Long 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBoron powder has been considered as a prime candidate as an additive in solid fuels or propellants. Unfortunately, boron ignition and combustion is hindered by the pre‐existing B2O3 surface layer which slows the oxidizer attack on the underlying boron particles. Therefore, removing the pre‐existing B2O3 surface layer is critical to improve the ignition and combustion performance of boron. Herein, an in‐situ coating strategy is reported to be very effective in removing the pre‐existing B2O3 surface layer of boron powder and improving its combustion performance. Through the in‐situ coating process in ethanol, flammable 3‐aminophenol/formaldehyde resin (AF) protection layer will be formed on the surface of the boron powder, replacing the pre‐existing B2O3 surface layer, and preventing the surface reoxidation of the boron powder. Comparing with the untreated boron powder, such coated boron powder exhibits higher burning rate and can be ignited at lower temperature. This in‐situ coating strategy can not only contribute to the extensive utilization of boron powder in high enthalpy fuels and propellants, but also shed light on the surface modification of functional materials in different fields.
On dynamic pricing under model uncertainty
Authors: Zhu Xiaohan , Sun Xu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe formulate and solve a robust dynamic pricing problem for an ambiguity‐averse agent who faces an uncertain probabilistic law governing the realized demand for a single product. Specifically, the pricing problem is framed as a stochastic game that involves a maximizing player (the “agent”) and a minimizing player (“nature”) who promotes robustness by distorting the agent's beliefs within prescribed limits. Our methodology builds on the commonly used entropic approach in the literature but can be utilized to generate a much more versatile class of uncertainty sets. We derive the optimal pricing strategy and the corresponding value function by applying stochastic dynamic programming and solving a version of the Bellman–Isaacs equation. The usefulness of our framework is illustrated by two special cases. Finally, a carefully designed numerical example exposes the value of model robustness.
Integrality in the multinetwork min‐cost equal‐flow problem
Authors: Hassin Refael , Poznanski Renata 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe consider the min‐cost flow problem on multiple networks defined on duplicates of the same directed graph. The problem is to compute feasible flows such that the sum of flow costs is minimized subject to network demands and coupling constraints that force identical flows on duplicate copies of the same edge for a subset of “special” edges. We focus on whether such a problem has an integer optimal solution. For the case of integer capacities and demands and flow equality on a single edge, there is always an integer optimal solution and it can be found efficiently. For flow equality on multiple edges, we characterize the cases, with respect to the number of special edges and the number of networks, where if the graph is series‐parallel then an integer optimal solution exists for all possible capacity and cost functions.
Stakeholder perspectives on nature, people and sustainability at Mount Kilimanjaro
Authors: Masao Catherine A. , Prescott Graham W. , Snethlage Mark A. , Urbach Davnah , Torre‐Marin Rando Amor , Molina‐Venegas Rafael , Mollel Neduvoto P. , Hemp Claudia , Hemp Andreas , Fischer Markus 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Effective approaches towards sustainability need to be informed by a diverse array of stakeholder perspectives. However, capturing these perspectives in a way that can be integrated with other forms of knowledge can represent a challenge.

Here we present the first application of the conceptual framework of the Intergovernmental Science‐Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) to a participatory assessment of local perspectives on nature, people and sustainability on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. This assessment was organized in the form of a participatory workshop with five different groups of stakeholders.

Following this framework, we assembled information on the state of and trends in species diversity, Nature's Contributions to People (NCP), and on the main drivers of changes in species and habitats. Additionally, we gathered perspectives on the needs and opportunities for the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources from the individual to the international level.

The various stakeholders agreed that both the condition and extent of the various habitats and NCP are declining.

In line with available knowledge, the key direct drivers of change mentioned by the workshop participants were land use and climate change, whereas human population growth was singled out as the most important indirect driver.

The most frequently suggested measures to address the observed decline in species diversity and its drivers were related to land and water management and to education and awareness raising. Yet, the stakeholder groups differed in the measures they suggested.

The willingness of a diversity of knowledge holders to systematically engage in a structured discussion around all the elements of the IPBES framework provides support for its applicability in participatory workshops aimed at capturing nuanced and context‐based perspectives on social–ecological systems from informed stakeholders.

The application of the IPBES framework enabled the comparability needed for developing narratives of stakeholder visions that can help identify new pathways towards sustainability and guide planning while retaining the context‐based nuances that remain unresolved with non‐participatory methods.
Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Effect of doxapram on the electrical activity of the diaphragm waveform pattern of preterm infants
Authors: Araki Ryosuke , Tomotaki Seiichi , Akita Mitsuyo , Motokura Kouji , Tomobe Yutaro , Shimotsuma Taiki , Hanaoka Shintaro , Tomotaki Hiroko , Iwanaga Kogoro , Niwa Fusako , Takita Junko , Kawai Masahiko 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the change in the waveform pattern of the electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) following the administration of doxapram in extremely preterm infants ventilated with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA).Study DesignWe conducted this retrospective cohort study in our neonatal intensive care unit between November 2019 and September 2021. The study participants were extremely preterm infants under the gestational age of 28 weeks who were ventilated with NAVA and administered doxapram. We collected the data of the Edi waveform pattern and calculated the proportion. To analyze the change in the proportion of the Edi waveform pattern, we compared the proportion of the data for 1 h before and after doxapram administration.ResultsTen extremely preterm infants were included. Almost all the patients’ respiratory condition improved after doxapram administration. The ventilatory parameters—Edi peak, Edi minimum, peak inspiratory pressure, time in backup ventilation, and number of switches to backup ventilation—did not change significantly. However, the proportion of phasic pattern significantly increased (before: 46% vs. after: 72%; p < 0.05), whereas the central apnea pattern significantly decreased after doxapram administration (before: 31% vs. after: 8.3%; p < 0.05). The proportion of irregular low‐voltage patterns tended to decrease, albeit with no significant changes.ConclusionOur results indicated that the proportion of Edi waveform patterns changed following doxapram administration. Edi waveform pattern analysis could be a sensitive indicator of effect with other intervention for respiratory conditions.
Development and validation of a high resolving power absolute quantitative per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances method incorporating Skyline data processing
Authors: Enders Jeffrey R. , Weed Rebecca A. , Griffith Emily H. , Muddiman David C. 
Published: March 2022

RationaleThe ability to perform absolute quantitation and non‐targeted analysis on a single mass spectrometry instrument would be advantageous to many researchers studying per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). High‐resolution accurate mass (HRAM) instrumentation (typically deployed for non‐targeted work) carries several advantages over traditional triple quadrupole workflows when performing absolute quantitation. Processing this data using a vendor‐neutral software would promote collaboration for these environmental studies.MethodsLC‐MS (Orbitrap Exploris 240) was used for absolute quantitation of 45 PFAS using precursor (MS1) peak areas for quantitation, whereas isotope pattern matching and fragmentation (MS2) pattern matching were used for qualitative identification. In addition, a fluorinated chromatographic column achieved superior separation compared to the typical C18 columns typically used in PFAS analyses. This method was validated across eight different chemical classes using recommended guidelines found in EPA Method 537.1 and Skyline data processing software.ResultsThe validated limits of all 45 compounds, as well as metrics or accuracy and reproducibility, are reported. Most compounds achieved limits of quantitation in the range of 2‐50 ng/L. Four newly released Chemours‐specific compounds (PEPA, PFO3OA, PFO4DA, and PFO5DoA) were also validated. Aspects of data analysis specific to high resolving power absolute quantitation are reviewed as are the details of processing these data via Skyline.ConclusionsThis method shows the feasibility of performing reproducible absolute quantitation of PFAS on an HRAM platform and does so using an open‐source vendor‐neutral data processing software to facilitate sharing of data across labs and institutions.
Assessing complier average causal effects from longitudinal trials with multiple endpoints and treatment noncompliance: An application to a study of Arthritis Health Journal
Authors: Guo Lulu , Qian Yi , Xie Hui 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTreatment noncompliance often occurs in longitudinal randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on human subjects, and can greatly complicate treatment effect assessment. The complier average causal effect (CACE) informs the intervention efficacy for the subpopulation who would comply regardless of assigned treatment and has been considered as patient‐oriented treatment effects of interest in the presence of noncompliance. Real‐world RCTs evaluating multifaceted interventions often employ multiple study endpoints to measure treatment success. In such trials, limited sample sizes, low compliance rates, and small to moderate effect sizes on individual endpoints can significantly reduce the power to detect CACE when these correlated endpoints are analyzed separately. To overcome the challenge, we develop a multivariate longitudinal potential outcome model with stratification on latent compliance types to efficiently assess multivariate CACEs (MCACE) by combining information across multiple endpoints and visits. Evaluation using simulation data shows a significant increase in the estimation efficiency with the MCACE model, including up to 50% reduction in standard errors (SEs) of CACE estimates and 1‐fold increase in the power to detect CACE. Finally, we apply the proposed MCACE model to an RCT on Arthritis Health Journal online tool. Results show that the MCACE analysis detects significant and beneficial intervention effects on two of the six endpoints while estimating CACEs for these endpoints separately fail to detect treatment effect on any endpoint.
Digital endocasts from two late Eocene carnivores shed light on the evolution of the brain at the origin of Carnivora
Authors: Flink Therese , Werdelin Lars 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe evolution of the brain at the origin of Carnivora remains poorly understood, largely owing to the limited number of cranial endocasts known from Carnivoramorpha and basal crown Carnivora. Here, we use x‐ray computed tomography to create digital endocasts of two early carnivores, Quercygale angustidens and Gustafsonia cognita. Quercygale angustidens is generally regarded as the sister taxon to Carnivora and Nimravidae and is thus of great interest to further our understanding of the evolutionary changes that occurred at the origin of Carnivora. Gustafsonia cognita provides a comparison to a contemporary crown carnivoran. We describe the endocasts of these two taxa, placing them in the context of carnivoramorphan phylogeny. Both endocasts preserve the cerebellum in great detail, resulting in a better understanding of the morphology of this part of the brain in early carnivores. Gustafsonia cognita, despite its small size, geological age and basal position, displays a sulcal pattern typical of Amphicyonidae, reaffirming its position within the family. Nimravids; and early carnivorans, such as Gustafsonia cognita, Proailurus lemanensis and Hesperocyon gregarius, have more expanded neocortices than Quercygale angustidens. Current evidence suggests that the increase in gyrification in basal Carnivoramorpha occurred mainly through elongation of existing sulci and entered a new phase at the origin of crown Carnivora. Additional sulci appeared in early members of the order, resulting in distinctive sulcal patterns in the different carnivoran families. Nevertheless, more endocasts of basal carnivorans and carnivoramorphans are needed to better understand the processes driving the evolution of the brain in this group.