bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of manikin and live patient‐based dental hygienist clinical licensing exam
Authors: Poliki Parveen , Farsi Nada J , Zahran Shatha , Bhadila Ghalia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe Central Regional Dental Testing Service in the United States administered its first manikin‐based (M) dental hygiene licensing exam in 2020. The aim of this study was to compare the licensure exam results of dental hygiene students examined using manikins versus live patients.MethodsAfter obtaining the ethical approval, the de‐identified exam scores of three different cohorts (2019, 2020, and 2021) were collected from the academic record database of Carrington College, Dental Hygiene School, San Jose, California. The exam scores of the students were grouped based on the exam format conducted: either M or patient‐based (P). Mann‐Whitney U test and two‐tailed Fisher's exact were used to compare the scores of the groups.ResultsThe scores of 108 dental hygiene graduates between 2019 and 2021 were analyzed. The study included 65 participants examined in group P and 43 participants in group M. There was no significant difference in the mean score between groups P and M (p = 0.46) or in the passing rate between the two groups (p = 0.52). However, a higher first‐attempt passing rate was noted in the M group. Moreover, calculus removal scores were comparable between the two examination groups (p = 0.18).ConclusionThe findings of this study supported the comparability of both manikin and live P exam outcomes. Therefore, the use of M exams may be considered for future examinations. Further studies are needed in other settings to confirm the efficacy of M exams in evaluating the students’ clinical performance.
The role of cathepsin L on structural changes of collagen fibers involved in textural deterioration of chilled grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fillets
Authors: Shen Jiandong , Zhang Wei , Jiang Qixing , Gao Pei , Xu Yanshun , Xia Wenshui 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDTextural deterioration is a serious problem in chilled fish flesh. Cysteine proteinases are proposed to participate in disintegration of collagen fibers during this process, while its mechanism remains elusive. In the present study, a cysteine proteinase was purified from grass carp muscle and identified by mass spectrometry, and its effect on structural changes of collagen fibers was investigated.RESULTSDuring storage at 4 °C, cysteine proteinase activity in fillets increased to 1.53‐fold at day 5 and maintained a high level later, and this variable was related to a decline in shear force and an increase in drip loss. A 29 kDa cysteine proteinase was purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation and column chromatography, and identified as cathepsin L. Cathepsin L caused collagen fibers to partly disintegrate into fibril bundles and individual fibrils at 48 h, while the triple helical structure of collagen molecules remained stable. Release of soluble proteins and glycosaminoglycans from cathepsin L‐treated collagen fibers was time dependent, coinciding with a release of 4.12 ± 0.13% and 8.57 ± 0.03% at 48 h respectively. However, 0.85 ± 0.02% of hydroxyproline was freed from cathepsin L‐treated collagen fibers at 48 h. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that the inhibitory effect of cathepsin L could retard the destruction of intramuscular connective tissues (IMCTs).CONCLUSIONThese results indicated that cathepsin L might be involved in collagen fiber breakdown by degrading collagen‐associated proteoglycans during textural deterioration of grass carp. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of farming on the vegetation structure, soil properties and termite assemblages in the northern Congo Basin
Authors: Teutscherová Nikola , Maňourová Anna , Lojka Bohdan , Tejnecký Václav , Drábek Ondřej , Křížová Petra , Penížek Vít , Akama Pierre D. , Šobotník Jan , Sillam‐Dussès David 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe growing human population requires vast amounts of supplies that are satisfied by a large agricultural expansion leading to alarming deforestation of tropical forests. Agriculture in the large part now is unsustainable as tropical soils are relatively nutrient poor, the amount of organic matter decreases fast and the soil invertebrates and microorganisms vanish over time. From a socio‐economic point of view, agroforestry is a sustainable alternative to slash‐and‐burn practices, but its impact on termites, major macroinvertebrates responsible for the organic matter turnover, is poorly understood. Furthermore, other vegetation layers besides tree canopy are rarely included in studies despite their strong effect on soil macrofauna. Thus, we investigated the impact of human activities in Southern Cameroon by analysing the biomass of termites, the soil properties, the vegetation structure at three different classes (trees, shrubs and herbs) and the amount of raw vegetal material along a land‐use gradient of primary forest ‐ secondary forest ‐ cocoa agroforestry ‐ maize cropland. Within each of the habitats, two independent areas of 1 ha each were laid out for samples collection. Our results show similar trends for all variables, with a reduction of organic carbon as well as available micronutrients, plant diversity and abundance and dead plant matter stocks along the land‐use intensification. The same trend is shown by the abundance and biomass of termites, best exemplified by the absence of soil‐feeding termites in the maize cropland. We thus recommend for support to nature‐friendly agroforestry systems preserving a large share of the original soil invertebrates.
Subarctic Pacific Intermediate Water: An Oceanic Highway for the Transport of Trace Metals in the North Pacific
Authors: Wong Kuo Hong , Obata Hajime , Nishioka Jun , Yamashita Youhei , Kondo Yoshiko , Kim Taejin , Mashio Asami , Hasegawa Hiroshi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractGEOTRACES is an international collaboration project aiming to unravel the distributions of trace elements and their isotopes in the global ocean. As part of the GEOTRACES‐Japan project, we carried out two surveys in the subarctic Pacific in 2012 and 2017. Here, we synthesize the outcomes of research completed so far associated with these surveys. Together our findings revealed that the Subarctic Pacific Intermediate Water is an efficient carrier of trace metals. Trace metals such as iron and manganese originating in coastal regions are transported far into the open ocean due to combinations of favorable conditions. First, the young upper Subarctic Pacific Intermediate Water receives fresh inputs of trace metals, which are stabilized by organic ligands, from terrestrial sources. Meanwhile, the lower Subarctic Pacific Intermediate Water has a relatively low dissolved oxygen concentration, which slows down scavenging processes and allows trace metals to persist in seawater. Decaying sinking organic matter also releases additional trace metals into the intermediate water. The Subarctic Pacific Intermediate Water has unusually high concentrations of dissolved zinc relative to silicate, even though zinc and silicate generally have strongly coupled distribution patterns in the global ocean. We hope that the datasets and insights generated by our surveys and associated studies can contribute to greater understanding of the subarctic Pacific and provide useful information for future studies.
Growth of Aluminum Doped Zinc Oxide Nanostructure Thin Films by Nonconventional Sol‐Gel Method
Authors: Alrefaee Maher , Singh Udai Pratap , Das Susanta Kumar 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe present work demonstrates the growth of undoped and Al doped ZnO (AZO) thin films by using nonconventional sol‐gel method. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of obtained thin films are studied. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirms hexagonal wurtzite structures for both undoped and doped thin films. The crystallite size is found between 15 and 30 nm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show that the films have approximately uniform morphologies, consisting in several flower‐like aggregates with nanosized multipetals. From the optical properties, it is found that with the increase in the doping concentration, there is a decrease in the absorption coefficient in the visible wavelength range. It is also noticed that the increase in doping concentration causes an increase in bandgap (Eg) and a decrease in extinction coefficient. Urbach energy decreases with increase in the doping concentration. In the Hall effect study, it is observed that the conductivity and carrier concentration increase sharply with increasing the aluminum quantity. The causes and significance of these observations are discussed.
Clinical and Genetic Characterization of Brazilian Patients with Ataxia and Oculomotor Apraxia
Authors: da Costa Sophia Caldas Gonzaga , Rezende Filho Flávio Moura , de Freitas Júlian Leticia , de Assis Pereira Matos Paula Camila Alves , Della‐Ripa Bruno , França Marcondes Cavalcante , Marques Wilson , Santos Mariana , Cronemberger Igor Vasconcelos Barros , Vale Thiago Cardoso , Kok Fernando , Alonso Isabel , Pedroso José Luiz , Barsottini Orlando G.P. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDAtaxia with oculomotor apraxia (AOA) is characterized by early‐onset cerebellar ataxia associated with oculomotor apraxia. AOA1, AOA2, AOA3, and AOA4 subtypes may present pathogenic variants in APTX, SETX, PIK3R5, and PNKP genes, respectively. Mutations in XRCC1 have been found to cause autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia‐26 (SCAR26) now considered AOA5.OBJECTIVESTo examine a cohort of Brazilians with autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia plus oculomotor apraxia and determine the frequencies of AOA subtypes through genetic investigation.METHODSWe evaluated clinical, biomarkers, electrophysiological, and radiological findings of 52 patients with AOA phenotype and performed a genetic panel including APTX, SETX, PIK3R5, PNKP, and XRCC1.RESULTSWe found pathogenic variants in SETX (15 patients), PNKP (12), and APTX (5). No mutations in PIK3R5 or XRCC1 were identified.CONCLUSIONSAOA2 and AOA4 were the most common forms of AOA in Brazil. Mutations in PIK3R5 and XRCC1 were not part of this genetic spectrum. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Anti‐Hyperglycemic Effects of Oils and Extracts Derived from Sea Buckthorn – A Comprehensive Analysis Utilizing In Vitro and In Vivo Models
Authors: Ollinger Nicole , Neuhauser Cathrina , Schwarzinger Bettina , Wallner Melanie , Schwarzinger Clemens , Blank‐Landeshammer Bernhard , Hager Roland , Sadova Nadiia , Drotarova Ivana , Mathmann Katrin , Karamouzi Eugenia , Panopoulos Panagiotis , Rimbach Gerald , Lüersen Kai , Weghuber Julian , Röhrl Clemens 
Published: April 2022

ScopeSea buckthorn (Hippophaes rhamnoides) is capable of ameliorating disturbed glucose metabolism in animal models and human subjects. Here, the effect of sea buckthorn oil as well as of extracts of fruits, leaves, and press cake on postprandial glucose metabolism is systematically investigated.Methods and resultsSea buckthorn did neither exert decisive effects in an in vitro model of intestinal glucose absorption nor did it alter insulin secretion. However, sea buckthorn stimulates GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane comparable to insulin, indicative of increased glucose clearance from the circulation. Isorhamnetin is identified in all sea buckthorn samples investigated and is biologically active in triggering GLUT4 cell surface localization. Consistently, sea buckthorn products lower circulating glucose by ≈10% in a chick embryo model. Moreover, sea buckthorn products fully revert hyperglycemia in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans while they are ineffective in Drosophila melanogaster under euglycemic conditions.ConclusionThese data indicate that edible sea buckthorn products as well as by‐products are promising resources for hypoglycemic nutrient supplements that increase cellular glucose clearance into target tissues.
Remote assessment of myotonic dystrophy type 1: A feasibility study
Authors: Hamel Johanna , Creigh Peter D. , Dekdebrun Jeanne , Eichinger Katy , Thornton Charles A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsRemote study visits (RSVs) are emerging as important tools for clinical research. We tested the feasibility of using RSVs to evaluate patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), including remote quantitative assessment of muscle function, and we assessed correlations of remote assessments with patient‐reported function.MethodsTwenty three subjects with DM1 were consented remotely. Toolkits containing a tablet computer, grip dynamometer, and spirometer were shipped to participants. The tablets were loaded with software for video‐conferencing and questionnaires about functional impairment, patient experience with technology, and willingness to participate in future remote studies. Grip strength, forced vital capacity, peak cough flow, timed‐up‐and‐go (TUG), and grip myotonia (hand opening time) were determined during RSVs. We assessed correlations of remote assessments with patient‐reported outcomes of muscle function and with CTG repeat size.ResultsAll 23 subjects completed RSVs. 95% of participants were able to complete all components of the remote study. All toolkit components were returned upon completion. Grip strength and TUG demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with self‐reported inventories of upper and lower extremity impairment, respectively (ρ = 0.7 and ρ = −0.52). A total of 91% of subjects expressed interest in participating in future RSVs.DiscussionResults of this study support the feasibility of using portable devices and video‐conferencing for remote collection of patient‐reported outcomes and quantitative assessment of muscle function in DM1.
On maximum ratio clique relaxations
Authors: Blokhin Yehor , Butenko Sergiy , Momcilovic Petar , Prokopyev Oleg A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis article introduces and studies two clique relaxation models with fractional objectives: the maximum ratio ‐plex problem and the maximum ratio ‐defective clique problem. The decision version of each problem is shown to be strongly ‐complete; we also discuss some related computational complexity issues. The base optimization models are single‐ratio fractional 0‐1 problems. We describe two general types of solution methods: the first one is based on mixed‐integer linear programs (MILPs) obtained by linearizing the original nonlinear 0‐1 models; the other one exploits parametric methods (namely, a binary search and Newton's method) that solve MILPs in an iterative manner. For the proposed MILPs, we derive valid inequalities that are shown to substantially improve the performance of an off‐the‐shelf MILP solver. Finally, the considered solution approaches are compared via extensive numerical experiments using a set of artificially generated and real‐life network instances.
Micromorphology and mechanical properties of UHMWPE/CNF composites under accelerated aging
Authors: Yang Guixu , Meng Guolong , Gao Hong , Lin Qiang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe microstructure and mechanical properties of pure ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and UHMWPE/CNF (carbon nanofibers) composites were investigated under different aging time based on differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, uniaxial tensile, and creep tests. The results showed that the aging mechanism of both pure UHMWPE and UHMWPE/CNF composites was thermal oxidation of long carbon chains at low temperatures, and CNF did not participate in the aging reaction. However, the addition of CNF increases the oxidation reaction area, which makes the aging of UHMWPE/CNF composites faster and more complete. Compared with pure UHMWPE, the Young's modulus of the composites with CNF addition was significantly higher, but the tensile strength and elongation were lower. The total creep strain of the composites decreased with increasing aging time. In addition, an aging‐degree‐dependent viscoelastic‐plastic creep model is proposed on the basis of the Kelvin viscoelastic model and Zapas‐Crissman viscoplastic model, which is in good agreement with the experimental data.
Utility of chromosomal microarray analysis for the exploration of isolated and severe fetal growth restriction diagnosed before 24 weeks' gestation
Authors: Dap Matthieu , Gicquel Fanny , Lambert Laetitia , Perdriolle‐Galet Estelle , Bonnet Céline , Morel Olivier 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the utility of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), for the genetic exploration of isolated and severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) diagnosed before 24 weeks gestation (WG).MethodsThis retrospective study included singleton fetuses diagnosed with severe IUGR without structural anomalies before 24 WG referred between 2013 and 2021 who underwent prenatal genetic analysis. IUGR was defined by estimated fetal weight ≤3rd centile for gestational age. Genetic analysis, including QF‐PCR and CMA, was systematically offered as part of the etiologic evaluation.ResultsOf 101 referred fetuses, CMA and QF‐PCR were performed in 67 fetuses. Among these 67 cases, a total of 10.5% (7/67) chromosomal abnormalities were detected. CMA detected three pathogenic copy number variants (CNV) (3/67, 4.5%) and three variants of unknown signification (VUS) (3/67, 4.5%). Karyotype detected one chromosomal abnormality. All of the QF‐PCR were normal. Two fetuses with pathogenic CNV shows Doppler abnormalities.ConclusionOur study found that in fetuses with severe, isolated, and very early‐onset growth restriction, the rate of pathogenic CNV detected by CMA was 4.5%. Although this cohort is too small to draw a definitive conclusion, the presence of Doppler abnormalities couldn't exclude the possibility of genetic abnormalities.
COVID‐19 pharmacotherapy utilization patterns during pregnancy: International Registry of Coronavirus Exposure in Pregnancy
Authors: Westhoff Whitney J. , Smith Louisa H. , Wyszynski Diego F. , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeWomen infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 during pregnancy are at increased risk of developing severe illness and experience a higher rate of preterm births than pregnant women who are not infected. The use of innovative or repurposed therapies to treat COVID‐19 patients is widespread; however, there are very limited data regarding the patterns of use and safety profile of most of these therapeutics in pregnant women. We assessed the patterns of use of COVID‐19 therapeutics during pregnancy using data from the International Registry of Coronavirus in Pregnancy (IRCEP).MethodsThe IRCEP is an international observational cohort study intended to assess the risk of major obstetric and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with COVID‐19. Women enrolled while pregnant or within 6 months after end of pregnancy. Follow‐up for women enrolled while pregnant includes monthly online questionnaires throughout the pregnancy and, for live births, through the infant's first 90 days of life. Participants provide information on demographic characteristics, health history, COVID‐19 tests and symptoms, medications, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes.ResultsA total of 5780 women with COVID‐19 during pregnancy were identified from the IRCEP. Severity of COVID‐19 was classified in 372 of them as severe, 3053 moderate, and 2355 mild. The most frequently reported COVID‐19 therapies, other than analgesics, included azithromycin (12.8%), steroids (3.5%), interferon (2.4%), oseltamivir (2.1%), chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (1.7%), anticoagulants (2.0%), antibodies (0.9%), and remdesivir (0.3%). Most drugs were preferentially used for severe cases. Patterns of use varied by country.ConclusionsIRCEP participants reported use of therapeutics for COVID‐19 during pregnancy for which there is little safety information. Findings on COVID‐19 pharmacotherapy utilization patterns can guide future studies examining the safety of COVID‐19 therapies during pregnancy.
Applying mixture cure survival modeling to medication persistence analysis
Authors: Cai Chao , Love Bryan L. , Yunusa Ismaeel , Reeder Claiborne E. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeStandard survival models are often used in a medication persistence analysis. These methods implicitly assume that all patients will experience the event (medication discontinuation), which may bias the estimation of persistence if long‐term medication persistent patients rate is expected in the population. We aimed to introduce a mixture cure model in the medication persistence analysis to describe the characteristics of long‐term and short‐term persistent patients, and demonstrate its application using a real‐world data analysis.MethodsA cohort of new users of statins was used to demonstrate the differences between the standard survival model and the mixture cure model in the medication persistence analysis. The mixture cure model estimated effects of variables, reported as odds ratios (OR) associated with likelihood of being long‐term persistent and effects of variables, reported as hazard ratios (HR) associated with time to medication discontinuation among short‐term persistent patients.ResultsLong‐term persistent rate was estimated as 17% for statin users aged between 45 and 55 versus 10% for age less than 45 versus 4% for age greater than 55 via the mixture cure model. The HR of covariates estimated by the standard survival model (HR = 1.41, 95% CI = [1.35, 1.48]) were higher than those estimated by the mixture cure model (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = [1.25, 1.39]) when comparing patients with age greater than 55 to those between 45 and 55.ConclusionsCompared with standard survival modeling, a mixture cure model can improve the estimation of medication persistence when long‐term persistent patients are expected in the population.
Plasma deposited high surface area‐activated carbon coatings: Theory combining particle generation, aggregation and deposition explains microstructure
Authors: Tran Clara T. , Raco Michael , Casey Louis M. , McKenzie David R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHigh surface area carbon coatings are produced by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition using a high‐voltage dielectric barrier discharge under conditions where aggregates are formed in the plasma and the growing coating is subjected to plasma immersion ion implantation. We extend the Smoluchowski aggregation theory to include the continuous production of monomers to explain the observed microstructure of the coatings as a function of the pressure of deposition. The larger particles show evidence of the accretion of monomers on their surfaces with characteristic voids resulting from island growth. The coatings are subjected to plasma immersion ion implantation using high‐voltage pulses that create radicals for binding biomolecules. The increased surface area by the presence of the aggregated particles binds a significantly higher amount of protein than smooth coatings, making them potentially useful for electrodes, biosensing and drug delivery.