bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Replacement Dose of Levothyroxine and Its Influencing Factors in Adults with Primary Hypothyroidism in Chongqing, China
Authors: Wang Lihua , Wang Liu , Liu Chun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In order to know the daily physiological replacement dose of levothyroxine sodium (L-T4) and its possible influencing factors in adults with primary hypothyroidism in Chongqing, China.A cross-sectional survey, including gender, age, height, weight, and body mass index, fat free mass (FFM), body surface area (BSA), cause of hypothyroidism, whether menopause or not (female), Chalson comorbidity index scores(CCI score), long-term oral L-T4 dose and so on, was conducted among 517 patients with hypothyroidism in Chongqing,China.The multivariate linear stepwise regression analysis model was used to investigate the correlation between these factors and the L-T4 replacement dose. The optimal scale regression model was used to understand the effect of each relevant factor on the L-T4 replacement dose.The daily physiological replacement dose of L-T4 in patients with primary hypothyroidism was 72.0±22.6μg, which was approximately equal to 1.27±0.40μg / kg / day. 34.2% of the L-T4 doses can be affected by Age, BMI, causes of hypothyroidism, and CCI scores.The effect of hyperthyroidism 131I treatment and CCI score ≥4 on L-T4 dose was statistically significant. The degree of influence of each factor was as follows: age (55.6%), BMI (15.2%), cause of hypothyroidism (14.7%), and CCI score (14.6%).The daily physiological replacement dose of L-T4 in chinese patients with primary hypothyroidism in chongqing was 72.0±22.6μg, which was approximately equal to 1.27±0.40μg / kg / day. The causes of hypothyroidism, age, BMI, and other diseases have affected the L-T4 replacement dose in some degrees, which has certain guiding significance for long-term replacement therapy for patients with clinical hypothyroidism.
The Effect of a Postbiotic Produced by Stabilized Non-Viable Lactobacilli on the Health, Growth Performance, Immunity, and Gut Status of Colisepticaemic Broiler Chickens
Authors: El-Ghany Wafaa Abd , Hosny Fouad , Quesnell Rebecca , Sakai Lisa 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This work was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a postbiotic compound produced by stabilized non-viable Lactobacilli on the health, growth performance, immunity, and gut status against Escherichia coli (E. coli) challenge of broiler chickens. A total of 400, day-old broiler chicks were allocated into 4 equal groups (1-4) consisting of 100; each assigned into 2 equal replicates (50 each). Chickens in the 1st group were received the dry form of the compound at doses of 1 kg and 0.5 kg /ton feed for starter and grower, and the finisher diets; respectively. Chickens in the 2nd group were given the aqueous form of the compound in a dose of 4 ml/liter of the drinking water during the first 3 days of life and at a day before and after each vaccination. Feed and water treatments regimens were administered to chickens in the 3rd group. Group (4) was kept without treatment. Each bird in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th group was challenged with E. coli (O78) at one-week-old. All groups were kept under observation till 5-week-old. The results indicated that both treatments with the postbiotic compound induced more significant (P≤ 0.05) amelioration of a disease picture, enhancement of growth performance, boosting of immune response, improvement of bursa/body weight ratio, and reduction of intestinal coliform count in challenged chickens when compared with challenged non-treated chickens. In conclusion, the posbiotic compound either in a dry and/or an aqueous form is recommended for improving the health, performance, and immunity of colisepticaemic broiler chickens.
High-Power VLF Transmission Experiment in the Radiation Belts: Initial Result from the DSX Mission
Authors: Song Paul , Tu Jiannan , Galkin Ivan , McCollough James , Ginet Gregory , Johnston William , Su Yijun , Starks Michael , Reinisch Bodo , Inan Umran , Lauben David , Linscott Ivan , Farrell William , Allgeier Shawn , Lambour Richard , Schoenberg Jon , Gillespie William , Stelmash Stephen , Roche Kevin , Sinclair Andrew , Sanchez Jenny 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Space weather phenomena threaten the space assets that bring us services via space technologies, such as the Global Positioning System, communication systems with satellite relays, and most global TV broadcast networks, which have provided unprecedented convenience to everyday life and opportunities to businesses. A hazard among phenomena1 is the population of relativistic electrons in the region called Van Allan radiation belts2. These electrons can be trapped for years once produced by either natural3 or artificial processes4 and can damage the electronics and degrade the solar panels on satellites. Intense investigations have begun with recently launched NASA satellites, Van Allen Belt Probes A and B in 20125-13. To remedy the threat and reduce the resulting damage, artificial processes can be introduced to shorten the lifetime of these particles14 with mechanisms such as pitch-angle diffusion through wave-particle interaction15-17 by transmitting very-low-frequency (VLF) waves into radiation belts. To directly transmit the VLF waves in space is an extremely challenging task, and previous theoretical and numerical predictions of the radiation impedance differ more than five orders in magnitude18-23. Here we show the measurements of radiation impedance from high-power VLF wave transmission experiments in the radiation belts to help settle the dispute of the previous studies. The measured radiation reactance disagrees with the most influential theoretical model18,19,22 and the vacuum model, but proves the plasma sheath model and simulation of the antenna-plasma interaction20,21,23. A new discovery is that the measured radiation resistance decreases as the transmission frequency increases. Our results demonstrate the possibility to transmit high power in space and validated the design and technology for further high-power space-borne VLF transmitters. The physical understanding obtained in this study will also provide a guide to laboratory whistler mode wave injection experiments24, especially in controlled fusion25.
Anion-binding aromatic pentaamide macrocycles: Synthesis, high-affinity binding, transmembrane transport, and catalysis
Authors: Cao Ruikai , Rossdeutcher Robert , Shen Yi , Miller Daniel , Zhong Yulong , B. Laura Sánchez , Ramcharan Karishma , Wu Xiangxiang , Zurek Eva , Szyperski Thomas , Shao Zhifeng , Gong Bing 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The precise spatial positioning of functional groups in biomacromolecules leads to astonishing binding, catalytic, and transport capabilities. In contrast, synthetic frameworks capable of convergently locking functional groups with minimized conformational uncertainty are highly desirable but rare. Here we report C5-symmetric aromatic pentaamide macrocycles c5a-c synthesized in one pot from the corresponding monomers. The crystal structure of c5c reveals a fully constrained backbone that enforces ten alternating NH/CH hydrogen-bond donors and five large amide dipoles to point to the center of the macrocycle. With a highly electropositive cavity in a high-energy unbound state, macrocycles c5 bind anions in a 1:1 stoichiometry in solution, with Ka values up to 106 M-1 for halides and 108 M-1 for oxoanions. Macrocycle c5a was able to selectively transport chloride ions across lipid bilayers. The extraordinary binding of phosphate-related ions by c5 also enabled catalytic ester amidation owing to the stabilization of the corresponding transition states.
Burden and pattern of acute diarrhea in Thai children under 5 years of age: A 5-year descriptive analysis based on Thailand National Health Coverage (NHC) data
Authors: Charoenwat Busara , Suwannaying Kunanya , Paibool Watuhatai , Laoaroon Napat , Sutra Sumitr , Thepsuthammarat Kaewjai 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The incidence of acute diarrhea in Thai children under five years of age has increased over the last three decades. Even though mortality has significantly declined, the burden and cost of medical treatment are still high. Our objectives are to describe the burden and pattern of acute diarrhea cases that required admissions by Thai children under five years of age from 2015 to 2019.Methods: Data regarding the admission of acute diarrhea cases of Thai children with Thailand National Health Coverage (NHC) under five years of age from 2015 to 2019, recorded as International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth Revision, Thai Modification (ICD-10-TM), were analyzed.Results: The incidence trend of yearly acute diarrhea in children 0-5 years of age slightly decreased over approximately the last decade (124,403 cases in 2010 to 102,941 cases from 2015 to 2019), along with the high cost of performing the medical treatment of approximately three billion baths per year. Diarrhea-related mortality had a low, constant rate of 0.95 per 100,000 population per year (range: 0.81-1.14 per 100,000 population per year). Three-fourths of the mortality rate was observed in children under 2 years of age and a regional distribution of the causative agent was also observed in Cholera, Typhoid, and Amoebiasis cases. Seasonal variations demonstrated consistency with similar patterns during the cold and rainy seasons throughout the 5-year period. A08 and A09 were the two most common causes of diarrheal diseases.Conclusions: The burden, incidence and mortality rate of acute diarrhea in Thai children under five years of age were lower than those in the past decades. A similar seasonal outbreak of acute diarrhea was seen during each examined year. The causative agent was not significant and was mainly unspecific.Trial registration: number TCTR20220117002, date of registration 17/01/2022
Effects of boron concentration on the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of powder-pack borided AISI 4140 steel
Authors: Silveira Luciana Leite , Pukasiewicz Anderson G. M. , de Souza Gelson B. , Soares Paulo , Torres Ricardo Diego 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Three different boron amounts were used in this study to control the microstructure, mechanical, and tribological properties of borided cases on AISI 4140 steel. A single Fe2B phase was observed for the lowest boron amount, while both Fe2B and FeB phases were present on the other two boron compositions. The highest surface hardness was observed in the highest boron amount. The scratch tests revealed different cohesive failure mechanisms on the samples, such as arc and chevron tensile cracks, and even chipping was observed for all three-studied boron amounts; it appeared at lower applied loads for the highest boron amount, indicating a likely detachment of the fragile FeB layer. The borided layers presented abrasive wear during the ball-on-flat wear tests. Despite the lower specific wear rate, the surface damage was more severe in the sample with the highest boron amount, due to its brittleness, resulting in lower resistance to surface fatigue.
Fungivorous Nematodes and Collembola Alleviate Disease Incidence Caused by Pathogen Pythium Ultimum in Tomato
Authors: Zhang Pei , Zhang Weijian , Hu Shuijin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose

Soil fauna are potential biological regulators of plant pathogens and soil nutrient cycles; however, the direct evidence demonstrating faunal controls over pathogens and plant diseases are still limited and the interactions between diverse faunal groups, soil-borne pathogen and microbial community remain elusive.
Methods

We introduced the nematode Aphelenchus avenae, two collembolan species (Hypogastrura perplexa and Sinella curviseta) and their combinations to test their suppression effects on the soil-borne fungus Pythium ultimum in tomato seedlings, and impacts on the biomass and activities of soil microbes.
Results

The introduction of A. avenae, H. perplexa and combinations of three faunal species showed significant suppression on P. ultimum population and decreased tomato seedling damping-off incidence, and diverse soil faunal species had the greatest suppression. The suppression efficiency is significantly different among the faunal species, with A. avenae was the most efficient, followed by H. perplexa, and the suppression effects of S. curviseta were poor. This may be attributed to the non-specific feeding behavior of collembolan, different spatial niches and body size of three faunal species. Furthermore, the presence of S. curviseta and H. perplexa increased the microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, and A. avenae increased the soil respiration in microcosms, suggesting that activities of soil fauna may promote microbial turnover and nutrient cycling to alleviate plant disease.
Conclusion

Effective management of soil fauna can facilitate the control of root pathogens and stimulate soil microbes in organic farming systems. Future sustainable agricultural management is recommended to examine the applications of soil biodiversity in maintaining plant health and soil fertility in the arable fields.
The Impact of Maternity Service Restrictions Related to Covid-19 on Women’s Experiences of Giving Birth in England During the Pandemic: A Qualitative Study and Policy Review
Authors: Irvine Lucy C , Chisnall Georgia , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The Covid-19 pandemic led to significant changes in maternity service delivery worldwide. In England, service changes included: antenatal appointments being cancelled or held over the phone; women having to attend antenatal scans alone; partners not being allowed to accompany women during labour; visitor restrictions on postnatal wards; and limited postnatal support. On the whole, these changes negatively impacted women’s experiences of care.
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 46 women aged 18-45 who had low-risk pregnancies and delivered their babies using NHS services in England between 1st March 2020 and 1st March 2021. We also conducted a health policy review to identify guidelines developed for pregnant women and maternity healthcare delivery changes over the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.
Results
Our thematic analysis of interview data generated key themes, four of which are discussed in depth here: the wide reaching negative impact of birth partners not being allowed to accompany women (including impacts on emotional wellbeing, birth preferences and care-seeking choices); women being more concerned about the risk of giving birth alone than of Covid-19 infection; women turning towards private care so that they could have the antenatal care and birth experience they desired; and women feeling deeply frustrated about policy variation between trusts and the inconsistent implementation of guidance.
Conclusions
Our findings add to the existing literature documenting the negative impacts of service changes on women's birth experiences during emergencies. Some of these impacts could have a positive secondary effect, such as increased uptake of homebirth services. Negative impacts must be addressed by policymakers and health service providers going forward to re-establish trust in NHS maternity care. Existing NHS guidance stating that partners should be recognised as an essential part of a woman’s care team should be implemented across all trusts, and any future service restrictions changes should be evidence-based, nationally standardised and clearly communicated to both service providers and users.
Unravelling hierarchical levels of structure in lipid membranes
Authors: Blanco-González Alexandre , Fandiño Rebeca Garcia , Piñeiro Angel 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In analogy with the hierarchical levels typically used to describe the structure of nucleic acids or proteins, and keeping in mind that lipid bilayers are not just mere envelopers for biological material but directly responsible for many important functions of life, we propose and discuss here how membrane models can also be interpreted in terms of different hierarchies in their structure. Namely, lipid composition, interaction between leaflets, existence and interaction of domains arising from the coordinate behavior of lipids and their properties, plus the manifest and specific perturbation of the lipid organization around macromolecules embedded in a membrane are hereby used to define the primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures, respectively. Molecular Dynamics simulations are used to illustrate this proposal. The new paradigm arising from such description is expected to have significant consequences on deciphering the underlying factors governing membranes and their interactions with other molecules.
Ablation of CD8+ T-cell recognition of an immunodominant epitope in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron
Authors: Smith Corey , Swaminathan Srividhya , Lineburg Katie , Panikkar Archana , Raju Jyothy , Murdolo Lawton , Szeto Christopher , Crooks Pauline , Texier Laëtitia Le , Rehan Sweera , Ambalathingal George , Neller Michelle , Short Kirsty , Gras Stephanie , Khanna Rajiv 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has raised concerns of escape from vaccine-induced immunity. A number of studies have demonstrated a reduction in antibody-mediated neutralization of the Omicron variant in vaccinated individuals. Preliminary observations have suggested that T cells are less likely to be affected by changes in Omicron. However, the complexity of human leukocyte antigen genetics and its impact upon immunodominant T-cell epitope selection suggests that the maintenance of T-cell immunity won’t be universal. In this study, we describe the impact that changes in Omicron have on recognition by spike-specific T cells. These T cells constitute the immunodominant CD8+ T-cell response in HLA-A*29:02+ COVID-19 convalescent and vaccinated individuals; however, they fail to recognize the Omicron-encoded sequence. We also failed to detect other immunodominant responses in vaccinated HLA-A*29:02+ individuals, suggesting that the Omicron variant may have an increased capacity to escape immune recognition in this population.
Triple careers of athletes: exploring the challenges of planning a pregnancy among female elite athletes using semi-structured interviews
Authors: Dietz Pavel , Legat Larissa , Sattler Matteo , Poppel Mireille 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The challenging factors that elite athletes perceive for combining their sportive career with planning a pregnancy and motherhood need to be identified in order to develop supportive measures. Therefore, this study aimed to explore challenges associated with planning a pregnancy among female, non-pregnant elite athletes. Methods: Semi-structured skype-interviews were performed among female elite athletes (athletes competing on national or international level) aged 28 years or older. Using Mayring’s qualitative content analysis approach, anchor examples served to identify potential challenges of planning a pregnancy which were categorized independently by two researchers.Results: Interviews of 16 elite athletes (mean age 30.7 years) entered analysis. Eleven challenges of planning a pregnancy were identified, categorized into organizational / environmental, financial, personal, and physical factors.Conclusions: With regard to financial challenges, we propose mandatory maternity leave and continuation of the contracts and salary. Furthermore, mentoring programs may help to provide support and advice to new generations of female elite athletes and help to reduce concerns regarding the wish of becoming pregnant during a sportive career. In order to reduce physical concerns regarding pregnancy and exercise, we see a need for scientific studies investigating the association of sport discipline specific characteristics on sportive performance and the mother´s, fetus’ and child´s health. Finally, the results of the current study may be used in future quantitative studies to test specific hypotheses.
Evaluating Basic Two-Dimensional Echocardiography For Screening In Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Premsagar Preesha , Aldous Colleen , Esterhuizen Tonya 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Basic two-dimensional echocardiography (2D-echocardiography) screens for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) by detecting impaired left ventricular function (LVF) which declines as atherosclerosis worsens. Aim: To evaluate basic 2D-echocardiography for CAD screening.Methods: CAD screening was performed with 2D-echocardiography. For global screening, left ventricular ejection fraction percentage (LVEF%) was determined and categorised into global systolic LVF. For regional screening, global average echocardiography score (GAES) was quantified, then categorised into functional impairment. After screening, high-risk patients underwent diagnostic coronary angiography. Abnormal angiography had >50% luminal stenosis. Angiography was also quantified with Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score, then categorised. Statistical Package for Social Science 25.0 analysed data.Results: There were 471 patients screened for CAD; 154/471 (33%) underwent angiography. For angiography selection amongst 471 screened patients, GAES was higher (p<0.001) and positively correlated (Pearson’s coefficient 0.296); LVEF% was lower (p=0.002) and negatively correlated (Pearson’s coefficient -0.187). Amongst 154 patients, SYNTAX score correlated negatively with LVEF% (Pearson’s coefficient -0.276) and positively with GAES (Pearson’s co-efficient 0.180). For categories, angiography had 66/154 (42.9%) normal and 88/154 (57.1%) abnormal results. SYNTAX score had 134/154 (87.0%) low-risk and 20/154 (13.0%) medium-high-risk categories. GAES correlated positively with angiogram results (Spearman’s coefficient 0.298) and SYNTAX categories (Spearman’s coefficient 0.110). LVEF% correlated negatively with angiogram results (Spearman’s coefficient -0.307) and SYNTAX categories (Spearman’s coefficient -0.254).Conclusions: The distribution of underlying atherosclerotic vessels resulted in regional wall abnormalities being more significant than global function on 2D-echocardiography. We conclude that basic 2D-echocardiography remains useful in CAD screening.
Hypoimmunogenic Human Pluripotent Stem Cells are Valid Cell Sources for Cell Therapeutics with Normal Self-Renewal and Multi-Lineage Differentiation Capacity
Authors: Chen Yifan , Zhou Yanjie , Zhou Zhongshu , Xiong Jie , Fang Yujiang , Ma Lin , Liu Ling , Zhang Xiaoqing 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Hypoimmunogenic human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are expected to serve as an unlimited cell source for generating universally compatible “off-the-shelf” cell grafts. However, whether the engineered hypoimmunogenic hPSCs still preserve their advantages of unlimited self-renewal and multilineage differentiation to yield functional tissue cells remains unclear. Here, we systematically studied the self-renewal and differentiation potency into functional tissue cells of three types of hypoimmunogenic hPSCs, established through biallelic lesion of B2M gene to remove all surface expression of classical and nonclassical HLA class I molecules (B2Mnull), biallelic homologous recombination of nonclassical HLA-G1 to the B2M loci to knockout B2M while express membrane-bound β2m-HLA-G1 fusion proteins (B2MmHLAG), and ectopic expression of soluble and secreted β2m-HLA-G5 fusion proteins in B2MmHLAG hPSCs (B2Mm/sHLAG). Our results show that hypoimmunogenic hPSCs with variable expression patterns of HLA molecules and immune compromising spectrums retain their normal self-renewal capacity and three germ-layer differentiation potency. More importantly, as exemplified by neurons, cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes, hypoimmunogenic hPSC-derived tissue cells are fully functional as of their morphology, electrophysiological properties, macromolecule transportation and metabolic regulation. Taken together, our findings indicate that engineered hypoimmunogenic hPSCs hold great promise of serving as an unlimited universal cell source for cell therapeutics.