bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii infection in small mammals from Moshi Rural and Urban Districts, northern Tanzania
Authors: Theonest Ndyetabura O. , Carter Ryan W. , Kasagama Elizabeth , Keyyu Julius D. , Shirima Gabriel M. , Tarimo Rigobert , Thomas Kate M. , Wheelhouse Nick , Maro Venance P. , Haydon Daniel T. , Buza Joram J. , Allan Kathryn J. , Halliday Jo E.B. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCoxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes Q fever, a zoonotic disease of public health importance. In northern Tanzania, Q fever is a known cause of human febrile illness, but little is known about its distribution in animal hosts. We used a quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) targeting the insertion element IS1111 to determine the presence and prevalence of C. burnetii infections in small mammals trapped in 12 villages around Moshi Rural and Moshi Urban Districts, northern Tanzania. A total of 382 trapped small mammals of seven species were included in the study; Rattus rattus (n = 317), Mus musculus (n = 44), Mastomys natalensis (n = 8), Acomys wilson (n = 6), Mus minutoides (n = 3), Paraxerus flavovottis (n = 3) and Atelerix albiventris (n = 1). Overall, 12 (3.1%) of 382 (95% CI: 1.6–5.4) small mammal spleens were positive for C. burnetii DNA. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in five of seven of the small mammal species trapped; R. rattus (n = 7), M. musculus (n = 1), A. wilson (n = 2), P. flavovottis (n = 1) and A. albiventris (n = 1). Eleven (91.7%) of twelve (95% CI: 61.5–99.8) C. burnetii DNA positive small mammals were trapped within Moshi Urban District. These findings demonstrate that small mammals in Moshi, northern Tanzania are hosts of C. burnetii and may act as a source of C. burnetii infection to humans and other animals. This detection of C. burnetii infections in small mammals should motivate further studies into the contribution of small mammals to the transmission of C. burnetii to humans and animals in this region.
Superresolving the kidney—a practical comparison of fluorescence nanoscopy of the glomerular filtration barrier
Authors: Wunderlich Lucia C. S. , Ströhl Florian , Ströhl Stefan , Vanderpoorten Oliver , Mascheroni Luca , Kaminski Clemens F. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractImmunofluorescence microscopy is routinely used in the diagnosis of and research on renal impairments. However, this highly specific technique is restricted in its maximum resolution to about 250 nm in the lateral and 700 nm in the axial directions and thus not sufficient to investigate the fine subcellular structure of the kidney’s glomerular filtration barrier. In contrast, electron microscopy offers high resolution, but this comes at the cost of poor preservation of immunogenic epitopes and antibody penetration alongside a low throughput. Many of these drawbacks were overcome with the advent of super-resolution microscopy methods. So far, four different super-resolution approaches have been used to study the kidney: single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, structured illumination microscopy (SIM), and expansion microscopy (ExM), however, using different preservation methods and widely varying labelling strategies. In this work, all four methods were applied and critically compared on kidney slices obtained from samples treated with the most commonly used preservation technique: fixation by formalin and embedding in paraffin (FFPE). Strengths and weaknesses, as well as the practicalities of each method, are discussed to enable users of super-resolution microscopy in renal research make an informed decision on the best choice of technique. The methods discussed enable the efficient investigation of biopsies stored in kidney banks around the world.
Ex vivo thyroid fine needle aspirations as an alternative for MALDI-MSI proteomic investigation: intra-patient comparison
Authors: Piga Isabella , Capitoli Giulia , Clerici Francesca , Mahajneh Allia , Brambilla Virginia , Smith Andrew , Leni Davide , L’Imperio Vincenzo , Galimberti Stefania , Pagni Fabio , Magni Fulvio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFine needle aspiration (FNA) is the reference standard for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) has been successfully used to discriminate the proteomic profiles of benign and malignant thyroid FNAs within the scope of providing support to pathologists for the classification of morphologically borderline cases. However, real FNAs provide a limited amount of material due to sample collection restrictions. Ex vivo FNAs could represent a valuable alternative, increasing sample size and the power of statistical conclusions. In this study, we compared the real and ex vivo MALDI-MSI proteomic profiles, extracted from thyrocyte containing regions of interest, of 13 patients in order to verify their similarity. Statistical analysis demonstrated the mass spectra similarity of the proteomic profiles by performing intra-patient comparison, using statistical similarity systems. In conclusion, these results show that post-surgical FNAs represent a possible alternative source of material for MALDI-MSI proteomic investigations in instances where pre-surgical samples are unavailable or the number of cells is scarce.
Analysis of a single-institution cohort of patients with Felty's syndrome and T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gorodetskiy Vadim Romanovich , Sidorova Yulia Vladimirovna , Kupryshina Natalia Alexandrovna , Vasilyev Vladimir Ivanovich , Probatova Natalya Alexandrovna , Ryzhikova Natalya Valerievna , Sudarikov Andrey Borisovich 
Published: December 2020

AbstractT-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by a persistent increase in the number of large granular lymphocytes (LGLs), neutropenia, and splenomegaly. Clinical manifestations of T-LGLL in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are often identical to those in which one would suspect Felty's syndrome (FS). These disorders are distinguished by the presence of T-cell clonality, which is present in T-LGLL but not in FS. Mutations in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and 5b (STAT5b) genes can be used as molecular markers of T-LGLL, but their prevalence in FS is unknown.Eighty-one patients with RA and unexplained neutropenia or/and an increase in the number of LGLs above 2 × 109/L were stratified into RA-associated T-LGLL (N = 56) or FS (N = 25) groups based on the presence or absence of T-cell clonality. STAT3 and STAT5b gene mutations were assessed in each group by means of allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assays. Clinical, immunological, laboratory data and the results of immunophenotyping of blood and bone marrow lymphocytes were also evaluated.Mutations of the STAT3 gene and an increase in the number of LGLs above 2 × 109/L were detected in RA-associated T-LGLL, but not in FS (39% vs 0% and 21% vs 0%, respectively). Mutations in the STAT5b gene were not observed in either group. Expression of CD57, CD16, and CD5−/dim on CD3+CD8+ T-lymphocytes was observed in both RA-associated T-LGLL and FS.STAT3 gene mutations or LGL counts over 2 × 109/L in RA patients are indicative of T-LGLL.
Contrasting controls on Congo Basin evaporation at the two rainfall peaks
Authors: Crowhurst David , Dadson Simon , Peng Jian , Washington Richard 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEvaporation is a crucial driver of Congo Basin climate, but the dynamics controlling the seasonality of basin evaporation are not well understood. This study aims to discover why evaporation on the basin-wide average is lower at the November rainfall peak than the March rainfall peak, despite similar rainfall. Using 16-year mean LandFlux-EVAL data, we find that evaporation is lower in November than March in the rainforest and the eastern savannah. The ERA5-Land reanalysis, which effectively reproduces this pattern, shows that transpiration is the main component responsible for lower evaporation in these regions. Using ERA5-Land, we find the following contrasting controls on transpiration, and therefore evaporation, at the two rainfall peaks: (a) In the northern rainforest, there is lower leaf area index (LAI) in November, driven by lower surface downward shortwave radiation (DSR), and lower vapour pressure deficit (VPD) in November, driven by lower sensible heat flux that results from lower net radiation. The combination of lower LAI and VPD explains lower transpiration, and therefore lower evaporation, in November. (b) In the southern rainforest, and in the north-eastern savannah, there is lower LAI in November, driven by lower surface DSR, and this explains lower transpiration, and therefore lower evaporation, in November. (c) In the south-eastern savannah, there is lower LAI in November, driven by lower volumetric water content (VWC), and this explains lower transpiration, and therefore lower evaporation, in November. Collectively, these contrasting controls at the two rainfall peaks explain why the basin-wide average evaporation is lower in November than March.
Determinants of soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 concentrations in adult patients with complex congenital heart disease
Authors: Raedle-Hurst Tanja , Wissing Sarah , Mackenstein Nils , Obeid Rima , Geisel Juergen , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Abdul-Khaliq Hashim 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is known to be a functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 in the current pandemic. Soluble ACE2 (sACE2) concentrations are elevated in patients with various cardiovascular disorders including heart failure.

Methods
In a total of 182 consecutive adult patients with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) and 63 healthy controls, sACE2 concentrations were measured in serum using the Human ACE2® assay by Cloud-Clone Corporation and associated with clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic parameters.

Results
Median sACE2 levels were increased in patients with complex CHD as compared to healthy controls (761.9 pg/ml vs 365.2 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Moreover, sACE2 concentrations were significantly elevated in patients with a higher NYHA class ≥ III (1856.2 pg/ml vs 714.5 pg/ml in patients with NYHA class I/II, p < 0.001). Using linear regression analysis, higher sACE2 levels were associated with a higher NYHA class ≥ III, more severe CHD, a morphological left systemic ventricle, higher creatinine and the use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) in the univariable model. The use of ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) was associated with lower sACE2 levels. In the multivariable model, higher sACE2 levels were independently associated with a higher NYHA class ≥ III (p = 0.002) and lower sACE2 levels with the use of ACE inhibitors or ARB (p = 0.001).

Conclusion
Soluble ACE2 concentrations were significantly increased in all types of complex CHD with highest levels found in patients with NYHA class ≥ III. Moreover, a higher NYHA class ≥ III was the most significant determinant that was independently associated with elevated sACE2 concentrations.

Graphic abstract
Can a metric combining arm elevation and trapezius muscle activity predict neck/shoulder pain? A prospective cohort study in construction and healthcare
Authors: Merkus Suzanne Lerato , Mathiassen Svend Erik , Lunde Lars-Kristian , Koch Markus , Wærsted Morten , Forsman Mikael , Knardahl Stein , Veiersted Kaj Bo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective
To determine whether a composite metric of arm elevation and trapezius activity (i.e. neck/shoulder load) is more strongly associated with the 2-year course of neck and shoulder pain intensity (NSPi) among construction and healthcare workers than each exposure separately.

Methods
Dominant arm elevation and upper trapezius muscle activity were estimated in construction and healthcare employees (n = 118) at baseline, using accelerometry and normalized surface electromyography (%MVE), respectively. At baseline and every 6 months for 2 years, workers reported NSPi (score 0–3). Compositions of working time were determined for arm elevation (< 30°; 30–60°;  > 60°), trapezius activity (< 0.5%; 0.5–7.0%; > 7.0%MVE), and a composite metric “neck/shoulder load” (restitution, low, medium, and high load). Associations between each of these three compositions and the 2-year course of NSPi were determined using linear mixed models.

Results
Associations between exposure compositions and the course of NSPi were all weak and in general uncertain. Time spent in 0.5–7.0%MVE showed the largest and most certain association with changes in NSPi during follow-up (β = − 0.13; p = 0.037; corresponding to a −0.01 change in NPSi every 6 months). Among pain-free workers at baseline, medium (β = − 0.23; p = 0.039) and high (β = 0.15; p = 0.031) neck/shoulder load contributed the most to explaining changes in NSPi.

Conclusion
The composite metric of neck/shoulder load did not show a stronger association with the course of NSPi than arm elevation or trapezius activity alone in the entire population, while some indications of a stronger association were found among those who were pain-free at baseline.
Impact of Tracheal Tube on Swallowing in Post-Operative Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Scintigraphic Analysis
Authors: Galli Jacopo , Marchese Maria Raffaella , Di Cesare Tiziana , Tricarico Laura , Almadori Giovanni , Tempesta Valeria , Valenza Venanzio , Paludetti Gaetano 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDysphagia is common in tracheostomized patients who underwent head and neck surgery for cancer treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate, by means of oropharyngoesophageal scintigraphy (OPES), the impact of an occluded tracheal tube (TT) on swallowing in patients treated for head and neck cancer before hospital discharge, to provide further information to the benefit of out-patient care management. From October 2018 to November 2019, we enrolled 19 tracheostomized patients (6 females and 13 males; mean age 61 years) who underwent primary surgical resection of head and neck tumor and swallowing rehabilitation during hospitalization. All subjects underwent a double-standard OPES, one with occluded tracheal tube and the other without TT, with their tracheal stoma being closed directly by a plaster. For each study, we assessed and compared the following quantitative parameters: oral transit time (OTTsec), pharyngeal transit time (PTTsec), esophageal transit time (ETTsec), oral retention index (ORI%), pharyngeal retention index (PRI%), esophageal retention index (ERI%), and aspiration percentage (AP%). The mean values of OTT, PTT, ORI%, PRI%, and ERI% were abnormal during OPES both with TT and without TT and did not statistically differ between the two tests (p > 0.05). Aspiration was detected in 4 cases out of 19 (21.05%) cases during OPES with TT and in 4/19 (21.05%) cases without TT who showed a mean AP% of 11.4% and 11.5% respectively (p > 0.05). Patients with abnormal AP% (> 0%) during OPES with TT showed aspiration signs without TT. Our study showed that the mere presence of a closed tracheal tube does not impact significantly the oropharyngeal transit of bolus during swallowing. This result suggests the possibility to maintain a small-diameter occluded tracheal tube in place for the postsurgical management of head and neck cancer patients.
Probable streamflow changes and its associated risk to the water resources of Abuan watershed, Philippines caused by climate change and land use changes
Authors: Araza Arnan , Perez Maricon , Cruz Rex Victor , Aggabao Larlyn Faith , Soyosa Eugene 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOne of the main impact areas of climate change (CC), and land use and land cover change (LULCC) is the hydrology of watersheds, which have negative implications to the water resources. Their impact can be indicated by changes on streamflow, which is quantifiable using process-based streamflow modelling of baseline and future scenarios. Here we include the uncertainty and associated risk of the streamflow changes for a robust impact assessment to agriculture. We created a baseline model and models of CC and LULCC “impact scenarios” that use: (1) the new climate projections until 2070 and (2) land cover scenarios worsened by forest loss, in a critical watershed in the Philippines. Simulations of peak flows by 26% and low flows by 63% from the baseline model improved after calibrating runoff, soil evaporation, and groundwater parameters. Using the calibrated model, impacts of both CC and LULCC in 2070 were indicated by water deficit (− 18.65%) from May to August and water surplus (12.79%) from November to December. Both CC and LULCC contributed almost equally to the deficit, but the surplus was more LULCC-driven. Risk from CC may affect 9.10% of the croplands equivalent to 0.31 million dollars, while both CC and LULCC doubled the croplands at risk (19.13%, 0.60 million dollars) in one cropping season. The findings warn for the inevitable cropping schedule adjustments in the coming decades, which both apply to irrigated and rainfed crops, and may have implications to crop yields. This study calls for better watershed management to mitigate the risk to crop production and even potential flood risks.
Direct-acting antivirals improve survival and recurrence rates after treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma within the Milan criteria
Authors: Ochi Hironori , Hiraoka Atsushi , Hirooka Masashi , Koizumi Yohei , Amano Michiko , Azemoto Nobuaki , Watanabe Takao , Yoshida Osamu , Tokumoto Yoshio , Mashiba Toshie , Yokota Tomoyuki , Abe Masanori , Michitaka Kojiro , Hiasa Yoichi , Joko Kouji 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
The effects of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on survival and recurrence rates after curative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remain controversial.

Methods
This retrospective, multicenter study involved Child–Pugh class A patients within the Milan criteria who had a first diagnosis of HCC and survived 6 months or longer after undergoing hepatectomy or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The DAA-treated group (DAA group) included 56 patients, and the DAA-untreated group (untreated group) included 261 patients. The study was conducted using the propensity score-matched (1:2) DAA group and untreated group, 56 and 112 patients, respectively.

Results
The survival rate at 48 months in the DAA group and the untreated group was 91.0% and 68.7%, respectively, showing significantly better survival in the DAA group (HR: 0.33; 95% CI 0.13–0.84; p = 0.021). The recurrence rate at 48 months was 36.7% and 66.7%, respectively, showing a significantly lower recurrence rate in the DAA group (HR, 0.46; 95% CI 0.27–0.77; p = 0.003). The median albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score at 3 years post-HCC treatment was − 2.84 in the DAA group and − 2.34 in the untreated group. The ALBI score showed a significant improvement from baseline to 3 years post-HCC treatment (p = 0.001), whereas that in the untreated group showed a significant decline (p = 0.040).

Conclusions
DAAs after HCC treatment prevents deterioration of hepatic functional reserve and significantly improves both recurrence and survival rates.
Secondary metabolites of Phlebopus species from Northern Thailand
Authors: Chuankid Boontiya , Schrey Hedda , Thongbai Benjarong , Raspé Olivier , Arnold Norbert , Hyde Kevin David , Stadler Marc 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSubmerged cultures of the edible mushrooms Phlebopus portentosus and Phlebopus spongiosus were screened for their secondary metabolites by HPLC-UV/Vis and HR-LC-ESI-MS. Two new compounds, 9′-hydroxyphenyl pulvinone (1), containing an unusual pulvinone structure, and phlebopyron (2), together with the seven known pigments, atromentic acid (3), xerocomic acid (4), variegatic acid (5), methyl atromentate (6), methyl isoxerocomate (7), methyl variegatate (8), and variegatorubin (9) were isolated from the cultures. Their structures were assigned on the basis of extensive 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic analyses, as well as HR-ESI-MS, and HR-ESI-MS/MS measurements. Furthermore, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. 9′-hydroxyphenyl pulvinone (1), xerocomic acid (4), and methyl variegatate (8) exhibited weak to moderate cytotoxic activities against several tumor cell lines. The present paper provides a comprehensive characterization of pigments from the class of pulvinic acids that are present in the basidiomes of many edible bolete species.
Decay rate of Larix gmelinii coarse woody debris on burned patches in the Greater Khingan Mountains
Authors: Huang Shubo , Wen Lixiang , Yin Shuai , Guo Meng , Yu Fangbing 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe decomposition of coarse woody debris (CWD) affects the energy flow and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Previous studies on CWD have focused on the input, decomposition, reserve dynamics, and CWD functions, but coarse woody debris decomposition is complex and the results from different regions vary considerably. It is not clear which factors affect decay rate (k), especially at different decomposition stages. In this study, a single-exponential decay model was used to analyze the characteristics of CWD decomposition in Larix gmelinii forests over the 33 years following a fire in the Greater Khingan Mountains. The results show that the decay rate of coarse woody debris was positively correlated to decay class. The average decomposition rate was 0.019, and 41 years and 176 years are needed for a 50% and 95% mass loss, respectively. CWD nutrient content, density, and water content could explain the variance in the decay rate (~ 42%) of the decay factors such as amount of leaching, degree of fragmentation, respiration of the debris, and biotransformation, and varied significantly between different decay classes. Using the space–time substitution method, this study arranged the coarse woody debris of different mortality times to form a 33 year chronosequence which revealed the decomposition process. It was concluded that the decay rate was mainly explained by structural component of the debris and its nitrogen and water contents. This paper quantifies the indicators affecting CWD decay to explain the decomposition process.
The mechanisms of controlling FCT life and failure mode of Ni-based EBPVD YSZ thermal barrier coatings via the effects of both substrate elements and reactive element doping
Authors: Fritscher Klaus 
Published: December 2020

AbstractElectron-beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) of NiCoCrAlY- and Hf-modified bond coats on (1) selected polycrystalline, directionally solidified, (2) single crystalline substrate alloys and (3) an uncoated NiCrAl bond-coat surrogate substrate, all of them covered with standard EBPVD YSZ topcoats were subjected to cyclic furnace testing (FCT) at 1100 °C. The lifetime and spallation failure upon FCT were evaluated. A typical mixed layer zone (MZ) of alumina and zirconia has formed during topcoat processing above the thermally growing oxide layer. The MZ was investigated by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy after intermediate lifetimes and at the end of life. Chemical composition of the MZ and lifespan data were related to each other thus accounting for rate-determining reactions which could be assigned to either cation- or anion-controlled transport mechanisms. These provide a new approach to address FCT life and failure mode of even complex TBC systems containing reactive elements (e.g. Y and Hf). The cation-controlled processes are accelerated according to their concentration by tetravalent elements of the substrates, while the anion-controlled processes are unaffected by this and only adopt a cation-dominated mode when alloying elements of a low valence (e.g. Ti+) reach a supercritical concentration.