bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of prospective Hawkes and recursive point process models for Ebola in DRC
Authors: Lee Sarita D. , Shen Andy A. , Park Junhyung , Harrigan Ryan J. , Hoff Nicole A. , Rimoin Anne W. , Paik Schoenberg Frederic 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPoint process models, such as Hawkes and recursive models, have recently been shown to offer improved accuracy over more traditional compartmental models for the purposes of modeling and forecasting the spread of disease epidemics. To explicitly test the performance of these two models in a real‐world and ongoing epidemic, we compared the fit of Hawkes and recursive models to outbreak data on Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2018–2020. The models were estimated, and the forecasts were produced, time‐stamped, and stored in real time, so that their prospective value can be assessed and to guard against potential overfitting. The fit of the two models was similar, with both models resulting in much smaller errors in the beginning and waning phases of the epidemic and with slightly smaller error sizes on average for the Hawkes model compared with the recursive model. Our results suggest that both Hawkes and recursive point process models can be used in near real time during the course of an epidemic to help predict future cases and inform management and mitigation strategies.
Association between serum potassium and risk of all‐cause mortality among chronic kidney diseases patients: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of more than one million participants
Authors: Sorraya Nasim , Farrokhzad Amirhosein , Hassani Bahar , Talebi Shokoofeh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe aimed to perform a meta‐analysis, using prospective cohort studies, to test the association between serum potassium and all‐cause mortality among chronic kidney diseases (CKD) patients. A systematic search was performed using PubMed‐MEDLINE and Scopus, up to July 2020. Prospective cohort studies which reported risk estimates of all‐cause mortality in CKD patients with different serum potassium levels were included in the present meta‐analysis. Thirteen studies were included in the analysis. A nonlinear dose–response meta‐analysis suggested that there is a J‐shaped association between serum potassium levels and the risk of all‐cause mortality, with a nadir at serum potassium of 4.5 mmol/L. Subgroup analyses indicated that the strength and shape of the association between serum potassium and all‐cause mortality may be influenced by age. Our meta‐analysis provides supportive evidence that there is a J‐shape association between serum potassium and all‐cause mortality among CKD patients.
Rising cholera cases: Harnessing the momentum of COVID‐19 to strengthen Nigeria's health systems
Authors: Oladapo Rasaq Kayode , Oyetola Afeez Babatunde , Obidiro Onyinyechi Patience , Olajide Adekunle , Osuagwu‐Nwogu Eze , Olaitan Olajide Mariam , Ngokere Chinonso , Monisola Igbalajobi , Ibraheem Bakare , Afolayan Abiola 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecently, there has been a surge in cholera cases in Nigeria. With the exhausting health resources and the overwhelming attention towards COVID‐19, Nigeria is in danger of worsening the epidemiological profile of cholera in the country. Thus, it is pertinent to address the surge to prevent further weakening of the country's health system. In this paper, we, therefore, explore the various interrelated factors accounting for the surge in Nigeria. It is therefore suggested that multifaceted public health strategies be employed that leverage the current level of disease preparedness and response capacities to the COVID‐19 pandemic to reduce the impacts of cholera. These measures will not only help in strengthening the country's health system but also enhance the achievement of the relevant strategies toward eradicating cholera.
How do management alternatives of fast‐growing forests affect water quantity and quality in southeastern Brazil? Insights from a paired catchment experiment
Authors: Ferraz Silvio F. B. , Rodrigues Carolina B. , Garcia Lara G. , Peña‐Sierra Diana , Fransozi Aline , Ogasawara Matheus E. K. , Vasquez Katherine , Moreira Rildo M. , Cassiano Carla C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFast‐growing forest plantations have been expanding in Brazil in the last 50 years, which reach productivities by over 40 m3 ha−1 year−1 in reduced rotation between 5 and 15 years. In the 1990s, environmental warnings about these plantations guided research projects seeking to understand their effects on water and propose forest management actions to minimize them. The assessment of forest management effects on water resources is conducted by long‐term experiments in paired catchments. In this paper we present results of some studies conducted at the hydrological monitoring centre of Itatinga Experimental Forest Station, of the University of São Paulo, where hydrological monitoring began in 1987, and currently include three catchments (83–98 ha) under different forest management regimes: short‐rotation Eucalyptus plantation, long‐term forest plantation mosaic and native forest restoration. Results show that at similar conditions observed at study area including deep soils and good natural water regulation, hydrological effects vary according to the forest management regime adopted, increasing water consumption and making the flow regime vulnerable to intra‐ and inter‐annual seasonality. Regarding water quality, weekly sampling results showed suspended sediments and nitrate concentrations below water quality thresholds criteria by silvicultural operations, and the effects were transient but higher concentrations of nutrients were observed in intensive management regime. In the study area, reducing the management intensity of forest plantation by increasing the rotation time, adopting forest age mosaic and avoiding the coppice technique are alternative choices that reduced water use and increased flow regulation. Different adopted forest management schemes directly affected water use, showing that in water‐deficit tropical regions, management regime of fast‐growing forest plantations controls water availability.
The structural, functional, and dynamic effect of Tau tubulin kinase1 upon a mutation: A neuro‐degenerative hotspot
Authors: Ahamad Shahzaib , Hema Kanipakam , Kumar Vijay , Gupta Dinesh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to degenerate and die. AD is one of the common causes of dementia that leads to a decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that disrupts a person's ability to function independently. Tau‐tubulin kinase1 (TTBK1) is a crucial disease regulating AD protein, which is majorly responsible for the phosphorylation and accumulation of tau protein at specific Serine/Threonine residues found in paired helical filaments, suggesting its role in tauopathy. TTBK1 involvement in many diseases and the restricted expression of TTBK1 to the central nervous system (CNS) makes TTBK1 an attractive therapeutic target for tauopathies. The genetic variations in TTBK1 are primarily involved in the TTBK1 pathogenesis. This study highlighted the destabilizing, damaging and deleterious effect of the mutation R142Q on TTBK1 structure through computational predictions and molecular dynamics simulations. The protein deviation, fluctuations, conformational dynamics, solvent accessibility, hydrogen bonding, and the residue‐residue mapping confirmed the mutant effect to cause structural aberrations, suggesting overall destabilization due to the protein mutation. The presence of well‐defined free energy minima was observed in TTBK1‐wild type, as opposed to that in the R142Q mutant, reflecting structural deterioration. The overall findings from the study reveal that the presence of R142Q mutation on TTBK1 is responsible for the structural instability, leading to disruption of its biological functions. The mutation could be used as future diagnostic markers in treating AD.
Lower expression of Hsa_circRNA_102682 in diabetic hyperhomocysteinemia negatively related to creatinemia is associated with TGF‐β and CTGF
Authors: Hu Fei , Sha Wenxin , Dai Huixue , Yang Xiangwei , Hu Peng , Chu Yudong , Qiu Xiaohui , Bu Shizhong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundDiabetic nephropathy is a kidney disease caused by long‐term hyperglycemia. Hsa_circRNA_102682 is related to the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is related to hypertension and proteinuria, and diabetic nephropathy is mainly manifested by hypertension and proteinuria. The main pathological change in diabetic nephropathy is glomerular fibrosis.MethodsThis study used serum samples of patients treated at Li Huili Eastern Hospital, Ningbo, China, from July 10, 2018 to February 15, 2019. We included 73 patients with diabetes and divided them into a normal‐homocysteine group and a high‐homocysteine group. We selected used quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction to measure Hsa_circRNA_102682 concentration in the serum. Serum transforming growth factor‐beta and connective tissue growth factor levels were tested using ELISA. The Pearson correlation test was used to assess the correlations between Hsa_circRNA_102682, transforming growth factor‐beta, connective tissue growth factor, homocysteine, and creatinine.ResultHsa_circRNA_102682 was significantly lower in diabetic patients with high levels of homocysteine than in those with normal levels of homocysteine, whereas transforming growth factor‐beta and connective tissue growth factor levels were higher in diabetic patients with hyperhomocysteinemia. Hsa_circRNA_102682 was negatively correlated with the levels of transforming growth factor‐beta, connective tissue growth factor, homocysteine, and creatinine. Transforming growth factor‐beta and connective tissue growth factor were both positively correlated with homocysteine and creatinine.ConclusionLow Hsa_circRNA_102682 was associated with high levels of transforming growth factor‐beta and connective tissue growth factor as well as homocysteine and creatinine. These results suggest that Hsa_circRNA_102682 might be related to the pathogenesis of hyperhomocysteinemia in diabetic nephropathy.
Highly efficient synthesis of rosuvastatin intermediate using a carbonyl reductase–cofactor co‐immobilized biocatalyst in the non‐aqueous biosystem
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Jian , Wu Di , Wang Wen‐Zhong , Cao Min , Liu Qian , Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Zheng Yu‐Guo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDNon‐aqueous biocatalytic system has exhibited advantages including outstanding substrate solubility, facilitation for product purification, suppression of unwanted water‐dependent side reactions and rare wastewater discharge. However, limited by enzyme stability, selectivity and cofactor recycling, there has been no successful attempt to use carbonyl reductases in non‐aqueous phase.RESULTSIn this study, a non‐aqueous catalytic system of carbonyl reductase was developed for the first time with a carbonyl reductase–cofactor co‐immobilized biocatalyst. Using n‐hexane as the reaction medium, the key chiral diol intermediate of the top‐selling hypolipidemic drug rosuvastatin, tert‐butyl (3R,5S)‐6‐chloro‐3,5‐dihydroxyhexanoate ((3R,5S)‐CDHH) was prepared in a continuous packed‐bed bioreactor, with a total yield of 95.51%, enantiomeric excess (e.e.) > 99.5% and diastereomeric excess (d.e.) > 99.5% in a 44‐batch reaction. The yield of per unit biocatalyst was 34.42 mg U−1, and the space–time yield was 91.01 g h−1 L−1.CONCLUSIONOur work corroborated the valuable potential of carbonyl reductases in non‐aqueous biosynthesis of chiral pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A possible highway system for the rapid delivery of sperm from the testis to the penis in the naked mole‐rat, Heterocephalus glaber
Authors: van der Horst Gerhard , Kotzè Sanet , O'Riain Mannus Justin , Muller Nolan , Maree Liana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGametogenesis is suppressed in most members of the eusocial naked mole‐rat (NMR) colony, while the queen selects mainly one breeding male during her life span. Recently, it was reported that the NMR testicular organization seems to produce spermatozoa on demand after suppression of spermatogenesis during most of gestation. A Sertoli cell “pump” is then used to flush the spermatozoa into short tubuli recti and simplified rete testis to reach the excurrent duct system. We hypothesize that the components of this duct system are adapted for rapid delivery of spermatozoa to the penis and for numerous copulations with the queen. Therefore, the aim was to study the ultrastructure of the male NMR reproductive duct system using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The NMR rete testis gives rise to six to eight efferent tubules joining the caput epididymis. The caput epididymis resembles that of other rodents but with less distinction in terms of histological zoning. The remainder of the epididymis is considerably reduced in length compared to other rodents. In contrast, the vas deferens epithelium is highly specialized in that a vast range of vesicles, often closely associated with the spermatozoa, were visible. The large ampulla is a factory for merocrine and apocrine secretions, producing even more diverse vesicles. The transitional epithelial cells of the bladder appear to secrete abundant mucous and the penis as well as its baculum is relatively small. We speculate that these modifications strongly suggest that the excurrent duct system has been simplified and adjusted to compensate for the absence of long maturation and storage of spermatozoa. We propose that these adaptations to the NMR reproductive tract are associated with a state of degenerative orthogenesis that was selected for due to the absence of sperm competition and apparently rapid delivery of spermatozoa from the testis.
Skeletal muscle wasting after a severe burn is a consequence of cachexia and sarcopenia
Authors: Song Juquan , Clark Audra , Wade Charles E , Wolf Steven E 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMuscle wasting is common and persistent in severely burned patients, worsened by immobilization during treatment. In this review, we posit two major phenotypes of muscle wasting after severe burn, cachexia and sarcopenia, each with distinguishing characteristics to result in muscle atrophy; these characteristics are also likely present in other critically ill populations. An online search was conducted from the PubMed database and other available online resources and we manually extracted published articles in a systematic mini review. We describe the current definitions and characteristics of cachexia and sarcopenia and relate these to muscle wasting after severe burn. We then discuss these putative mechanisms of muscle atrophy in this condition. Severe burn and immobilization have distinctive patterns in mediating muscle wasting and muscle atrophy. In considering these two pathological phenotypes (cachexia and sarcopenia), we propose two independent principal causes and mechanisms of muscle mass loss after burns: (1) inflammation‐induced cachexia, leading to proteolysis and protein degradation, and (2) sarcopenia/immobility that signals inhibition of expected increases in protein synthesis in response to protein loss. Because both are present following severe burn, these should be considered independently in devising treatments. Discussing cachexia and sarcopenia as independent mechanisms of severe burn–initiated muscle wasting is explored. Recognition of these associated mechanisms will likely improve outcomes.
Archaeal lipids reveal climate‐driven changes in microbial ecology at Lake El'gygytgyn (Far East Russia) during the Plio‐Pleistocene
Authors: Daniels William C. , Castañeda Isla S. , Salacup Jeffrey M. , Habicht M. Helen , Lindberg Kurt R. , Brigham‐Grette Julie 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTIsoprenoid glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (iGDGTs) are commonly preserved molecular biomarkers of archaea whose distributions can be used to reconstruct past temperature, and possibly, methane and nitrogen cycling. To date, iGDGT systematics have not been widely investigated in Arctic lacustrine environments. Here, we analyze iGDGTs in sediments of Lake El'gygytgyn, located in the Russian Arctic, to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental conditions from the Pliocene to today using TEX86and other indices. The TEX86‐inferred temperature history shows a long‐term warming trend, in stark contrast to other Arctic records and other proxies from Lake El'gygytgyn, suggesting that non‐temperature factors obfuscate the use of TEX86at this site. Other GDGT‐based indices including the BIT Index, ΔRing Index, Methane Index and the GDGT‐0/crenarchaeol ratio suggest that TEX86is strongly influenced by archaeal community changes. The most significant community shifts are observedc. 2.4 Ma and record an increase in Euryarchaeota production and/or a decrease in Thaumarchaeota production, which was driven by the establishment of permafrost and perennial lake ice during the early Pleistocene. Overall, this study demonstrates an important interpretative framework for iGDGTs in lacustrine systems and describes variations in Arctic climate and lake biogeochemistry over timescales of thousands to millions of years.
Phytochemical analysis of UV active and inactive bioactive compounds present in Polianthes tuberosa (Linn.) flower
Authors: Srinivasa Suryakoppa Kaveesha , Appadurai Ramesh , Byrappa Kullaiah , Khan Moodgere Habeebulla Moinuddin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPolianthes tuberosa (Linn.) is traditionally considered an ornamental and medicinal plant worldwide. However, extensive studies on its phytochemical composition are very limited. Hence the present work aims to identify the total phytochemical ingredients present in different crude extracts of tuberosa. Phytochemical analysis has been carried out for differential cold solvent extracts of various parts of tuberosa such as petals, stamens, and ovary by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, ultra‐performance liquid chromatography to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, and evaporative light scattering detector analyzers for the identification of bioactive components. Among the various solvents used for the extraction, diethyl ether is found to be the most suitable and efficient solvent, as its total differential recovery from the crude extract is about 0.24% as compared to 0.04% obtained by using n‐hexane or petroleum ether. Numerous phytochemicals have been identified by the chromatography and MS techniques, which demonstrate the presence of essential fatty acids along with other pharmacological importance phytoconstituents. Identification of additional phytochemicals present in the crude extract of tuberosa flower further enhances its biological and pharmacological significance. The present work lays a foundation for further research and development of phytoconstituents of the tuberosa flower.
A Pilot Trial of Universal School‐Based Mental Health Screening in El Salvador: Traumatic Stress in an Underresourced School Environment
Authors: Stewart Regan W. , Villalobos Bianca T. , Dueweke Aubrey R. , Rodriguez Juventino Hernandez , Nicasio Andel V. , Alto Michelle , Orengo‐Aguayo Rosaura 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSalvadoran youth have an elevated risk of trauma exposure and related mental health problems. However, investigations of childhood trauma exposure and mental health sequelae in El Salvador are limited. The present study aimed to (a) explore the prevalence of exposure to potentially traumatic events and symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression and (b) evaluate the associations between specific trauma types and emotional functioning among Salvadoran youth. A total of 1,296 youth aged 8–21 years from seven public schools completed self‐report measures of trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), anxiety, and depression. Participants reported high levels of trauma exposure, endorsing an average of 3.62 (SD = 2.32) trauma types. In total, 34.5% of participants reported clinically elevated PTSS; fewer youths reported elevated depressive (8.7%) and anxiety symptoms (8.6%). Although boys reported exposure to more trauma types than girls, d = 0.22, girls were more likely to endorse elevated PTSS, V = .11; anxiety, V = .06; and depression, V = .10. Adolescents reported exposure to more trauma types than younger children, d = 0.23, and were more likely to endorse elevated PTSS, V = .07; anxiety, V = .13; and depression, V = .16. Undergoing a frightening medical procedure, OR = 2.30; female sex, OR = 1.92; witnessing domestic violence, OR = 1.70; and experiencing war between gangs, OR = 1.61, were strong predictors of elevated PTSS. This broad, school‐based screening was a critical step toward better understanding the rate of trauma exposure and trauma‐related symptoms among Salvadoran youth.
Lentic Meadows and Riparian Functions Impaired After Horse and Cattle Grazing
Authors: Burdick Jacob , Swanson Sherman , Tsocanos Sebastian , Mccue Sabrina 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTPerennially and intermittently available water in lentic, spring‐fed herbaceous meadows supports wetland plants that build and maintain absorbent soil organic matter, capture sediment, prevent erosion, and thereby sustain riparian ecosystems. Enhanced forage and available water attract a diversity of wildlife and grazing animals that can degrade riparian vegetation through prolonged overuse. We tested novel monitoring methods and adapted existing methods to obtain quantified vegetation data that have been consistently linked to riparian functionality and compared these data to ungulate species use. We quantified ungulate use with time‐lapse cameras at 10 Nevada spring‐fed herbaceous meadows where core greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat, public land grazing allotments, and free‐roaming horse (Equus caballus) herd management areas (Bureau of Land Management) or territories (U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service) overlapped. Free‐roaming horses used most study sites over longer periods and grazed more intensely than cattle or domestic sheep. Native ungulate grazing intensity was comparatively negligible. Free‐roaming horses selected spring‐fed meadow sites on average 51 (±33 [SE]) times more than the surrounding rangelands, and cattle selected them 30 ± 23 times more. Within the wettest area of a site, study sites with longer duration of use and higher intensity of use had more soil alteration and bare ground. Riparian ecosystem degradation occurred where meadows had limited rest or recovery time from grazing during the growing season. At all sites we noted loss of riparian function, especially within the hydric areas with the highest potential to grow abundant cover of stabilizing wetland plant species. Transects for monitoring soil alteration and vegetation cover in this hydric location can provide a leading indicator of riparian recovery or degradation and help in adjusting free‐roaming horse population levels or livestock management strategies. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.