bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of drivers of spatial genetic variation of a ground‐dwelling bird species and its implications for conservation
Authors: Kunz Florian , Klinga Peter , Sittenthaler Marcia , Schebeck Martin , Stauffer Christian , Grünschachner‐Berger Veronika , Hackländer Klaus , Nopp‐Mayr Ursula 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn modern wildlife ecology, spatial population genetic methods are becoming increasingly applied. Especially for animal species in fragmented landscapes, preservation of gene flow becomes a high priority target in order to restore genetic diversity and prevent local extinction. Within Central Europe, the Alps represent the core distribution area of the black grouse, Lyrurus tetrix. At its easternmost Alpine range, events of subpopulation extinction have already been documented in the past decades. Molecular data combined with spatial analyses can help to assess landscape effects on genetic variation and therefore can be informative for conservation management. Here, we addressed whether the genetic pattern of the easternmost Alpine black grouse metapopulation system is driven by isolation by distance or isolation by resistance. Correlative ecological niche modeling was used to assess geographic distances and landscape resistances. We then applied regression‐based approaches combined with population genetic analyses based on microsatellite data to disentangle effects of isolation by distance and isolation by resistance among individuals and subpopulations. Although population genetic analyses revealed overall low levels of genetic differentiation, the ecological niche modeling showed subpopulations to be clearly delimited by habitat structures. Spatial genetic variation could be attributed to effects of isolation by distance among individuals and isolation by resistance among subpopulations, yet unknown effects might factor in. The easternmost subpopulation was the most differentiated, and at the same time, immigration was not detected; hence, its long‐term survival might be threatened. Our study provides valuable insights into the spatial genetic variation of this small‐scale metapopulation system of Alpine black grouse.
Measures of left atrial function predict incident heart failure in a low‐risk general population: the Copenhagen City Heart Study
Authors: Andersen Ditte Madsen , Sengeløv Morten , Olsen Flemming Javier , Marott Jacob Louis , Jensen Gorm Boje , Schnohr Peter , Platz Elke , Schou Morten , Mogelvang Rasmus , Biering‐Sørensen Tor 
Published: December 2021

AimsThis study investigated left atrial (LA) parameters as measured on transthoracic echocardiography as predictors of incident heart failure (HF) in a community cohort.Methods and resultsIn a large general population study (n = 2221), participants underwent a health examination with echocardiography. The maximum and minimum LA volumes indexed to body surface area (LAVImax and LAVImin) were measured and the LA emptying fraction (LAEF) and LA expansion index (LAEI) were calculated. Among 1951 participants without atrial fibrillation or significant valve disease, the mean age was 59 ± 16 years and 58% were women. At baseline, 1% (n = 16) had a left ventricular ejection fraction of <50%, 44% had hypertension, and 10% had diabetes. During follow‐up (median 15.8 years, interquartile range: 11.3–16.2 years), 187 (10%) participants were diagnosed with incident HF. Participants who were diagnosed with HF during follow‐up had a larger LAVImax and LAVImin and a lower LAEF and LAEI compared to participants without HF. In unadjusted analysis, LAVImax, LAVImin, LAEF and LAEI were predictors of incident HF. After multivariable adjustment for clinical and echocardiographic parameters, only LAVImin remained an independent predictor of incident HF (hazard ratio per 1 standard deviation increase: 1.22 [95% confidence interval 1.01–1.47], p = 0.038).ConclusionIn the general population, LAVImin is an independent predictor of incident HF. LAVImax, currently the only LA measure in a routine echocardiographic examination, was not an independent predictor of incident HF.
Effects of Diclofenac on the Reproductive Health, Respiratory Rate, Cardiac Activity, and Heat Tolerance of Aquatic Animals
Authors: Berezina Nadezhda A. , Sharov Andrey N. , Chernova Ekaterina N. , Malysheva Olga A. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Diclofenac is an important pharmaceutical present in the water cycle of wastewater treatment and one of the most distributed drugs in aquatic ecosystems. Despite the great interest in the fate of diclofenac in freshwaters, the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations on invertebrates are still unclear. Two species of freshwater invertebrates, the amphipod Gmelinoides fasciatus and the bivalve mollusk Unio pictorum, were exposed to diclofenac concentrations of 0.001–2 μg/L (environmentally relevant levels) for 96 h. A set of biological endpoints (survival, fecundity, embryo abnormalities, respiration and heart rates, heat tolerance, and cardiac stress tolerance) were estimated in exposed invertebrates. Effects of diclofenac on amphipod metabolic rate and reproduction (number and state of embryos) and adaptive capacity (cardiac stress tolerance) in both species were evident. The oxygen consumption of amphipods exposed to diclofenac of 0.1–2 μg/L was 1.5–2 times higher than in the control, indicating increased energy requirements for standard metabolism in the presence of diclofenac (&gt;0.1 μg/L). The heart rate recovery time in mollusks after heating to critical temperature (30 °C) was 1.7 and 9 times greater in mollusks exposed to 0.1 and 0.9 μg/L, respectively, than in the control (24 min). A level of diclofenac &gt;0.9 μg/L adversely affected amphipod embryos, leading to an increase in the number of embryos with impaired development, which subsequently died. Thus, the lowest effective concentration of diclofenac (0.1 μg/L) led to increased energy demands of animals while reducing cardiac stress tolerance, and at a level close to 1 μg/L reproductive disorders (elevated mortality of the embryos) occurred. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:677–686. © 2021 SETAC
Abstract
A set of biological endpoints (survival, fecundity, embryo abnormalities, respiration and heart rates, heat tolerance, and cardiac stress tolerance) were estimated after 96-h exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of diclofenac in the freshwater amphipod Gmelinoides fasciatus and the bivalve mollusk Unio pictorum. The results showed adverse effects of diclofenac on the metabolism and embryo survival in amphipods and tolerance in mollusks.
Different sensorimotor mechanism in fast and slow progression amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Li Qianwen , Zhu Wenjia , Wen Xinmei , Zang Zhenxiang , Da Yuwei , Lu Jie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe huge heterogeneity of the disease progression rate may cause inconsistent findings between local activity and functional connectivity of the primary sensorimotor area (PSMA) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). For illustration of this hypothesis, resting‐state fMRI (RS‐fMRI) data were collected and analyzed on 38 “definite” or “probable” ALS patients (19 fast and 19 slow, cut off median = 0.41) and 37 matched healthy controls. Amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) and functional connectivity strength (FCS) were analyzed within the PSMA. There was a decreased ALFF (pFDR <.05) and FCS (p = .022) in all ALS patients. The two metrics shared about 50% of variance (R = .7) and both showed significant positive correlation with ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised (ALSFRS‐R) in the fast (p values <.034) but not in the slow progression groups. Interestingly, when regressing out the ALFF, the PSMA network FCS, especially the inter‐hemisphere FCS, showed negative correlation with the ALSFRS‐R score in the slow (R = −.54, p = .026) but not the fast progression group. In summary, the current results suggest that RS‐fMRI local activity and network functional connectivity accounts for the severity differently in the slow and fast progression ALS patients.
Circular RNAs: Functions and mechanisms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Wanpeng , Xu Rui , Zhu Bijun , Wang Huan , Zhang Huankang , Hu Li , Li Houyong , Sun Xicai , Yu Hongmeng , Wang Dehui 
Published: December 2021

AbstractNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor of the nasopharyngeal mucosa with a high incidence rate in southern China and Southeast Asia and an evident ethnic and geographical distribution. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single‐stranded noncoding RNAs with covalent, closed‐loop structures. They are characterized by high stability and abundance, are evolutionarily conserved, and exhibit tissue/developmental stage specificity. Previous studies have shown that circRNAs are associated with the occurrence and development of various malignant tumors. However, the expression patterns and clinical significance of circRNAs in NPC remain ambiguous. Hence, the present review focuses on the biogenesis and regulation of circRNAs, and the functional roles of abnormally expressed circRNAs in NPC. In addition, the current review discusses the possibility of utilizing circRNAs as potential clinical biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of NPC.
Radiation and slip effects on MHD point flow of nanofluid towards a stretching sheet with melting heat transfer
Authors: Kumar Navin , Jat Ram Niwas , Sinha Sharad , Dadheech Praveen Kumar , Agrawal Priyanka , Purohit Sunil Dutt , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn the present paper, the melting heat transfer of a nanofluid over a stretching sheet is investigated. Magnetohydrodynamic stagnation point flow with thermal radiation and slip effects is considered for this study. The governing model of the flow is solved by Runge–Kutta fourth‐order method using appropriate similarity transformations. Temperature and velocity fields are presented for various flow pertinent parameters. Nondimensional physical parameters such as Prandtl number, radiation parameter, Brownian motion parameter, Lewis number, thermophoresis parameter, magnetic parameter, and melting parameter on fluid velocity, heat, concentration, skin friction, Sherwood number, and Nusselt number are presented graphically and discussed numerically. Heat transfer rate can be increased by increasing slip, melting, or radiation parameter. Mass transfer increases for greater values of melting parameter or slip parameter while radiation parameter shows the opposite impact on mass transfer.
Adapting psychophysiological data collection for COVID‐19: The “Virtual Assessment” model
Authors: Tabachnick Alexandra R. , Sellers Tabitha , Margolis Emma , Labella Madelyn , Neff Dylan , Crowell Sheila , Raby K. Lee , Saenz Celine , Conradt Elisabeth , Dozier Mary 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly disrupted research activities globally. Researchers need safe and creative procedures to resume data collection, particularly for projects evaluating infant mental health interventions. Remote research is uniquely challenging for psychophysiological data collection, which typically requires close contact between researchers and participants as well as technical equipment frequently located in laboratory settings. In accordance with public health guidance, we adapted procedures and developed novel protocols for a “virtual assessment” in which women and infants provided behavioral and psychophysiological data from their own homes while researchers coordinated remotely. Data collected at virtual visits included video‐recorded parent–child interactions and autonomic nervous system data. Adaptations were designed to optimize safety and data quality while minimizing participant burden. In the current paper, we describe these adaptations and present data evaluating their success across two sites in the United States (University of Delaware and University of Utah), focusing specifically on autonomic nervous system data collected during the well‐validated Still‐Face Paradigm (SFP). We also discuss advantages and challenges of translating traditional lab procedures into the virtual assessment model. Ultimately, we hope that disseminating these procedures will help other researchers resume safe data collection related to infant mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond.
Development and assessment of biologically compatible anterior cruciate ligament using braided ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Balasubramaniyan Karuppuswamy , Bhoobalan Krishnamoorthy , Jayaraman Dhasarathi , Sounderraj Shanmugam , Muthuukumar K Rajendran , Santhini Elango 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this study, a ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) braided structure was surface modified with low temperature plasma and was coated with cationized gelatin and hyaluronic acid to improve its biocompatibility for the reconstruction of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ligament was studied for its various mechanical properties. Surface modifications were studied through FESEM. Biological compatibility of the ligament was assessed in accordance to ISO 10993 standard. Tensile strength of the UHMWPE reconstructed ligament ranges between 2628 and 5937 N; maximum tensile strength was attained in 1600 denier 2/2 pattern of triple braided structure along with higher strain at failure of 36.1%. In 1600 denier 2/2 pattern of triple braid structure, the linear stiffness was found to be high at 375 N/mm. Among the developed materials, four braided structures namely as 800 denier 2/2 pattern of double braids and triple braids, 1600 denier 1/1 pattern of double braid and 2/2 pattern of triple braid were found to be mechanically suitable. Specifically, the 1600 denier 2/2 pattern of triple braid having higher mechanical properties was selected for coating. The results of in‐vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity confirmed the extract of ACL to non‐toxic and non‐mutant. Furthermore, in‐vivo analysis of the extract and the coated ACL graft proved the ligament to be non‐irritant, non‐sensitizer and also found to promote new tissue formation around the graft. Based on the results, the CG and HA coated ACL graft were concluded to be biocompatible and having considerable potential as an alternate for autograft/allograft.
BF3‐CatalyzedMukaiyama aldol reaction of acetaldehyde with 2‐siloxy‐1‐propene
Authors: Li Xuening , Li Ying , Sun Yuanyuan , Meng Lingpeng , Zeng Yanli 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Mukaiyama aldol reaction is a powerful tool for the construction of the carbon–carbon bond and the formation of β‐hydroxycarbonyl compounds. In this work, the mechanism of acetaldehyde and 2‐siloxy‐1‐propene both in the absence and presence of the catalyst BF3was investigated based on density functional theory. The mechanism includes two major steps: the formation of the carbon–carbon bond and the removal of SiH3/BF2by water. The energy barrier of the carbon–carbon bond formation process in the presence of BF3is obviously lower, indicating that BF3is a good catalyst for this reaction. In terms of molecular configuration, the different tensions between the five‐membered‐ring and six‐membered‐ring can be considered as the possible reason for the catalytic effect of BF3. In terms of charge transfer, the charges of natural population analysis in the carbon atom of the carbonyl group in acetaldehyde becomes more positive, which is easier to attack by nucleophiles and promote the nucleophilic process.
Overexpression and biochemical characterization of a carboxyspermidine dehydrogenase from Agrobacterium fabrum str. C58 and its application to carboxyspermidine production
Authors: Liang Xinxin , Deng Huaxiang , Xiong Tianzhen , Bai Yajun , Fan Tai‐Ping , Zheng Xiaohui , Cai Yujie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDCarboxyspermidine (C‐Spd) is a potentially valuable polyamine carboxylate compound and an excellent building block for spermidine synthesis, which is a critical polyamine with significant implications for human health and longevity. C‐Spd can also be used to prepare multivalent cationic lipids and modify nucleoside probes. Because of these positive effects on human health, C‐Spd is of considerable interest as a food additive and pharmaceutical target.RESULTSA putative gene afcasdh from Agrobacterium fabrum str. C58, encoding carboxyspermidine dehydrogenase with C‐Spd biosynthesis activity, was synthesized and transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) for overexpression. The recombinant AfCASDH was purified and fully characterized. The optimum temperature and pH for the recombinant enzyme were 30 °C and 7.5, respectively. The coupled catalytic strategy of AfCASDH and various NADPH regeneration systems were developed to enhance the efficient production of C‐Spd compound. Finally, the maximum titer of C‐Spd production successfully achieved 1.82 mmol L−1 with a yield of 91% by optimizing the catalytic conditions.CONCLUSIONA novel AfCASDH from A. fabrum str. C58 was characterized that could catalyze the formation of C‐Spd from putrescine and l‐aspartate‐β‐semialdehyde (L‐Asa). A whole‐cell catalytic strategy coupled with NADPH regeneration was established successfully for C‐Spd biosynthesis for the first time. The coupled system indicated that AfCASDH might provide a feasible method for the industrial production of C‐Spd. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of preoperative sarcopenia in patients undergoing sacral tumor resection
Authors: Brinkmann Elyse J. , Wenger Doris E. , Johnson Joshua D. , Karim Syed M. , Blezek Daniel J. , Rose Peter S. , Houdek Matthew T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionSacral tumor resection is known for a high rate of complications. Sarcopenia has been found to be associated with wound complications; however, there is a paucity of data examining the impact of sarcopenia on the outcome of sacral tumor resection.MethodsForty‐eight patients (31 primary sarcomas, 17 locally recurrent carcinomas) undergoing sacrectomy were reviewed. Central sarcopenia was assessed by measuring the psoas:lumbar vertebra index (PLVI), with the 50th percentile (0.97) used to determine which patients were high (>0.97) versus low (<0.97).ResultsTwenty‐four (50%) patients had a high PLVI and 24 (50%) had a low PLVI (sarcopenic). There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the demographics of patients with or without sarcopenia. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative wound complications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.0, p = 1.0) or deep infection (OR = 0.83, p = 1.0). Sarcopenia was not associated with death due to disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.04, p = 0.20) or metastatic disease (HR = 2.47, p = 0.17), but was associated with local recurrence (HR = 6.60, p = 0.01).ConclusionsCentral sarcopenia was not predictive of wound complications or infection following sacral tumor resection. Sarcopenia was, however, an independent risk factor for local tumor recurrence following sacrectomy and should be considered when counseling patients on the outcome of sacrectomy.
PAX9 functions as a tumor suppressor gene for cervical cancer via modulating cell proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Ya‐Qi , Niu Hai‐Bo , Zhang Chun‐Xiao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTo investigate the effect of PAX9 on the progression of cervical cancer (CC). PAX9 expression was quantified in CC tissues and adjacent normal tissues, as well as human CC cell lines and human cervical epithelial cells (HCerEpiC). PAX9‐overexpression lentiviral vectors were transfected into CC cell lines, followed by the measurement of proliferation and apoptosis and the quantification of apoptosis‐related proteins. In vivo, mice were subcutaneously injected with CaSki cells transfected with PAX9‐overexpression lentiviral vectors and control vectors. Then, the volume and weight of tumors were measured followed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and immunohistochemistry. PAX9 expression in the CC tissues was lower than that in the adjacent normal tissues, which was correlated with the FIGO stage, tumor size, infiltration depth, parametrium invasion, lympho‐vascular space invasion tumor‐positive lymph nodes, and prognosis. Furthermore, PAX9 in CC cell lines was also lower than in HCerEpiC. PAX9 inhibits the CC cell proliferation and promotes the apoptosis, with the up‐regulations of caspase‐3, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), and Bax and the down‐regulation of Bcl‐2. In vivo experiments demonstrated that in the PAX9 group, the tumor weight and volume were lower than those in the vector group accompanying the decreased Ki‐67, cleaved‐caspase‐3, and Bax expressions and the increased TUNEL and Bcl‐2 expression. PAX9 was lowly expressed in the CC tissues and associated with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. PAX9 could inhibit proliferation of CC cell lines and promote the apoptosis, thus suppressing the tumor growth in vivo, indicating its potential therapeutic role for CC treatment.
Bilateral Cochlear Implantations in Temporal Bone Fracture: A Viable Treatment Option
Authors: Yousef Medhat F. , Theyab Rami , Garadat Soha N. , Hagr Abdulrahman 
Published: December 2021

Objectives/HypothesisAlthough it is surgically more challenging, patients with bilateral temporal bone fractures (TBFs) are potential candidates for successful bilateral cochlear implantation (CI). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of bilateral implantation in patients with sustained bilateral TBFs.Study DesignRetrospective database study.MethodsSeven patients with bilateral cochlear implants who were diagnosed with TBFs were included in this study. Preoperative radiological and audiological evaluations were performed. The outcomes of the CI were also investigated.ResultsHearing levels were restored to the mild–moderate range (<40 dB) for nearly all patients and they reported an improved quality of life.ConclusionsCI in patients with TBF is safe and offers a solution for the restoration of hearing in a population who may experience sudden bilateral deafness. However, preoperative confirmation of intact auditory nerves and patent cochlea is essential to maximize the success of CI in this population.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 132:2050–2055, 2022
Selective RF excitation designs enabled by time‐varying spatially non‐linear ΔB0 fields with applications in fetal MRI
Authors: Zhang Molin , Arango Nicolas , Stockmann Jason P. , White Jacob , Adalsteinsson Elfar 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPurposeTo demonstrate, through numerical simulations, novel designs of spatially selective radiofrequency (RF) excitations of the fetal brain by both a restricted 2D slice and 3D inner‐volume selection. These designs exploit a single‐channel RF pulse, conventional gradient fields, and the spatially non‐linear ΔB0 fields of a multi‐coil shim array, using an auto‐differentiation optimization algorithm.MethodsThe design algorithm jointly optimizes the RF pulse and the time‐varying ΔB0 fields, which is produced by a 64‐channel multi‐coil ΔB0 body array to augment the RF and the linear gradient fields, using an auto‐differentiation approach. Two design targets were specified, one a 4‐mm thick slice with a limited in‐slice extent in one dimension (“restricted slice”), and the other a 3D inner‐volume selection encompassing the fetal brain (“inner volume”). The RF duration was limited to 2 ms for the restricted slice excitation and 6 ms for the inner‐volume excitation.ResultsExcitation profiles were achieved for both the restricted slice excitation task (one‐minus‐minimum magnitude, 8%) within the region of interest (ROI) and (maximum‐minus‐zero magnitude, 8%) in the suppressed regions and the fetal brain volume excitation task (13% and 9%, respectively).ConclusionsThe proposed joint design of RF and time‐varying, spatially non‐linear ΔB0 fields achieves the target excitation profiles with short RF pulse durations and demonstrates the potential to enhance fetal MRI with multi‐channel body shim arrays.