bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal and Spatial Variations of Enriched Source Components in Linzizong Volcanic Succession, Tibet, and Implications for the India–Asia Collision
Authors: Liu An-Lin , Wang Qing , Zhu Di-Cheng , Cawood Peter A , Xia Ying , Li Shi-Min , Liu Sheng-Ao , Huang Fang , Liu Li , Zhao Zhi-Dan , Mo Xuan-Xue 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The temporal and spatial distribution of enriched source components at sites of continent–continent collision provides critical insights into mantle dynamic processes associated with subduction- and collision-related events. However, determining the origin of such enriched components remains a significant challenge. We report a comprehensive dataset of the Linzizong volcanic succession (LVS) from four locations with varying distance across-strike to the Indus–Yarlung suture in southern Tibet, which marks the exposed surface expression of the India–Asia collision zone. The LVS rocks in this study can be divided into two groups: a calc-alkaline Group 1 (69–55 Ma), mainly including basaltic–andesitic varieties, and a shoshonitic Group 2 (52–50 Ma), consisting predominantly of silicic rocks with minor mafic compositions. Group 1 samples are likely derived from the fractional crystallization of primitive basaltic melts as a result of the partial melting of a metasomatized mantle wedge. These samples are decoupled in Nd–Hf isotopic compositions, suggesting an incorporation of subducting sediment-derived melts into the mantle wedge. The influence of sediment-derived melt on the mantle source increases away from the suture zone toward Asia (i.e., from the south to the north) as indicated by the more enriched Sr, Nd, Pb, and Hf isotopic compositions, as well as elevated Th/La and La/Sm ratios. The heavy δ26Mg values, and high Ba/Th and Sr/Th ratios of samples close to the suture coincide with the dehydration of the subducting Neo-Tethyan slab. Group 2 mafic samples have depleted and coupled εNd–εHf isotopic compositions and are characterized by elevated (La/Yb)N and Dy/Yb ratios as well as low Zr/Nb ratios, indicating an origin of enriched garnet-bearing lithospheric mantle with contributions from asthenosphere-derived materials. Group 2 silicic samples are isotopically enriched both near and far away from the suture, which can be attributed to the involvement of ancient lower crust-derived melt from Tethyan Himalaya and central Lhasa subterrane basement, respectively. Our results show that the LVS are the magmatic response to late subduction (Group 1), and to initial India–Asia collision and slab breakoff (Group 2). Negative trends in the whole-rock Nd and zircon Hf isotopic compositions at ~51 Ma should be treated with caution for geodynamic interpretations, depending on the distance between the samples and the India–Asia suture.
Pandemic Ethics and Status Quo Risk
Authors: Chappell Richard Yetter 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Conservative assumptions in medical ethics risk immense harms during a pandemic. Public health institutions and public discourse alike have repeatedly privileged inaction over aggressive medical interventions to address the pandemic, perversely increasing population-wide risks while claiming to be guided by ‘caution’. This puzzling disconnect between rhetoric and reality is suggestive of an underlying philosophical confusion. In this paper, I argue that we have been misled by status quo bias—exaggerating the moral significance of the risks inherent in medical interventions, while systematically neglecting the (objectively greater) risks inherent in the status quo prospect of an out-of-control pandemic. By coming to appreciate the possibility and significance of status quo risk, we will be better prepared to respond appropriately when the next pandemic strikes.
Improvement of base editors and prime editors advances precision genome engineering in plants
Authors: Hua Kai , Han Peijin , Zhu Jian-Kang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein (Cas)-mediated gene disruption has revolutionized biomedical research as well as plant and animal breeding. However, most disease-causing mutations and agronomically important genetic variations are single base polymorphisms (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) that require precision genome editing tools for correction of the sequences. Although homology-directed repair of double-stranded breaks (DSBs) can introduce precise changes, such repairs are inefficient in differentiated animal and plant cells. Base editing and prime editing are two recently developed genome engineering approaches that can efficiently introduce precise edits into target sites without requirement of DSB formation or donor DNA templates. They have been applied in several plant species with promising results. Here, we review the extensive literature on improving the efficiency, target scope, and specificity of base editors and prime editors in plants. We also highlight recent progress on base editing in plant organellar genomes and discuss how these precision genome editing tools are advancing basic plant research and crop breeding.
Deficiency in flavonoid biosynthesis genesCHS,CHI, andCHILalters rice flavonoid and lignin profiles
Authors: Lam Pui Ying , Wang Lanxiang , Lui Andy C W , Liu Hongjia , Takeda-Kimura Yuri , Chen Mo-Xian , Zhu Fu-Yuan , Zhang Jianhua , Umezawa Toshiaki , Tobimatsu Yuki , Lo Clive 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLignin is a complex phenylpropanoid polymer deposited in the secondary cell walls of vascular plants. Unlike most gymnosperm and eudicot lignins that are generated via the polymerization of monolignols, grass lignins additionally incorporate the flavonoid tricin as a natural lignin monomer. The biosynthesis and functions of tricin-integrated lignin (tricin-lignin) in grass cell walls and its effects on the utility of grass biomass remain largely unknown. We herein report a comparative analysis of rice (Oryza sativa) mutants deficient in the early flavonoid biosynthetic genes encoding CHALCONE SYNTHASE (CHS), CHALCONE ISOMERASE (CHI), and CHI-LIKE (CHIL), with an emphasis on the analyses of disrupted tricin-lignin formation and the concurrent changes in lignin profiles and cell wall digestibility. All examined CHS-, CHI-, and CHIL-deficient rice mutants were largely depleted of extractable flavones, including tricin, and nearly devoid of tricin-lignin in the cell walls, supporting the crucial roles of CHS and CHI as committed enzymes and CHIL as a noncatalytic enhancer in the conserved biosynthetic pathway leading to flavone and tricin-lignin formation. In-depth cell wall structural analyses further indicated that lignin content and composition, including the monolignol-derived units, were differentially altered in the mutants. However, regardless of the extent of the lignin alterations, cell wall saccharification efficiencies of all tested rice mutants were similar to that of the wild-type controls. Together with earlier studies on other tricin-depleted grass mutant and transgenic plants, our results reflect the complexity in the metabolic consequences of tricin pathway perturbations and the relationships between lignin profiles and cell wall properties.
Injectable self-healing ceria-based nanocomposite hydrogel with ROS-scavenging activity for skin wound repair
Authors: Gong Xueyun , Luo Meng , Wang Min , Niu Wen , Wang Yidan , Lei Bo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the injured skin may impede the wound repair and skin regeneration. Herein, we develop an injectable self-healing ceria-based nanocomposite hydrogel with ROS-scavenging activity to accelerate wound healing. The nanocomposite hydrogels were successfully prepared by coating cerium oxide nanorods with polyethylenimine and crosslinked with benzaldehyde-terminated F127 (F127-CHO) through the dynamic Schiff-base reaction (FVEC hydrogel). The results showed that the FVEC hydrogel possessed the good thermosensitivity, injectability, self-healing ability and ROS scavenging activity. The subcutaneous implantation experiments in mice confirmed that FVEC hydrogels are biocompatible and biodegradable in vivo. The full-thickness skin wound studies showed that FVEC hydrogel could significantly enhance the wound healing and epithelium regeneration with the formation of hair follicle and adipocyte tissue. This work provides a new strategy for the development of multifunctional Ce-based nanocomposite hydrogel for full-thickness skin wound healing and regeneration.
Tick-Borne Disease–Associated Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Papamanoli Aikaterini , Kaplun Olga , Lobo Zeena , LeMaitre Beth , Romano Christopher L. , Campbell Scott R. , Psevdos George 
Published: December 2021

Background
North America, and especially Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, is a recognized region for tick-borne diseases. Thrombocytopenia is a common manifestation of certain tick-borne diseases. Our objective was to review cases of thrombocytopenia attributed to tick-borne diseases and to also report local tick surveillance data.

Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted from 2000 to 2018 analyzing confirmed cases of anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis seen in our facility. The Suffolk County tick-borne disease pathogen surveillance program reports data annually. We report surveillance data on ticks and the pathogens they harbored.

Results
A total of 35 veterans were identified with the following tick-borne diseases: babesiosis, 23; ehrlichiosis, 7; and anaplasmosis, 5. The median temperature on presentation was 102.0°F. The median platelet count for the whole cohort was 95,000/μL, with no statistical difference between the 3 diseases, P = 0.169. Rising incidence is noted on all tick-borne diseases, including coinfections in ticks analyzed in Suffolk County.

Conclusions
Based on current epidemiologic trends, and local tick surveillance data, coinfections with tick-borne diseases need to be considered.
Condomless Sex With Partners and Clients Among Female Sex Workers in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khezri Mehrdad , Tavakoli Fatemeh , Bazrafshan Azam , Sharifi Hamid , Shokoohi Mostafa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Condomless sex is the most proximal risk for HIV acquisition among female sex workers (FSWs). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence for the prevalence of condomless sex among FSWs in Iran. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to pool the prevalence estimates and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The pooled prevalence of condomless sex at last sex with a paying client and a nonpaying partner was 34.23% (95% CI: 27.83–40.93) and 48.34 (95% CI: 38.43–58.32), respectively. Last-month inconsistent condom use was 49.01% (95% CI: 21.64–76.71) with paying clients and 60.21% (95% CI: 31.27–85.73) with nonpaying partners. The pooled prevalence of lifetime condom nonuse with any partners/clients was 15.26% (95% CI: 10.68–20.49). These findings indicate that a substantial proportion of FSWs engage in high-risk sexual practices. Community-led programs should be stimulated to improve consistent condom use among FSWs.
Analysis of Fibrotic Plaques in Angiographic Manifest Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy in Long-term Heart Transplanted Patients Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Orban Madeleine , Dischl Dominic , Müller Christoph , Ulrich Sarah , Petzold Tobias , Rizas Konstantinos , Orban Martin W. , Braun Daniel , Hausleiter Jörg , Hagl Christian , Mehilli Julinda , Massberg Steffen 
Published: December 2021

Background.
The development and progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy documented by coronary angiography (CAVangio) after heart transplantation (HTx) has prognostic relevance. Yet there are limited data regarding the role of concomitant intracoronary imaging in the presence CAVangio. In particular, atherosclerotic plaques might represent a potential target for prevention, but their impact on stenosis is understudied.

Methods.
We used high-resolution intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) to quantify and compare findings of intimal hyperplasia (IH) and plaque morphologies in HTx patients (fibrotic plaque, lipid plaque, and calcified plaque). OCT findings were related to the presence of CAVangio as well as to the severity of stenosis.

Results.
We included 65 consecutive patients into analysis (66% with CAVangio, posttransplant interval 9.9 ± 7.6 y). Fibrotic, lipid, and calcified plaques were present in 41 (63.1%), 39 (60%), and 18 (27.7%) patients, respectively. In addition to IH, the presence of fibrotic, lipid, and calcified plaques was found to be associated with CAVangio. The prevalence of lipid plaque and quantitative measurements of fibrotic plaque increased with stenosis severity (lipid plaque, P < 0.001, maximal and mean fibrotic arc, P = 0.05 and P = 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that area under the curve of the fibrotic plaque parameter mean fibrotic arc (0.87, 95% confidence interval [0.76-0.99]; P = 0.002) was superior to area under the curve of intima parameters regarding CAVangio. The effect of mean fibrotic arc (r = 0.52, P < 0.001) was relevant regarding stenosis severity.

Conclusions.
After a longer posttransplant interval, CAV findings in OCT included a combination of IH and atherosclerotic plaques. In addition to IH, the presence of fibrotic, lipid, and calcified plaques is associated with CAVangio. Further studies are warranted to evaluate if the in vivo screening for plaque progress, particularly of fibrotic plaque, could improve individual secondary prevention and outcome in HTx patients.
COVID-19: Salient Aspects of Coronavirus Infection, Vaccines and Vaccination Testing and their Implications
Authors: Pasricha Pradeep K. , Upadhayaya Arun K. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn the present study, three basic aspects related to COVID-19 are presented.The occurrence of coronavirus infection is analyzed statistically as number of coronaviruses infected alveolar cells compared to normal alveolar cells in human lungs. The mole concept is used to estimate the number of normal alveolar cells per human lung. The number of coronavirus infections in infected alveolar cells is estimated from the published Lower Respiratory Tract (LRT) load data. The Poisson probability distribution is aptly applied to imply the incubation period of the coronavirus infection to be within day-3 to day-7, with the cumulative probability of 75%. The incubation period within day-0 to day-10 has a cumulative probability of 98%. It implies a 10-day quarantine to isolate an uninfected individual as a precautionary measure.Three vaccines to combat COVID-19, which adopt distinct paradigms while preparing them, are analyzed. These are Moderna’s mRNA-1273, Oxford-AstraZeneca’s ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Bharat BioTech’s COVAXIN. The mole concept is used to estimate the antigen mass density per dose of each of these vaccines as 10 g cm-3, 0.1 g cm-3 and 1 g cm-3, respectively. The vaccines are deemed to be compatible to neutralize the infection.A statistical analysis is performed of the Moderna’s mRNA-1273 vaccine efficacy of 94.1% and Oxford’s ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine efficacy of 62.1% in terms of groups of volunteers testing negative to vaccine by chance. In the Moderna vaccination testing scenario, since the probability of negative response of vaccine is small, the Poisson probability distribution for 95% cumulative probability is used to describe the vaccination testing in 300 samples of 47 volunteers each. Thus, 87% of samples have average group of 3 volunteers testing negative to vaccine. About 6% of samples have all volunteers testing positive to vaccine. In the Oxford vaccination testing scenario, since the probability of negative response of vaccine is finite, the Gaussian probability distribution for 95% probability is used to describe the vaccination testing in 75 samples of 120 volunteers each. Thus, 68% of samples have average group of 45 volunteers testing negative to vaccine. No sample has all volunteers testing positive to vaccine. A vaccine, irrespective of its efficacy being high or low, is necessary for mass immunization.
Broad and Long-lasting Immune Response against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Other Variants by PIKA-Adjuvanted Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) Protein Subunit Vaccine (YS-SC2-010)
Authors: Liu Yuan , Zhang Nan , Wang Bin , Zhang Yi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractRecently SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant was identified in South Africa with numerous mutations in spike protein, and numerous community infections have been reported and raised grave concern around the world. Some studies found that the neutralization effects of several licensed vaccines against Omicron were dramatically reduced, which significantly affected antibody mediated protection, especially for individuals whose immunization were completed after extended period. In this regard, we studied the persistence and neutralization activity toward mutant strains in animal serum immunized with PIKA-adjuvanted recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit vaccine (YS-SC2-010). Here we are reporting that animal serum collected at 596 days after immunization with YS-SC2-010 still retains high and persistent neutralizing activity against all the Variant of Concern (VOC) variants, including Omicron variant. Although it is a blessed event to achieve 20 months long neutralization against Omicron variant after immunization with YS-SC2-010, it was also founded that the neutralization effect of immune serum on Omicron decreased by 6.29 folds as compared to D614G, more significantly when compared with other mutant strains.
Waning immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 among vaccinees in Hong Kong
Authors: Peng Qiaoli , Zhou Runhong , Wang Yuewen , Zhao Meiqing , Liu Na , Li Shuang , Huang Haode , Yang Dawei , Au Ka-Kit , Wang Hui , Man Kwan , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Chen Zhiwei 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundNearly 4 billion doses of the BioNTech-mRNA and Sinovac-inactivated vaccines have been administrated globally, yet different vaccine-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) remain incompletely investigated.MethodsWe compare the immunogenicity and durability of these two vaccines among fully vaccinated Hong Kong people.FindingsStandard BioNTech and Sinovac vaccinations were tolerated and induced neutralizing antibody (NAb) (100% and 85.7%) and spike-specific CD4 T cell responses (96.7% and 82.1%), respectively. The geometric mean NAb IC50 and median frequencies of reactive CD4 subsets were consistently lower among Sinovac-vaccinees than BioNTech-vaccinees. Against VOCs, NAb response rate and geometric mean IC50 against B1.351 and B.1.617.2 were significantly lower for Sinovac (14.3%, 15 and 50%, 23.2) than BioNTech (79.4%, 107 and 94.1%, 131). Three months after vaccinations, NAbs to VOCs dropped near to detection limit, along with waning memory T cell responses, mainly among Sinovac-vaccinees.InterpretationOur results indicate that Sinovac-vaccinees may face higher risk to pandemic VOCs breakthrough infection.FundingThis study was supported by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council Collaborative Research Fund (C7156-20GF to Z.C and C1134-20GF); the National Program on Key Research Project of China (Grant 2020YFC0860600, 2020YFA0707500 and 2020YFA0707504); Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (JSGG20200225151410198 and JCYJ20210324131610027); HKU Development Fund and LKS Faculty of Medicine Matching Fund to AIDS Institute; Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Fund, Innovation and Technology Commission and generous donation from the Friends of Hope Education Fund. Z.C.’s team was also partly supported by the Theme-Based Research Scheme (T11-706/18-N).
Increased Long-Term Mortality in Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with Health-Care Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Wise Kristin R. , Kempker Jordan A. , Neamu Radu F. , Kobaidze Ketino 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundPneumonia is a leading cause of death in the United States. Guidelines for its diagnosis and management are periodically updated, but long-term mortality in critically ill patients has not been well studied.ObjectiveTo determine differences in one-year mortality between patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and healthcare-associated pneumonia or hospital-acquired pneumonia (HCAP/HAP).MethodsA retrospective multivariate analysis of a prospective cohort study that included all patients admitted to a single-center medical intensive care unit (ICU) from October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008, with a diagnosis of pneumonia.ResultsThere were 181 patients admitted to the medical ICU with a diagnosis of pneumonia, 58.0% with HCAP/HAP and 42.0% with CAP. Those with HCAP/HAP had an older age distribution and higher proportions of cardiovascular (79.1% vs. 63.2%, P=0.02) and neurological (36.2% vs. 18.4%, P=0.01) comorbidities. The HCAP/HAP patients demonstrated an increased risk of death within one a year in the unadjusted analysis (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.2, P=0.01) that did not remain significant in the multivariate analysis (HR 1.3, 95% CI 0.80-2.10. P=0.29) when adjusting for simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II score, age category, source of admission and a history of diabetes mellitus, neurological disease or malignancy.ConclusionCompared to patients admitted to a medical ICU with CAP, those with HCAP/HAP had a higher one-year mortality that is accounted for by the increased co-morbidities associated with a HCAP/HAP diagnosis.Summary of Key PointsThe American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) developed and periodically update guidelines for the diagnosis and management of community-acquired and nosocomial pneumonia based on the patient-care setting in which pneumonia evolved. ATS/IDSA provides guidelines for empiric antibiotic choices based on the category of pneumonia that is diagnosed.Pneumonia is a significant cause of mortality in the United States and when combined with influenza ranks as the eighth leading cause of death nationwide yet little is known about the mortality of critically ill patients with pneumonia that require admission to a medical intensive care unit (ICU).Our findings suggest that older age, higher severity of illness at ICU admission, and chronic comorbid illnesses are the main contributors to long-term mortality from pneumonia requiring ICU admission.In this cohort, we found an independent association between increased mortality and admission from the general hospital ward rather than directly from the emergency department.Our study did not demonstrate that initial guideline-based antibiotic therapy was associated with a reduction in short-term mortality; however, it did demonstrate a high prevalence of resistant pathogens in HCAP/HAP patients, which reflects ATS/IDSA guideline expectations.