bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the Representation of Subtropical Boundary Layer Clouds in the NASA GEOS Model with the Eddy-Diffusivity/Mass-Flux Parameterization
Authors: Suselj Kay , Teixeira Joao , Kurowski Marcin J. , Molod Andrea 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA systematic underestimation of subtropical planetary boundary layer (PBL) stratocumulus clouds by the GEOS model has been significantly improved by a new eddy-diffusivity/mass-flux (EDMF) parameterization. The EDMF parameterization represents the subgrid-scale transport in the dry and moist parts of the PBL in a unified manner and it combines an adjusted eddy-diffusivity PBL scheme from GEOS with a stochastic multiplume mass-flux model. The new EDMF version of the GEOS model is first compared against the CONTROL version in a single-column model (SCM) framework for two benchmark cases representing subtropical stratocumulus and shallow cumulus clouds, and validated against large-eddy simulations. Global simulations are performed and compared against observations and reanalysis data. The results show that the EDMF version of the GEOS model produces more realistic subtropical PBL clouds. The EDMF improvements first detected in the SCM framework translate into similar improvements of the global GEOS model.
Genomic analysis of primary and secondary myelofibrosis redefines the prognostic impact of ASXL1 mutations: a FIM study
Authors: Luque Paz Damien , Riou Jérémie , Verger Emmanuelle , Cassinat Bruno , Chauveau Aurélie , Ianotto Jean-Christophe , Dupriez Brigitte , Boyer Françoise , Renard Maxime , Mansier Olivier , Murati Anne , Rey Jérôme , Etienne Gabriel , Mansat-De Mas Véronique , Tavitian Suzanne , Nibourel Olivier , Girault Stéphane , Le Bris Yannick , Girodon François , Ranta Dana , Chomel Jean-Claude , Cony-Makhoul Pascale , Sujobert Pierre , Robles Margot , Ben Abdelali Raouf , Kosmider Olivier , Cottin Laurane , Roy Lydia , Sloma Ivan , Vacheret Fabienne , Wemeau Mathieu , Mossuz Pascal , Slama Borhane , Cussac Vincent , Denis Guillaume , Walter-Petrich Anouk , Burroni Barbara , Jézéquel Nathalie , Giraudier Stéphane , Lippert Eric , Socié Gérard , Kiladjian Jean-Jacques , Ugo Valérie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We aimed to study the prognostic impact of the mutational landscape in primary and secondary myelofibrosis. The study included 479 patients with myelofibrosis recruited from 24 French Intergroup of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (FIM) centers. The molecular landscape was studied by high-throughput sequencing of 77 genes. A Bayesian network allowed the identification of genomic groups whose prognostic impact was studied in a multistate model considering transitions from the 3 conditions: myelofibrosis, acute leukemia, and death. Results were validated using an independent, previously published cohort (n = 276). Four genomic groups were identified: patients with TP53 mutation; patients with ≥1 mutation in EZH2, CBL, U2AF1, SRSF2, IDH1, IDH2, NRAS, or KRAS (high-risk group); patients with ASXL1-only mutation (ie, no associated mutation in TP53 or high-risk genes); and other patients. A multistate model found that both TP53 and high-risk groups were associated with leukemic transformation (hazard ratios [HRs] [95% confidence interval], 8.68 [3.32-22.73] and 3.24 [1.58-6.64], respectively) and death from myelofibrosis (HRs, 3.03 [1.66-5.56] and 1.77 [1.18-2.67], respectively). ASXL1-only mutations had no prognostic value that was confirmed in the validation cohort. However, ASXL1 mutations conferred a worse prognosis when associated with a mutation in TP53 or high-risk genes. This study provides a new definition of adverse mutations in myelofibrosis with the addition of TP53, CBL, NRAS, KRAS, and U2AF1 to previously described genes. Furthermore, our results argue that ASXL1 mutations alone cannot be considered detrimental.
Clinically inapparent right heart dysfunction is associated with reduced myofilament force development in coronary artery disease
Authors: Bening C. , Sales V. L. , Alhussini K. , Radakovic D. , Benitez R. Cris , Madrahimov N. , Keller D. , Leyh R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundRight ventricular dysfunction after CABG is associated with poor peri- and postoperative outcomes. We aimed to identify clinical and experimental predictors for preoperative inapparent right ventricular dysfunction and therefore hypothesized that reduced myofilament force development as well as altered levels of biomarkers might predict inapparent right ventricular dysfunction.MethodsFrom 08/2016 to 02/2018, 218 patients scheduled for CABG were divided into two groups (TAPSE ≥ 20 mm, n = 178; TAPSE < 20 mm, n = 40). Baseline serum samples for biomarkers (Galectin, TGFß1, N Acyl-SDMA, Arginine, ADMA and Pentraxin-3), clinical laboratory and transthoracic echocardiographic parameters were evaluated. To examine the myocardial apparatus of the right ventricle intraoperative right auricular tissue was harvested for stepwise skinned fiber force measurements.ResultsPatients with TAPSE < 20 mm had a higher incidence of DM (55 vs. 34%, p = 0.018), preoperative AFib (43 vs. 16%, p < 0.001), reduced GFR (67 ± 18 vs. 77 ± 24 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.013), larger LA area (22 ± 6 vs. 20 ± 5 cm2, p = 0.005) and reduced LVEF (50 vs. 55%, p = 0.008). Furthermore, higher serum ADMA (0.70 ± 0.13 vs. 0.65 ± 0.15 µmol/l, p = 0.046) and higher serum Pentraxin-3 levels (3371 ± 1068 vs. 2681 ± 1353 pg/dl, p = 0.004) were observed in these patients. Skinned fiber force measurements showed significant lower values at almost every step of calcium concentration (pCa 4.52 to pCa 5.5, p < 0.01 and pCa 5.75–6.0, p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis revealed DM (OR 2.53, CI 1.12–5.73, Euro Score II (OR 1.34, CI 1.02–1.78), preoperative AF (OR 4.86, CI 2.06–11.47), GFR (OR 7.72, CI 1.87–31.96), albumin (OR 1.56, CI 0.52–2.60), Pentraxin-3 (OR 19.68, CI 14.13–25.24), depressed LVEF (OR 8.61, CI 6.37–10.86), lower force values: (pCa 5.4; OR 2.34, CI 0.40–4.29 and pCa 5.2; OR 2.00, CI 0.39–3.60) as predictors for clinical inapparent right heart dysfunction.ConclusionsThese preliminary data showed that inapparent right heart dysfunction in CAD is already associated with reduced force development of the contractile apparatus.
Stepping Stones or Second Class Donors?: a qualitative analysis of gay, bisexual, and queer men’s perspectives on plasma donation policy in Canada
Authors: Grace Daniel , Gaspar Mark , Klassen Benjamin , Lessard David , Anand Praney , Brennan David J. , Lachowsky Nathan , Adam Barry D. , Cox Joseph , Lambert Gilles , Jollimore Jody , Hart Trevor A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are not eligible to donate blood or plasma in Canada if they have had sex with another man in the last 3 months. This time-based deferment has reduced since 2013; from an initial lifetime ban, to five-years, one-year, and now three-months. Our previous research revealed that gay, bisexual, queer, and other MSM (GBM) supported making blood donation policies gender-neutral and behaviour-based. In this analysis, we explored the willingness of Canadian GBM to donate plasma, even if they were not eligible to donate blood.

Methods
We conducted in-depth interviews with 39 HIV-negative GBM in Vancouver (n = 15), Toronto (n = 13), and Montreal (n = 11), recruited from a large respondent-driven sampling study called Engage. Men received some basic information on plasma donation prior to answering questions. Transcripts were coded in NVivo following inductive thematic analysis.

Results
Many GBM expressed a general willingness to donate plasma if they became eligible; like with whole blood donation, GBM conveyed a strong desire to help others in need. However, this willingness was complicated by the fact that most participants had limited knowledge of plasma donation and were unsure of its medical importance. Participants’ perspectives on a policy that enabled MSM to donate plasma varied, with some viewing this change as a “stepping stone” to a reformed blood donation policy and others regarding it as insufficient and constructing GBM as “second-class” donors. When discussing plasma, many men reflected on the legacy of blood donor policy-related discrimination. Our data reveal a significant plasma policy disjuncture—a gulf between the critical importance of plasma donation from the perspective of Canada’s blood operators and patients and the feelings of many GBM who understood this form of donation as less important.

Conclusions
Plasma donor policies must be considered in relation to MSM blood donation policies to understand how donor eligibility practices are made meaningful by GBM in the context of historical disenfranchisement. Successful establishment of a MSM plasma donor policy will require extensive education, explicit communication of how this new policy contributes to continued/stepwise reform of blood donor policies, and considerable reconciliation with diverse GBM communities.
The association of apolipoprotein-E (APOE) gene polymorphisms with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ashiq Sana , Ashiq Kanwal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Numerous studies have investigated the role of apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms in coronary artery disease (CAD), but some controversies exist regarding the outcomes as the results were not consistent and remain uncertain. Therefore, the present meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of APOE polymorphisms with coronary artery disease.

Methods
All the relevant studies published in English language till August 2020 were identified by searching through various electronic databases. The complete data was independently extracted by the two researchers. The data were analyzed by using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis program and MetaGenyo program. The pooled odds ratio was used to check the associations between CAD and APOE polymorphisms. The following genetic models were used to calculate the odds ratio: ε2 vs. ε3 and ε4 vs. ε3.

Results
In the final analysis, we include 12 studies regarding the role of APOE polymorphism in CAD. The pooled odds ratio for ε4 allele was higher (OR 2.00; 95% and CI, 1.48–2.71). There is no statistical significant association for ε2 allele with CAD (OR 1.38; 95% CI, 1.18–1.62). This analysis showed no publication bias exists in the current meta-analysis.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the apolipoprotein ε4 allele appears as a significant genetic risk factor for coronary artery disease while the ε2 allele is beneficial to alleviate the CAD risk.

Trial registration
Registered with PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020190464
The immunology of stress and the impact of inflammation on the brain and behaviour
Authors: Ravi Meghna , Miller Andrew H. , Michopoulos Vasiliki 
Published: March 2021

SUMMARYExposure to acute versus chronic stressors and threats activates the immune system in adaptive and maladaptive manners respectively. Chronic activation arising from persistent stress exposure can contribute to an inflammatory response in the periphery and in the brain that has been implicated in stress-related psychopathology, including depression and anxiety. We review the immunology of acute and chronic stress exposure, integrate this discussion with the emerging literature linking heightened immune activation and inflammation to mood and anxiety disorders, and consider the translational implications of the immune system's role in these psychiatric conditions, with a brief overview of potential interventions.
Selenium level in steroid-resistant and steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Pardede Sudung Oloan , Striratnaputri Andini , Kadim Muzal 
Published: March 2021

Background The mechanisms of pathogenesis of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) are not well understood. Antioxidants, such as glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPx) and its cofactor, selenium, are thought to slow the progress of nephrotic syndrome (NS).
Objective To compare selenium levels in SRNS and SSNS pediatric patients.
Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 51 SRNS and 30 SSNS patients, aged 2 to 18 years, who visited the Pediatric Nephrology Outpatient Clinic at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Subjects were included by consecutive sampling. Selenium was measured on venous blood using GC tools MS ™ (Agilent technologies, inc.).
Results Median selenium levels in SRNS patients were 92 (range 42-154) μg/L and in SSNS patients were 93 (range 69-193) μg/L.
Conclusion Selenium levels in SRNS and SSNS patients were not significantly different.
Vitamin D is associated with blood lead exposure through bone turnover in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Zhang Haojie , Cui Yuke , Dong Ruihua , Zhang Wen , Chen Shihan , Wan Heng , Chen Chi , Chen Yi , Wang Yuying , Zhu Chunfang , Chen Bo , Wang Ningjian , Lu Yingli 
Published: March 2021

Background
Bone is thought to be the reservoir of the human lead burden, and vitamin D is associated with bone turnover. We aimed to explore whether exposure to lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels was associated with higher blood lead levels (BLLs) by increasing the bone turnover rate in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
A total of 4103 type 2 diabetic men and postmenopausal women in Shanghai, China, were enrolled in 2018. Their 25(OH)D, β-C-terminal telopeptide (β-CTX), N-MID osteocalcin and procollagen type 1 N-peptide (P1NP) levels were detected. Their BLLs were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Mediation analyses were performed to identify the possible role that bone turnover played in the underlying mechanisms.

Results
In both the men and postmenopausal women, all three bone turnover markers were inversely associated with 25(OH)D and positively associated with the BLL (all P < 0.01) after adjusting for age, current smoking habits, metabolic parameters, duration of diabetes, vitamin D intake, and use of anti-osteoporosis medication. In the mediation analyses, none of the direct associations between 25(OH)D and BLL was significant for the three bone turnover markers, but all three bone turnover markers were found to be significant mediators of the indirect associations between 25(OH)D and BLL.

Conclusion
The association between vitamin D and BLL was fully mediated by bone turnover markers in type 2 diabetic patients (mediation effect). This finding suggested that vitamin D may protect against blood lead exposure from the bone reservoir by decreasing bone turnover in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Contemporary Belarusian Dialects in Lithuania (Šalčininkai Region)
Authors: Jankowiak Mirosław 
Published: March 2021

The aim of the article is to present contemporary Belarusian dialects in south-eastern Lithuania (in the Šalčininkai region), which have not been the subject of comprehensive linguistic research so far. The basis of the analysis is mainly the author’s own materials and materials taped by other dialectologists. The structure of these Belarusian dialects (selected features in phonetics, morphology, syntax, vocabulary and phraseology) as well as the sociolinguistic aspect of their use in a multilingual environment are demonstrated in the article.
The analysis of the collected material shows that the structure of Belarusian dialects in the study area is well-preserved. Belarusian dialectologists regard the Belarusian dialect in the Vilnius Region as a south-western dialect, which should be described in detail. In the statements of interlocutors, one can note the phonetic, morphological and syntactic features typical of: the south-eastern dialect, the Central Belarusian dialect, the Grodno-Baranovichy group of the south-western dialects and the two so-called dialectal zones: western and north-western. On the one hand, it is a territory shaped by two dialectal massifs and one dialect group, on the other hand, it has been influenced by Baltic and Polish for hundreds of years. Particularly noteworthy is the lexis. Decades of coexistence of Belarusians, Lithuanians and Poles on this territory contributed to the fact that in Belarusian dialects there are numerous borrowings from Lithuanian and Polish (and their dialects).
The Properties of Fuel and Characterization of Functional Groups in Biodiesel -Water Emulsions from Waste Cooking Oil and Its Blends
Authors: Bhikuning Annisa , Senda Jiro Senda 
Published: March 2021

Studying biodiesel as an alternative fuel is important for finding the most suitable fuel for the future. Biodiesel from waste cooking oil is one of the alternative fuels to replace fossil oil. Waste cooking oil is the used oil from cooking and is taken from hotels or restaurants. The emulsion of waste cooking oil and water is produced by adding water to the oil, as well as some additives to bind the water and the oil. In this study, the fuel properties of 100% biodiesel waste cooking oil are compared to several blends by volume: 5% of biodiesel waste cooking oil blended with 95% diesel oil (BD5), 10% of biodiesel waste cooking oil blended with 90% of diesel oil (BD10), 5% of biodiesel waste cooking oil blended with 10% of water and 18.7% of additives (BDW18.7), and 5% of biodiesel waste cooking oil blended with 10% of water and 24.7% of additives (BDW24.7). The objectives of this study are to establish the properties and characteristics of the FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) of biodiesel-water emulsions from waste cooking oil and to compare them to other fuels. The chemical properties of the fuels are analyzed by using the ASTM D Method and FTIR to determine the FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) composition of biodiesel in diesel oil. The results showed that the addition of additives in the water-biodiesel oil increases the viscosity, density, and flash point. However, it decreased the caloric value due to the oxygen content in the fuel.
High Frequency of Multidrug-resistant (Mdr) Klebsiella Pneumoniae Harboring Several β-lactamase and Integron Genes Collected From Several Hospitals in the North of Iran
Authors: Farhadi Mojgan , Ahanjan Mohammad , Goli Hamid Reza , Haghshenas Mohammad Reza , Gholami Mehrdad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the leading causes of hospital outbreaks worldwide. Also, antibiotic-resistant K. pneumoniae is progressively being involved in invasive infections with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the current study was to determine antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and the incidences of resistance genes (integron types and β-lactamase-encoded genes) among clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 100 clinical samples were obtained from hospitalized patients in three teaching hospitals in the north of Iran, from November 2018 and October 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using disk agar diffusion test in line with CLSI recommendation. For colistin, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using broth microdilution. Based on antibiogram, multi-drug resistant (MDR) and extensive-drug resistant (XDR) strains were detected. Finally, integron types and β-lactamase resistance genes were identified using polymerase chain reaction technique.Results. The most and least clinical samples were related to the urine and bronchoalveolar lavage, respectively. Based on the antibiogram results, amikacin and gentamicin exhibited good activity against K. pneumoniae strains in vitro. High resistance rate (93%) to ampicillin/sulbactam also predict the limited efficacy of this antibiotic. Among all the 100 isolates, the frequency of MDR and XDR strains were 58% and 13%, respectively, while no pan-drug resistant (PDR) isolates were found. The prevalence of blaSHV, blaTEM, blaCTX-M-15, blaKPC, blaOXA-48, blaNDM β-lactamase genes were 91.4%, 82.7%, 79.3%, 29.3%, 36.2% and 6.9%, respectively, however 58% of the isolates were carrying intI gene. Class II and III integrons were not detected in any isolates. Conclusion: The MDR K. pneumoniae is becoming a serious problem in hospitals, with many strains developing resistance to most available antimicrobials. Our results indicate co-presence of a series of β-lactamase and integron types on the MDR strains recovered from hospitalized patients. The increasing rate of these isolates emphasizes the importance of choosing an appropriate antimicrobial regimen based on antibiotic susceptibility pattern.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting the Probability of Adjacent Segmental Fractures After Vertebral Augmentation of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Authors: Li Qiujiang , Long Xingxia , Wang Yinbin , Fang Xiaomin , Guo Donggeng , Lv Jinhan , Hu Xuehua , Cai Lijun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Adjacent segmental fractures are adverse events after vertebral augmentation of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs). Predicting the risk of adjacent segmental fractures accurately after surgery is still a significant challenge for spinal surgeons. The aim of our study was to identify predictive factors of the risk of adjacent segmental fractures after vertebral augmentation of OVCFs and develop a nomogram. Methods A nomogram was compiled based on the training cohort of 403 patients, who were hospitalized for OVCFs and performed vertebral augmentation, in the People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from June 2014 to December 2016. The independent predictive factors of postoperative adjacent segmental fractures were determined by LASSO, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Then, establish a nomogram based on these independent predictors. We assessed nomograme using variety methods, including area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).The above results were verified by the validation cohort of 159 patients, who were hospitalized for OVCFs and performed vertebral augmentation between January 2017 and June 2018. Results The establishment of the nomogram was based on six independent predictors， were determined by multivariate analysis，including age, bone cement injection, bone cement leakage, contact between bone cement and vertebral endplates, bone cement dispersion, and anti-osteoporosis treatment. In the training and validation cohort, the AUC of the nomogram were 0.882 (95% confidence interval, 0.824–0.940) and 0.869 (95% confidence interval: 0.811–0.927),respectively.In the training and validation cohort, the optimal calibration curves demonstrated the coincidence between prediction and actual status, and the decision curve analysis demonstrated that the full model had the highest clinical net benefit across the entire range of threshold probabilities. Conclusion The risk prediction model shows a satisfactory prediction effect and could quantify the probability of adjacent segmental fractures after vertebral augmentation of OVCFs.