bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioremediation of heavy metals from wastewater: a current perspective on microalgae-based future
Authors: Goswami R.K. , Agrawal K. , Shah M.P. , Verma P. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Heavy metals-containing drinking water and wastewater are posing a severe threat to the environment, and living beings on land, air and water. Different conventional, advanced nanomaterials-based and biological method has been employed for the treatment of heavy metals. Among the biological methods, microalgae are an important group of micro-organisms that have numerous environmental applications and can remediate heavy metals from wastewater. Also, it has numerous advantages over conventional remediation processes. Microalgae cells can uptake the heavy metal via different physiological and biological methods and are utilized as a nutrient source to regulate its metabolic process for the production of biomass. Furthermore, the enhancement in heavy metal removal efficiency can be improved using different strategies such as immobilization of algal cells, development of algal consortia and designing of microalgae-based nanocomposite materials. Also, it can significantly contribute towards environmental sustainability and future. Thus, the review provides a critical overview of heavy metals and their existence along with their negative effects on humans. This review provides insight on recent advanced nanomaterial approaches for the removal of heavy metals, overviews of microalgae-based heavy metal uptake mechanisms and their potential for the amputation of different heavy metals. Furthermore, the special focus is on recent strategies that enhance heavy metal removal efficiency and contribute towards sustainability for the development of a microalgae-based future.
Optimizing diagnostic algorithms to advance Hepatitis C elimination in Italy: A cost effectiveness evaluation
Authors: Marcellusi Andrea , Mennini Francesco Saverio , Ruf Murad , Galli Claudio , Aghemo Alessio , Brunetto Maurizia R. , Babudieri Sergio , Craxi Antonio , Andreoni Massimo , Kondili Loreta A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesOptimized diagnostic algorithms to detect active infections are crucial to achieving HCV elimination. We evaluated the cost effectiveness and sustainability of different algorithms for HCV active infection diagnosis, in a context of a high endemic country for HCV infection.MethodsA Markov disease progression model, simulating six diagnostic algorithms in the birth cohort 1969‐1989 over a 10‐year horizon from a healthcare perspective was used. Conventionally diagnosis of active HCV infection is through detection of antibodies (HCV‐Ab) detection followed by HCV‐RNA or HCV core antigen (HCV‐Ag) confirmatory testing either on a second sample or by same sample reflex testing. The undiagnosed and unconfirmed rates were evaluated by assays false negative estimates and each algorithm patients’ drop‐off. Age, liver disease stages distribution, liver disease stage costs, treatment effectiveness and costs were used to evaluate the quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER).ResultsThe reference option was Rapid HCV‐Ab followed by second sample HCV‐Ag testing which produced the lowest QALYs (866,835 QALYs). The highest gains in health (QALYs=974,458) was obtained by HCV‐RNA reflex testing which produced a high cost‐effective ICER (€891/QALY). Reflex testing (same sample‐single visit) vs two patients’ visits algorithms, yielded the highest QALYs and high cost‐effective ICERs (€566 and €635/QALY for HCV‐Ag and HCV‐RNA, respectively), confirmed in 99.9% of the 5,000 probabilistic simulations.ConclusionsOur data confirm, by a cost effectiveness point of view, the EASL and WHO clinical practice guidelines recommending HCV reflex testing as most cost effective diagnostic option vs other diagnostic pathways.
Between‐population differences in constitutive and infection‐induced gene expression in threespine stickleback
Authors: Fuess Lauren E. , Weber Jesse N. , den Haan Stijn , Steinel Natalie C. , Shim Kum Chuan , Bolnick Daniel I. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractVertebrate immunity is a complex system consisting of a mix of constitutive and inducible defences. Furthermore, host immunity is subject to selective pressure from a range of parasites and pathogens which can produce variation in these defences across populations. As populations evolve immune responses to parasites, they may adapt via a combination of (1) constitutive differences, (2) shared inducible responses, or (3) divergent inducible responses. Here, we leverage a powerful natural host‐parasite model system (Gasterosteus aculeatus and Schistochephalus solidus) to tease apart the relative contributions of these three types of adaptations to among‐population divergence in response to parasites. Gene expression analyses revealed limited evidence of significant divergence in constitutive expression of immune defence, and strong signatures of conserved inducible responses to the parasite. Furthermore, our results highlight a handful of immune‐related genes which show divergent inducible responses which may contribute disproportionately to functional differences in infection success or failure. In addition to investigating variation in evolutionary adaptation to parasite selection, we also leverage this unique data set to improve understanding of cellular mechanisms underlying a putative resistance phenotype (fibrosis). Combined, our results provide a case study in evolutionary immunology showing that a very small number of genes may contribute to genotype differences in infection response.
Pathogen effectors: What do they do at plasmodesmata?
Authors: Iswanto Arya Bagus Boedi , Vu Minh Huy , Pike Sharon , Lee Jihyun , Kang Hobin , Son Geon Hui , Kim Jae‐Yean , Kim Sang Hee 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPlants perceive an assortment of external cues during their life cycle, including abiotic and biotic stressors. Biotic stress from a variety of pathogens, including viruses, oomycetes, fungi, and bacteria, is considered to be a substantial factor hindering plant growth and development. To hijack the host cell's defence machinery, plant pathogens have evolved sophisticated attack strategies mediated by numerous effector proteins. Several studies have indicated that plasmodesmata (PD), symplasmic pores that facilitate cell‐to‐cell communication between a cell and neighbouring cells, are one of the targets of pathogen effectors. However, in contrast to plant‐pathogenic viruses, reports of fungal‐ and bacterial‐encoded effectors that localize to and exploit PD are limited. Surprisingly, a recent study of PD‐associated bacterial effectors has shown that a number of bacterial effectors undergo cell‐to‐cell movement via PD. Here we summarize and highlight recent advances in the study of PD‐associated fungal/oomycete/bacterial effectors. We also discuss how pathogen effectors interfere with host defence mechanisms in the context of PD regulation.
Severe dilated cardiomyopathy and ventricular arrhythmia in a patient with Emery‐Dreifuss muscular dystrophy harboring a novel frameshift mutation in EMD
Authors: Mitsutake Akihiko , Unuma Atsushi , Kawai Mizuho , Kubota Akatsuki , Ishiura Hiroyuki , Sakuishi Kaori , Shimizu Jun , Maki Hisataka , Amiya Eisuke , Hatano Masaru , Komuro Issei , Tsuji Shoji , Toda Tatsushi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe report a case of a 55‐year‐old man with dilated cardiomyopathy and ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF). He had contracture of neck and ankle flexion from infancy and was found to have dilated cardiomyopathy at the age of 24 years. Intensive cardiac treatment including medication and the use of a defibrillator failed to improve his cardiac function, and heart transplantation was indicated at the age of 55 years. Joint contractures and proximal dominant muscle atrophy with mild weakness suggested Emery‐Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD). The diagnosis of EDMD1 was made based on genetic analysis of EMD and muscle biopsy showing the absence of emerin. The patient was listed as a candidate for heart transplantation, but he died 3 months later due to sustained VT/VF. The present case emphasizes the necessity of considering timely heart transplantation even when a defibrillator is implanted in patients with EDMD.
Current forecast of HIV/AIDS using Bayesian inference
Authors: Prieto Kernel , Romero–Leiton Jhoana P. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this study, we address the problem of fitting a mathematical model to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) data. We present a quantitative analysis of the formulated mathematical model by using Bayesian inference. The mathematical model consists of a suitable simple system of ordinary differential equations. We perform a local and global sensitivity analysis of parameters to determine which parameters of the model are the most relevant for the transmission and prevalence of the disease. We formulate the inverse problem associated to the parameter estimation of the model, and solve it using Bayesian statistics. Then, we estimate the basic reproductive number of the disease based on the estimation of the parameters of the model and its comparison with one is tested through hypothesis tests. The data set consist of HIV and AIDS data from Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Japan, Croatia, United Kingdom, and Mexico.
Modeling food fortification contributions to micronutrient requirements in Malawi using Household Consumption and Expenditure Surveys
Authors: Tang Kevin , Adams Katherine P. , Ferguson Elaine L. , Woldt Monica , Kalimbira Alexander A. , Likoswe Blessings , Yourkavitch Jennifer , Chrisinger Benjamin , Pedersen Sarah , Segovia De La Revilla Lucia , Dary Omar , Ander E. Louise , Joy Edward J. M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLarge‐scale food fortification may be a cost‐effective intervention to increase micronutrient supplies in the food system when implemented under appropriate conditions, yet it is unclear if current strategies can equitably benefit populations with the greatest micronutrient needs. This study developed a mathematical modeling framework for comparing fortification scenarios across different contexts. It was applied to model the potential contributions of three fortification vehicles (oil, sugar, and wheat flour) toward meeting dietary micronutrient requirements in Malawi through secondary data analyses of a Household Consumption and Expenditure Survey. We estimated fortification vehicle coverage, micronutrient density of the diet, and apparent intake of nonpregnant, nonlactating women for nine different micronutrients, under three food fortification scenarios and stratified by subpopulations across seasons. Oil and sugar had high coverage and apparent consumption that, when combined, were predicted to improve the vitamin A adequacy of the diet. Wheat flour contributed little to estimated dietary micronutrient supplies due to low apparent consumption. Potential contributions of all fortification vehicles were low in rural populations of the lowest socioeconomic position. While the model predicted large‐scale food fortification would contribute to reducing vitamin A inadequacies, other interventions are necessary to meet other micronutrient requirements, especially for the rural poor.
Cone photoreceptor density in the Copenhagen Child Cohort at age 16–17 years
Authors: Eckmann‐Hansen Christina , Hansen Mathias Hvidtfelt , Laigaard Poul Pedersen , Sander Birgit Agnes , Munch Inger Christine , Olsen Else Marie , Skovgaard Anne Mette , Larsen Michael 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPurposeTo examine cone density in relation to gestational and morphological parameters in the Copenhagen Child Cohort (CCC2000).MethodsThe macula was imaged using adaptive optics in 1,296 adolescents aged 16–17 years. Axial length and distance visual acuity were determined. Absolute and angular cone photoreceptor density were analysed for an 80 × 80‐pixel area, 2 degrees temporal to the fovea. Association with axial length was analysed with linear regression. Correlation with visual acuity was described with a Pearson correlation coefficient. Associations of cone density with gestational parameters, maternal smoking, sex and age were analysed using multiple regression adjusted for axial length.ResultsMean absolute cone density was 30,007 cones/mm2 (SD ± 3,802) and mean angular cone density was 2,383 cones/deg2 (SD ± 231). Peri‐ and postnatal parameters, sex and age had no statistically significant effect on cone density (p > 0.05). Absolute cone density decreased with longer axial length (−2,855 cones/mm2 per mm or −9.7% per mm, p < 0.0001). For angular density, which included a correction for the geometrical enlargement of the eye with axial length, a decrease with axial length was detectable, but it was small (−20 cones/deg2 per mm or −0.84% per mm, p = 0.009).ConclusionsThe decrease in cone density per unit solid angle with increasing axial length was small, less than 1 percent per mm, indicating that expansion of the posterior pole during the development of refraction takes place without a clinically significant loss of cones. Perinatal parameters, within the spectrum presented by the study population, had no detectable effect on cone density.
Genome editing with type II‐C CRISPR‐Cas9 systems from Neisseria meningitidis in rice
Authors: Xu Rongfang , Qin Ruiying , Xie Hongjun , Li Juan , Liu Xiaoshuang , Zhu Mingdong , Sun Yang , Yu Yinghong , Lu Pingli , Wei Pengcheng 
Published: September 2021

SummaryTwo type II‐C Cas9 orthologs (Nm1Cas9 and Nm2Cas9) were recently identified from Neisseria meningitidis and have been extensively used in mammalian cells, but whether these NmCas9 orthologs or other type II‐C Cas9 proteins can mediate genome editing in plants remains unclear. In this study, we developed and optimized targeted mutagenesis systems from NmCas9s for plants. Efficient genome editing at the target with N4GATT and N4CC protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) was achieved with Nm1Cas9 and Nm2Cas9 respectively. These results indicated that a highly active editing system could be developed from type II‐C Cas9s with distinct PAM preferences, thus providing a reliable strategy to extend the scope of genome editing in plants. Base editors (BEs) were further developed from the NmCas9s. The editing efficiency of adenine BEs (ABEs) of TadA*‐7.10 and cytosine BEs (CBEs) of rat APOBEC1 (rAPO1) or human APOBEC3a (hA3A) were extremely limited, whereas ABEs of TadA‐8e and CBEs of Petromyzon marinus cytidine deaminase 1 (PmCDA1) exhibited markedly improved performance on the same targets. In addition, we found that fusion of a single‐stranded DNA‐binding domain from the human Rad51 protein enhanced the base editing capability of rAPO1‐CBEs of NmCas9s. Together, our results suggest that the engineering of NmCas9s or other type II‐C Cas9s can provide useful alternatives for crop genome editing.
Outcomes of skin cancers in pediatric solid organ transplant patients: A systematic review
Authors: Sachdeva Muskaan , Lara‐Corrales Irene , Pope Elena , Chan An‐Wen , Parekh Rulan S. , Kitchlu Abhijat , Sibbald Cathryn 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe most frequently reported malignancies after solid organ transplant are cutaneous, but data on the risk in pediatric populations varies across studies.ObjectivesTo perform a systematic review including reported features and outcomes of skin cancers in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients.MethodsEMBASE and MEDLINE were systematically searched (Prospero CRD42020201659).ResultsThe review summarizes data from 20 studies on 337 patients, with a median age ranging from 15.0 to 19.5 years as reported in 4 studies, who developed skin malignancies after pediatric solid organ transplantation. Median ages at transplant and skin cancer diagnosis ranged from 1.5 to 17.0 years and 15.3 to 33.5 years, respectively. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was most commonly reported (218 cases), followed by basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (91 cases), melanoma (18 cases), and unspecified keratinocyte carcinomas (2 cases). The median latency period between transplantation and cancer diagnosis ranged from 2.2 to 21.0 years. Overall, 4 studies reported 17 cases of metastasis in total, and recurrence was reported in one case. Six deaths were reported in one study related to SCC and melanoma metastases. The incidence rate of skin cancer after pediatric transplantation per 100 person‐years of follow‐up was 2.1 based on 5 studies.ConclusionThe most frequent post‐transplant malignancy in pediatric organ transplant recipients was SCC.
In Defense of the Standard Picture: The Basic Challenge
Authors: Alexander Larry 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this article I defend what Mark Greenberg has labeled the standard picture of law against the attack on it by Greenberg and Scott Hershovitz. I point out that law on the standard picture’s conception of it has moral virtues that Greenberg's own moral impact theory and Hershovitz’s similar theory lack. Moreover, it avoids a vicious circularity that bedevils Greenberg’s theory.
Constitutive Rules: The Symbolization Account
Authors: Brigaglia Marco , Celano Bruno 
Published: September 2021

AbstractOur aim is to provide an account of constitutive rules in terms of (1) the acceptance of regulative norms, and (2) a cognitive process we call “symbolization” (in an altogether different sense from what J. R. Searle means by this word). We claim, first, that institutional facts à la Searle boil down to facts concerning the collective acceptance of regulative norms in a given community. This, however, does not exhaust what institutional facts are. There is a residue, symbolization. Symbolization, as we understand it, involves a transfer of cognitive models from one domain to another. We introduce this notion by exploring different sorts of games, taking our cue from games of pretend play. In the context of this exploration, we introduce the idea of the significance—a matter of degree—of symbolization for a given institutional concept. In particular, we claim, symbolization may play, vis‐à‐vis a given institutional concept, a properly constitutive or a merely auxiliary role. We further argue that, in most legal concepts as conceived in our legal culture, symbolization plays a merely auxiliary role. A possible exception is the concept of political representation, at least on some understandings of it.
Translation and preliminary validation of the Serbian version of an ageism scale for dental students (ASDS‐Serb)
Authors: Popovac Aleksandra , Pficer Jovana Kuzmanovic , Stančić Ivica , Vuković Ana , Marchini Leonardo , Kossioni Anastassia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsThe ageist attitudes among dental clinicians may result in inadequate treatment planning and reduce quality of life for older adults. This study aimed at performing a preliminary validation of an ageism scale for dental students (ASDS) in Serbia (ASDS‐Serb).Methods and ResultsThe 27‐item ASDS was translated from English into Serbian and completed by 129 dental students. Principal component analysis (PCA), Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal consistency reliability and discriminant validity were estimated. PCA produced a 17‐item scale distributed into five factors that explain 64.24% of the total variance. All items showed high to moderate reliability (0.50–0.83). CFA indicates an acceptable model fit with significant standardized factor loadings ranging from 0.14–0.99. The first factor dealt with negative views of older adults’ life and dental treatment, the second factor related to ethical values about older people, the third factor compared younger and older adults in dental care and the fourth factor related to difficulties in medical history taking. The fifth factor related to perceptions of oral health and treatment of older adults. Discriminant validity revealed significant differences related to the semester of studies, gender and having older people in the family.ConclusionThe preliminary validation of the ASDS‐Serb resulted in a 17‐item scale distributed into the five factors with acceptable validity and reliability.
On Wyatt's Absolutist Account of Faultless Disagreement in Matters of Personal Taste
Authors: Hîncu Mihai , Zeman Dan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this critical paper, we engage with a recent absolutist proposal to account for faultless disagreement — that of Jeremy Wyatt. We first introduce the phenomenon to be explained and briefly present Wyatt's account. The bulk of the paper is dedicated to spelling out objections to various aspects of the view, which are related to his adherence to semantic minimalism, the interpretation of the empirical data he relies on, and his construal of both faultlessness and disagreement. We end with a comparison of the proposal with other views on the market from the point of view of theoretical economy.
A pilot randomized clinical trial of cryopreserved versus liquid‐stored platelet transfusion for bleeding in cardiac surgery: The cryopreserved versus liquid platelet‐New Zealand pilot trial
Authors: McGuinness Shay , Charlewood Richard , Gilder Eileen , Parke Rachael , Hayes Katia , Morley Sarah , Al‐Ibousi Aous , Deans Renae , Howe Belinda , Johnson Lacey , Marks Denese C. , Reade Michael C. ,   Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Clinical Trials Network,   Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPlatelets for transfusion have a shelf‐life of 7 days, limiting availability and leading to wastage. Cryopreservation at −80°C extends shelf‐life to at least 1 year, but safety and effectiveness are uncertain.Materials and MethodsThis single centre blinded pilot trial enrolled adult cardiac surgery patients who were at high risk of platelet transfusion. If treating clinicians determined platelet transfusion was required, up to three units of either cryopreserved or liquid‐stored platelets intraoperatively or during intensive care unit admission were administered. The primary outcome was protocol safety and feasibility.ResultsOver 13 months, 89 patients were randomized, 23 (25.8%) of whom received a platelet transfusion. There were no differences in median blood loss up to 48 h between study groups, or in the quantities of study platelets or other blood components transfused. The median platelet concentration on the day after surgery was lower in the cryopreserved platelet group (122 × 103/μl vs. 157 × 103/μl, median difference 39.5 ×103/μl, p = 0.03). There were no differences in any of the recorded safety outcomes, and no adverse events were reported on any patient. Multivariable adjustment for imbalances in baseline patient characteristics did not find study group to be a predictor of 24‐h blood loss, red cell transfusion or a composite bleeding outcome.ConclusionThis pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrated the feasibility of the protocol and adds to accumulating data supporting the safety of this intervention. Given the clear advantage of prolonged shelf‐life, particularly for regional hospitals in New Zealand, a definitive non‐inferiority phase III trial is warranted.