bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The perspectives of dialysis patients about the Covid‐19 pandemic and differences between the modalities
Authors: Oruc Aysegul , Aktas Nimet , Dogan Ibrahim , Akgur Suat , Ocakoglu Gokhan , Ersoy Alparslan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe novel coronavirus disease was declared as a pandemic and CKD is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Dialysis has additional contributions on transmission risk so prompt preventive strategies were implemented for dialysis patients. We aimed to evaluate pandemic‐related perceptions and concerns of dialysis patients and differences between dialysis modalities. An anonymous survey for assessing concerns, knowledge, and attitudes about the pandemic was sent online to a total of 339 patients on maintenance dialysis at four tertiary dialysis centers in Turkey. A total of 309 patients (54.9 ± 15.1 years, 51.6% females, 55.7% in‐center HD, 44.3% peritoneal dialysis) enrolled. The anonymous online survey was conducted at the end of April 2020. HD patients were more concerned about transmission risk (p = 0.002) and risks associated with the dialysis treatment environment and the transport methods (p < 0.001). The total concern score was significantly higher in the HD group (2.60 ± 0.93 vs. 1.65 ± 0.54, p < 0.001). The knowledge about the pandemic and prevention methods and the attitudes of prevention were similar between the groups (p = 0.161 and 0.418, respectively). The compliance rate of personal preventive strategies was 98.1%. Considering changing the current dialysis modality due to the pandemic was higher in the HD group (p < 0.001). Although the preventive strategies were performed properly in the HD centers, HD patients were more concerned about the Covid‐19 outbreak compared with PD. Our results support home dialysis treatments for modality decisions with patients' positive perspective of PD over HD during the pandemic.
Red blood cell distribution width predicts residual renal function decline in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Li You Q. , Bai Jian X. , Tang Yu F. , Lin Ke X. , Huang Cheng W. , Shi Yong J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTo investigate the relationship between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and residual renal function (RRF) in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Seventy‐seven CAPD patients were enrolled in this study. According to receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, patients were divided into high RDW (RDW > 14.95%) and low RDW (RDW ≤ 14.95%) groups. The data of baseline clinical, biochemical parameters, comorbidities, medication status, peritoneal function, and dialysis adequacy were compared. Survival curves were calculated using Kaplan–Meier method. Cox regression model was employed to analyze risk factors of decline in RRF. The overall median survival time was 24 months, the median survival time of high RDW group (46 patients) and low RDW group (31 patients) were 24 and 12 months, respectively. Compared with the low RDW group, patients in the high RDW group were older, higher rate of decline RRF and white blood cells count as well as lower total Kt/V (all p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the low RDW group had higher survival of RRF compared with the high RDW group (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high RDW was independent risk factor for decline of RRF(hazard ratio = 1.441, 95% confidence interval: 1.089–1.905, p = 0.01). Increased baseline RDW is associated with decline of RRF in CAPD patients and RDW can be stratified as a valuable indicator for the risk of RRF decline.
A data‐independent acquisition (DIA) assay library for quantitation of environmental effects on the kidney proteome of Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Root Larken , Campo Aurora , MacNiven Leah , Con Pazit , Cnaani Avner , Kültz Dietmar 
Published: June 2021

AbstractInteractions of organisms with their environment are complex and environmental regulation at different levels of biological organization is often nonlinear. Therefore, the genotype to phenotype continuum requires study at multiple levels of organization. While studies of transcriptome regulation are now common for many species, quantitative studies of environmental effects on proteomes are needed. Here we report the generation of a data‐independent acquisition (DIA) assay library that enables simultaneous targeted proteomics of thousands of Oreochromis niloticus kidney proteins using a label‐ and gel‐free workflow that is well suited for ecologically relevant field samples. We demonstrate the usefulness of this DIA assay library by discerning environmental effects on the kidney proteome of O. niloticus. Moreover, we demonstrate that the DIA assay library approach generates data that are complimentary rather than redundant to transcriptomic data. Transcript and protein abundance differences in kidneys of tilapia acclimated to freshwater and brackish water (25 g/kg) were correlated for 2114 unique genes. A high degree of non‐linearity in salinity‐dependent regulation of transcriptomes and proteomes was revealed suggesting that the regulation of O. niloticus renal function by environmental salinity relies heavily on post‐transcriptional mechanisms. The application of functional enrichment analyses using STRING and KEGG to DIA assay data sets is demonstrated by identifying myo‐inositol metabolism, antioxidant and xenobiotic functions, and signalling mechanisms as key elements controlled by salinity in tilapia kidneys. The DIA assay library resource presented here can be adopted for other tissues and other organisms to study proteome dynamics during changing ecological contexts.
Pathological complete response to neoadjuvant ceritinib of a crizotinib‐resistant, stage IIIB non‐small cell lung cancer with ALK rearrangement: A case report
Authors: Bing Zhongxing , Jia Ziqi , Wang Yadong , Xue Jianchao , Cao Lei , Cao Zhili , Liu Peng , Li Ji , Liang Naixin , Li Shanqing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe treatment of stage IIIB non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is complicated, the best strategy is chosen individually and surgery is usually not recommended. A 50‐year‐old female was diagnosed with locally advanced lung adenocarcinoma (stage IIIB, T2bN3M0). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed an ALK rearrangement. Crizotinib was administered and progression was seen after five months. The patient then received ceritinib with a palliative intent, which led to downstaging (IIIA[N2]) with a radiological and metabolic response. Right lower lobe lobectomy was performed at 12 months post‐surgery, and the patient is still disease‐free according to the last computed tomography (CT) scan. The unintended downstaging from ceritinib provided a chance for resection in our patient who had ALK‐positive stage IIIB NSCLC after the failure of first‐line crizotinib, indicating potential usage of ceritinib in the neoadjuvant setting. Future perspective trials are warranted to investigate the role of ceritinib in earlier stages as a primary drug.
Senolytics alleviate the degenerative disorders of temporomandibular joint in old age
Authors: Zhou Yueying , Al‐Naggar Iman M. A. , Chen Po‐Jung , Gasek Nathan S. , Wang Ke , Mehta Shivam , Kuchel George A. , Yadav Sumit , Xu Ming 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAging is one of the major risk factors for degenerative joint disorders, including those involving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). TMJ degeneration occurs primarily in the population over 65, significantly increasing the risk of joint discomfort, restricted joint mobility, and reduced quality of life. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective mechanism‐based treatment available in the clinic to alleviate TMJ degeneration with aging. We now demonstrate that intermittent administration of senolytics, drugs which can selectively clear senescent cells, preserved mandibular condylar cartilage thickness, improved subchondral bone volume and turnover, and reduced Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) histopathological score in both 23‐ to 24‐month‐old male and female mice. Senolytics had little effect on 4 months old young mice, indicating age‐specific benefits. Our study provides proof‐of‐concept evidence that age‐related TMJ degeneration can be alleviated by pharmaceutical intervention targeting cellular senescence. Since the senolytics used in this study have been proven relatively safe in recent human studies, our findings may help justify future clinical trials addressing TMJ degeneration in old age.
Advanced maternal age causes premature placental senescence and malformation via dysregulated α‐Klotho expression in trophoblasts
Authors: Chen Zhi , Xiong Liling , Jin Huili , Yu Jiaxiao , Li Xin , Fu Huijia , Wen Li , Qi Hongbo , Tong Chao , Saffery Richard , Kilby Mark D. , Baker Philip N. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAdvanced maternal age (AMA) pregnancy is associated with higher risks of adverse perinatal outcomes, which may result from premature senescence of the placenta. α‐Klotho is a well‐known antiaging protein; however, its expression and effect on the placenta in AMA pregnancies have not yet been fully elucidated. The expression patterns of α‐Klotho in mouse and human placentas from AMA pregnancies were determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. α‐Klotho expression in JAR cells was manipulated to investigate its role in trophoblastic senescence, and transwell assays were performed to assess trophoblast invasion. The downstream genes regulated by α‐Klotho in JAR cells were first screened by mRNA sequencing in α‐Klotho‐knockdown and control JAR cells and then validated. α‐Klotho‐deficient mice were generated by injecting klotho‐interfering adenovirus (Ad‐Klotho) via the tail vein on GD8.5. Ablation of α‐Klotho resulted in not only a senescent phenotype and loss of invasiveness in JAR cells but also a reduction in the transcription of cell adhesion molecule (CAM) genes. Overexpression of α‐Klotho significantly improved invasion but did not alter the expression of senescence biomarkers. α‐Klotho‐deficient mice exhibited placental malformation and, consequently, lower placental and fetal weights. In conclusion, AMA results in reduced α‐Klotho expression in placental trophoblasts, therefore leading to premature senescence and loss of invasion (possibly through the downregulation of CAMs), both of which ultimately result in placental malformation and adverse perinatal outcomes.
Alcohol consumption during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Europe: a large‐scale cross‐sectional study in 21 countries
Authors: Kilian Carolin , Rehm Jürgen , Allebeck Peter , Braddick Fleur , Gual Antoni , Barták Miroslav , Bloomfield Kim , Gil Artyom , Neufeld Maria , O'Donnell Amy , Petruželka Benjamin , Rogalewicz Vladimir , Schulte Bernd , Manthey Jakob ,   the European Study Group on Alcohol Use and COVID‐19
Published: June 2021

AbstractAimsTo investigate changes in alcohol consumption during the first months of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Europe as well as its associations with income and experiences of distress related to the pandemic.DesignCross‐sectional on‐line survey conducted between 24 April and 22 July 2020.SettingTwenty‐one European countries.ParticipantsA total of 31 964 adults reporting past‐year drinking.MeasurementsChanges in alcohol consumption were measured by asking respondents about changes over the previous month in their drinking frequency, the quantity they consumed and incidence of heavy episodic drinking events. Individual indicators were combined into an aggregated consumption‐change score and scaled to a possible range of −1 to +1. Using this score as the outcome, multi‐level linear regressions tested changes in overall drinking, taking into account sampling weights and baseline alcohol consumption [Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT‐C)] and country of residence serving as random intercept. Similar models were conducted for each single consumption‐change indicator.FindingsThe aggregated consumption‐change score indicated an average decrease in alcohol consumption of −0.14 [95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.18, −0.10]. Statistically significant decreases in consumption were found in all countries, except Ireland (−0.08, 95% CI = −0.17, 0.01) and the United Kingdom (+0.10, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.17). Decreases in drinking were mainly driven by a reduced frequency of heavy episodic drinking events (−0.17, 95% CI = −0.20, −0.14). Declines in consumption were less marked among those with low‐ or average incomes and those experiencing distress.ConclusionsOn average, alcohol consumption appears to have declined during the first months of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Europe. Both reduced availability of alcohol and increased distress may have affected consumption, although the former seems to have had a greater impact in terms of immediate effects.
First data about the preimaginal morphology of Austroscaeva occidentalis (Shannon, 1927) and re‐description of larvae and pupae of Dioprosopa clavata (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: Lillo Inés , Pérez‐Bañón Celeste , Arcaya Evelin , Mengual Ximo , Rojo Santos 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPreimaginal morphology of Austroscaeva occidentalis (Shannon, 1927) is described for the first time, and the morphology of larvae and pupae of Dioprosopa clavata (Fabricius, 1794) is updated based on material obtained from captive rearing of wild females from Argentina and Venezuela, respectively. We describe the morphology of the third instar larva, head skeleton and puparium using optical microscopy, cryo‐scanning and scanning electron microscope. The immature stages of both New World flower fly species are analysed and compared with the known preimaginal morphology of other taxa that belong to the evolutionary lineage of Eupeodes‐Scaeva, where Austroscaeva Láska, Mazánek & Mengual, 2018, and Dioprosopa Hull, 1949, form a Neotropical radiation within, together with the genus Notosyrphus Vockeroth, 1969. Larvae of all members of this lineage have abdominal segments 5 and 6 with the tips of the locomotory prominences facing posteriorly, and the anal segment with a characteristic U‐shaped grasping organ. Two other larval synapomorphies of this group of genera are the presence of metathoracic setae accompanying ventral sensilla, and the abdominal segments 1–7 with an extra lobe on each locomotory prominence. These two last characters cannot be assessed for Macrosyrphus Matsumura, 1917, and Lapposyrphus Dušek & Láska, 1967, based on published information on larval descriptions. Despite a similar colouration pattern of the fully grown larvae, larval morphology of A. occidentalis and D. clavata are quite distinct. The preimaginal morphology of A. occidentalis has a mixture of morphological characters from the taxa Scaeva Fabricius, 1805, Semiscaeva Kuznetzov, 1985, and Dioprosopa. The larvae of D. clavata show several unique diagnostic features, such as the presence of a slightly serrate outline due to the great development of the segmental spines and a pinnate ornamentation of the setae of its dorsal and dorsolateral sensilla. Regarding their biological cycle, the length of the preadult stages of A. occidentalis is almost 5 days longer than the length observed for D. clavata. In addition, new DNA barcodes are provided for A. occidentalis.
Modelling current and future potential distributions of Vachellia tortilis (Forssk.) Hayne subsp. raddiana (Savi.) Brenan var. raddiana under climate change in Tunisia
Authors: Mechergui Kaouther , Altamimi Amal Saleh , Jaouadi Wahbi , Naghmouchi Souheila , El Wellani Sabri 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this study, we modelled the current and future distribution of the V. tortilis subsp. raddiana var. raddiana for the period from 2050 (RCP 2.6; RCP 4.5; RCP 8.5) to 2070 (RCP 2.6; RCP 4.5; RCP 8.5) using a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) species distribution model. Our results showed that the precipitation‐associated variables had the strongest effect on the distributions of this species. Among these variables, the precipitation of driest quarter (Bio17: 31.9 of percentage contribution) was the most important variable affecting the suitability of the habitats. Under the current climate conditions, the areas of the highly suitable (>0.6) habitat for V. tortilis in the arid land of Tunisia were 1142.532 km2. In the year 2050 (RCP 2.6) and 2070 (RCP 2.6), the highly suitable habitat areas for V. tortilis will continue to increase and eventually reach to 3300.704 and 5181.630 km2, respectively. In the year 2050 (RCP 8.5) and 2070 (RCP 8.5), the highly suitable habitat areas for V. tortilis will continue to increase and eventually reach to 9614.449 and 14684.870 km2, respectively. With the climate change, the highly suitable habitats of V. tortilis would shift to the southeast and northeast of Bled Talah.
Ferrous hemoglobin and hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers acting as a peroxidase can inhibit oxidative damage to endothelial cells caused by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Huo Shuangshuang , Lei Xiaofeng , He Dan , Zhang Hua , Yang Zhipeng , Mu Wenhua , Fang Ke , Xue Dan , Li He , Li Xiaoyan , Jia Nan , Zhu Hongli , Chen Chao , Yan Kunping 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOxidative damage caused by the ferryl hemoglobin is one of the major clinical adverse reactions of hemoglobin‐based oxygen carriers (HBOCs), while the production of reactive oxygen species in a pathological state can oxidize hemoglobin (HbFe2+) to ferryl Hb, which can then enter the pseudoperoxidase cycle, making hemoglobin highly toxic. In this study, we found that ferrous hemoglobin and polymerized porcine hemoglobin (one of the HBOCs) have the peroxidase activity different from the pseudoperoxidase activity of ferric hemoglobin. Ferrous hemoglobin can catalyze the reaction of tyrosine (Tyr) with hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the results also indicated that ferrous hemoglobin and pPolyHb have a strong inhibitory effect on the pseudoperoxidase activity of ferric hemoglobin. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide was consumed in a large amount, which greatly prevented hemoglobin from becoming oxidized and entering the pseudoperoxidase cycle, thus inhibiting ferryl Hb toxicity. We further cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells and monitored cell morphology, viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and malondialdehydes (MDAs) formation when incubated with H2O2, Tyr, and HbFe2+. HbFe2+ and pPolyHb reduced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, LDH release, and MDA formation. These results showed that reducing oxidative damage induced by H2O2 and converted hemoglobin from a molecule that is toxic to one that inhibits oxidative damage, suggesting a new strategy for development of a safer HBOCs.
Molecular identification and relative abundance of microorganisms in douchi koji and salted egg white sufu during processing
Authors: Chen Yi‐Chao , Liaw Ren‐Bao , Liao Yu‐Sheng , Wanangkarn Amornrat , Chen Wen‐Shyan , Tan Fa‐Jui 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA novel animal protein‐based douchi koji‐inoculated steamed salted egg white sufu (SEWS) has been developed. This study determined the relative abundance of microorganisms in the douchi koji and semi‐finished (5‐day fermentation) and finished (5‐day fermentation and 14‐day ripening) SEWS by using 16S and 18S ribosomal DNA and gene‐cloning methods. The results revealed that Bacillus spp. and Aspergillus oryzae were dominant in the douchi koji. In the semi‐finished SEWS, the percentages of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus subtilis were considerably lower, whereas those of Enterococcus and Staphylococcus were substantially higher. In the finished SEWS, Bacillus spp. became dominant again and A. oryzae was the only fungus detected. In conclusion, by using molecular techniques, microbial population dynamics in SEWS can be evaluated. During processing, the relative abundance of microorganisms in SEWS changed and Bacillus spp. and A. oryzae remained dominant. This study provides crucial information for designing starter cultures for producing SEWS.
Discussion on “Improving precision and power in randomized trials for COVID‐19 treatments using covariate adjustment for binary, ordinal, and time‐to‐event outcomes”
Authors: Proschan Michael A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBenkeser et al. present a very informative paper evaluating the efficiency gains of covariate adjustment in settings with binary, ordinal, and time‐to‐event outcomes. The adjustment method focuses on estimating the marginal treatment effect averaged over the covariate distribution in both arms combined. The authors show that covariate adjustment can achieve power gains that could find answers more quickly. The suggested approach is an important weapon in the armamentarium against epidemics like COVID‐19. I recommend evaluating the procedure against more traditional approaches for conditional analyses (e.g., logistic regression) and against blinded methods of building prediction models followed by randomization‐based inference.
Treatment of lymphocyte‐variant hypereosinophilic syndrome (L‐HES): what to consider after confirming the elusive diagnosis
Authors: Williams Alastair K. , Dou Carol , Chen Luke Y. C. 
Published: June 2021

SummaryLymphocyte‐variant hypereosinophilic syndrome (L‐HES) is a rare disease driven by immunophenotypically aberrant T cells producing eosinophilopoetic cytokines such as interleukin‐5 (IL‐5). Treatment is challenging because L‐HES is relatively steroid resistant and not amenable to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We searched the literature for clinical trials and observational studies, including case reports, of patients treated for L‐HES. In all, 25 studies were selected; two were randomised controlled trials of IL‐5 blockade, which included some patients with L‐HES, and the rest were observational studies. Corticosteroids are often used as first‐line therapy, but patients with L‐HES have lower response rates than other types of HES. Treatments that reduce symptoms and steroid dependence in some patients include interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α), anti‐IL‐5 monoclonal antibodies, cyclosporine and mycophenolate. These drugs target T‐cell activation and proliferation, or IL‐5 directly. Although effective, IFN‐α and cyclosporine were commonly reported to cause side‐effects resulting in discontinuation. Alemtuzumab can induce remissions, but these are generally short lived. The anti‐IL‐5 monoclonal antibodies mepolizumab and benralizumab are effective and well tolerated, but with a high rate of relapse once withdrawn. Hydroxyurea, methotrexate, imatinib were unsuccessful in most patients studied. More prospective clinical trials are needed for patients with L‐HES.
Regulatory mechanisms of lipid biosynthesis in microalgae
Authors: Chen Hui , Wang Qiang 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTMicroalgal lipids are highly promising feedstocks for biofuel production. Microalgal lipids, especially triacylglycerol, and practical applications of these compounds have received increasing attention in recent years. For the commercial use of microalgal lipids to be feasible, many fundamental biological questions must be addressed based on detailed studies of algal biology, including how lipid biosynthesis occurs and is regulated. Here, we review the current understanding of microalgal lipid biosynthesis, with a focus on the underlying regulatory mechanisms. We also present possible solutions for overcoming various obstacles to understanding the basic biology of microalgal lipid biosynthesis and the practical application of microalgae‐based lipids. This review will provide a theoretical reference for both algal researchers and decision makers regarding the future directions of microalgal research, particularly pertaining to microalgal‐based lipid biosynthesis.