bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-throughput sequencing reveals dietary segregation in Malaysian babblers
Authors: Mansor Mohammad Saiful , Rozali Fasihah Zarifah , Davies Sian , Nor Shukor Md , Ramli Rosli 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The coexistence of numerous species within a community results from how those species use available resources. Babblers are one of the major groups of Malaysian insectivorous birds, which frequently forage in dense vegetation cover and have a high level of sympatry. Therefore, examining the diet, prey selection, and niche segregation of babblers can be challenging. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to investigate potential dietary overlap or segregation among 10 babbler species of the 4 genera of the family Pellorneidae and Timaliidae: Pellorneum, Malacopteron, Stachyris, and Cyanoderma in central peninsular Malaysia. We tested the hypothesis that trophically similar species may differ in resource use to avoid competitive exclusion. We identified 81 distinct arthropod taxa from fecal samples, belonging to 71 families representing 13 orders, which were predominantly from 16 dipteran, 13 lepidopteran, and 10 coleopteran families. Of all the prey taxa consumed, 45% were found to be distinct across the 10 babbler species, and ˂35% were shared simultaneously by ≥3 babbler species, indicating minimal dietary overlap. The black-throated babbler Stachyris nigricollis and moustached babbler Malacopteron magnirostre had the most generalist tendencies because they consumed a greater variety of prey taxa. Small dietary overlap values (Ojk) and a relatively wide range of food resources suggest that dietary segregation occurred among the studied babblers. The great diversity of prey consumed revealed the presence of dietary flexibility among the sympatric insectivorous birds, thus reducing any active dietary competition and facilitating the coexistence through niche partitioning.
Randomized controlled trial of once-per-week intermittent fasting for health improvement: the WONDERFUL trial
Authors: Bartholomew Ciera L , Muhlestein Joseph B , May Heidi T , Le Viet T , Galenko Oxana , Garrett Kelly Davis , Brunker Cherie , Hopkins Ramona O , Carlquist John F , Knowlton Kirk U , Anderson Jeffrey L , Bailey Bruce W , Horne Benjamin D 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Aims
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) predicts heart disease onset and may be reduced by intermittent fasting. Some studies, though, reported that fasting increased LDL-C; however, no study evaluated LDL-C as the primary endpoint. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of low-frequency intermittent fasting on LDL-C and other biomarkers.

Methods and results
Adults aged 21–70 years were enrolled who were not taking a statin, had modestly elevated LDL-C, had ≥1 metabolic syndrome feature or type 2 diabetes, and were not taking anti-diabetic medication (N = 103). Water-only 24-h fasting was performed twice weekly for 4 weeks and then once weekly for 22 weeks; controls ate ad libitum. The primary outcome was 26-week LDL-C change score. Secondary outcomes (requiring P ≤ 0.01) were 26-week changes in homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), Metabolic Syndrome Score (MSS), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and MicroCog general cognitive proficiency index (GCPi). Intermittent fasting (n = 50) and control (n = 53) subjects were, respectively, aged 49.3 ± 12.0 and 47.0 ± 9.8 years, predominantly female (66.0% and 67.9%), and overweight (103 ± 24 and 100 ± 21 kg) and had modest LDL-C elevation (124 ± 19 and 128 ± 20 mg/dL). Drop-outs (n = 12 fasting, n = 20 control) provided an evaluable sample of n = 71 (n = 38 fasting, n = 33 control). Intermittent fasting did not change LDL-C (0.2 ± 16.7 mg/dL) vs. control (2.5 ± 19.4 mg/dL; P = 0.59), but it improved HOMA-IR (−0.75 ± 0.79 vs. −0.10 ± 1.06; P = 0.004) and MSS (−0.34 ± 4.72 vs. 0.31 ± 1.98, P = 0.006). BDNF (P = 0.58), GCPi (P = 0.17), and weight (−1.7 ± 4.7 kg vs. 0.2 ± 3.5 kg, P = 0.06) were unchanged.

Conclusions
A low-frequency intermittent fasting regimen did not reduce LDL-C or improve cognitive function but significantly reduced both HOMA-IR and MSS.

Trial registration
clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02770313.
Multivariate Model Update Chemometric Methods for Determination of Prednisolone and Esomeprazole in Spiked Human Plasma: A Comparative Study
Authors: Farid Nehal F , Magdy Maimana A , Anwar Basma H , Abdelhamid Nessreen S 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrednisolone (PRD) is an immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory drug, although it may cause peptic ulcers as a side effect. Esomeprazole (ESO) is used for the treatment of peptic ulcers, therefore the two drugs are co-administered in cases of organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases.ObjectiveThis work aims to determine the two drugs simultaneously, in bulk, and in spiked human plasma by eliminating the overlap of their spectra and the interference of the plasma matrix.MethodsTwo simple and effective updated chemometric models—principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS)—were established using UV spectrophotometric data.ResultsThe two updated models have been validated according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines with acceptable results. The results were statistically compared with those of the reported methods, where no significant difference was found, indicating the validity of the developed methods. The two updated models have been successfully applied for prediction of the proposed drugs with good accuracy and precision.ConclusionThe two updated models are simple, rapid, sensitive, and precise and could be easily applied in quality control laboratories for determination of PRD and ESO, without any preliminary separation steps or interference from plasma matrixes.HighlightsTwo model updated chemometric models, PCA and PLS, were established for determination of PRD and ESO in spiked human plasma using UV spectrophotometric data.
Double-stranded flanking ends affect the folding kinetics and conformational equilibrium of G-quadruplexes forming sequences within the promoter of KIT oncogene
Authors: Vesco Guglielmo , Lamperti Marco , Salerno Domenico , Marrano Claudia Adriana , Cassina Valeria , Rigo Riccardo , Buglione Enrico , Bondani Maria , Nicoletto Giulia , Mantegazza Francesco , Sissi Claudia , Nardo Luca 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
G-quadruplexes embedded within promoters play a crucial role in regulating the gene expression. KIT is a widely studied oncogene, whose promoter contains three G-quadruplex forming sequences, c-kit1, c-kit2 and c-kit*. For these sequences available studies cover ensemble and single-molecule analyses, although for kit* the latter were limited to a study on a promoter domain comprising all of them. Recently, c-kit2 has been reported to fold according to a multi-step process involving folding intermediates. Here, by exploiting fluorescence resonance energy transfer, both in ensemble and at the single molecule level, we investigated the folding of expressly designed constructs in which, alike in the physiological context, either c-kit2 or c-kit* are flanked by double stranded DNA segments. To assess whether the presence of flanking ends at the borders of the G-quadruplex affects the folding, we studied under the same protocols oligonucleotides corresponding to the minimal G-quadruplex forming sequences. Data suggest that addition of flanking ends results in biasing both the final equilibrium state and the folding kinetics. A previously unconsidered aspect is thereby unravelled, which ought to be taken into account to achieve a deeper insight of the complex relationships underlying the fine tuning of the gene-regulatory properties of these fascinating DNA structures.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Melioidosis Caused by Gentamicin-SusceptibleBurkholderia pseudomalleiin Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: Sia Tonnii L L , Mohan Anand , Ooi Mong-How , Chien Su-Lin , Tan Lee-See , Goh Charles , Pang Daniel C L , Currie Bart J , Wong Jin-Shyan , Podin Yuwana 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundBurkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is intrinsically resistant to a broad range of antibiotics, including aminoglycosides. In Sarawak, Malaysia, a high proportion of melioidosis cases are caused by gentamicin-susceptible isolates. There are limited epidemiological and clinical data on these infections.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of culture-confirmed melioidosis among adults admitted to Bintulu Hospital in Sarawak, Malaysia, from January 2011 until December 2016.ResultsOne hundred forty-eight adults with culture-confirmed melioidosis were identified. Of 129 (87%) tested, 84 (65%) had gentamicin-susceptible B pseudomallei. The average annual incidence of melioidosis was 12.3 per 100 000 population, with marked variation between districts ranging from 5.8 to 29.3 per 100 000 population. Rural districts had higher incidences of melioidosis and overwhelmingly larger proportions of gentamicin-susceptible B pseudomallei infection. Significantly more patients with gentamicin-susceptible infection had no identified risk factors, with diabetes less frequently present in this group. Ninety-eight percent had acute presentations. Pneumonia, reported in 71%, was the most common presentation. Splenic abscesses were found in 54% of those imaged. Bacteremia was present in 88%; septic shock occurred in 47%. Forty-five (35%) patients died. No differences in clinical, laboratory, or outcome characteristics were noted between gentamicin-susceptible and gentamicin-resistant infections.ConclusionsGentamicin-susceptible B pseudomallei infections are common in Sarawak and dominate in the high-incidence rural interior regions. Clinical manifestations and outcomes are the same as for gentamicin-resistant B pseudomallei infections. Further studies are required to determine if all gentamicin-susceptible B pseudomallei infections in Sarawak are clonal and to ascertain their environmental drivers and niches.
Spatial distribution of the X-ray-emitting plasma of SS Cygni in quiescence and outburst
Authors: Takeo Mai , Hayashi Takayuki , Ishida Manabu , Nakaniwa Nozomi , Maeda Yoshitomo 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We present our analysis of the Suzaku data of SS Cygni (SS Cyg) from 2005 both in quiescence and outburst. A fluorescent iron Kα line bears significant information about the geometry of an X-ray-emitting hot plasma and a cold reflector, such as the surfaces of the white dwarf (WD) and the accretion disk (AD). Our reflection simulation has revealed that the X-ray-emitting hot plasma is located either very close to the WD surface in the boundary layer (BL), with an upper limit radial position of &lt;1.004 times the white dwarf radius (RWD), or near the entrance of the BL where the optically thick AD is truncated at a distance of 1.14–1.27 RWD for the assumed WD mass of 1.19 M⊙ in quiescence. In the latter configuration, the plasma torus is located just above the inner edge of the AD. The result suggests that the accreting matter is heated up close to the maximum temperature immediately after the matter enters the BL. The matter probably expands precipitously at the entrance of the BL and leaves the disk plane to reach a height comparable to the radial distance of the plasma torus from the center of the WD. In outburst, on the other hand, our spectral analysis favors the picture that the optically thick disk reaches the WD surface. In addition, the plasma distributes above the disk like coronae, as suggested by a previous study, and the 90% upper limit of the coronae radial position is 1.2 RWD.
Changes in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Components “Activity/Participation” as Predicted Through Patient-Reported Outcomes Along With Comprehensive Back Pain Rehabilitation
Authors: Kienbacher Thomas , Fehrmann Elisabeth , Tuechler Kerstin , Habenicht Richard , Mair Patrick , Friedl Anna , Oeffel Christian , Ebenbichler Gerold 
Published: September 2021

Objectives:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) but its use in clinical practice is sparse. This study investigated the limitations and restrictions in the most relevant brief ICF core set categories for chronic low back pain (cLBP) as automatically predicted from routinely measured outcomes using a novel, validated mapping algorithm.

Materials and Methods:
Of 2718 cLBP patients recruited, data from 1541 (64% females) were available from before and at the end of 6 months comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation. Assessments included the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and Pain Disability Index (PDI) questionnaires, the percentage of patients with predicted limitations and restrictions in important activity and participation ICF categories, bodily functional measurements, pain intensity, and anxiety/depression (EQ-5D).

Results:
At baseline, both the RMDQ and the PDI measures were within the third of the lowest disability scores whilst 80% of the patients had limitations with “maintaining a body position” and 30% with “walking” ICF categories. Intervention-associated gains in the maximum isometric lumbar extension and flexion strength and the lumbar range of motion were significant overall, but improvements in patients’ ICF limitations/restrictions varied. Anxiety/depression, lumbar range of motion, and extension strength all had a significant impact on the majority of the ICF categories, whereas flexion strength had none.

Discussion:
The rate of patients with predicted limitations/restrictions in activity/participation ICF core categories for cLBP partly mirrored disability levels and the impact of the body function scores on these limitations/restrictions in ICF categories was varied. Thus, assessing problems in the ICF activity/participation core categories is of relevance to clinical practice for both treatment goal setting and intervention planning. This may be achieved by computer-generated mapping without additional time burden.
Calculated Plasma Volume Status Is Associated With Mortality in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Niedermeyer Shannon E. , Stephens R. Scott , Kim Bo Soo , Metkus Thomas S. 
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVES:
The optimal method to assess fluid overload in acute respiratory distress syndrome is not known, and current techniques have limitations. Plasma volume status has emerged as a noninvasive method to assess volume status and is defined as the percentage alteration from ideal plasma volume. We hypothesized that plasma volume status would suggest the presence of significant excess volume and therefore correlate with mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

DESIGN AND SETTING:
This is a retrospective cohort study of subjects enrolled in four previously completed National Heart Lung and Blood Institute-sponsored acute respiratory distress syndrome trials, using data from the National Institutes of Health Biologic Specimen and Data Repository Information Coordinating Center repository.

PATIENTS:
Study subjects included 3,165 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome previously enrolled in National Heart Lung and Blood Institute-sponsored acute respiratory distress syndrome trials.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
The exposure variable of interest was plasma volume status, calculated as the percentage alteration of actual plasma volume calculated on the basis of weight and hematocrit using sex-specific constants. We performed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariable and adjusted Cox proportional hazard models to determine the association of plasma volume status with 60-day mortality. The median age of subjects was 52 years (interquartile range, 40–63 yr). Median plasma volume status was 5.9% (interquartile range, –2.4% to 13.6%), and overall, 68% of subjects had positive plasma volume status suggesting plasma volume higher than ideal plasma volume. In adjusted models, plasma volume status greater than median was associated with 38% greater risk for mortality (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.20–1.59; p < 0.001). Each interquartile range increase in plasma volume status was associated with greater mortality in adjusted models (hazard ratio, 1.24 per interquartile range increase; 95% CI, 1.13–1.36; p < 0.001). Plasma volume status greater than median was associated with fewer ventilator-free days (18 vs 19 d; p = 0.0026) and ICU-free days (15 vs 17 d; p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Plasma volume status is independently associated with mortality, ICU-free days, and ventilator-free days among subjects with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Plasma volume status could be considered for risk-stratification and to direct therapy, particularly fluid management.
The road to chemotherapy-free treatment in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Albiol Nil , Arguello-Tomas Miguel , Moreno Carol 
Published: September 2021

Purpose of review
The treatment landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has tremendously evolved in the last decades, from chemo to chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) and, eventually, to pathway inhibitors that target critical pathways for leukaemic cells survival. Also, treatment goals are moving towards achieving undetectable minimal residual disease with little toxicity.

Recent findings
We performed a thorough review of the history of treatment approvals by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This review especially focuses on therapies that are currently approved by both agencies. The indications and particular characteristics of each drug are examined.

Summary
Currently available treatment approaches for CLL offer the opportunity to individualize therapy for every single patient with CLL. Inhibitors of B-cell receptor (BCR) signalling pathways and antiapoptotic proteins are nowadays the treatment of choice for most CLL patients, but CIT can be an option for younger and fit patients with low-risk disease [mutated IGHV, no del(11q) or del(17p)/TP53 mutations].
Fluid intake and blood pressure in children: the Salus per Aquam project
Authors: Ardissino Gianluigi , Perrone Michela , Ghiglia Silvia , Salice Patrizia , Tel Francesca , Dardi Elena , Bollani Tiziana , Mezzopane Antonella , Capone Valentina , Ardissino Maddalena , Vergori Antonio , Piantanida Sandra , Di Michele Silvia , Tchana Bertrand , Filippucci Lucia , De Luca Francesco , Consonni Dario , Buzzetti Roberto 
Published: September 2021

Background:
Sodium intake is known to contribute to the development of hypertension, thus intake reduction is a cornerstone in the prevention and management of hypertension. The increase in renal sodium excretion might represent a further potential preventive and/or therapeutic opportunity.

Objective:
To explore the working hypothesis that an increased fluid intake can improve renal sodium handling towards a decrease in blood pressure.

Methods:
The SPA Project is a multicenter, observational, cross-sectional, cohort study investigating healthy children, aged 5–8 years as to sodium and fluid intake by means of urinary sodium and creatinine from multiple samples taken in different days in order to characterize them in lower/higher sodium and lower/higher fluid intake. Both SBP and DBP (by multiple office blood pressure measurements) were used as outcome measures.

Results:
Three hundred and thirty-nine healthy, nonoverweight children (51.6% boys) with a median age of 5.7 years old (IQR: 5.3–6.2) participated in the study but only 223 could be analyzed. Among children with higher sodium intake, those introducing more fluids, showed a significantly lower blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) compared with those with lower fluid intake: systolic 86.0 ± 8.5 vs. 90.0 ± 8.1 mmHg; P = 0.014 and diastolic: 53.8 ± 4.9 vs. 58.6 ± 6.6 mmHg; P < 0.0001.

Conclusion:
An increased fluid intake is associated with a reduced blood pressure possibly by increasing renal sodium excretion. We speculate that this simple, highly acceptable, inexpensive, and harmless measure might have a role in preventing and/or minimizing the epidemics of hypertension and of its related morbidities both in children and in adults.
The interaction of hypertension and homocysteine increases the risk of mortality among middle-aged and older population in the United States
Authors: Zhao Wenyan , Gao Faliang , Lv Laidi , Chen Xi 
Published: September 2021

Objectives:
To investigate the interaction of hypertension and total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) levels on risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among middle-aged and older population.

Methods:
This observational cohort study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database (1999–2002 survey cycle). A generalized additive model (GAM) based on Cox proportional hazards models was applied to estimate the relationship of tHcy level with all-cause and CVD mortality. Stratification analyses by sex and renal function were performed.

Results:
Among 5724 individuals aged 40–85, 704 (12.3%) died, with 339 CVD deaths after a median follow-up period of 5.58 years. Mean age was 60.7 ± 13.4 years (49.6% men). In the fully adjusted model, we found that per 1 μmol/l increment of plasma tHcy was associated with 8% increased risk of all-cause mortality and 7% increased risk of CVD mortality in hypertensive participants. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% CIs) for all-cause and CVD mortality were 1.08 (1.06–1.10) and 1.07 (1.04–1.10), respectively. There were pronounced interactive effects between hypertension and tHcy levels on risk of all-cause mortality (P for interaction = 0.031).

Conclusion:
Hypertension and tHcy levels can interactively affect the risk of all-cause mortality among middle-aged and older population. Conceivably, hypertension may further enhance the ability of elevated tHcy to provoke the risk of all-cause mortality.
Peak exercise SBP and future risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality
Authors: Hedman Kristofer , Lindow Thomas , Cauwenberghs Nicholas , Carlén Anna , Elmberg Viktor , Brudin Lars , Ekström Magnus 
Published: September 2021

Objectives:
This study aimed to evaluate the risk of all-cause mortality and incident cardiovascular disease associated with peak systolic blood pressure (PeakSBP) at clinical exercise testing.

Methods:
Data from 10 096 clinical exercise tests (54% men, age 18—85 years) was cross-linked with outcome data from national registries. PeakSBP was compared with recently published reference percentiles as well as expressed as percentage predicted PeakSBP using reference equations.
Natural cubic spline modelling and Cox regression were used to analyse data stratified by sex and baseline cardiovascular risk profile.

Results:
Median [IQR] follow-up times were 7.9 [5.7] years (all-cause mortality) and 5.6 [5.9] years (incident cardiovascular disease), respectively. The adjusted risk of all-cause mortality [hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)] for individuals with PeakSBP below the 10th percentile was 2.00 (1.59–2.52) in men and 2.60 (1.97–3.44) in women, compared with individuals within the 10th--90th percentile. The corresponding risk for incident cardiovascular disease was 1.55 (1.28–1.89, men) and 1.34 (1.05–1.71, women). For males in the upper 90th percentile, compared with individuals within the 10th--90th percentile, the adjusted risks of all-cause death and incident cardiovascular disease were 0.35 (0.22–0.54) and 0.72 (0.57–0.92), respectively, while not statistically significant in women. Spline modelling revealed a continuous increase in risk with PeakSBP values less than 100% of predicted in both sexes, with no increase in risk more than 100% of predicted.

Conclusion:
Low, but not high, PeakSBP was associated with an increased risk of mortality and future cardiovascular disease. Using reference standards for PeakSBP could facilitate clinical risk stratification across patients of varying sex, age and exercise capacity.