bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluorophore Multimerization as an Efficient Approach towards Bright Protein Labels
Authors: Reiber Thorge , Zavoiura Oleksandr , Dose Christian , Yushchenko Dmytro A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCell analysis techniques like flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy are widely used to explore cells in real‐time and provide important insights into a variety of cellular processes. These techniques require bright and specific staining reagents to generate strong fluorescence signal and enable reliable read‐out, making the choice of fluorescent labels a key aspect of experimental design. Much research has been done in the field of fluorophore development to generate bright small‐molecule dyes, fluorescent proteins, and emitting nanoparticles. However, it remains challenging to modify biomolecules with multiple emitters and avoid self‐quenching of such fluorophores at the same time. Herein, we present advances in multimerization‐based methods for the generation of fluorescent labels with high brightness and discuss their advantages and limitations in the context of flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy applications.
The fit between dignity self‐construal and independent university norms: Effects on university belonging, well‐being, and academic success
Authors: Menkor Michèle , Nagengast Benjamin , Van Laar Colette , Sassenberg Kai 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUniversities struggle with students’ low well‐being and high dropout rates. High (compared to low) fit between students’ self‐construal and perceived university norms might help to prevent these problems. A strong dignity self‐construal (i.e., the understanding that one's worth is independent of others) is adaptive if university norms stress independence. The more a university norm is perceived as stressing independence, the better the fit for students with a strong (vs. weak) dignity self‐construal. Thus, if students with a strong dignity self‐construal perceive a university norm as stressing independence, they should develop a greater sense of belonging to the university and, in turn, experience higher well‐being, more motivation, and lower dropout intention. A longitudinal study with two measurement points conducted with students from 18 universities (N = 719) provided support for these predictions. This underlines the relevance of the fit between student and (perceived) school characteristics for the higher education sector.
Greenhouse gas balance and mitigation potential of agricultural systems in Colombia: A systematic analysis
Authors: Silva‐Parra Amanda , Trujillo‐González Juan Manuel , Brevik Eric C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAgriculture is widely recognized as a source of considerable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with opportunities for mitigation. The limited capacity to identify and collect reliable activity data and to quantify emissions by sources and removals by sinks needs to be addressed. One proposed solution is to adapt IPCC methodologies that include estimations of both CO2 emissions and carbon sequestration in agricultural systems, which were applied to Colombia at the farm level in this study. The aim of this work was to provide an assessment of GHG balances through these IPCC methodologies to identify potential GHG mitigation in sustainable agricultural systems used in Colombia that provide acceptable GHG trade‐offs to the atmosphere. Agroforestry systems made the largest contribution to this mitigation potential because of the potential to sequester carbon in both soil and biomass, giving a negative GHG emission to the atmosphere. GHG balance analysis at the Colombian farm level indicated that conventional agriculture with pastures of Pennisetum clandestinum in rotation with potatoes (PRP) in the Andean zone of Nariño (Colombia) is a large emitter of GHG with 9.1 ton CO2eq ha−1 year−1. On the other hand, in livestock systems in the Andean zone (Antioquia), intensive silvopastoral systems with 500 Eucalyptus tereticornis trees ha−1 (SSPi) on pastures is a great neutralizer of GHG emissions, accounting for −26.6 t CO2eq ha−1 year−1. Agroforestry systems play a leading role, as crop rotation and improved pastures can represent a GHG mitigation opportunity for sustainable agricultural production at the farm level in Colombia. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) in a hydroponics system using brackish water at low cost*
Authors: Bashabsheh Khaled , Al‐Tabbal Jalal , Bani‐hani Nabeel , Qrunfleh Issam , Haddad Moawiya , Al‐Einein Suha Abu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractReuse of brackish water from desalination units in agriculture will reduce the environmental impacts resulting from disposal in the soil and groundwater, thus reflecting positively in reducing costs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of reusing brackish water from a small water desalination unit as amended to morphology and productivity of salvia plants during the three growing seasons of 2014–2016. Brackish water from desalination treatment plants was used in hydroponic systems with three concentrations (10, 25 and 50 mM). Growth parameters (number of branches per plant, plant height (cm) and herbage yield weights (g m‾2)) and ion concentration percentage in the herbage of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) during three growing seasons 2014–2016 were measured. Results revealed that lateral branches per plant, plant height and dry weight of herbage were negatively affected by brackish water and decreased by 6, 8 and 10%, respectively, compared to control. In addition, the concentration of ions in herbage decreased by 35 and 20% for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, respectively. We conclude from this study that irrigating sage plants using rejected water from desalination plant units leads to a decrease in morphological characteristics compared to non‐saline water, but as an economic option this type of water can be used in agriculture to reduce the environmental impacts of disposal of this water.
The 14‐day repeated‐dose toxicity studies of a fixed‐dose combination, QXOH/levobupivacaine, via subcutaneous injection in mice
Authors: Gao Peiwen , Zhang Yujun , Deng Chaoyi , Gong Deying , Kang Yi , Liu Jin , Zhang Wensheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractQXOH‐LB, a fixed‐dose combination (35 mM QXOH and 10 mM levobupivacaine) has been shown to induce a long duration of local anesthesia in animal efficacy testing, which indicates potential for postoperative pain management. In this study, we evaluated the potential toxicity of QXOH‐LB in NIH mice under the Guidance on the repeated‐dose toxicity published by the China Food and Drug Administration. Mice (n = 30 per sex per group) were subcutaneously injected 5, 10, 20 mg/kg QXOH‐LB, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg QXOH, and 5 mg/kg levobupivacaine (LB) once a day for 14 days with sacrifice of main study animals; remaining mice (n = 10 per sex per group) were monitored for an additional 4‐week recovery period. Mice in the 10 and 20 mg/kg QXOH, and 20 mg/kg QXOH‐LB died, which was considered due to excessive respiratory inhibition. The doses of 10 mg/kg QXOH‐LB and 5 mg/kg QXOH were well tolerated without any clinical signs of toxicity. Therefore, the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) of QXOH‐LB and QXOH was considered to be 10 and 5 mg/kg/day, respectively. In the dose range from 5 to 20 mg/kg, the exposure of QXOH and LB in QXOH‐LB was equal to each agent used alone at the same dose in NIH mice. There was no gender difference on exposure and no evidence of accumulation.
Comparing impulsivity in borderline personality, schizophrenia and obsessional‐compulsive disorders: Who is ahead?
Authors: Martin Sylvia , Graziani Pierluigi , Del‐Monte Jonathan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveImpulsivity impacts life domains and in a psychiatric context is often associated with disorders severity and stigmatization. Borderline personality disorder's (BPD), Schizophrenic disorder's (SZD), and obsessional compulsive disorder's (OCD) impulsivity issues relate to worse prognosis. This study aims to compare these disorders assessing their proneness to impulsivity and urgency.MethodsWe recruited 90 patients among them OCD (n = 25), SZD (n = 23), and BPD (n = 50), and 24 healthy control participants (HC). We assessed the diagnosis according and measured the impulsivity level.ResultsOur results showed that BPD was significantly more impulsive than HC, SZD, and OCD. HC, SZD, and OCD being equivalent on their global Urgency‐Premeditation‐Perseverance‐Sensation seeking scores. For urgency, BPD was also superior to others, OCD was superior to HC, but SZD and HC were equivalent. The urgency was correlated to SZD's scale for SZD, no link appeared between borderline personality questionnaire and Yale‐Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale's score.ConclusionThese results question the existent literature relating impulsivity and SZD.
Effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy skills training group for adults with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Heerebrand Sharon L. , Bray Jemma , Ulbrich Christine , Roberts Rachel M. , Edwards Suzanne 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study evaluated the effectiveness of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training Group (DBT‐ST) component of DBT.MethodParticipants (N = 114) attended an 18–20‐week DBT‐ST. The study utilized a quasi‐experimental design with a within‐persons control group for a measure of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms (at referral), and emergency department (ED) presentations, and psychiatric bed‐days (both assessed for 6 months pre‐ and post‐intervention). Primary outcomes were the number of BPD symptoms, psychological distress, depression, rate of ED presentations, and psychiatric inpatient bed‐days.ResultsAfter completing DBT‐ST, participants had reduced BPD symptoms, psychological distress, and depression (p < 0.001). The waitlist control group showed no improvement in BPD symptoms (p = 0.085). The rate of ED presentations was reduced (p = 0.001). There was no reduction in psychiatric inpatient bed‐days (p = 0.160), likely due to insufficient power.ConclusionsDBT‐ST participation in addition to treatment‐as‐usual is an effective treatment for people with BPD.
Awakening to recognize the detrimental effects of social avoidance and the possibility of healing through reconnection
Authors: Simonsen Sebastian , Bo Sune 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundLoneliness and social avoidance are widespread and serious mental health problems. People experiencing loneliness or social avoidance have difficulties maintaining ordinary life activities and often experience profound suffering. How do we as clinicians deal with or help people out of loneliness and social avoidance?AimsIn this paper, we introduce the issue on loneliness and social avoidance. We do so by first defining loneliness and social avoidance and outlining the impact on mental health issues of these phenomena. Next, we introduce the six papers central to the special issue along with some thoughts on how to understand therapy and treatment of social avoidance.DiscussionWe discuss new directions and how to move beyond more conventional therapeutic approaches to these problems.
You are not in the army now! A field study on the impact of a Preparation for Civilian Life program on young soldiers
Authors: Lavie Merav , Lahav Eyal , Shavit Tal 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRecent years have seen the implementation of educational programs aimed at developing future orientation and better employability skills, mostly for people new to or returning to the job market. In a field study, we investigated the impact of a 5‐day program on reintegration to civilian life on young Israeli combat soldiers' time preferences, gratitude, patriotism, and perceptions of their combat experience. Questionnaires administered before and after the program revealed a positive effect on future orientation but a negative effect on gratitude and perceptions of the combat experience. Although the positive effect on future orientation is in line with the program design, the negative effects found should be taken into consideration when planning or improving similar educational programs.
Pharmacokinetics of Asfotase Alfa in Adult Patients With Pediatric‐Onset Hypophosphatasia
Authors: Pan Wei‐Jian , Pradhan Rajendra , Pelto Ryan , Seefried Lothar 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHypophosphatasia is a rare metabolic disease resulting from variant(s) in the gene‐encoding tissue‐nonspecific isozyme of alkaline phosphatase. In this 13‐week, phase 2a, multicenter, randomized, open‐label, dose‐response study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02797821), the pharmacokinetics of asfotase alfa, an enzyme replacement therapy approved for the treatment of hypophosphatasia, was assessed in adult patients with pediatric‐onset hypophosphatasia. In total, 27 adults were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to a single subcutaneous dose of asfotase alfa (0.5, 2.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) during week 1. From week 3 to week 9, patients received 0.5, 2.0, or 3.0 mg/kg subcutaneously 3 times per week (equivalent to 1.5, 6.0, or 9.0 mg/kg/wk, respectively). Noncompartmental analysis revealed exposure (maximum concentration in the dosing interval and area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity) to asfotase alfa increased between single‐ and multiple‐dose administration and with increasing doses; however, extensive interindividual variability was observed in the concentration‐time profiles within each dose cohort. Median terminal elimination half‐life was ≈5 days following multiple‐dose administration, with steady state achieved by approximately day 29. Dose‐normalized exposure data indicated that asfotase alfa activity was approximately dose‐proportional within the studied dose range. Additionally, dose‐normalized exposure was comparable across body mass index categories of <25, ≥25 to <30, and ≥30 kg/m2, indicating that asfotase alfa dosing bioavailability was consistent in these patients, including those who were obese. These data, together with previously published pharmacodynamic results in this study population, support the use of asfotase alfa at the recommended dose of 6 mg/kg/wk in adults with pediatric‐onset hypophosphatasia.
Understanding disparities in viral suppression among Black MSM living with HIV in Atlanta Georgia
Authors: Sullivan Patrick S , Knox Justin , Jones Jeb , Taussig Jennifer , Valentine Graves Mariah , Millett Greg , Luisi Nicole , Hall Eric , Sanchez Travis H , Del Rio Carlos , Kelley Colleen , Rosenberg Eli S , Guest Jodie L 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionDue to factors associated with structural racism, Black men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV are less likely to be virally suppressed compared to white MSM. Most of these data come from clinical cohorts and modifiable reasons for these racial disparities need to be defined in order to intervene on these inequities. Therefore, we examined factors associated with racial disparities in baseline viral suppression in a community‐based cohort of Black and white MSM living with HIV in Atlanta, GA.MethodsWe conducted an observational cohort of Black and white MSM living with HIV infection in Atlanta. Enrolment occurred from June 2016 to June 2017 and men were followed for 24 months; laboratory and behavioural survey data were collected at 12 and 24 months after enrolment. Explanatory factors for racial disparities in viral suppression included sociodemographics and psychosocial variables. Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for Black/white differences in viral suppression. Factors that diminished the PR for race by ≥5% were considered to meaningfully attenuate the racial disparity and were included in a multivariable model.ResultsOverall, 26% (104/398) of participants were not virally suppressed at baseline. Lack of viral suppression was significantly more prevalent among Black MSM (33%; 69/206) than white MSM (19%; 36/192) (crude Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.5). The age‐adjusted Black/white PR was diminished by controlling for: ART coverage (12% decrease), housing stability (7%), higher income (6%) and marijuana use (6%). In a multivariable model, these factors cumulatively mitigated the PR for race by 21% (adjusted PR = 1.1 [95% CI: 0.8 to 1.6]).ConclusionsRelative to white MSM, Black MSM living with HIV in Atlanta were less likely to be virally suppressed. This disparity was explained by several factors, many of which should be targeted for structural, policy and individual‐level interventions to reduce racial disparities.
The impact of disruptions due to COVID‐19 on HIV transmission and control among men who have sex with men in China
Authors: Booton Ross D , Fu Gengfeng , MacGregor Louis , Li Jianjun , Ong Jason J , Tucker Joseph D , Turner Katherine ME , Tang Weiming , Vickerman Peter , Mitchell Kate M 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic is impacting HIV care globally, with gaps in HIV treatment expected to increase HIV transmission and HIV‐related mortality. We estimated how COVID‐19‐related disruptions could impact HIV transmission and mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM) in four cities in China, over a one‐ and five‐year time horizon.MethodsRegional data from China indicated that the number of MSM undergoing facility‐based HIV testing reduced by 59% during the COVID‐19 pandemic, alongside reductions in ART initiation (34%), numbers of all sexual partners (62%) and consistency of condom use (25%), but initial data indicated no change in viral suppression. A mathematical model of HIV transmission/treatment among MSM was used to estimate the impact of disruptions on HIV infections/HIV‐related deaths. Disruption scenarios were assessed for their individual and combined impact over one and five years for 3/4/6‐month disruption periods, starting from 1 January 2020.ResultsOur model predicted new HIV infections and HIV‐related deaths would be increased most by disruptions to viral suppression, with 25% reductions (25% virally suppressed MSM stop taking ART) for a three‐month period increasing HIV infections by 5% to 14% over one year and deaths by 7% to 12%. Observed reductions in condom use increased HIV infections by 5% to 14% but had minimal impact (<1%) on deaths. Smaller impacts on infections and deaths (<3%) were seen for disruptions to facility HIV testing and ART initiation, but reduced partner numbers resulted in 11% to 23% fewer infections and 0.4% to 1.0% fewer deaths. Longer disruption periods (4/6 months) amplified the impact of disruption scenarios. When realistic disruptions were modelled simultaneously, an overall decrease in new HIV infections occurred over one year (3% to 17%), but not for five years (1% increase to 4% decrease), whereas deaths mostly increased over one year (1% to 2%) and five years (1.2 increase to 0.3 decrease).ConclusionsThe overall impact of COVID‐19 on new HIV infections and HIV‐related deaths is dependent on the nature, scale and length of the various disruptions. Resources should be directed to ensuring levels of viral suppression and condom use are maintained to mitigate any adverse effects of COVID‐19‐related disruption on HIV transmission and control among MSM in China.
Non‐life‐threatening adverse effects with COVID‐19 mRNA‐1273 vaccine: A randomized, cross‐sectional study on healthcare workers with detailed self‐reported symptoms
Authors: Kadali Renuka Ananth Kalyan , Janagama Ravali , Peruru Sharanya , Gajula Viswanath , Madathala Rajasekhar R. , Chennaiahgari Nikhita , Malayala Srikrishna V. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThere are concerns regarding the side effects of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) mRNA‐1273 vaccine among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United States. The objective of the study was to investigate the side effects of the mRNA‐1273 vaccine with detailed review of organ systems. A randomized, cross‐sectional study using an independent online survey questionnaire was conducted to collect responses from HCWs. Of all participants, 87.8% (1116/1271) provided complete responses. Of them, 38.7% (432/1116) received the mRNA‐1273 vaccine, among which, 89.35% were females; 425 of these 432 mRNA‐1273 vaccine recipients (98.34%) reported at least one or more symptoms. The results were classified based on the frequency of symptoms reported postvaccination. Of these, 254/432 (58.8%) were able to continue their daily routine activities. 108/432 (25%) temporarily had trouble to perform daily activities, 120/432 (27.78%) required transient time off from work, 17/432 (3.94%) required help from an outpatient provider, 1/432 (0.23%) required help from emergency department, and none of them were hospitalized. Despite the wide array of self‐reported symptoms, 97.02% of the HCWs did not intend to skip the second dose of vaccine. Among all the symptoms reported, localized pain, generalized weakness, headache, myalgia, chills, fever, nausea, joint pains, sweating, localized swelling at the injection site, dizziness, itching, rash, decreased appetite, muscle spasm, decreased sleep quality, and brain fogging were the most commonly reported symptoms (in descending order of occurrence). Most of the symptoms reported were nonlife threatening. Despite the wide array of self‐reported symptoms, there appears to be a higher acceptance for this vaccine.
Postglacial anthropogenic fires related to cultural changes in central Japan, inferred from sedimentary charcoal records spanning glacial–interglacial cycles
Authors: Inoue Jun , Okuyama Chikako , Hayashi Ryoma , Inouchi Yoshio 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTWe examined long‐term charcoal records spanning the glacial–interglacial cycles that are evident in two cores collected from Lake Biwa in central Japan. We found that the records of the two cores have a similar long‐term variation pattern of charcoal concentrations and abundant large charcoal fragments in postglacial sediments, which indicates that frequent fires occurred near the shores of Lake Biwa during the postglacial period. Analogous natural conditions in the early postglacial period and the early part of the last interglacial period strongly suggest that the frequent fires that occurred only during the postglacial period were anthropogenic. A comparison between the charcoal records of Lake Biwa sediments and the cultural changes and human populations in this district suggests that anthropogenic fires in this district were influenced by the lifestyle and culture of each era rather than by the populations. Humans tended to use more fire at the start of the settlement during the early Neolithic era in this region, in spite of the small population size.
Obsidian from the northern sector of the Main Ethiopian Rift: implications for archeology
Authors: Negash Agazi , Alene Mulugeta , Asrat Asfawossen , Nash Barbara 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTObsidian is abundant in the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER). Petrological and geochemical features of obsidian from four volcanic centers in the MER, namely Birenti, Dofen, Fentale and Kone, are presented. Compositional and petrological variability is noted among the Dofen and Fentale obsidian, but not in those from Kone and Birenti where each have separate but uniform elemental composition. The Fentale and Kone obsidian were source materials for the artifacts of a number of Middle Stone Age and Later Stone Age/Neolithic sites in the region. We have yet to determine whether Dofen and Birenti were sources for archeological artifacts. The study also shows that volcanic episodes from a single center do not necessarily result in compositional variability.