bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of the toxic threshold of 3-hydroxybutyrate-sodium supplementation in septic mice
Authors: Weckx Ruben , Goossens Chloë , Derde Sarah , Pauwels Lies , Vander Perre Sarah , Van den Bergh Greet , Langouche Lies 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
In septic mice, supplementing parenteral nutrition with 150 mg/day 3-hydroxybutyrate-sodium-salt (3HB-Na) has previously shown to prevent muscle weakness without obvious toxicity. The main objective of this study was to identify the toxic threshold of 3HB-Na supplementation in septic mice, prior to translation of this promising intervention to human use.

Methods
In a centrally-catheterized, antibiotic-treated, fluid-resuscitated, parenterally fed mouse model of prolonged sepsis, we compared with placebo the effects of stepwise escalating doses starting from 150 mg/day 3HB-Na on illness severity and mortality (n = 103). For 5-day survivors, also the impact on ex-vivo-measured muscle force, blood electrolytes, and markers of vital organ inflammation/damage was documented.

Results
By doubling the reference dose of 150 mg/day to 300 mg/day 3HB-Na, illness severity scores doubled (p = 0.004) and mortality increased from 30.4 to 87.5 % (p = 0.002). De-escalating this dose to 225 mg still increased mortality (p ≤ 0.03) and reducing the dose to 180 mg/day still increased illness severity (p ≤ 0.04). Doses of 180 mg/day and higher caused more pronounced metabolic alkalosis and hypernatremia (p ≤ 0.04) and increased markers of kidney damage (p ≤ 0.05). Doses of 225 mg/day 3HB-Na and higher caused dehydration of brain and lungs (p ≤ 0.05) and increased markers of hippocampal neuronal damage and inflammation (p ≤ 0.02). Among survivors, 150 mg/day and 180 mg/day increased muscle force compared with placebo (p ≤ 0.05) up to healthy control levels (p ≥ 0.3).

Conclusions
This study indicates that 150 mg/day 3HB-Na supplementation prevented sepsis-induced muscle weakness in mice. However, this dose appeared maximally effective though close to the toxic threshold, possibly in part explained by excessive Na+ intake with 3HB-Na. Although lower doses were not tested and thus might still hold therapeutic potential, the current results point towards a low toxic threshold for the clinical use of ketone salts in human critically ill patients. Whether 3HB-esters are equally effective and less toxic should be investigated.
Peierls-Nabarro potential for a confined chain of hard spheres under compression
Authors: Mughal A. , Weaire D. , Hutzler S. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Examples of bifurcation diagrams are presented for a chain of hard spheres under compression, which are confined by a transverse potential. The diagrams are modified in the presence of an axial force and show interesting topological rearrangements due to the reconnection of loci of different equilibrium solutions. The corresponding Peierls-Nabarro potential is defined and calculated for various values of compression. This relatively tractable and transparent system can illustrate in detail the general features of such a potential and its relation to experiment.
A study protocol to prepare an RBD protein for vaccine against COVID-19
Authors: Jahangir ZMG Sarwar , Marnik Arleta Helena 
Published: September 2021

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a global threat to humans and the world’s economy. Effective and safe vaccines against this virus are essential to control and eradicate the pandemic. The currently applied vaccines carry SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein mRNA/cDNA. These vaccines go through several cellular processes in the recipients for producing antigens. On the contrary, the SARS-CoV-2 RBD (receptor binding domain)-protein is an antigen. It will directly stimulate antibody production against SARS-CoV-2. Hence, we propose to produce SARS-CoV-2 RBD-protein as a fast acting, effective and safe vaccine. Methods: We propose to reconstruct a plasmid carrying three types of DNA sequences: RBD cDNA, FP (fusion peptide) DNA and sfGFP(superfolder green fluorescent protein), cDNA creating the RBD-FP-sfGFP DNA within an orf (open reading frame). Escherichia coli, C2566H, transformed with the reconstructed plasmid will express RBD-FP-sfGFP fusion protein producing green fluorescent cfu (colony forming unit). The RBD-protein will be separated from the sfGFP using an FP specific enterokinase, and eluted by HIC (hydrophobic interaction chromatography), detected with a BioVision Elisa kit, and quantified by spectrophotometry at UV280nm. Results: The plasmid reconstruct will carry ampr (ampicillin-resistant) gene as a selective marker and a T7 promoter controlling the expression of RBD-FP-sfGFP fusion protein. The transformed Escherichia coli will efficiently express the RBD-FP-sfGFP fusion protein. The highly efficient sfGFP fused within the RBD-FP-sfGFP will produce green fluorescent cfu. The RBD-FP-sfGFP protein extract from the green cfu, digested by enterokinase and separated by the HIC will produce pure RBD protein. Conclusion: A positive BioVision ELISA test detects <10 pg RBD protein/ml of the sample. A larger sample of the purified RBD protein can be used as a vaccine following a standard formulation and safety protocols. Once administered, the RBD protein will stimulate antibody production against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The RBD protein has no potential to recombine with human genome.
Single camera 20  kHz two-color formaldehyde PLIF thermometry using a dual-wavelength-switching burst mode laser
Authors: Liu Xunchen , Wang Yayao , Wang Zhen , Qi Fei 
Published: September 2021

We propose and demonstrate a two-color formaldehyde planar laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy thermometry scheme using the third-harmonic of injection-seeded Nd:YAG lasers. The

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peaks of formaldehyde are identified to measure the low-temperature combustion zone. Using a fast dual-wavelength-switching burst mode amplifier and a high-speed camera, high-repetition-rate (20 kHz) temperature field measurement is validated on a laminar coflow diffusion flame and demonstrated on a turbulent reacting jet in hot crossflow. Directly using the 355 nm output has the advantage of large energy and high signal-to-noise ratio. Combined with the fast dual-wavelength-switching method, the proposed scheme can greatly reduce experimental complexity and improve the understanding of practical combustors.
Prevalence and relevant factors of positive RF in brucellosis patients with arthralgia
Authors: Zhang Siwen , Hu Jing , An Shuqi , Li Mujinyan , Li Fande , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xiangyi , Yang Huixin , Wang Taijun , Luo Jingjing , Hu Fangfang , Liu Jiashuo , Zhen Qing 
Published: September 2021

Background
Brucellosis is a critical zoonotic disease in the world, it is the non-specific arthralgia that make brucellosis patients easily misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in endemic regions. Elevated rheumatoid factor (RF) is an essential indicator of RA, and the RF in brucellosis patients is significantly higher than healthy people. Therefore, this study further explored the distribution of RF and the relevant factors of the RF positivity in brucellosis patients with arthralgia, in order to strengthen the recognition of physicians for brucellosis patients with RF positivity, especially in brucellosis-endemic areas, so as to avoid misdiagnosis and untimely treatment that may lead to malignant outcomes.

Methodology and principal findings
The medical records of all 572 brucellosis inpatients were collected in the Sixth People’s Hospital of Shenyang, China from 2015 to 2016. After excluding 106 patients without arthralgia, 5 patients who unwilling to perform RF testing and 16 patients with diseases that may affect RF, 445 brucellosis inpatients with arthralgia were involved in this retrospective cross-sectional study. 143 (32.1%) patients with RF >10 IU/ml were classified into the RF positive group, with an average level of 16.5[12.2, 34.7] IU/ml, of which 45 (10.1%) patients were high-positive with RF >30 IU/ml. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to further analyze the relevant factors of the RF positivity and found that age, wrist joint pain and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) were positively associated with RF positivity, with OR of 1.02 (P = 0.024), 8.94 (P = 0.008) and 1.79 (P = 0.019), respectively.

Conclusion
The prevalence of positive RF in brucellosis patients with arthralgia was critical, nearly one-third of patients had RF positive. Elderly men brucellosis patients with arthralgia, wrist joint pain and elevated CRP were at high risk of positive RF. It is reminded that physicians should focus on differential diagnosis during clinical diagnosis and treatment, especially in brucellosis-endemic regions.
Diarrhea and associated factors among under five children in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from demographic and health surveys of 34 sub-Saharan countries
Authors: Demissie Getu Debalkie , Yeshaw Yigizie , Aleminew Wallelign , Akalu Yonas 
Published: September 2021

Introduction
Diarrhea is responsible for the death of more than 90% of under-five children in low and lower-middle income countries. Regionally, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 88% of deaths with the same age group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of diarrhea among children under-five years in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods
The appended, most recent demographic and health survey datasets of 34 sub-Saharan African countries were used to determine the prevalence and associated factors of diarrhea among under-five children in the region. A total weighted sample of 330,866 under-five children were included in the study. Both bivariable and multivariable multilevel logistic regression were done to determine the associated factors of diarrhea among under five children in sub-Saharan Africa. The Odds Ratio (OR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was calculated for those potential factors included in the final model.

Result
The overall prevalence of diarrhea in this study was 15.3% (95% CI: 15.1–15.4). Those children of mothers aged 15–24 (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.30) and 25–34 years (AOR = 1.15; 95%CI: 1.12, 1.18), those children of mothers with no education (AOR = 1.69; 95%CI: 1.57–1.82), primary education (AOR = 1.73; 95%CI: 1.61–1.86) and secondary education (AOR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.38–1.59) had higher odds of having diarrhea. Those children from poorest (AOR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.10, 1.19), poorer (AOR = 1.12; 95%CI: 1.08–1.17), middle (AOR = 1.06; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.10), and richer (AOR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.04–1.12) households had higher chance of having diarrhea compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion
This study found that the prevalence of childhood diarrhea morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa was high. Maternal age, wealth index, maternal education, maternal occupation, age of child, time of initiation of breast feeding and time to get water source were significantly associated with diarrhea. Therefore, intervention through health education and health promotion for mothers/caretakers who are poor, less educated, and young should be designed to prevent diarrhea in the region.
Risk factors for unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with brain abscess in South Korea
Authors: Cho Yun Suk , Sohn Yu Jin , Hyun Jong Hoon , Baek Yae Jee , Kim Moo Hyun , Kim Jung Ho , Ahn Jin Young , Jeong Su Jin , Ku Nam Su , Choi Jun Yong , Yeom Joon-Sup , Song Young Goo 
Published: September 2021

Background
Brain abscess can be life-threatening and manifest various neurological findings, although the mortality rate has decreased recently. We investigated the risk factors for unfavorable outcomes of patients with brain abscess.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study examined patients with brain abscess seen from May 2005 to December 2018 in a tertiary care hospital in Seoul, South Korea. We reviewed the medical records for clinical findings, therapeutic modalities, and prognostic factors of brain abscess. Unfavorable clinical outcomes were defined as death, moderate to severe disability with neurological deficits, or vegetative state at 1 year or at the time of discharge from outpatient follow-up.

Results
The study enrolled 135 patients: 65.2% were males; the mean age was 56 years. 35.6% had unfavorable outcomes. In multivariate analysis, higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) (p < 0.001), pre-existing hemiplegia (p = 0.049), and higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (p = 0.028) were independently associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Conclusions
Higher SOFA, pre-existing hemiplegia and higher Charlson comorbidity index were significant risk factors for unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with brain abscess.
Does reactogenicity after a second injection of the BNT162b2 vaccine predict spike IgG antibody levels in healthy Japanese subjects?
Authors: Takeuchi Masaaki , Higa Yukie , Esaki Akina , Nabeshima Yosuke , Nakazono Akemi 
Published: September 2021

Background
Adverse reactions are more common after the second injection of messenger RNA vaccines such as Pfizer/BioNTech’s BNT162b2. We hypothesized that the degree and severity of reactogenicity after the second injection reflects the magnitude of antibody production against the SARS CoV-2 virus spike protein (spike IgG).

Methods and results
Blood samples were obtained from 67 Japanese healthcare workers three weeks after the first injection and two weeks after the second injection of the BNT162b2 vaccine to measure spike IgG levels. Using questionnaires, we calculated an adverse event (AE) score (0–11) for each participant. The geometric mean of spike IgG titers increased from 1,047 antibody units (AU/mL) (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 855–1282 AU/mL) after the first injection to 17,378 AU/mL (95% CI: 14,622–20,663 AU/mL) after the second injection. The median AE score increased from 2 to 5. Spike IgG levels after the second injection were negatively correlated with age and positively correlated with spike IgG after the first injection. AE scores after the second injection were not significantly associated with log-transformed spike IgG after the second injection, when adjusted for age, sex, AE score after the first injection, and log-transformed spike IgG after the first injection.

Conclusions
Although the sample size was relatively small, reactogenicity after the second injection may not accurately reflect antibody production.
Popular Music Pedagogies: A Practical Guide for Music Teachers, Matthew Clauhs, Bryan Powell and Ann C. Clements (2020)
Authors: Gramm Warren 
Published: September 2021

Review of: Popular Music Pedagogies: A Practical Guide for Music Teachers, Matthew Clauhs, Bryan Powell and Ann C. Clements (2020)
Abingdon: Routledge, 216 pp.,
ISBN 978-0-36726-658-5, p/bk, $49.95
Comparison of Cap-Assisted vs Conventional Endoscopic Technique for Management of Food Bolus Impaction in the Esophagus: Results of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ooi Marie , Duong Tuan , Holman Richard , Huynh Dep , Lafta Abdulnasser , Grimpen Florian , Appleyard Mark , Rayner Chris K. , Nguyen Nam Q. 
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION:
“Push” or “pull” techniques with the use of snares, forceps, baskets, and grasping devices are conventionally used to manage esophageal food bolus impaction (FBI). A novel cap-assisted technique has recently been advocated to reduce time taken for food bolus (FB) removal. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the cap-assisted technique against conventional methods of esophageal FB removal in a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS:
Consecutive patients with esophageal FBI requiring endoscopic removal, from 3 Australian tertiary hospitals between 2017 and 2019, were randomized to either the cap-assisted technique or the conventional technique. Primary outcomes were technical success and FB retrieval time. Secondary outcomes were technical success rate, en bloc removal rate, procedure-related complication, length of hospital stay, and cost of consumables.

RESULTS:
Over 24 months, 342 patients with esophageal FBI were randomized to a cap-assisted (n = 171) or conventional (n = 171) technique. Compared with the conventional approach, the cap-assisted technique was associated with (i) shorter FB retrieval time (4.5 ± 0.5 minutes vs 21.7 ± 0.9 minutes, P < 0.001), (ii) shorter total procedure time (23.0 ± 0.6 minutes vs 47.0 ± 1.3 minutes, P < 0.0001), (iii) higher technical success rate (170/171 vs 160/171, P < 0.001), (iv) higher rate of en bloc removal (159/171 vs 48/171, P < 0.001), and (v) lower rate of procedure-related mucosal tear and bleeding (0/171 vs 13/171, P < 0.001). There were no major adverse events or deaths within 30 days in either group. The total cost of consumables was higher in the conventional group (A$19,644.90 vs A$6,239.90).

DISCUSSION:
This multicenter randomized controlled trial confirmed that the cap-assisted technique is more effective and less costly than the conventional approach and should be first-line treatment for esophageal FBI.
What affects fisheries in African lakes: Climate change or fishing effort? A case study from Lake Kariba
Authors: Marshall Brian E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLake Kariba, created in 1958, experienced changes, notably the decline of the Limnothrissa miodon fishery, which have been attributed to climatic change. Air temperatures rose abruptly by 1.1°C between 1980 and 1981, but the temperature of the lake did not follow this pattern. Temperatures at 10 m depth increased by 8% between 1961 and 1971, remained stable until 1984, then declined and by 1992 the temperature was about 7% lower than in 1961. The causes of this are unclear but it followed the hot and dry El Niño droughts of 1982-83 and 1991-92. The lake warmed again by 2007-2011 with temperatures at 10 m being about 10% higher than in 1961, while at 40 m it was 16% higher indicating a faster warming rate in deeper waters. The thermocline fell from 15-20 m in 1968 and 1986 to 20-25 m in 2011 and the temperature gradient decreased by &gt; 50%. The epilimnion became more homogenous, with no evidence of anoxia in the upper 20 m in 2007-08, and the normal monomictic thermal regime may change, thus affecting nutrient circulation and the seasonal abundance of plankton. Both zooplankton and phytoplankton communities have evolved since the lake was created, but these changes occurred before any evidence of warming. The fishery has been declining since 1996 but there is no evidence that climate change is responsible; the number of fishing vessels is presently about three times the recommended level and fishing effort is almost certainly the main cause of the problems. All African lakes support fisheries and it is essential to consider fishing, which changes fish species composition, demographics and abundance, characters that could also be affected by climate change.
Sustainable crab fishery for Blue Economy in Kenya
Authors: Fondo Esther N. , Ogutu Benrick 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Lakes, rivers and oceans provide unique resources and support fisheries and aquaculture worldwide. The fisheries and aquaculture sector of Kenya contributes approximately 0.8% to the country’s GDP. Marine production is about 9 000 tonnes per year. Marine finfish form the bulk of the marine production, while shellfish (e.g. prawns, lobsters and crabs), molluscs (e.g. octopi and squids) are underexploited. The Fishery sector has the potential of about USD 5 billion for the Blue Economy in Kenya. Crab fishery in Kenya is active in some areas of the south and north coast. The crab resources along the Kenyan waters are diverse and a variety of species are edible. The most commonly fished crab by artisanal fishers is the Mangrove Mud Crab Scylla serrata. Semi-commercial and industrial fishers usually have portunid and other deep sea crabs as by-catch in trawl and longline fisheries, which in many cases are unutilized. Exports of live crabs have increased over the years, with exports mainly to Asian countries. Export of frozen crabs started recently. The need to sustainably utilize lake, river and ocean resources is recognized and important in promoting Blue Economy. Sustainable development of crab fishery provides a potential area for the Blue Economy development in Kenya. Research is essential to crab fishery development.
The status of seagrass beds in the coastal county of Lamu, Kenya
Authors: Uku J. , Daudi L. , Alati V. , Nzioka A. , Muthama C. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Biodiversity assessments within seagrass beds were conducted in six sites in Lamu, Kenya; namely, Kiweni, Tauzi, Wange, Ntopate, Manda toto and Ngoi. The objective of the assessment was to collect baseline information of the seagrasses of Lamu County in Kenya. Our findings revealed that nine out of the twelve seagrass species found in Kenya were found in the study sites. The dominant seagrass species Thalassodendron ciliatum was found to occur in deeper subtidal areas, while the pioneering species occurred in intertidal shallower areas. Average shoot densities per site ranged from 2.4 ± 1.7 shoots m-2 of Cymodocea serrulata to 1025.9 ± 139.3 shoots m-2 of Syringodium isoetifolium in Ngoi. Canopy heights ranged from 0.1 ± 0.1 cm of Halodule ovalis in Tauzi to 16.3±1.3.5 cm of Syringodium isoetifolium in Ngoi. Although the seagrass species characteristics were much lower than that found in similar mangrove fringed seagrass beds of Gazi Bay, the majority of the fish found in these seagrass areas were invertivores which indicates that these seagrass sites form a refugia for adult fish populations with nursery grounds being located elsewhere.
This study forms the first comprehensive assessment of the seagrasses of Lamu and it provides important baseline information on seagrass beds. Such biodiversity information provides important support for decision-making for coastal areas that are targeted for infrastructural development such as Lamu. Biodiversity information of such critical habitats form a critical data base for marine spatial planning and can be used to effectively guide the integration of biodiversity and coastal livelihoods in the sustainable development of Kenya’s coastal areas.