bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Complications and Mortality in Hospitalized Octogenarian Patients with COVID-19: An Ambispective Study
Authors: Arroyo-Huidobro Marta , Fontanet Natàlia Pallarès , Cordomí Cristian Tebé , Simonetti Antonella F. , Pérez-López Carlos , Abelenda-Alonso Gabriela , Rombauts Alexander , Bermudez Isabel Oriol , Izquierdo Elisenda , Díaz-Brito Vicente , Molist Gemma , Melis Guadalupe Gómez , Videla Sebastian , Soto Alfons López , Carratalà Jordi , Molinero Alejandro Rodriguez 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients aged 80 or above and to identify predictors for death and complications throughout the epidemic waves of the disease.
Methods
This was an observational, multicenter, ambispective study conducted between March 2020 and August 2021 using data collected in five centers from southern metropolitan area of Barcelona (COVID-MetroSud cohort). Patients were grouped based on the pandemic waves of inclusion in the registry.
Results
A total of 1192 patients (mean [SD] age 85.7 [4.22] years) were included. The most frequently reported symptoms in all waves were fever (63.1%), cough (56.5%), dyspnea (48.2%), and asthenia (27.5%). Laboratory and radiological findings consistently showed abnormal bilateral chest X-ray results (72.5% of patients) and elevated inflammatory markers such as lactate dehydrogenase (mean [SD] 335 [188] U/L), C-reactive protein (CRP) (mean [SD] 110 [88.4] U/L), and ferritin (mean [SD] 842 [1561] U/L). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (43.7%), renal failure (19.2%), and alterations in baseline mental status (17.5%) were the most frequent complications. The overall mortality rate was 41.4% and declined across the epidemic waves. Age, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, dyspnea, and higher baseline levels of creatinine were identified as risk factors for general complications, while a higher Barthel index and presence of cough were found to be protective. Age, dyspnea, abnormal bilateral chest x-ray, CRP, and sodium were identified as risk factors for death.
Conclusions
This the first study that analyzed the clinical presentation of COVID-19 and the risk factors for complications and death in octogenarian hospitalized patients across the different waves of the disease.
On-Treatment Blood Pressure and Dose-Dependent Effects of ARNI in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: Insights from a Multicenter Registry
Authors: Park Jiesuck , Park Chan Soon , Rhee Tae-Min , Choi Hye Jung , Choi Hong-Mi , Lee Hyun-Jung , Park Jun-Bean , Yoon Yeonyee E. , Lee Seung-Pyo , Kim Yong-Jin , Cho Goo-Yeong , Kim Hyung-Kwan , Hwang In-Chang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Achieving the target dose of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains challenging due to concerns related to hypotension. This study investigated the dose-dependent effects of ARNI based on on-treatment blood pressure (BP). Using 1,097 HFrEF patient data from a multicenter HF registry who received ARNI for at least 6 months, subjects were stratified into low-dose (<100 mg/day; n=249) and intermediate- to high-dose (≥100 mg/day; n=848) groups based on the average ARNI dose over a 1-year period. Changes in echocardiographic features and clinical outcomes were assessed, considering on-treatment BP profiles (high-BP [average systolic BP ≥110 mmHg] and low-BP [<110 mmHg]). Low-BP was an independent predictor for low-dose ARNI. Echocardiographic improvements were observed in both dose groups, with more pronounced changes in the intermediate- to high-dose group. Over a median follow-up of 3.1 years, the low-dose group demonstrated an increased risk of mortality compared to the intermediate- to high-dose group. These trends were consistently observed in both BP profiles. In conclusion, low-dose ARNI leads to insufficient improvements in echocardiographic parameters and worse clinical outcomes regardless of on-treatment BP, suggesting the importance of optimal dose titration, which should not be discouraged by low-BP response.
Effects of rice flour substitution on the structure and processing characteristics of mixed rice-wheat dough
Authors: Gao Xin ru , Ma Chun min , Yang Yang , Bian Xin , Wang Bing , Zhang Guang , Chen Zhi peng , Zhang Na 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Rice contains lysine, which is lacking in general grains, which can make the nutrition more balanced when it is added to cereal foods.Therefore, this study explored the effects of rice flour substitution on the structure and processing properties of mixed rice-wheat dough. With the addition of rice flour (0–50%), the content of water, fat, protein, amylose and ash in the mixed flour decreased, while that of total starch and amylopectin increased significantly. The results from the mechanical characteristics indicated that the viscosity disintegration (0.15–0.59 Nm) and β value (0.526–0.716) increased, while the retrogradation value (from 1.15 to 0.69 Nm) and the cooking stability (from 0.92 to 0.73) decreased, revealing that the shear resistance and stability of the mixed flour dough decreased after the addition of rice flour, but its increased gelatinization rate delayed aging and improved the storage characteristics. Moreover, mixed rice-wheat dough mainly undergone elastic deformation, and the addition of rice flour interfered with the formation of gluten network structure. Part of the bound water in the mixed flour dough migrates to free water, which showed that the continuity and uniformity of gluten network structure become worse by competing with wheat gluten for water absorption. When the addition of rice flour was 20%, the dough had the greatest viscoelasticity, micro-structure tensile property and texture, when the addition amount exceeded 30%, the toughness of the dough reduced, which made dough difficult to process. This study provides a theoretical basis for the processing and application of rice flour in staple food in the future.
In-hospital hypernatremia prior to discharge to primary care hospitals predicts 90-day mortality in older hip fracture patients
Authors: Pehkonen Matias , Collin Sanna , Korhonen Päivi , Nuotio Maria S 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Discharge is a critical time point in the care pathway of geriatric hospital patients, and post-acute care facilities often have less monitoring possibilities. Active medical issues such as electrolyte disturbances should be treated before transfer. We studied the impact of in-hospital hypernatremia on the mortality of older hip fracture patients at 90 days.
Methods
A retrospective study population of 2240 hip fracture patients from 2015 to 2019 was collected from the Hospital District of Southwest Finland data pool. In the present study we included patients aged ≥65 years who were transferred from the operating hospital to primary health care wards after surgery (n=1,125). Laboratory results were collected on admission and before discharge. The main outcome was mortality at 90 days.
Results
Hypernatremia, defined as serum sodium ≥144 mmol/l, was present in 8.5 % (n = 114) of the patients on admission and in 6.8 % (n = 91) before discharge. For patients with hypernatremia the crude mortality at 90 days was 35.8 % (95 % CI 27.1 to 46.3) and for patients with normal serum sodium 9.6 % (95 % CI 8.0 to 11.6). The age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio of hypernatremia compared to normal serum sodium was 3.91 (95 % CI 2.62 to 5.82).
Conclusion
In-hospital hypernatremia had predictive value for 90-day mortality. We recommend active screening for and prompt treatment of perioperative hypernatremia in hip fracture patients. Local guidelines and discharge checklists are recommended to secure the discharge period.
Discovering nuclear localization signal universe through a novel deep language learning network with attention as the neurons
Authors: Shen Hongbin , Li Yifan , Pan Xiaoyong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Nuclear localization signals (NLSs) are pivotal peptide fragments within proteins, playing a decisive role in guiding proteins into the cell nucleus. Determining the existence and precise locations of NLS through experimental methods is time-consuming, resulting in a scarcity of experimentally validated NLS fragments. Consequently, annotated NLS dataset for training deep learning models in this domain are relatively small. In this study, we propose a novel interpretable approach NLSExplorer, which leverages large-scale protein language models to capture crucial spatial information with a novel deep attention network for NLS identification. NLSExplorer achieves superior predictive performance to existing methods on two NLS benchmark datasets. Furthermore, we leverage NLSExplorer to perform a comprehensive analysis of all proteins located in the nucleus within the SwissProt database, revealing a multi-level universe of potential NLS with variations in NLS preferences across different species. Moreover, the potential evolutionary trends of nuclear localization proteins across species are explored with NLSExplorer, showing the dynamic nature of NLS across diverse organisms. This study not only enhances our understanding of cross-species evolutionary trends for nuclear localization proteins, but also showcases NLSExplorer as a powerful tool for predicting and exploring NLS space.
Wild bee abundance and diversity in an urban landscape: the importance of preserving native vegetation
Authors: Prado Alberto , Ramírez-Infante Ana Sofía , Hernández-Sandoval Luis , de-la-Mora Marisol 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Urbanization is considered to be a major threat to biodiversity, habitat destruction and fragmentation hamper the establishment and dispersal of many species. Nevertheless, some species are resilient to urbanization. As important pollinators, wild bees provide an ecosystem service to natural, agricultural and urban ecosystems. It is not clear to what degree the urban environment can be a refuge for wild bees. We assessed changes in the abundance, species richness, and composition of wild bee community along an urbanization gradient in a semi-arid climate. Over two years and on a monthly basis, bees were sampled using colored pan traps at six sites with different degrees of urbanization. A total of 525 individual bees belonging to 15 species were trapped. The abundance and species richness of bees was positively correlated with native vegetation and negatively correlated with urbanization with soil-nesting species completely absent from highly urbanized sites. The amount of native vegetation was found to be the most important driver of wild bee species abundance and diversity. Our results suggest that the degree of urbanization is an important factor that can cause loss of pollinator diversity. Nonetheless, the incorporation of areas with native vegetation in urban planning has the potential to mitigate the negative effect of urbanization.
Agriculture and Nanotechnology: National Infrastructure Readiness. 1
Authors: Berube David , Whitley Ben , Njathi Anne Wangari , Jones Jacob , Cuchiara Maude , Olatunde Folasewa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Agriculture will face many challenges in the next 25 years, including water, population demands, supply chain disruptions, storage, safety, and distribution. Whether discussing smart farming, genetically modified seeds, or alternatives to traditional productivity enhancements, such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers, it is all about increasing resiliency by broadening the options for the industry. One of the platform technologies that may offer solace could be nanotechnology especially given the temporal variables involved. We may need to act quickly, so we must prepare to do so. In addition, we must not avoid viable solutions while searching for the silver bullet. There may be none. The following gleans expert opinions from the different stakeholder communities in nanotechnology and agriculture disciplines. Our approach involved diverse sampling and analysis in producing a modicum of information to help inform debates over nanotechnology and agriculture. Put simply; these are observations and suggestions for those who participated.
Podocyte exopher-formation as a novel pathomechanism in membranous nephropathy
Authors: Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine , Lahme Karen , Sachs Wiebke , Frömbing Sarah , Brehler Michael , Loreth Desiree , Surmann Kristin , Gaffling Simone , Wedekind Uta , Böttcher-Dierks Vincent , Adler Marie , Saez Pablo , Conze Christian , Thünauer Roland , Skuza Sinah , Neitzel Karen , Zielinski Stephanie , Brand Johannes , Bonn Stefan , Völker Uwe , Zimmermann Marina , Wiech Thorsten , Meyer Tobias , Fester Lars 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is caused by autoantibody binding to podocyte foot process antigens such as THSD7A and PLA2R1. The mechanisms of the glomerular antigen/autoantibody deposition and clearance are unknown.
Methods
We explore the origin and significance of glomerular accumulations in (1) diagnostic and follow-up biospecimens from THSD7A+ and PLA2R1+-MN patients compared to nephrotic non-MN patients, and (2) in experimental models of THSD7A+-MN.
Results
We discovered podocyte exophers as correlates of histological antigen/autoantibody aggregates found in the glomerular urinary space of MN patients. Exopher vesicle formation represents a novel form of toxic protein aggregate removal in Caenorhabditis elegans neurons. In MN patients, podocytes released exophers to the urine. Enrichment of exophers from MN patient urines established them as a glomerular exit route for antigens and bound autoantibody. Exophers also carried disease-associated proteins such as complement and provided a molecular imprint of podocyte injury pathways. In experimental THSD7A+-MN, exophers were formed from podocyte processes and cell body. Their formation involved the translocation of antigen/autoantibody from the subepithelial to the urinary side of podocyte plasma membranes. Urinary exopher-release correlated with lower albuminuria and lower glomerular antigen/autoantibody burden. In MN patients the prospective monitoring of urinary exopher abundance and of exopher-bound autoantibodies was additive in the assessment of immunologic MN activity.
Conclusions
Exopher-formation and release is a novel pathomechanism in MN to remove antigen/autoantibody aggregates from the podocyte. Tracking exopher-release will add a non-invasive diagnostic tool with prognostic potential to clinical diagnostics and follow-up of MN patients.
Magnitude and determinants of biological risk factors of non-communicable diseases among reproductive age women in Gofa and Basketo Zones, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Domba Markos Manote , Fava Salvatore , Gelibo Terefe , Mulatu Bahiru 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background:- The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among women of reproductive age has surged two fold in various African countries. This escalation in NCD burdens combined with inadequate access to sexual and reproductive health services is progressively impacting women of reproductive age, posing substantial risks to forthcoming generations. This research endeavors to evaluate the extent of biological risk factors and their associated determinants among women of reproductive age in the Gofa and Basketo Zones of Southern Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based survey following the World Health Organization (WHO) stepwise approach was undertaken, employing a multistage cluster sampling method to select participants from the designated zones. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software encompassing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression. Associations were deemed statistically significant if the p-value was ≤ 0.05.
Result: Approximately 27.0% of participants exhibited one or more biological risk factors. Significant associations were observed among participants in older age groups, residing in rural areas, those with lower educational attainment, belonging to the Gofa zone, those from households with higher wealth index, widowed/divorced individuals, single individuals, government employees, merchants, and housewives. Additionally, those with larger family sizes (>4), getting no health professional advice, had a family history of NCD and were not members of a functional women development army (WDA) displayed statistically significant associations with the co-occurrence of biological risk factors.
Conclusion: The escalation of biological risk factors is concerning, highlighting the urgency for targeted community-based interventions. Prioritizing older age groups, rural residents, individuals from households with higher wealth status, and lower educational attainment is advised. Implementing family-oriented changes and reinforcing healthcare systems are crucial. Policy and socio-political factors influencing the rise of NCD risk factors should also be addressed.
Spatial chemistry of citrus reveals molecules bactericidal to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus
Authors: Aksenov Alexander A. , Blacutt Alex , Ginnan Nichole , Rolshausen Philippe , Melnik Alexey V. , Lotfi Ali , Gentry Emily C. , Ramasamy Manikandan , Zuniga Cristal , Zengler Karsten , Mandadi Kranthi , Dorrestein Pieter , Roper Caroline 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Huanglongbing (HLB), associated with the psyllid-vectored phloem-limited bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is a disease threat to all citrus production worldwide. Currently, there are no sustainable curative or prophylactic treatments available. In this study, we utilized mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics in combination with 3D molecular mapping to visualize complex chemistries within plant tissues to explore how these chemistries change in vivo in HLB-impacted trees. We demonstrate how spatial information from molecular maps of branches and single leaves yields insight into the biology not accessible otherwise. In particular, we found evidence that flavonoid biosynthesis is disrupted in HLB-impacted trees, and an increase in the polyamine, feruloylputrescine, is highly correlated with an increase in disease severity. Based on mechanistic details revealed by these molecular maps, followed by metabolic modeling, we formulated and tested the hypothesis that CLas infection either directly or indirectly converts the precursor compound, ferulic acid, to feruloylputrescine to suppress the antimicrobial effects of ferulic acid and biosynthetically downstream flavonoids. Using in vitro bioassays, we demonstrated that ferulic acid and bioflavonoids are indeed highly bactericidal to CLas, with the activity on par with a reference antibiotic, oxytetracycline, recently approved for HLB management. We propose these compounds should be evaluated as therapeutics alternatives to the antibiotics for HLB treatment. Overall, the utilized 3D metabolic mapping approach provides a promising methodological framework to identify pathogen-specific inhibitory compounds in planta for potential prophylactic or therapeutic applications.
Fuzzy random sensitivity analysis for the overall structure reliability of reinforced concrete freezing wellbores in deep alluvium based on HMM model
Authors: Yafeng YAO , Yan ZHU , Yongheng LI , Wei WANG , Zhemei ZHANG 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
To address the shortcomings of traditional reliability theory in characterizing the stability of deep underground structures, the advanced first order second moment of reliability was improved to obtain fuzzy random reliability, which is more consistent with the working conditions. The traditional sensitivity analysis model was optimized using fuzzy random optimization, and an analytical calculation model of the mean and standard deviation of the fuzzy random reliability sensitivity was established. A big data hidden Markov model and expectation-maximization algorithm were used to improve the digital characteristics of fuzzy random variables. The fuzzy random sensitivity optimization model was used to confirm the effect of concrete compressive strength, thick-diameter ratio, reinforcement ratio, uncertainty coefficient of calculation model, and soil depth on the overall structural reliability of a reinforced concrete double-layer wellbore in deep alluvial soil. Through numerical calculations, these characteristics were observed to be the main influencing factors. Furthermore, while the soil depth was negatively correlated, the other influencing factors were all positively correlated with the overall reliability. This study provides an effective reference for the safe construction of deep underground structures in the future.
Mixed copula-based bivariate drought risk analysis combined with a composite index in the Fenhe River Basin, China
Authors: Wei Ting , Zhao Xuehua , Chen Pan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In the context of climate change, drought events were likely to be frequent and severe in Fenhe river basin (FRB). This study developed a multivariate composite drought index (CDI) combining standardized precipitation index (SPI), standardized runoff index (SRI), and agricultural standardized precipitation index (aSPI) based on entropy weight method for comprehensive characterizing drought in the FRB. A mixed copula was then developed for comprehensively modeling the dependent structures of drought variables (duration, severity, peak), through coupling three single copulas (Gumbel, Clayton and Frank copulas). The drought variation was examined by modified Mann-Kendall test (MMK) method and the historical droughts of the basin were examined in three periods: the first period (1951–1974), the second period (1975–1998), and the third period (1999–2022). The bivariate return periods and bivariate risk of drought variables were finally analyzed based on mixed copula. The results indicate that (1) the constructed CDI is consistent with SPI, SRI and aSPI series, and it is sensitive and effective to capture historical drought events. (2) the CDI, SPI, SRI and aSPI present significant decreasing trend indicating the increasingly serious drought condition in the basin. (3) drought variables are higher in the third period than in other periods and the basin experienced an increasingly serious dry condition. (4) the mixed copula provides more reliable return periods and drought risk results.
Is Platelet Rich Plasma a safe and effective treatment in Erectile Dysfunction?
Authors: Moubasher Amr , Saleh Islam Yasser Ismael , Moubasher Amr , Ghalwash Mohamed Abo El-enen , Ragab Maged Moustafa , Almekaty Khaled 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the consistent or recurrent inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. ED influences between 12.9% and 28.1% of men worldwide, presenting a strong aged-correlated prevalence.
Aim and objectives: to assess the safety and efficacy of intracavernosal injection of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as a new regenerative treatment for men with ED.
Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial performed on sixty patients at the outpatient clinic of the Andrology unit of the Urology department, Tanta University Hospitals, Tanta, Egypt. This study was conducted between April 2022 and April 2023.These patients were categorized as mild and moderate ED according to the IIEF -5 questionnaire. Each patient received two injections of PRP or Placebo with 1 month in between.
Results: there was no statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding Baseline data, Baseline evaluation and Efficacy of treatment.
Conclusion: The results of our clinical trial suggest that the treatment of mild to moderate ED with two injections of intracavernosal PRP separated by 1 month is safe, but not more effective than placebo.