bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal changes in pigments content in overwintering and current-year leaves of Sasa senanensis from snowmelt to before leaf-fall of canopy deciduous trees
Authors: ONO Kiyomi , Hashiguchi Megumi , Tanaka Ryouichi , Hara Toshihiko 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Sasa senanensis, an evergreen plant native to the cool temperate regions of eastern Asia, experiences both seasonal temperature fluctuations and dramatic changes in light intensity typical of understory plants. Light intensity which Sasa leaves receive surges post-snowmelt in early spring and diminishes as the canopy of upper deciduous trees develops. The current-year leaves of S. senanensis unfold under these shaded conditions, making the preservation of overwintering leaves crucial for the plant's photosynthetic productivity in early spring. To investigate how the overwintering leaves of S. senanensis adapt to the low temperatures and high light conditions of early spring; specifically, whether they adjust their antenna size or dissipate absorbed light energy as heat, we analyzed Fv/Fm and photosynthetic pigment compositions during the spring to autumn seasons from 2014 to 2017. We observed that Fv/Fm was initially low in overwintering leaves during early spring but gradually increased prior to the onset of shading, maintaining high levels under shaded conditions across all years. The chlorophyll a/b ratio rose following snowmelt and fell with increased shading in every year except 2015, suggesting that reductions in antenna size are not always essential. The quantities and de-epoxidation state of xanthophyll cycle pigments escalated post-snowmelt despite rising temperatures and subsequently decreased with shading each year, indicating that overwintering leaves adapt to early spring conditions by modifying their xanthophyll cycle pigments. This study further explores the similarities and differences in changes in Fv/Fm and photosynthetic pigments during spring between evergreen trees and S. senanensis.
Gene-environment correlation: The role of family environment in academic development
Authors: Malanchini Margherita , Zhou Quan , Gidziela Agnieszka , Allegrini Andrea , Cheesman Rosa , Wertz Jasmin , Maxwell Jessye , Plomin Robert , Rimfeld Kaili 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Academic achievement is partly heritable and highly polygenic. However, genetic effects on academic achievement are not independent of environmental processes. We investigated whether aspects of the family environment mediated genetic effects on academic achievement across development. Our sample included 5,151 children who participated in the Twins Early Development Study, as well as their parents and teachers. Data on academic achievement and family environments (parenting, home environments, and geocoded indices of neighbourhood characteristics) were available at ages 7, 9, 12 and 16. We computed educational attainment polygenic scores (PGS), and further separated genetic effects into cognitive and noncognitive PGS. Three core findings emerged. First, aspects of the family environment, but not the wider neighbourhood context, consistently mediated the PGS effects on achievement across development –accounting for up to 34.3% of the total effect. Family characteristics mattered beyond socio-economic status. Second, family environments were more robustly linked to noncognitive PGS effects on academic achievement than cognitive PGS effects. Third, when we investigated whether environmental mediation effects could also be observed when considering differences between siblings, adjusting for family fixed effects, we found that environmental mediation was nearly exclusively observed between families. This is consistent with the proposition that family environmental contexts contribute to academic development via passive gene-environment correlation processes. Our results show how parents shape environments that foster their children’s academic development partly based on their own genetic disposition, particularly towards noncognitive skills.
FFP2 induced breathing resistance does not affect gas exchange, metabolism and well-being during brisk walking and stair climbing - A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Engeroff Tobias , Hartel Niclas , Niederer Daniel , Nienhaus Albert , Groneberg David A. , Vogt Lutz 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
N95 or Type II filtering face pieces (FFP2) are often worn during work hours or on public transportation to prevent airborne infection. The aim of this randomized controlled crossover study is to assess the impact of FFP2 induced breathing resistance on pulmonary function, blood gas values and discomfort during walking and stair climbing.
Methods
N=16 healthy adults (24.8 ± 2.2 years; 10 females,) participated. Interventions included 1) six minutes of walking in a 16-meter-long hallway (612 meters) and 2) eight minutes of stair climbing in a two-story staircase (420 stairs), both with and without a FFP2 (>48 hour wash-out).
Spiroergometric data (Ventilation, breathing frequency, tidal volume, oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide exhalation (primary outcome), end tidal carbon dioxide- and oxygen pressure) and self-reported response (Perceived exertion, dyspnoea and pain) were assessed during activities. Blood gas analysis (capillary carbon dioxide- (pCO2) (primary outcome) and oxygen partial pressure (pO2), pH, lactate and base excess) was measured after cessation of activities. Manipulation effects (FFP2 versus no mask) were tested using repeated measures analyses of variance.
Results
Analysis showed no effect of FFP2 on pCO2 or other blood-gas parameters but on carbon dioxide exhalation during walking: (mean 1067, SD 209 ml/min) and stair climbing (mean 1908, SD 426 ml/min) (F(15)=19.5; p<0.001; ηp2=0.566 and F(15)=14.3; p=0.002; ηp2=0.489) compared to no mask wearing (mean 1237, SD 173 ml/min; mean 1908, SD 426 ml/min). Ventilation was decreased and dyspnoea was increased by FFP2 during activities. FFP2 led to lower oxygen uptake and end tidal oxygen but higher end tidal carbon dioxide during stair climbing.
Conclusions
FFP2 decreased ventilation based on slower breathing patterns and led to limitations in pulmonary gas exchange and increased subjective dyspnoea. However, invasive diagnostics revealed no signs of clinically relevant metabolic effects during common everyday physical activities.
Effect of borax-modified activator on mechanical properties and drying shrinkage of alkali-activated slag/metakaolin mortar
Authors: Chen Haiming , Qin Ziguang , Chen Jie , Zhang Yadong , Wu Peng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) possess several advantages, such as high strengths and low carbon emissions. However, their application is hindered due to their significant shrinkage. This study explored the effect of borax-modified sodium silicate activator and metakaolin (MK) on the mechanical properties and drying shrinkage (DS) of alkali-activated slag (AAS) and AAS/MK (AASM) mortars. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the hydration products. The results show that the DS reduction of the AAS mortar is related to decreased Na2O content, a reduction in the proportion of mesopores, and the formation of moisture-retaining borate compounds. The DS reduction of the AASM mortar is attributed to the ultra-fine differential effect induced by MK, reducing the connected pores. The modified activator combined with MK increased the chemically bound water content in the matrix. Additionally, the B-O bond and highly active MK improved compactness of the AASM mortar.
A macroevolution-inspired approach to reveal novel antibiotic resistance mechanisms
Authors: de Carvalho Luiz Pedro , Subtil Fernanda , Machado Teresa , Douglas Holly , Kirkpatrick Joanna , Skehel Mark , Garza-Garcia Acely 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

With the continuous rise in antibiotic resistance, novel methods that can reveal currently unknown antibiotic resistance mechanisms are essential to prepare and inform health responses. Here we built a library of species representative of the genus Mycobacterium and determined their antibiotic resistance profiles, allowing systematic multispecies comparisons. Analyzing antibiotic resistance in the context of other closely related organisms revealed species with truly exceptional traits, thus providing a solid starting point for the exploration of novel determinants of antibiotic resistance. We illustrate the utility of this genus-level approach to discovery of novel traits by characterizing a previously unrecognized rifamycin-inactivating enzyme that is present in a wide range of bacterial genera.
Long-term complaints and quality of life among COVID-19 survivors in the Hail region; KSA
Authors: almoliky Mokhtar abdu , saleh khalil abdulqawi , alkubati Sameer abdulmalik 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: The novel pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) has rapidly disseminated and caused millions of coronavirus infections and deaths. Post-COVID-19 sequelae with particular systemic long-term complaints were defined and ultimately led to an impairment in health-related quality of life for a long time after recovery.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the long-term complaints of COVID-19 survivors and their impact on their quality of life in the Hail region, KSA.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out with a random sample of 295 COVID-19 survivors to determine the long-term complaints of COVID-19 and its impact on quality of life in the Hail region. Long-term complaint data related to COVID-19 were collected viaa self-report questionnaire, while quality of life was measured via the EQ-5D scale.
Results: More than half of the participants complained of fatigue (60%), followed by frequent headache (59%), loss of appetite (54.9%), arthralgia/myalgia (51%), cough (46%) and difficult breathing (36.9%). The overall quality of life was poor among survivors (M±SD 11.911± 3.760), while anxiety and depression were the most common. Thehealth-related quality of life was significantly related to activity, smoking status, fever, cough, fatigue, headache, duration of disease, level of help, and oxygen therapy (p< 0.05). Multiple linear regression revealed that marital status (p= 0.001), regular and irregular physical activity (p= 0.008 and 0.011), duration of hospitalization (p <0.011), and oxygen therapy (p <0.027) were the independent factors affecting quality of life post-COVID-19.
Conclusion: Approximately two-thirds of the COVID-19 survivors experienced long-term complaints, while more than half of them experienced impaired quality of life. Therefore, health care facilities must establish prolonged care plans to improve health status and promote quality of life among COVID-19 survivors.
Isolation and Genetic Characteristics of Novel H4N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in ChongQing, China
Authors: He Jinyue , Deng Jing , Wen Xianxian , Yan Mengyuan , Liu Yang , Zhou Yunqiu , Du XuBin , Yang Han , Peng Xiaobin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) constitute significant zoonotic pathogens encompassing a broad spectrum of subtypes. Notably, the H4 subtype of AIVs has a pronounced ability to shift hosts. The escalating prevalence of the H4 subtype heightens the concern for its zoonotic potential, signaling an urgent call for vigilance.
Methods: We developed a comprehensive protocol that incorporates nucleic acid testing, gene sequencing, isolation culture, and resequencing for the evaluation of AIV in environmental samples. During this process, the H4N1 subtype of AIV isolated from a live poultry market was subjected to whole-genome sequencing and subsequent analysis.
Results: Between December 2021 and November 2023, 934 environmental samples were evaluated, and we isolated an H4N1 subtype AIV (CS01) for the first time from a live poultry market and determined its complete genome sequence. Subsequent analysis revealed that CS01 shares genetic characteristics with H4N2, H6N1, and H3N2; moreover, the receptor-binding pocket sequence of CS01 exhibited high similarity to that of other H4N1 strains, with 32 notable mutation sites.
Conclusions: Our study heralded the first isolation of the H4N1 subtype of AIV from a live poultry market teeming human activity. Subsequent analysis revealed that CS01 is a recombinant virus that possesses zoonotic potential and harbors a variety of pathogenicity-enhancing mutations. The isolation of CS01 highlights the importance of active monitoring in heavily contaminated live poultry markets as an effective approach to study AIVs.
Impact of the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department-to-intensive care unit admissions in Korea: An interrupted time-series analysis
Authors: Lee Kyung-Shin , Han Changwoo , Min Hye Sook , Lee Jeehye , Youn Seok Hwa , Kim Younghwan , Moon Jae Young , Lee Young Seok , Kim Su Jin , Sung Ho Kyung 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in significant disruptions to critical care systems globally. However, research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intensive care unit (ICU) admissions via the emergency department (ED) is limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the changes in the number of ED-to-ICU admissions and clinical outcomes in the periods before and during the pandemic. Methods We identified all adult patients admitted to the ICU through level 1 or 2 EDs in Korea between February 2018 and January 2021. February 2020 was considered the onset point of the COVID-19 pandemic. The monthly changes in the number of ED-to-ICU admissions and the in-hospital mortality rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated using interrupted time-series analysis. Results Among the 555,793 adult ED-to-ICU admissions, the number of ED-to-ICU admissions during the pandemic decreased compared to that before the pandemic (step change, 0.916; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.869–0.966], although the trend did not attain statistical significance (slope change, 0.997; 95% CI 0.991–1.003). The proportion of patients who arrived by emergency medical services, those transferred from other hospitals, and those with injuries declined significantly among the number of ED-to-ICU admissions during the pandemic. The proportion of in-hospital deaths significantly increased during the pandemic (step change, 1.054; 95% CI 1.003–1.108); however, the trend did not attain statistical significance (slope change, 1.001; 95% CI 0.996–1.007). Mortality rates in patients with an ED length of stay of ≥ 6 h until admission to the ICU rose abruptly following the onset of the pandemic (step change, 1.169; 95% CI 1.021–1.339). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected ED-to-ICU admission and in-hospital mortality rates in Korea. This study’s findings have important implications for healthcare providers and policymakers planning the management of future outbreaks of infectious diseases. Strategies are needed to address the challenges posed by pandemics and improve the outcomes in critically ill patients.
Energy Absorption and Resilience in Quasi-Static Loading of Foam-Formed Cellulose Fibre Materials
Authors: Pääkkönen Elina , Ketoja Jukka A. , Paltakari Jouni 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

To avoid microplastic pollution, there is an urgent need to replace fossil-based cushioning materials in packaging with easily recyclable alternatives. Here, we investigated the potential of lightweight fibre materials as a solution for mechanical protection. The quasi-static energy absorption properties were studied among a vast set of 129 different foam-formed trial points with material density ranging from 21 kg/m3 to 123 kg/m3. The trial points included two different fibre types, bleached softwood kraft pulp (BSKP) and bleached chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP), with varied refining level, pulp consistency, foaming conditions, surfactant type, strength additives, and final material density and thickness. Besides a statistical analysis of factors affecting compression stress and resilience, the results were reflected against a theoretical prediction of energy absorption for an ideal low-density random fibre network. The theory predicts the initially-high cushion factor to rapidly drop down to the level of 4‒5 at 40‒80% compression. A similar behaviour was seen among the actual samples, despite their various non-ideal features. At 50% compression, the average cushion factor across the whole data set was 4.84 ± 0.10, being close to the theoretical prediction of 4.61 for the ideal case. The smallest cushion factor of 3.6 was found for a CTMP sample. The recovery from compression varied slightly among the samples and appeared highest for the material density of 60‒100 kg/m3, following the predicted proportion of non-buckled fibre segments. The above results suggest that fibre-based materials work best as cushions when a soft initial response is preferred, which is the case for fragile items.
GPT-4 Performance on Querying Scientific Publications: Reproducibility, Accuracy, and Impact of an Instruction Sheet
Authors: Tao Kaiming , Osman Zachary A. , Tzou Philip L. , Rhee Soo-Yon , Ahluwalia Vineet , Shafer Robert W. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Large language models (LLMs) that could efficiently screen and identify studies fulfilling specific criteria, as well as those capable of data extraction from publications, would streamline literature reviews and enhance knowledge discovery by lessening the burden on human reviewers.
Methods
We created an automated pipeline utilizing OpenAI GPT-4 32K API version “2023-05-15” to evaluate the accuracy of the LLM GPT-4 when responding to queries about published studies on HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) with and without an instruction sheet containing specialized HIVDR knowledge. We designed 60 questions pertaining to HIVDR and created markdown versions of 60 published HIVDR studies in PubMed. We presented the 60 studies to GPT-4 in four configurations: (1) all 60 questions simultaneously; (2) all 60 questions simultaneously with the instruction sheet; (3) each of the 60 questions individually; and (4) each of the 60 questions individually with the instruction sheet.
Results
GPT-4 achieved a median accuracy of 87% – 24% higher than when the answers to studies were permuted. The standard deviation of three replicates for the 60 questions ranged from 0 to 5.3% with a median of 1.2%. The instruction sheet did not increase GPT-4’s accuracy. GPT-4 was more likely to provide false positive answers when the 60 questions were submitted individually compared to when they were submitted together.
Conclusions
The inability of GPT-4 to utilize the instruction sheet suggests that more sophisticated prompt engineering approaches or the finetuning of an open source model are required to further improve the ability to answer questions about highly specialized research studies.
Pediatric submandibular pleomorphic adenoma: Three cases and role of fine needle aspiration biopsy
Authors: İNAN Hakkı Caner , ÖZDAL Miraç Elif , ıssın Gizem , ÖZER Mehmet 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Pediatric submandibular pleomorphic adenomas are very rare benign tumors. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is useful preoperative diagnosis to avoid tumor rupture and seeding. We presented 3 cases of submandibular pleomorphic adenoma and their clinical and pathological characteristics.
Altered somatosensory processing in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Frost-Karlsson Morgan , Capusan Andrea Johansson , Olausson Håkan , Boehme Rebecca 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background Tactile sensitivity and sensory overload in ADHD are well-documented in clinical-, self-, and parent- reports, but empirical evidence is scarce and ambiguous and focuses primarily on children. Here, we compare both empirical and self-report tactile sensitivity and ADHD symptomatology in adults with ADHD and neurotypical controls. We evaluate whether tactile sensitivity and integration is more prevalent in ADHD and whether it is related to ADHD symptom severity.Methods Somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) amplitudes were measured in 27 adults with ADHD and 24 controls during four conditions (rest, stroking of the own arm, stroking of the arm by a researcher, and stroking of an object). Participants also filled out questionnaires on tactile sensitivity and ADHD symptoms and performed a Qb-test as an objective measure of ADHD symptom severity.Results Participants with ADHD self-reported greater tactile sensitivity and ADHD symptom severity than controls and received higher scores on the Qb-test. These values correlated with one another. ADHD participants showed lower tolerable threshold for electrical radial nerve stimulus, and greater reduction in cortical SEP amplitudes during additional tactile stimuli which was correlated with ADHD symptoms.Conclusions We find that ADHD symptomatology and touch sensitivity are directly linked, using both self-reports and experimental measures. We also find evidence of tactile sensory overload in ADHD, and an indication that this is linked to inattention specifically. Tactile sensitivity and sensory overload impact the functioning and life quality of many people with ADHD, and clinicians should consider this when treating their patients.
Extraction of therapeutic protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its cytotoxic effects on cancer cells
Authors: Aswarthagari Harinatha Reddy , Kiranmayi Lakshmi , Gurujala Nageswari , Bada Venkatappa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In the present study Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from immune-compromised patients. P. aeruginosa was identified based on the microscopic observations and biochemical characterization. The Azurin (AZU) gene was exercised form the Genomic DNA of selected P. aeruginosa strain and was cloned in expression vector pMAL-c2X of E.coli BL-21. The cloned cells are screened by blue-white screening method and the expressed azurin after cell lysis was extracted by ammonium precipitation method and purified by dialysis and an ion exchange chromatography techniques. Azurin protein purified was separated and identified by SDS-PAGE. The effect of azurin on proliferation and apoptosis of HCT 15 and T47D cancer cell lines cell line was studied. The results showed that azurin strongly inhibited the proliferation of both colon carcinoma cell line and breast cancer cell line but not on normal cells. These results suggest that r-Azu would be a potential candidate for anticancer drugs and deserves further study.
Low field nuclear magnetic resonance as a potential tool for differentiating bedded and nodular cherts outcrops
Authors: Fajt Michal , Mazur-Rosmus Weronika , Stefanska Anna , Kochman Alicja , Krzyzak Artur 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Siliceous rocks, mainly nodular cherts, served as raw materials in the production of stone tools from the Middle Paleolithic onwards. Due to migration, the provenance of archaeological artefacts can differ from their outcrop location. The aim of this work was the application of 1D and 2D low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) relaxometry to distinguish cherts by sampling location. Herein, bedded cherts and accompanying nodular cherts coming from three different outcrops were investigated. 1D and 2D (T1-T2) experiments of saturated rock samples delivered T1, T2 times and T1/T2 ratios of distinct hydrogen populations – parameters sensitive to pore size, surface properties, and hydrogen bonding length. An in-depth analysis of porosity showed substantial differences in the pore structure properties which made it sufficient for grouping chert samples by outcrop location, using principal component analysis (PCA). All proposed NMR parameters obtained nondestructively allowed to distinguish not only different chert types but also different outcrops of bedded and nodular cherts.