bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can honey bees be used to detect rare plants? Taking an eDNA approach to find the last plants in a weed eradication program
Authors: Batchelor Kathryn L. , Bell Karen L. , Campos Mariana , Webber Bruce L. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe detection of rare taxa, crucial to conservation and biosecurity, presents many challenges that emerging technologies have the potential to address or avoid. Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) is a promising tool for the detection of rare species, especially when applied in a way that exploits natural processes to accumulate biological material (natural aggregation). This study investigated the potential of using honey bees as aggregators of pollen eDNA to detect Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera (boneseed), an introduced species targeted for eradication in Western Australia. We developed a species‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based assay that detected boneseed pollen at levels as low as 70 grains per million in a constructed pollen mixture. The assay was successfully used on wild‐caught bees from large boneseed populations, confirming they collect boneseed pollen. However, our results did not detect boneseed DNA in honey bee pollen collected from hive pollen traps near isolated boneseed plants. We hypothesize that a combination of low abundance of boneseed individuals, vast alternative flower resources at the time of boneseed flowering, and honey bee behavior and ecology may have led to lack of detection. We propose ways in which future work using honey bees to detect rare species can be improved. We also outline how other eDNA substrates (e.g., air and water samples) could be used with the PCR assay we have developed. More broadly, our work highlights the potential of eDNA techniques to detect rare species in biosecurity and conservation contexts and contributes to the development of pollinator‐based detection.
Safety of continuing mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist treatment in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and severe kidney disease: Data from Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Guidetti Federica , Lund Lars H. , Benson Lina , Hage Camilla , Musella Francesca , Stolfo Davide , Mol Peter G.M. , Flammer Andreas J. , Ruschitzka Frank , Dahlstrom Ulf , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Braun Oscar Ö. , Savarese Gianluigi 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTAimsMineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) improve outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but remain underused and are often discontinued especially in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to concerns on renal safety. Therefore, in a real‐world HFrEF population we investigated the safety of MRA use, in terms of risk of renal events, any mortality and any hospitalization, across the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) spectrum including severe CKD.Methods and resultsWe analysed patients with HFrEF (ejection fraction <40%), not on dialysis, from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry. We performed multivariable logistic regression models to investigate patient characteristics independently associated with MRA use, and univariable and multivariable Cox regression models to assess the associations between MRA use and outcomes. Of 33 942 patients, 17 489 (51%) received MRA, 32%, 45%, 54%, 54% with eGFR <30, 30–44, 45–59 or ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. An eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and patient characteristics linked with more severe HF were independently associated with more likely MRA use. In multivariable analyses, MRA use was consistently not associated with a higher risk of renal events (i.e. composite of dialysis/renal death/hospitalization for renal failure or hyperkalaemia) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–1.10), all‐cause death (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97–1.08) as well as of all‐cause hospitalization (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95–1.02) across the eGFR spectrum including also severe CKD.ConclusionsThe use of MRAs in patients with HFrEF decreased with worse renal function; however their safety profile was demonstrated to be consistent across the entire eGFR spectrum.
Low Valent N‐Coordinated Cations and Dications of Heavier Group 14 Elements: Lewis Acids or Bases?
Authors: Jambor Roman , Novák Miroslav 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLow‐valent N‐coordinated cations and dications of heavier group 14 elements are of great interest in recent years. Their unique electronic structure gives them an ambiphilic character, as they contain both a lone electron pair and an empty p‐orbital on the central metal atom. Thanks to their nucleophilic character, these compounds can act as ligands in transition metal chemistry, and conversely, their electrophilic character allows them to interact with a wide range of organic substrates and thus replace catalysts based on transition metal complexes in many chemical transformations. The aim of this article is to summarize the synthesis of N‐coordinated ionic compounds of heavier group 14 elements with their subsequent reactivity towards various nucleophiles and electrophiles.
Development of a new method of improving the oxidase‐based biosensors′ analytical characteristics by adding catalase as an auxiliary enzyme
Authors: Berketa Kseniia , Mruga Daryna , Dzyadevych Sergei , Soldatkin Oleksandr 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis research investigated the possibility of using the method of adding an additional enzyme to a monoenzyme oxidase‐based biosensor to improve the biosensor's analytical characteristics. Namely, the catalase (CAT) was used to better saturate the biomembrane with oxygen for the best glucose oxidase (GOx) performance. For this purpose, two different biosensors were created – based on one enzyme (GOx) and two (GOx and CAT). To create a bioselective membrane, the method of covalent binding in vapors of glutaraldehyde was used. The method of coimmobilization of catalase (CAT) and glucose oxidase (GOx) enzymes, as well as the concentration of enzymes in the mixture, was chosen in the work. The stability of the biosensor functioning, i. e. the repeatability during measurements and the reproducibility of the biosensors’ preparation, were investigated. Analytical characteristics of the proposed biosensor were studied in comparison with a monoenzyme biosensor based on glucose oxidase only. It was shown that the addition of catalase as an auxiliary enzyme significantly improves the analytical characteristics of the biosensor, in particular, the sensitivity, the repeatability of the measurement results, and the limits of the linear and dynamic ranges of operation. The developed method can be successfully used to optimize conductometric enzyme biosensors based on oxidases.
Cognitive status and its risk factors in patients with hypertension and diabetes in a low‐income rural area of China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Guo Yuyan , Liang Ruifeng , Ren Jingjuan , Cheng Liting , Wang Mengqin , Chai Huilin , Cheng Xiaoyu , Yang Yaowen , Sun Yajuan , Li Jiantao , Zhao Shuhong , Hou Wenjing , Zhang Jianhua , Liu Feng , Wang Rong , Niu Qiao , Yu Hongmei , Yang Shoulin , Bai Jianying , Zhang Hongmei , Qin Xiaojiang , Xia Na 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe proportion of older people with dementia in China is gradually increasing with the increase in the aging population over recent years. Hypertension and diabetes are common non‐communicable diseases among rural populations in China. However, it remains unclear whether these conditions affect the occurrence and development of cognitive impairment as there is limited research on cognitive status and its risk factors among residents of rural areas.MethodsA multi‐stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 5400 participants from rural permanent residents. A self‐designed structured questionnaire was used to investigate demographic data of the participants. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Function Assessment Scale (MoCA). The results were analyzed using chi‐square test, ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsA total of 5028 participants returned the survey, giving a response rate of 93.1%. Higher education (odds ratio (OR) = 3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.87–3.54, p < 0.001), higher income (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.16–2.07, p < 0.001), and dietary control (OR = 0.66, 95%CI 0.34–0.98, p < 0.001) were protective factors. A visual representation of the relationship between annual income and MoCA score showed an inverted U‐curve, the group with an annual income of 6000–7999 RMB had a maximum OR of 1.93 (95%CI 0.12–2.74, p < 0.001). While difficulty in maintaining sleep were risk factors for cognitive impairment (OR = −2.28, 95% CI–4.18–0.39, p = 0.018).ConclusionsParticipants with middle incomes had better cognitive status than those with the highest incomes. Higher education, proper diet control and good sleep are beneficial to the cognitive status of residents in rural areas.
Financial burden of seeking diabetes mellitus care in India: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Sample Survey
Authors: Nanda Mehak , Sharma Rajesh 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health concern in India, and entails a severe burden in terms of disability, death, and economic cost. This study examined the out‐of‐pocket health expenditure (OOPE) and financial burden associated with DM care in India.MethodsThe study used data from the latest round of the National Sample Survey on health, which covered 555,115 individuals from 113,823 households in India. In the present study, data of 1216 individuals who sought inpatient treatment and 6527 individuals who sought outpatient care for DM were analysed.ResultsIn India, 10.04 per 1000 persons reported having DM during the last 15 days before the survey date, varying from 6.94/1000 in rural areas to 17.45/1000 in urban areas. Nearly 38% of Indian households with diabetic members experienced catastrophic health expenditure (at the 10% threshold) and approximately 10% of DM‐affected households were pushed below the poverty line because of OOPE, irrespective of the type of care sought. 48.5% of households used distressed sources to finance the inpatient costs of DM. Medicines constituted one of the largest proportion of total health expenditure, regardless of the type of care sought or type of healthcare facility visited. The average monthly OOPE was over 4.5‐fold and 2.5‐fold higher for households who sought inpatient and outpatient care, respectively, from private health facilities, compared with those treated at public facilities. Notably, the financial burden was more severe for households residing in rural areas, those in lower economic quintiles, those belonging to marginalised social groups, and those using private health facilities.ConclusionThe burden of DM and its associated financial ramifications necessitate policy measures, such as prioritising health promotion and disease prevention strategies, strengthening public healthcare facilities, improved regulation of private healthcare providers, and bringing outpatient services under the purview of health insurance, to manage the diabetes epidemic and mitigate its financial impact.
A qualitative analysis of self‐reported suicide gatekeeper competencies and behaviour within the Australian construction industry
Authors: King Kylie E. , Liddle Sarah K. , Nicholas Angela 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIssue AddressedConstruction workers in Australia have suicide rates 84% higher than other workers, with even higher rates for younger and less‐skilled workers. Gatekeeper training (GKT) is a suicide prevention strategy that aims to improve knowledge, attitudes and self‐efficacy to identify and assist individuals at risk of suicide. However, the impact of GKT on long‐term behaviour and suicide prevention is unclear in the construction industry.MethodsResearchers conducted 22 semi‐structured interviews with trained Bluehats, who provide support to their colleagues in the construction industry experiencing mental health difficulties and suicidal distress.ResultsParticipants reported high levels of motivation and capability due to lived experience of mental health problems or suicide, training, satisfaction from helping others and feeling valued in their work environment.ConclusionsThe study highlighted the importance of physical and social opportunities for participants to support their colleagues. The findings reinforced the need to integrate GKT within comprehensive industry suicide prevention programs that provide a range of interventions for workers and ongoing support to trainees to translate their skills into behaviour. Future GKT should include behaviour change approaches to identify and target contextual and individual‐level factors influencing behaviour.So What?Understanding the potential and limitations of GKT within the construction industry offers invaluable insights for health promotion. Integrating GKT with holistic prevention programs could lead to more impactful strategies, potentially reducing the high suicide rates and fostering a healthier work environment in the construction sector.
Comparison of experimental and calculated thermal transmittance for timber‐framed outer wall constructions
Authors: Gendelis Stanislavs 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe importance of accurately determining the thermal transmittance factor for the outer walls of timber‐framed buildings is the driving force behind this research. This calculation is necessary for heating and cooling load determination, as well as energy consumption assessment. This research aims to conduct an analytical comparison, through both experimental and calculated means, of thermal conductivity coefficients of materials employed in the construction of buildings and structures. The methodological approach adopted in this research is grounded on an experimental analysis of the thermal transmittance of the outer wall materials in timber‐framed buildings. Thermal conductivity measurements with a Hot Plate apparatus by ISO 8302 and thermal conductivity calculations using mathematical software were the primary experimental methods deployed during the research. The results of this study demonstrate differences between experimental and calculated thermal transmittance values for timber‐framed outer walls. Moisture inconsistent distribution throughout the material is the reason behind these discrepancies, calling for particular humidity corrections in the calculations, varying across different materials. While working with simplified calculations of timber‐framed outer wall structures, monitoring the uneven heat flow in I‐beam joints is paramount and should be coupled with humidity‐related material changes. This study's practical implications are that the results can be implemented when calculating the energy consumption of building structures and the heating‐cooling load they entail.
Long‐term benefits and harms of early colorectal cancer screening in German individuals with familial cancer risk
Authors: Sroczynski Gaby , Hallsson Lára R. , Mühlberger Nikolai , Jahn Beate , Rehms Raphael , Hoffmann Sabine , Crispin Alexander , Lindoerfer Doris , Mansmann Ulrich , Siebert Uwe 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIndividuals with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) may benefit from early screening with colonoscopy or immunologic fecal occult blood testing (iFOBT). We systematically evaluated the benefit‐harm trade‐offs of various screening strategies differing by screening test (colonoscopy or iFOBT), interval (iFOBT: annual/biennial; colonoscopy: 10‐yearly) and age at start (30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years) and end of screening (65, 70 and 75 years) offered to individuals identified with familial CRC risk in Germany. A Markov‐state‐transition model was developed and used to estimate health benefits (CRC‐related deaths avoided, life‐years gained [LYG]), potential harms (eg, associated with additional colonoscopies) and incremental harm‐benefit ratios (IHBR) for each strategy. Both benefits and harms increased with earlier start and shorter intervals of screening. When screening started before age 50, 32‐36 CRC‐related deaths per 1000 persons were avoided with colonoscopy and 29‐34 with iFOBT screening, compared to 29‐31 (colonoscopy) and 28‐30 (iFOBT) CRC‐related deaths per 1000 persons when starting age 50 or older, respectively. For iFOBT screening, the IHBRs expressed as additional colonoscopies per LYG were one (biennial, age 45‐65 vs no screening), four (biennial, age 35‐65), six (biennial, age 30‐70) and 34 (annual, age 30‐54; biennial, age 55‐75). Corresponding IHBRs for 10‐yearly colonoscopy were four (age 55‐65), 10 (age 45‐65), 15 (age 35‐65) and 29 (age 30‐70). Offering screening with colonoscopy or iFOBT to individuals with familial CRC risk before age 50 is expected to be beneficial. Depending on the accepted IHBR threshold, 10‐yearly colonoscopy or alternatively biennial iFOBT from age 30 to 70 should be recommended for this target group.
Three‐dimensional model for improvement of endometriosis care (3D‐E)
Authors: Lukac Stefan , Hancke Katharina , Janni Wolfgang , Pfister Kerstin , Schäffler Henning , Schmid Marinus , Ebner Florian , Kloss Tabea , Dayan Davut 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveEndometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and leads to significant morbidity and financial burden. Consequently, countries such as France and Germany are formulating strategies to combat endometriosis. In this study, we propose the implementation of our three‐dimensional model (3D‐E) to raise awareness about endometriosis and enhance timely diagnosis, treatment, and long‐term care for affected patients.MethodsBased on the adapted Six Sigma Principle and the modified recommendation of Sales et al. for implementing evidence‐based findings into a clinical routine, we first conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify risk factors leading to diagnostic delay of endometriosis. After identifying improvable factors, the applicable options were selected due to defined criteria such as integrability in the clinical routine, cost‐effectiveness, and evidence‐based‐principle. Finally, solutions feasible for health care providers were integrated and the 3D‐E model was established.ResultsSome of the main risk factors contributing to diagnostic delays are symptoms acceptance and misinterpreted symptoms, especially if presenting to nongynecologists in cases of extragenital endometriosis with atypical presentation. Therefore, we tried to sensitize colleagues (first dimension) with a review paper in Germany's largest medical journal and started an elective for medical students (second dimension) at our university. In order to involve additional health care professionals in endometriosis care (third dimension), we are preparing the concept of the EndoNurse.ConclusionThe 3D‐E model is a relatively low‐cost, comprehensive, and worldwide adaptable approach for facilitating knowledge transfer, sensitizing health care providers, and improving endometriosis diagnostics and therapy for patients with endometriosis who are in the center of the model.
Insights into the mechanism of [3+2] cycloaddition reactions between N‐benzyl fluoro nitrone and maleimides, its selectivity and solvent effects
Authors: Boutiddar Rachid , Abbiche Khalid , Mellaoui Moulay Driss , Imjjad Abdallah , Alahiane Mustapha , Ait Albrimi Youssef , Marakchi Khadija , Mogren Al‐Mogren Muneerah , El Hammadi Abdellatif , Hochlaf Majdi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe present a theoretical study of the [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reactions of N‐benzyl fluoro nitrone with a series of maleimides producing isoxazolidines. We use the Molecular Electron Density Theory at the MPWB1K/6‐311G(d) level. We focus on the reaction mechanism, selectivity, solvent, and temperature effects. In addition, we perform topological analyses at the minimal and transition states to identify the intermolecular interactions. Electron Localization Function approach classifies the N‐benzyl fluoro nitrone as zwitterionic (zw‐) three‐atom components (TACs), associated with a high energy barrier. The low polar character of the reaction is evaluated using the Conceptual Density Functional Theory analysis of the reactants, confirmed by the low global electron density transfer computed at the transition states. Computations show that these 32CA reactions follow a one‐step mechanism under kinetic control, with highly asynchronous bond formation and no new covalent bond is formed at the TS. Besides, the potential energy surfaces along the reaction pathways in gas phase and in solvent are mapped. The corresponding Gibbs free energy profiles reveal that the exo‐cycloadducts are kinetically and thermodynamically more favored than endo‐cycloadducts, in agreement with the exo‐selectivity observed experimentally. In particular, we found that solvent and temperature did not affect this selectivity and mainly influence the activation energies and the exothermic character of these 32CA reactions.
BMP6 participates in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by regulating osteopenia
Authors: Tang Hao , Li Jiong , Li Jia‐Ke , He Si‐Han , Xiang Gang , Rong Rong , Liang Zhuo‐Tao , Zhang Hong‐Qi 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex disease characterized by three‐dimensional structural deformities of the spine. Its pathogenesis is associated with osteopenia. Bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) play an important role in bone metabolism. We detected 1919 differentially expressed mRNAs and 744 differentially expressed lncRNAs in BMSCs from seven patients with AIS and five patients without AIS via high‐throughput sequencing. Multiple analyses identified bone morphogenetic protein‐6 (BMP6) as a hub gene that regulates the abnormal osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in AIS. BMP6 expression was found to be decreased in AIS and its knockdown in human BMSCs significantly altered the degree of osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, CAP1‐217 has been shown to be a potential upstream regulatory molecule of BMP6. We showed that CAP1‐217 knockdown downregulated the expression of BMP6 and the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Simultaneously, knockout of BMP6 in zebrafish embryos significantly increased the deformity rate. The findings of this study suggest that BMP6 is a key gene that regulates the abnormal osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in AIS via the CAP1‐217/BMP6/RUNX2 axis.