bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The results of the study of multiple selections in a breeding nursery when creating new soybean varieties
Authors: Fokina E. M. , Razantsvey D. R. , Belyaeva G. N. 
Published: September 2023

Relevance. At the present stage for agricultural production, the creation of new domestic competitive varieties of various plants is of paramount importance within the framework of the large-scale program of the Russian Federation for import substitution, while one of the most important and sought-after crops in Russia is soybean.Methods. The material for the research was the hybrid populations F7-F17 generations of the breeding nursery (SP), which is annually replenished with selections of individual plants from the F6 hybrid nursery.Results. An estimate of the duration of multiple selections by the pedigry method in a breeding nursery (SP) until obtaining homozygous lines is given. The analysis of the conducted studies showed that out of 29 soybean varieties of hybrid origin included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation and being tested for 2023, 13 varieties (Harmoniya, Lydia, Nega 1, MK-100, Lebedushka, Zhuravushka, Lacemaker, Cinderella, Tisey, Lyana, Olimp, Lastochka, Tatiana) (44.8%) were obtained on the basis of multiple selections F7-F9 in the breeding nursery, and the variety Persona, which is included in the State Register for 11 regions and is in demand in the Amur Region, was isolated from the hybrid population of the F17 generation. As a result of the assessment for 2020–2022. F7-F17 generations of the breeding nursery according to the duration of splitting in hybrid populations, it was found that multiple selection up to the tenth generation is most effective (F7 — 35.1%, F8 — 30.8%, F9 — 12.1%), but promising highly productive lines with economically valuable traits can also be obtained from later generations
Vapor-etching honeycomb-like zinc plating layer for constructing anti-corrosion lubricant-infused surfaces
Authors: Song Xiaorui , Li Na , Wang Zhongshan , Li Shuangjian , Hou Yuanyuan 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Biomimetic lubricant-infused porous surfaces are developed and applied for omniphobicity and corrosion protection, which exhibit great advantages compared to superhydrophobic surfaces.Methods: Herein, superhydrophobic Fe@E-Zn@PFOA was prepared via the electrodeposition of laminated Zinc coating, further vapor etching, and post-modification with perfluoro caprylic acid. The facile, inexpensive, and environment-friendly water vapor etching process can form a porous honeycomb-like structure. Moreover, the perfluoropolyether lubricant was wicked into the porous and superhydrophobic surfaces, obtaining lubricant-infused surfaces of Fe@E-Zn@PFOA@PFPE.Results and discussion: The influences of the textured roughness and chemical composition on the surface wettability were systematically investigated. The Fe@E-Zn@PFOA@PFPE performs omniphobicity with small sliding angles and superior corrosion resistance compared with the superhydrophobic surface, owing to their multiple barriers, including infused lubricant, hydrophobic monolayers, and compact Zn electroplating coating. Thus, the proposed lubricant-infused surface may provide insights into constructing protective coatings for the potential applications of engineering metal materials.
Chatbots for embarrassing and stigmatizing conditions: could chatbots encourage users to seek medical advice?
Authors: Branley-Bell Dawn , Brown Richard , Coventry Lynne , Sillence Elizabeth 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundChatbots are increasingly being used across a wide range of contexts. Medical chatbots have the potential to improve healthcare capacity and provide timely patient access to health information. Chatbots may also be useful for encouraging individuals to seek an initial consultation for embarrassing or stigmatizing conditions.MethodThis experimental study used a series of vignettes to test the impact of different scenarios (experiencing embarrassing vs. stigmatizing conditions, and sexual vs. non-sexual symptoms) on consultation preferences (chatbot vs. doctor), attitudes toward consultation methods, and expected speed of seeking medical advice.ResultsThe findings show that the majority of participants preferred doctors over chatbots for consultations across all conditions and symptom types. However, more participants preferred chatbots when addressing embarrassing sexual symptoms, compared with other symptom categories. Consulting with a doctor was believed to be more accurate, reassuring, trustworthy, useful and confidential than consulting with a medical chatbot, but also more embarrassing and stressful. Consulting with a medical chatbot was believed to be easier and more convenient, but also more frustrating. Interestingly, people with an overall preference for chatbots believed this method would encourage them to seek medical advice earlier than those who would prefer to consult with a doctor.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the potential role of chatbots in addressing embarrassing sexual symptoms. Incorporating chatbots into healthcare systems could provide a faster, more accessible and convenient route to health information and early diagnosis, as individuals may use them to seek earlier consultations.
Development and validation of a novel nomogram for prediction of ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes
Authors: Min Rui , Liao Yiqin , Peng Bocheng 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundKetosis-prone type 2 diabetes (KPD), as a unique emerging clinical entity, often has no clear inducement or obvious clinical symptoms at the onset of the disease. Failure to determine ketosis in time may lead to more serious consequences and even death. Therefore, our study aimed to develop and validate a novel nomogram to predict KPD.MethodsIn this retrospective study, clinical data of a total of 398 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in our hospital who met our research standards with an average age of 48.75 ± 13.86 years years old from January 2019 to December 2022 were collected. According to the occurrence of ketosis, there were divided into T2DM groups(228 cases)with an average age of 52.19 ± 12.97 years, of whom 69.74% were male and KPD groups (170cases)with an average age of 44.13 ± 13.72 years, of whom males account for 80.59%. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent influencing factors of KPD and then a novel prediction nomogram model was established based on these independent predictors visually by using R4.3. Verification and evaluation of predictive model performance comprised receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, corrected calibration curve, and clinical decision curve (DCA).Results4 primary independent predict factors of KPD were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and entered into the nomogram including age, family history, HbA1c and FFA. The model incorporating these 4 predict factors displayed good discrimination to predict KPD with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.945. The corrected calibration curve of the nomogram showed good fitting ability with an average absolute error =0.006 &lt; 0.05, indicating a good accuracy. The decision analysis curve (DCA) demonstrated that when the risk threshold was between 5% and 99%, the nomogram model was more practical and accurate.ConclusionIn our novel prediction nomogram model, we found that age, family history, HbA1c and FFA were the independent predict factors of KPD. The proposed nomogram built by these 4 predictors was well developed and exhibited powerful predictive performance for KPD with high discrimination, good accuracy, and potential clinical applicability, which may be a useful tool for early screening and identification of high-risk population of KPD and therefore help clinicians in making customized treatment strategy.
Discordant biochemical parameters of acromegaly remission do not influence the prevalence or aggressiveness of metabolic comorbidities: a single-center study
Authors: Romanisio Martina , Pitino Rosa , Ferrero Alice , Pizzolitto Francesca , Costelli Samuele , Antoniotti Valentina , Marzullo Paolo , Aimaretti Gianluca , Prodam Flavia , Caputo Marina 
Published: September 2023

PurposeThe discrepancy between the biomarkers of disease’s activity in acromegalic patients (GH and IGF-1) is almost frequent representing a challenge for the development of comorbidities in the long term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of metabolic comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) in surgically treated acromegalic patients with disease control and discordant GH and/or IGF-1 levels compared with those with concordant values.Patients and methodsRetrospective monocentric observational study on acromegalic surgically treated patients with biochemical remission (group A) or mild discordant GH or IGF-1 levels (group B). Metabolic complications and medical therapy were assessed at diagnosis and at the last follow-up visit. Severity of the disease was set for drug titration or shift to another molecule or more than before.ResultsThere were 18 patients that met the inclusion criteria [group A: nine patients; group B: nine patients, follow-up 7 years (IQR 5.0;11.25)]. The prevalence of female patients was significantly higher in the remission group compared with the discordant group (p &lt; 0.02). Considering metabolic complications, at the last follow-up, 61.1% was affected by hypertension, 33.3% by diabetes, and 61.1% by dyslipidemia, without differences between groups. Drug characteristics (dose, shift, number) during the follow-up did not differ significantly between groups.ConclusionMetabolic complications, mainly dyslipidemia, are frequent in cured acromegalic patients, but GH/IGF-1 discrepancy does not seem to represent a risk factor for their presence or persistence. More extended studies are needed to confirm our results in a long-term period.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection affects blood platelets, a comparative analysis with Delta variant
Authors: Garcia Cédric , Compagnon Baptiste , Ribes Agnès , Voisin Sophie , Vardon-Bounes Fanny , Payrastre Bernard 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionIn November 2021, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern has emerged and is currently dominating the COVID-19 pandemic over the world. Omicron displays a number of mutations, particularly in the spike protein, leading to specific characteristics including a higher potential for transmission. Although Omicron has caused a significant number of deaths worldwide, it generally induces less severe clinical signs compared to earlier variants. As its impact on blood platelets remains unknown, we investigated platelet behavior in severe patients infected with Omicron in comparison to Delta.MethodsClinical and biological characteristics of severe COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron (n=9) or Delta (n=11) variants were analyzed. Using complementary methods such as flow cytometry, confocal imaging and electron microscopy, we examined platelet activation, responsiveness and phenotype, presence of virus in platelets and induction of selective autophagy. We also explored the direct effect of spike proteins from the Omicron or Delta variants on healthy platelet signaling.ResultsSevere Omicron variant infection resulted in platelet activation and partial desensitization, presence of the virus in platelets and selective autophagy response. The intraplatelet processing of Omicron viral cargo was different from Delta as evidenced by the distribution of spike protein-positive structures near the plasma membrane and the colocalization of spike and Rab7. Moreover, spike proteins from the Omicron or Delta variants alone activated signaling pathways in healthy platelets including phosphorylation of AKT, p38MAPK, LIMK and SPL76 with different kinetics.DiscussionAlthough SARS-CoV-2 Omicron has different biological characteristics compared to prior variants, it leads to platelet activation and desensitization as previously observed with the Delta variant. Omicron is also found in platelets from severe patients where it induces selective autophagy, but the mechanisms of intraplatelet processing of Omicron cargo, as part of the innate response, differs from Delta, suggesting that mutations on spike protein modify virus to platelet interactions.
Metabolic characteristics of non-obese and obese metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Dang Si-Wen , Gao Lei , Li Yu-Jun , Zhang Ruo , Xu Jing 
Published: September 2023

AimTo assess the metabolic characteristics of non-obese metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) compared with obese MAFLD and the relationship of MAFLD with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsData were obtained from 536 T2DM patients (355 women, 181 men; age 58.2 ± 12.0 years). We explored the difference in clinical characteristics between obese MAFLD (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) and non-obese MAFLD (body mass index &lt;25 kg/m2) in T2DM patients. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means of continuous variables, and the Chi-squared test was used to compare the differences in frequencies of categorical variables. Logistic regression models were adopted to calculate odds ratios.ResultsThe prevalence of MAFLD in hospitalized Chinese T2DM patients was calculated to be 42.7%. Both obese and non-obese MAFLD patients had higher levels of body mass index (BMI), waist circumfere nce, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, aspar tate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, you nger age, higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia and shorter duration of T2DM and lower incidence of diabetic retinopathy, compared with participants with out MAFLD in the same weight group. Uric acid levels were positively correlated with the risk of MAFLD only in non-obese subjects but not in obese subjects. In non-obese patients with T2DM, a negative correlation was found between the prevalence of MAFLD and diabetic retinopathy.ConclusionEven in non-obese patients with T2DM, BMI was found to be an independent risk factor for MAFLD. These findings support a more structured, risk-factor-based approach to MAFLD management, particularly in patients with T2DM. Non-obese MAFLD has unique results in metabolic characteristics and the correlation with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which should be further explored.
Differences in the severity and mortality risk factors for patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia between the early wave and the very late stage of the pandemic
Authors: Li Haiyan , Jia Xiaoni , Wang Yu , Lv Yali , Wang Jing , Zhai Yuyao , Xue Xiaorong 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundSince China’s dynamic zero-COVID policy is cancelled on December 7, 2022, the rapidly growing number of patients has brought a major public health challenge. This study aimed to assess whether there were differences in the severity and mortality risk factors for patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia between the early wave and the very late stage of the pandemic.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out using data from 223 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia during the Omicron surge in Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital) from December 8, 2022, to January 31, 2023. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify potential risk factors associated with the severity and mortality of COVID-19 pneumonia during the first wave of the pandemic after the dynamic zero-COVID policy was retracted. Differences in the severity and mortality risk factors were assessed at different stages of the pandemic, mainly from demographic, clinical manifestation, laboratory tests and radiological findings of patients on admission.ResultsThe mean age of the 223 participants was 71.2 ± 17.4. Compared with the patients in the initial stage of the pandemic, the most common manifestation among patients in this study was cough (90.6%), rather than fever (79.4%). Different from the initial stage of the pandemic, older age, chest tightness, elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), decreased albumin (ALB) level and ground glass opacification (GGO) in radiological finding were identified as severity risk factors, instead of mortality risk factors for COVID-19 patients in the very late stage of the pandemic. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ≤300 mmHg, cardiovascular disease and laboratory findings including elevated levels of D-dimer, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CR), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and decreased platelet count (PLT) were still associated with mortality in the very late stage of the pandemic.ConclusionMonitoring continuously differences in the severity and mortality risk factors for COVID-19 patients between different stages of the pandemic could provide evidence for exploring uncharted territory in the coming post-pandemic era.
Assessments of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus levels and microbial community compositions in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) and seawater harvested from the Maryland Coastal Bays
Authors: Smalls Jasmine , Grim Christopher , Parveen Salina 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionFluctuations in environmental physicochemical parameters can affect the diversity and prevalence of microbial communities, including vibrios, associated with aquatic species and their surrounding environments. This study aimed to investigate the population dynamics of two Vibrio species as well as the microbial community diversity of whole crab and seawater from the Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs), using 16S rRNA sequencing.MethodsDuring this study, three crabs and 1 L of seawater were collected monthly from two sites for 3 months. Crab tissue was extracted and pooled for each site. Extracted crab tissue and seawater were analyzed for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus using Most Probable Number (MPN) real-time PCR. For 16S rRNA microbiome analysis, three different DNA extraction kits were evaluated to extract microbial DNA from individual crabs. Also, 500 mL of each seawater sample was filtered for DNA extraction.ResultsResults indicated that sample types and sampling periods had a significant effect on the alpha diversity of the microbial community of crabs and seawater (p &lt; 0.05); however, no statistical difference was found between DNA extraction kits. Beta diversity analysis also found that the microbial compositions between sample types and temporal distributions were statistically significant. Taxonomic classification revealed that Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were present in both crab and seawater samples. Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus were also detected in both crab and seawater samples, although crabs contained a higher concentration of the bacterium compared to the seawater samples. It was found that vibrios were not a dominant species in the microbial community of crab or seawater samples.DiscussionResults from this study provide further insight into species diversity and phylogenetic compositions of blue crabs and seawater from the MCBs. These approaches will help in risk assessments that are essential in the overall advancement of public health.
Therapeutic efficacy of β-sitosterol treatment on Trypanosoma congolense infection, anemia development, and trans-sialidase (TconTS1) gene expression
Authors: Aminu Suleiman , Chechet Gloria Dada , Alkhalil Samia S. , Sobeh Mansour , Daoud Rachid , Simelane Mthokozisi B. , Onyike Elewechi , Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundAfrican animal trypanosomiasis hinders sustainable livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. About 17 million infected cattle are treated with trypanocides annually but most of the drugs are associated with drawbacks, necessitating the search for a promising chemotherapeutic agent.ObjectivesIn this study, the effects of β-sitosterol on Trypanosoma congolense infection were investigated along with its effect on the trans-sialidase gene expressions.ResultsOral treatment with β-sitosterol at 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) for 14 days significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reduced parasitemia and ameliorated the parasite-induced anemia. Also, the parasite-induced increase in serum urea level and renal histopathological damage scores in addition to renal hypertrophy was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reverted following treatment with 30 mg/kg BW β-sitosterol. The compound also significantly (p &lt; 0.05) down-regulated the expression of TconTS1 but not TconTS2, TconTS3, and TconTS4. Correlation analysis between free serum sialic acid with the TconTS1 and TconTS2 gene variants revealed negative correlations in the β-sitosterol-treated groups although they were non-significant (p &gt; 0.05) in the group treated with 15 mg/kg BW β-sitosterol. Similarly, a non-significant negative (p &gt; 0.05) correlation between the biomolecule and the TconTS3 and TconTS4 gene variants was observed in the β-sitosterol-treated groups while positive correlations were observed in the infected untreated control group.ConclusionThe observed effect of β-sitosterol on T. congolense infection could make the compound a possible template for the design of novel trypanocides.