bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inferring phylogenetic structure, taxa hybridization, and divergence times within rock voles of subgenus Aschizomys (Cricetidae: Alticola) using quaddRAD sequencing and a cytb dataset
Authors: Dvoyashov Ivan A. , Bodrov Semyon Yu. , Mamaev Nikolai V. , Glagoleva Elena S. , Abramson Natalia I. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe subgenus Aschizomys belongs to the genus Alticola (Central Asian mountain vole) and consists of two species: Alticola macrotis and Alticola lemminus. Phylogenetic relationships within the subgenus Aschizomys remain obscure due to limited sampling, an insufficient number of molecular markers used in phylogenetic studies, and paraphyly observed on mitochondrial trees. In this work, to infer reliable phylogenetic relationships and evaluate putative scenarios of ancient hybridization within the subgenus, we applied double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA paired‐end (quaddRAD) sequencing to 20 DNA samples (20 individuals), including five species of the genus Alticola, and dated the divergence of cytochrome b (cytb) lineages within Aschizomys using a “second calibration” approach. We showed monophyly of the two species on the basis of thousands of nuclear loci and demonstrated traces of introgression also in the nuclear genome. Observed paraphyly in cytb could be explained by an introgression event rather than incomplete lineage sorting. This explanation was confirmed by an analysis of the cytb divergence time. Overall, our results support the hypothesis of extensive migration of the Aschizomys species during the Late Pleistocene, with this migration leading to population divergence and introgression. We expect our article to become a starting point for a series of rigorous studies on the population history of the genus Alticola as a whole.
Descriptive inference using large, unrepresentative nonprobability samples: An introduction for ecologists
Authors: Boyd Robin J. , Stewart Gavin B. , Pescott Oliver L. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBiodiversity monitoring usually involves drawing inferences about some variable of interest across a defined landscape from observations made at a sample of locations within that landscape. If the variable of interest differs between sampled and nonsampled locations, and no mitigating action is taken, then the sample is unrepresentative and inferences drawn from it will be biased. It is possible to adjust unrepresentative samples so that they more closely resemble the wider landscape in terms of “auxiliary variables.” A good auxiliary variable is a common cause of sample inclusion and the variable of interest, and if it explains an appreciable portion of the variance in both, then inferences drawn from the adjusted sample will be closer to the truth. We applied six types of survey sample adjustment—subsampling, quasirandomization, poststratification, superpopulation modeling, a “doubly robust” procedure, and multilevel regression and poststratification—to a simple two‐part biodiversity monitoring problem. The first part was to estimate the mean occupancy of the plant Calluna vulgaris in Great Britain in two time periods (1987–1999 and 2010–2019); the second was to estimate the difference between the two (i.e., the trend). We estimated the means and trend using large, but (originally) unrepresentative, samples from a citizen science dataset. Compared with the unadjusted estimates, the means and trends estimated using most adjustment methods were more accurate, although standard uncertainty intervals generally did not cover the true values. Completely unbiased inference is not possible from an unrepresentative sample without knowing and having data on all relevant auxiliary variables. Adjustments can reduce the bias if auxiliary variables are available and selected carefully, but the potential for residual bias should be acknowledged and reported.
Relationship between serum iron level and physical function in heart failure patients is lost by presence of diabetes
Authors: Ohori Katsuhiko , Yano Toshiyuki , Katano Satoshi , Nagaoka Ryohei , Numazawa Ryo , Yamano Kotaro , Fujisawa Yusuke , Kouzu Hidemichi , Nagano Nobutaka , Fujito Takefumi , Nishikawa Ryo , Ohwada Wataru , Sato Tatsuya , Furuhashi Masato 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimsIron deficiency (ID) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is reportedly associated with exercise intolerance and impaired quality of life. Iron supplementation therapy in HF patients with ID improves exercise capacity. Conversely, protective roles of iron depletion in the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have been proposed. This study aimed to determine the impact of ID on physical function in HF patients with and without DM.Methods and resultsWe enrolled consecutive patients who were admitted to our institute for HF diagnosis and management. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) was used to evaluate physical function, and low physical function was defined as an SPPB score of <10 points as individuals with SPPB scores of <10 points are most likely to be classified as frail and are at high risk for disability and future adverse events, including death. ID was defined as serum ferritin < 100 or 100–299 ng/mL when transferrin saturation (TSAT) was <20% according to the HF guidelines. Among the 562 HF patients (72 ± 14 years old; 56% male), 329 patients (58%) and 191 patients (34%) had ID and low physical function, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TSAT as a continuous variable, but not ID, was a predictor of low physical function (odds ratio: 0.980, P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis showed that a significant association between low TSAT and low physical function was lost in HF patients with DM (P for interaction < 0.001). A spline dose–response curve for the relationship between TSAT and risk of low physical function with adjustments for covariates associated with low physical function in non‐DM patients was almost linear with an increase in the risk of low physical function as the TSAT increased, but such a relationship was not found in the analyses of DM patients. A lack of close TSAT–SPPB relationship in HF patients with DM was confirmed also in a propensity‐score‐matched cohort.ConclusionsTSAT as a continuous variable, but not ID, was independently associated with physical function in HF patients, and a significant association was lost in patients with HF and DM, suggesting a limited impact of iron supplementation therapy in HF patients with DM.
Ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia within 72 h of VA‐ECMO: incidence, outcomes, risk factors, and management
Authors: Zhou Hao , Zhu Yi , Zhang Zhongman , Mei Yong , Lv Jinru , Zhang Gang , Li Wei , Chen Xufeng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimsVeno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) is an important technique for the treatment of refractory cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest; however, the early management of ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT), within 72 h of VA‐ECMO, and its effects on patient prognosis remain unclear.Methods and resultsWe retrospectively analysed patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University who underwent VA‐ECMO between January 2017 and March 2022. The patients were divided into two groups, VF/VT and nVF/VT, based on whether or not VF/VT occurred within 72 h after the initiation of VA‐ECMO. We utilized logistic regression analysis to evaluate the independent risk factors for VF/VT in patients undergoing VA‐ECMO and to ascertain whether the onset of VF/VT affected 28 day survival rate, length of intensive care unit stay, and/or other clinical prognostic factors. Subgroup analysis was performed for the VF/VT group to determine whether defibrillation affected prognosis. In the present study, 126 patients were included, 65.87% of whom were males (83/126), with a mean age of 46.89 ± 16.23, a 28 day survival rate of 57.14% (72/126), an incidence rate of VF/VT within 72 h of VA‐ECMO initiation of 27.78% (35/126), and 80% of whom (28/35) received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The incidence of VF/VT resulting from cardiac arrest at an early stage was significantly higher than that of refractory cardiogenic shock (80% vs. 20%; P = 0.022). The restricted cubic spline model revealed a U‐shaped relationship between VF/VT incidence and initial heart rate (iHR), and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an iHR > 120 b.p.m. [odds ratio (OR) 6.117; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.672–22.376; P = 0.006] and hyperlactataemia (OR 1.125; 95% CI 1.016–1.246; P = 0.023) within 1 h of VA‐ECMO initiation were independent risk factors for the occurrence of VF/VT. VF/VT was not found to be associated with the 28 day survival of patients undergoing VA‐ECMO support, nor did it affect other secondary endpoints. Defibrillation did not alter the overall prognosis in patients with VF/VT during VA‐ECMO.ConclusionsAn iHR > 120 b.p.m. and hyperlactataemia were independent risk factors for the occurrence of VF/VT within 72 h of VA‐ECMO initiation. The occurrence of VF/VT does not affect, nor does defibrillation in these patients improve the overall patient prognosis.Trial registrationChiCTR1900026105.
Social support of virtual characters reduces pain perception
Authors: Neumann I. , Andreatta M. , Pauli P. , Käthner I. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPsychosocial factors, such as social support, can reduce pain. Virtual reality (VR) is a powerful tool to decrease pain, but social factors in VR‐based pain analgesia have rarely been studied. Specifically, it is unclear whether social support by virtual characters can reduce pain and whether the perceived control behind virtual characters (agency) and varying degrees of social cues impact pain perception.MethodsHealthy participants (N = 97) received heat pain stimulation while undergoing four within‐subject conditions in immersive VR: (1) virtual character with a low number of social cues (virtual figure) provided verbal support, (2) virtual character with a high number of social cues (virtual human) provided verbal support, (3) no social support (hearing neutral words), (4) no social support. Perceived agency of the virtual characters served as between‐subjects factor. Participants in the avatar group were led to believe that another participant controlled the virtual characters. Participants in the agent group were told they interacted with a computer. However, in both conditions, virtual characters were computer‐controlled. Pain ratings, psychophysiological measurements and presence ratings were recorded.ResultsVirtual social support decreased pain intensity and pain unpleasantness ratings but had no impact on electrodermal activity nor heart rate. A virtual character with a high number of social cues led to lower pain unpleasantness and higher feelings of presence. Agency had no significant impact.ConclusionsVirtual characters providing social support can reduce pain independent of perceived agency. A more human visual appearance can have beneficial effects on social pain modulation by virtual characters.SignificanceSocial influences are important factors in pain modulation. The current study demonstrated analgesic effects through verbal support provided by virtual characters and investigated modulating factors. A more human appearance of a virtual character resulted in a higher reduction of pain unpleasantness. Importantly, agency of the virtual characters had no impact. Given the increasing use of digital health interventions, the findings suggest a positive impact of virtual characters for digital pain treatments.
Partitioning model study of the traction coefficient in a droplet model in a wellbore
Authors: Jiang Jianxun , Chen Ziying , Du Jingguo , Li Kaijun , Liu Yinhua , Li Long 
Published: December 2023

AbstractGas wells need to face the problem of gas well outflow during production, and the main way to deal with gas well fluid accumulation is to calculate the critical liquid carrying velocity and other factors by using the prediction model of excess fluid accumulation. When the prediction results of the hydrops prediction model are biased, hydrops will be generated at the bottom of the wellbore, resulting in a decrease in gas well productivity. Aiming at the problem that the drag coefficient of the wellbore droplet movement model changes greatly in the process of natural gas production, which leads to the error of the wellbore effusion prediction, the commonly used droplet models and the common drag coefficient models are analyzed and evaluated. Compared with the model obtained by the partition and the existing drag model and the experimental value, it is found that the model can effectively reduce the average error rate between the calculated results and the experimental value. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of change of critical liquid carrying velocity of droplet in different Reynolds number region, which is of reference value for the subsequent drainage and mining process.
Trace Analysis of Five Androgens in Environmental Waters by Optimization of Enzymolysis and Solid-Phase Extraction Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and its Risk Assessment
Authors: Xie Yufei , Gao Zhihan , Ren Yuan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Steroid hormones (SHs) have received widespread attention in recent years. However, current studies of SHs have primarily focused on estrogenic substances, with androgen-related studies being quite limited. We optimized the solid-phase extraction (SPE) pretreatment method, as well as the enzymolysis conditions of five androgens (androstenedione, boldenone, methandienone, nandrolone, and testosterone), to simultaneously determine their concentrations in the effluent from wastewater treatment plants and surface water samples. Then we evaluated the ecological risks of the five androgens in the effluent and Pearl River basin of Guangzhou (PR China) using the risk quotient method. The recovery rates of the targets were 90% to 99% in water samples when digested with β-glucosidase for 90 min before solid-phase extraction, extracted with a Poly-Sery HLB column, and washed with 15% methanol aqueous solution and 2% ammonia. The established instrument's limit of detection was between 0.02 and 0.39 μg/L, and the limit of quantification was between 0.05 and 1.29 μg/L. Androstenedione, boldenone, methandienone, nandrolone, and testosterone were detected in all samples from the 2018 and 2022 wastewater influent and the 2018 surface water, with concentrations of 3.06 × 101 ng/L to 1.33 × 103 ng/L, 1.03–8.15 × 102 ng/L, and 0.93 × 101 ng/L to 5.50 × 102 ng/L, respectively. The ecological risks of androgens in wastewater influent and surface water were medium to high and low to medium, respectively. Moreover, the biotoxicity of androgens was predicted by the Ecological Structure Activity Relationships model, with methandienone and androstenedione having the highest and lowest acute and chronic toxicities, respectively. These results suggest that the risk of environmental androgens should not be ignored and that further research should be carried out. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:915–925. © 2023 SETAC
Effects of Benzo[a]pyrene on Food Metabolism and Reproductive Endocrine and Ovarian Development in Female Scallop Chlamys farreri at Different Reproductive Stages
Authors: Song Aimin , Gao Zhongyuan , Zhou Yueyao , Miao Jingjing , Xu Ruiyi , Pan Luqing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with the most carcinogenic effects of all the PAHs, has multiple toxic effects on marine bivalves. We investigated the interference mechanism of B[a]P on food metabolism (sugars, proteins, and sugars), and on reproductive endocrine and ovarian development in female scallops (Chlamys farreri). Scallops were exposed to different concentrations of B[a]P concentrations of 0, 0.38, 3.8, and 38 μg/L throughout gonadal development. Total cholesterol and triglyceride contents in the digestive glands were increased, and their synthesis genes were upregulated. The plasma glucose contents decreased with the inhibition of glycogen synthesis genes and the induction of glycolysis genes in the digestive gland. The results showed that B[a]P had endocrine-disrupting effects on scallops, that it negatively affected genes related to ovarian cell proliferation, sex differentiation, and egg development, and that it caused damage to ovarian tissue. Our findings supplement the information on B[a]P disruption in gonadal development of marine bivalves. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:748–761. © 2023 SETAC
Early learning difficulties, childhood stress, race, and risk of cognitive impairment among US adults over age 50: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Nkwata Allan K. , Smith Jacqui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsMost literature linking childhood factors to cognitive health outcomes has focused on educational attainment—defined as years of education attained. However, less has been studied about the other aspects of education, such as early learning problems, and stressful family environments. This study examined whether early learning problems and childhood stressors were associated with mid‐ and later life cognitive impairment among US adults, and if these associations varied by race.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional analysis using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) along with respondents' early educational experiences from the 2015 to 2017 Life History Mail Survey (N = 9703). Early learning problems were defined as having any of the following: scholastic problems (reading, writing, mathematics), speaking/language issues, and sensorimotor issues‐ hearing, vision, speech, and motor‐coordination. Cognitive status was classified as three levels (normal, cognitively impaired not demented [CIND], and demented) using the HRS Langa−Weir algorithm. Multinomial logistic regression models using generalized logits, estimated relative risk ratios (RRRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with adjustment for sociodemographic factors.ResultsHaving at least one early learning problem was associated with increased risk of later life cognitive impairment (RRR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.34−2.29 for dementia, RRR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20−1.67 for CIND). Parental death before the age of 16 was associated with 17% higher risk of CIND in later life (RRR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01−1.34). However, learning problem‐related differences in risk of cognitive impairment were dependent on race (learning problems × race, p = 0.0001). In the demented group, Blacks were 2.7 times more likely to be demented (RRR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.69−4.17) amongst older adults that experienced childhood learning problems.ConclusionsEarly life exposures predicted risk of cognitive impairment. Policies and interventions that enhance diagnosis of early learning problems and improve childhood social contexts are needed to promote healthy cognitive aging amongst Americans, regardless of race.
Molecular epidemiology of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Mongolia, first experience with nanopore sequencing in lower‐ and middle‐income countries setting
Authors: Erendereg Munkhtuya , Tumurbaatar Suvd , Byambaa Otgonjargal , Enebish Gerelmaa , Burged Natsagdorj , Khurelsukh Tungalag , Baatar Nomin‐Erdene , Munkhjin Badmaarag , Ulziijargal Jargaltulga , Gantumur Anuujin , Altanbayar Oyunbaatar , Batjargal Ochbadrakh , Altangerel Delgermurun , Tulgaa Khosbayar , Ganbold Sarangua , Tundev Odgerel , Jigjidsuren Sarantsetseg , Nyamdorj Tsogbadrakh , Tsedenbal Naranzul , Batmunkh Bumdelger , Jantsansengee Baigalmaa , Lkhagvaa Battur , Tsolmon Bilegtsaikhan , Enebish Oyunsuren , Tsevegmid Erdembileg , Sereejav Enkhbold , Nyamdavaa Khurelbaatar , Erkhembayar Ryenchindorj , Chimeddorj Battogtokh 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has had a significant impact globally, and extensive genomic research has been conducted on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) lineage patterns and its variants. Mongolia's effective response resulted in low prevalence until vaccinations became available. However, due to the lack of systematically collected data and absence of whole genome sequencing capabilities, we conducted a two‐stepped, nationally representative molecular epidemiologic study of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Mongolia for 2020 and 2021.MethodsWe used retrospective analysis of stored biological samples from November 2020 to October 2021 and a variant‐specific real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test to detect SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, followed by whole genome sequencing by Nanopore technology. Samples were retrieved from different sites and stored at −70°C deep freezer, and tests were performed on samples with cycle threshold <30.ResultsOut of 4879 nucleic acid tests, 799 whole genome sequencing had been carried out. Among the stored samples of earlier local transmission, we found the 20B (B.1.1.46) variant predominated in the earlier local transmission period. A slower introduction and circulation of alpha and delta variants were observed compared to global dynamics in 2020 and 2021. Beta or Gamma variants were not detected between November 2020 and September 2021 in Mongolia.ConclusionsSARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concerns including alpha and delta were delayed in circulation potentially due to public health stringencies in Mongolia. We are sharing our initial experience with whole genome sequencing of SARS‐CoV‐2 from Mongolia, where sequencing data is sparse.
Association of air pollution and risk of chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Wenqi , Jia Luzhu , Lin Yuxuan , Zhang Cong , Sun Xiance , Jiang Liping , Yao Xiaofeng , Wang Ningning , Deng Haoyuan , Wang Shaopeng , Yang Guang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAlthough epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between ambient air pollution and chronic kidney disease (CKD), the results remain mixed. To clarify the nature of the association, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the global relationship between air pollution and CKD. The Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases systematically were searched for studies published up to July 2023 and included 32 studies that met specific criteria. The random effects model was used to derive overall risk estimates for each pollutant. The meta‐analysis estimated odds ratio (ORs) of risk for CKD were 1.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31–1.54) for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5; 1.20 (95% CI: 1.14–1.26) for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10; 1.07 (95% CI: 1.05–1.09) for each 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2; 1.03 (95% CI: 1.02–1.03) for each 10 μg/m3 increase in NOX; 1.07 (95% CI: 1.01–1.12) for each 1 ppb increase in SO2; 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00–1.05) for each 0.1 ppm increase in CO. Subgroup analysis showed that this effect varied by gender ratio, age, study design, exposure assessment method, and income level. Furthermore, PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 had negative effects on CKD even within the World Health Organization‐recommended acceptable concentrations. Our results further confirmed the adverse effect of air pollution on the risk of CKD. These findings can contribute to enhance the awareness of the importance of reducing air pollution among public health officials and policymakers.