bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological invasions alter the structure of a tropical freshwater food web
Authors: Sharpe Diana M. T. , Valverde Marisol P. , De León Luis F. , Hendry Andrew P. , Torchin Mark E. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBiological invasions are expected to alter food web structure, but there are limited empirical data directly comparing invaded versus uninvaded food webs, particularly in species‐rich, tropical systems. We characterize for the first time the food web of Lake Gatun—a diverse and highly invaded tropical freshwater lake within the Panama Canal. We used stable isotope analysis to reconstruct the trophic structure of the fish community of Lake Gatun and to compare it to that of a minimally invaded reference lake, Lake Bayano. We found significant differences between the trophic structures of these two Neotropical lakes, notably that Lake Gatun's fish community was characterized by a longer food chain, greater isotopic diversity, a broader range of trophic positions and body sizes, and shifts in the isotopic positions of several native taxa relative to Lake Bayano. The degree of isotopic overlap between native and non‐native trophic guilds in Lake Gatun was variable, with herbivores exhibiting the lowest (20%–29%) overlap and carnivores the greatest (81%–100%). Overall, our results provide some of the first empirical evidence for the ways in which multiple introduced and native species may partition isotopic space in a species‐rich tropical freshwater food web.
Application of aptamer‐conjugated graphene oxide for specific enrichment of microcystin‐LR in Achatina fulica prior to matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Feng Junli , Dong Linpei , Wang Haixing , Xie Yihong , Wang Huizi , Ding Lan , Song Gongshuai , Zhang Jian , Li Ting , Shen Qing , Zhang Yunfeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMicrocystin‐LR (MC‐LR), as a hepatotoxin, can cause liver swelling, hepatitis, and even liver cancer. In this study, MC‐LR aptamer (Apt‐3) modified graphene oxide (GO) was designed to enrich MC‐LR in white jade snail (Achatina fulica) and pond water, followed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) analysis. Results indicated that the Apt‐3/PEG/GO nanocomposites were highly specific to MC‐LR, and the detection limit of MALDI‐MS was 0.50 ng/mL. Moreover, the MC‐LR can be released from nanocomposites at 75°C, thus, the reuse of Apt‐3/PEG/GO is realized. Real sample analysis indicated that the Apt‐3/PEG/GO nanocomposites coupled with MALDI‐MS were efficient in detecting trace amounts of MC‐LR in real samples. With the merits of being low cost, reusable, and easy to besynthesized, this Apt‐3/PEG/GO MALDI‐MS is expected to be comprehensively applied by anchoring suitable aptamers for different targets.
Ceramic membrane filtration of water samples from Ain Fayda Lake and cement factory (Al‐Ain), United Arab Emirates
Authors: Saibi Hakim , Arata Nakamura , Kazuyuki Kawamura , Mohamed Balqees , Alblooshi Nouf , Almheiri Shama 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis article presents a Ceramic Membrane‐based Produced Water Treatment Technology and its application to water samples from Al‐Ain (Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates). The samples were collected during the summer of 2022 from Ain Fayda (lake water) and Al‐Ain cement factory (groundwater). This study investigates the effectiveness of the ceramic membrane for treating water samples and removing solid particles. A dead‐end filtration mode with a filtration flux of 3 m3/m2/d was used. For the Ain Fayda Lake water sample, the transmembrane pressure during filtration reached 120 kPa (temperature adjusted to 25°C); air blowing was used to reduce the transmembrane pressure to around 70 kPa and Total Suspended Solids were reduced from 1.4 to <1 mg/L during 160 min of filtration. For the Al‐Ain cement factory water sample, the transmembrane pressure during filtration reached 160 kPa (temperature adjusted to 25°C); air blowing reduced the transmembrane pressure to around 65 kPa and the Total Suspended Solids from 9.1 to <1 mg/L during 130 min of filtration. Both water samples belong to the Na‐Cl water type. Overall, this work shows the effectiveness of the Ceramic Membrane‐based Produced Water Treatment Technology for reducing Total Suspended Solids in sampled waters; thus, we recommend this approach for treating surface waters in Al‐Ain to improve the environment and possible usage in agriculture.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Voriconazole and Dose Optimization in Elderly Chinese Patients
Authors: Wang Jing , Shen Yue , Wu Zejun , Ge Weihong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractVoriconazole is commonly recommended as a first‐line therapy for invasive aspergillosis infections. Elderly patients are susceptible to infectious diseases owing to their decreased physical function and immune system. Our study aims to establish a population pharmacokinetics model for elderly patients receiving intravenous voriconazole, and to optimize dosing protocols through a simulated approach. An accurate fit to the concentration–time profile of voriconazole was achieved by employing a 1‐compartment model featuring first‐order elimination. The typical clearance rate of voriconazole was found to be 3.22 L/h, with a typical volume of distribution of 194 L. The covariate analysis revealed that albumin (ALB), gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, and direct bilirubin had significant impacts on voriconazole clearance. Additionally, body weight was found to be associated with the volume of distribution. Individualized dosing regimens were recommended for different ALB levels based on population pharmacokinetics model prediction. The proposed dosing regimens could provide a rationale for dosage individualization, improve the clinical outcomes, and minimize drug‐related toxicities.
Increased expression levels of DLX5 inhibit the development of the nervous system
Authors: Liao Tingting , Xu Xia , Wu Junzi , Xie Yi , Yan Jianying 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionPreeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. DLX5 plays an important role in the migration and differentiation of subglobus pallidus precursor cells.MethodsWe established a zebrafish line expressing high levels of DLX5 and investigated changes in behavior and development of the nervous system.ResultsThe ratios of brain volume area to whole body area at 96 hpf zebrafish in the experimental group (gRNA + CasRx) were significantly lower than the WT group and the negative control group (casRx) (P < 0.01). Behavioral trajectory distances and movement speeds exhibited by the 6th day of development in zebrafish in the experimental group (gRNA + CasRx) were significantly shorter (P < 0.01) and lower (P < 0.05) than the negative control group (gRNA + CasRx), respectively.ConclusionsData suggested that the increased expression levels of DLX5 can inhibit brain volume development and behavioral activities in zebrafish. Maybe the high expression levels of DLX5 in the pathological state of preeclampsia can inhibit the development of the nervous system in offspring.
Barriers instructors experience in adopting active learning: Instrument development
Authors: Carroll Laura J. , Reeping David , Finelli Cynthia J. , Prince Michael J. , Husman Jenefer , Graham Matthew , Borrego Maura J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundDespite well‐documented benefits, instructor adoption of active learning has been limited in engineering education. Studies have identified barriers to instructors’ adoption of active learning, but there is no well‐tested instrument to measure instructors perceptions of these barriers.PurposeWe developed and tested an instrument to measure instructors’ perceptions of barriers to adopting active learning and identify the constructs that coherently categorize those barriers.MethodWe used a five‐phase process to develop an instrument to measure instructors’ perceived barriers to adopting active learning. In Phase 1, we built upon the Faculty Instructional Barriers and Identity Survey (FIBIS) to create a draft instrument. In Phases 2 and 3, we conducted exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on an initial 45‐item instrument and a refined 21‐item instrument, respectively. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Phases 4 and 5 to test the factor structure identified in Phases 2 and 3.ResultsOur final instrument consists of 17 items and four factors: (1) student preparation and engagement; (2) instructional support; (3) instructor comfort and confidence; and (4) institutional environment/rewards. Instructor responses indicated that time considerations do not emerge as a standalone factor.ConclusionsOur 17‐item instrument exhibits a sound factor structure and is reliable, enabling the assessment of perceived barriers to adopting active learning in different contexts. The four factors align with an existing model of instructional change in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Although time is a substantial instructor concern that did not comprise a standalone factor, it is closely related to multiple constructs in our final model.
Histological characterization of the human scapholunate ligament
Authors: Chato‐Astrain Jesús , Roda Olga , Carriel Víctor , Hita‐Contreras Fidel , Sánchez‐Montesinos Indalecio , Alaminos Miguel , Hernández‐Cortés Pedro 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) plays a fundamental role in stabilizing the wrist bones, and its disruption is a frequent cause of wrist arthrosis and disfunction. Traditionally, this structure is considered to be a variety of fibrocartilaginous tissue and consists of three regions: dorsal, membranous and palmar. Despite its functional relevance, the exact composition of the human SLIL is not well understood. In the present work, we have analyzed the human SLIL and control tissues from the human hand using an array of histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods to characterize each region of this structure. Results reveal that the SLIL is heterogeneous, and each region can be subdivided in two zones that are histologically different to the other zones. Analysis of collagen and elastic fibers, and several proteoglycans, glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans confirmed that the different regions can be subdivided in two zones that have their own structure and composition. In general, all parts of the SLIL resemble the histological structure of the control articular cartilage, especially the first part of the membranous region (zone M1). Cells showing a chondrocyte‐like phenotype as determined by S100 were more abundant in M1, whereas the zone containing more CD73‐positive stem cells was D2. These results confirm the heterogeneity of the human SLIL and could contribute to explain why certain zones of this structure are more prone to structural damage and why other zones have specific regeneration potential.Research HighlightsApplication of an array of histological analysis methods allowed us to demonstrate that the human scapholunate ligament is heterogeneous and consists of at least six different regions sharing similarities with the human cartilage, ligament and other anatomical structures.
Biosynthesis cobalt‐doped nickel nanoparticles and their toxicity against disease
Authors: Alsamhary Khawla , Ameen Fuad , Kha Mansour 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe nanostructures have the great potential for novel medical and drug delivery applications. In present paper a green approach for the preparation of pure nickel oxide (NiO) and 5% cobalt‐doped NiO (Co╫NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) by using Prosopis fracta extract have been study. The product of Co╫NiO NPs was proved through the PXRD, Raman, UV–Vis, FESEM, and EDX analyses. The results of XRD, EDX, and UV–Visible spectra displayed well doped cobalt in NiO NP. The particle sizes of Co╫NiO NPs were observed to be about 80 nm. The MTT test results for the cytotoxicity of Co╫NiO NPs on breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) affirmed the stronger impact of doped NiO‐NPs on cancer cells compared to NiO NPs. Thus, it is indicated that the doping process on NiO NPs caused an increase in its inhibitory effect against MCF‐7 cells.Research Highlights
Cobalt‐doped NiO nanoparticles were prepared using ecofriendly synthesis method and their cytotoxicity studied against MCF‐7 cells.
Clinical outcomes after extended 12‐month antiretroviral therapy prescriptions in a community‐based differentiated HIV service delivery programme in South Africa: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lewis Lara , Sookrajh Yukteshwar , van der Molen Johan , Khubone Thokozani , Sosibo Phelelani , Maraj Munthra , van Heerden Rose , Little Francesca , Kassanjee Reshma , Garrett Nigel , Dorward Jienchi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionThere is an urgent need for more efficient models of differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery for people living with HIV (PLHIV), with the World Health Organization calling for evidence to guide whether annual ART prescriptions and consultations (12M scripts) should be recommended in global guidelines. We assessed the association between 12M scripts (allowed temporarily during the COVID‐19 pandemic) versus standard 6‐month prescriptions and consultations (6M scripts) and clinical outcomes.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study using routine, de‐identified data from 59 public clinics in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. We included PLHIV aged ≥18 years with a recent suppressed viral load (VL) who had been referred for community ART delivery with 6M or 12M scripts. We used modified Poisson regression to compare 12‐month retention‐in‐care (≤90 days late for all visits) and viral suppression (<50 copies/ml) between prescription groups.ResultsAmong 27,148 PLHIV referred for community ART during Jun–Dec 2020, 57.4% received 12M scripts. The median age was 39 years and 69.4% were women. Age, sex, prior community ART use and time on ART were similar across groups. However, more of the 12M script group had dolutegravir‐based regimens (60.0% vs. 46.3%). The median (interquartile range) number of clinic visits in the year of follow‐up was 1(1‐1) in the 12M group and 2(2‐3) in the 6M group. Retention was 94.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 94.2%–94.9%) among those receiving 12M scripts and 91.8% (95% CI: 91.3%–92.3%) among those with 6M scripts. 17.1% and 16.9% of clients in the 12M and 6M groups were missing follow‐up VL data, respectively. Among those with VLs, 92.4% (95% CI: 92.0%–92.9%) in the 12M group and 91.4% (95% CI: 90.8%–92.0%) in the 6M group were suppressed. After adjusting for age, sex, ART regimen, time on ART, prior community ART use and calendar month, retention (adjusted risk ratio [aRR]: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05) and suppression (aRR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.99–1.01) were similar across groups.ConclusionsAmong PLHIV referred for community ART with a recent suppressed VL, the use of 12M scripts reduced clinic visits without impacting short‐term clinical outcomes. 12M scripts should be considered for differentiated service delivery programmes.
Factors that influence adolescent girls and young women's re‐initiation or complete discontinuation from daily oral PrEP use: a qualitative study from Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: de Vos Lindsey , Mudzingwa Emily Krogstad , Fynn Lauren , Atujuna Millicent , Mugore Matinatsa , Gandhi Monica , Celum Connie , Hosek Sybil , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Daniels Joseph , Medina‐Marino Andrew 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionAdolescent girls and young women (AGYW) face barriers that jeopardize their prevention‐effective use of daily oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We sought to understand factors that influence AGYW's prolonged breaks in PrEP use, and their decisions to re‐initiate or discontinue using PrEP in the context of a community‐based adherence support intervention.MethodsIn‐depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted between December 2019 and April 2021 with purposively selected AGYW (aged 16–25) enrolled in the Community PrEP Study (CPS) in Buffalo City Metro Health District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. AGYW were offered monthly PrEP for 24 months at two community‐based study sites. Interview guides were informed by the Information‐Motivation‐Behavioural Skills Model, and data were analysed using illustrative code reports and a case analysis.ResultsA total of 603 participants were enrolled and initiated on PrEP in the parent study. Fifty‐three IDIs were conducted with 50 CPS participants. Findings revealed that external factors (e.g. local movement, school holidays and medication side‐effects) and social conflicts (e.g. discretion and partner mistrust) directly influenced breaks in PrEP usage. A decrease in one's self‐perception of HIV risk prolonged the duration of these “PrEP breaks.” Once PrEP refill visits were missed, some AGYW delayed returning for refills out of fear of being scolded by study staff. The differences between those participants who eventually re‐initiated PrEP and those who disengaged from PrEP use can be attributed to social support and encouragement, level of familiarity with PrEP, risk perceptions, self‐initiated discussions with staff and diminishing side effects.ConclusionsDespite implementing a community‐based PrEP delivery platform and behavioural intervention that included support for daily oral PrEP adherence and disclosure, participants struggled with consistent daily oral PrEP use. Unpredictable life events, including local movement and schooling schedules, in addition to being judged for their perceived behaviours, pose a challenge for consistent pill pick‐up for AGYW and habit formation. Long‐acting injectable PrEP may mitigate a number of these external barriers. Interventions that integrate long‐term planning skills, how to navigate existing social judgements and how to access sources of social support may further improve habit formation for PrEP use, regardless of its formulation.
Effects and Tolerance of Protein and Energy‐Enriched Formula in Infants Following Congenital Heart Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cui Yanqin , Li Lijuan , Hu Chunmei , Shi Hui , Li Jianbin , Gupta Ramit Kumar , Liang Huiying , Chen Xinxin , Gong Sitang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundNutrition support is important for clinical management to improve outcomes of infants following congenital heart surgery. Protein‐enriched and energy‐enriched formula (PE‐formula) may help provide adequate nutrition and promote wound healing. However, the effects and tolerance of increased protein and energy intakes of these infants have not been well defined.ObjectiveTo evaluate nutrition effects and tolerance of a PE‐formula compared with the standard formula (S‐formula) in infants in the first 5 days after congenital heart surgery. Methods: Fifty infants were randomly assigned to S‐formula (S‐group, n = 24) or PE‐formula (PE‐group, n = 26). Daily nutrient intakes and tolerance were recorded. Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured. Cumulative energy balance and nitrogen balance were calculated.ResultsNutrient intakes were significantly higher in the PE‐group after day 1, and all met the adequate intakes as early as day 2. Nitrogen balance in the PE‐group met positive balance from day 2, whereas in the S‐group, this was not until day 5. The PE‐group also had a significantly higher increase in many essential amino acids. With the exception of tolerable diarrhea (multivariate adjusted hazard ratio, 3.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–8.01), the PE‐group did not have a significantly higher incidence of intolerable events.ConclusionsIn infants during the early postoperative period after congenital heart surgery, early administration of PE‐formula was as well tolerated as S‐formula and effective in achieving higher nutrition intakes and earlier nitrogen balance. Further research is warranted to support the use of PE‐formula in this special group of infants.
Impact of Early Initiation of Enteral Nutrition on Survival During Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Greathouse Kristin C. , Sakellaris Kelly T. , Tumin Dmitry , Katsnelson Jacob , Tobias Joseph D. , Hayes Don , Yates Andrew R. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroduction: Pediatric data related to safety, tolerance, and outcomes of enteral nutrition (EN) for patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are lacking. The objectives of this study were to evaluate early nutrition status and timing of EN initiation on survival during pediatric ECMO.Methods: A single center institutional review board–approved retrospective chart review was performed on all pediatric patients requiring ECMO from October 2008 through December 2013. Demographics, ECMO variables, laboratory values, vasoactive inotropic score (VIS), and nutrition data on day 5 (d5) were collected. Patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) were compared with those receiving any EN on d5. Analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing survival to completion of ECMO and to discharge.Results: Forty‐nine patients aged 53 ± 76 months met inclusion criteria. Kaplan‐Meier curves demonstrated greater survival to discharge in patients receiving any EN, compared with only receiving PN (P = .031). EN on d5 of ECMO support (P = .040) and a higher percentage of daily energy intake achieved (P = .013) were protective, whereas a higher VIS was associated with increased mortality (P = .010). Multivariable analysis demonstrated EN was no longer associated with survival to discharge (P = .139), whereas energy intake (P = .021) and VIS (P = .013) remained significant.Conclusions: Pediatric patients who received nutrition that was closer to goal energy intake, as well as those who received any EN early during ECMO, had improved survival to hospital discharge.
Colloids with reversible stability switched by tris[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine
Authors: Quan Hongping , Luan Huoxin , Guan Dan , Zhang Mingmin , Li Zhengyang , He Xiran , Su Xin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe addition of salt can irreversibly disrupt the stability of both emulsions and polymer latex. The reversible conversion of amines into organic ammonium salts can be induced by CO2 stimulation, thereby enabling the switching of colloids. The switchable amine, tris[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6TRAN), was selected for the study. The electrical conductivity of an aqueous solution of Me6TRAN is modulated by the introduction and removal of CO2. The critical micelle concentration of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) was observed to decrease from 1.0 × 10−3 to 5.0 × 10−4 M upon the introduction of Me6TRAN, as confirmed by surface tension measurements conducted under CO2. The emulsion of crude oil, which comprised of SDBS and Me6TRAN, underwent reversible destruction and restoration upon exposure to CO2 and N2. The PMMA latex exhibited a clear phase separation subsequent to CO2 sparging, but attained homogeneity upon N2 sparging. This study is anticipated to introduce a novel avenue for emulsion or polymer latex that can undergo demulsification and emulsification through CO2 stimulation.