bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ramification of COVID-19 pandemic : Occurrence and impact of fungal infections in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Kaur Ravinder , Rawat Deepti , William Ashish , Singh Pradeep Kumar , Kandir Neelam S.S. , Sharma Akanksha 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been prevailing for more than a year associated with increased number of opportunistic invasive fungal infections in patients who have been critically ill or immunocompromised. In this retrospective study, details of various clinical specimens received from suspected patients of fungal infections were processed according to standard protocol were studied. The fungal infections were present in 64% (51/79) COVID-19 positive patients and 43% (163/381) COVID-19 negative patients) during the year 2021 during the second wave of COVID-19. Among COVID-19 infected patients, the fungal infection mostly observed was Candidiasis (63%) followed by Aspergillosis (15% ) and Mucormycosis (6%). The maximum samples positive in COVID-19 patients were urine samples followed by Serum (for Aspergillus Galactomannan). Among the urine and respiratory samples (BAL, Tracheal aspirate, Sputum) in COVID-19 positive patients, maximum positivity of Candida species was seen. Mucormycosis in COVID-19 positive patients was isolated in Nasal samples followed by tissue sample with Rhizopus arrhizus and Rhizopus homothallicus. There has been an increase in fungal co-infections during the COVID-19 pandemic which is a matter of great concern. Early diagnosis is essential for effective management of these patients.
Detection of wolf spider courtship signals against complex chromatic backgrounds by intended and unintended receivers
Authors: Uetz George W , Gilbert Rachel , Wilson Rebecca , Mann Jacqueline , Clark David L. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
We used video digitization and playback of courting male Schizocosa ocreata wolf spiders to examine responses of intended receivers and eavesdroppers viewing manipulated spider color displayed against background treatments of complex litter with different chromatic contrast. Intended receivers (female S. ocreata) were more likely to detect males with higher background intensity contrast, while a different pattern for receptivity suggests chromatic contrast matters more for mate recognition. Social eavesdroppers (conspecific males) were similar but had a significant interaction of spider color x background, suggesting possible differences in color perception between sexes. Interceptive eavesdroppers (predators) differed across taxa in some respects but were similar in others. Vertebrates (toads) were quicker to orient than invertebrates (spider predators). Toads took longer to respond to control spiders on complex color backgrounds but were quicker with the same spider against complex greyscale backgrounds. Color differences among prey stimuli appear to be less important than contrast for both toads and wolf spiders with dichromatic vision. However, color of the prey spider stimulus matters more for jumping spiders with trichromatic vision, as they respond more quickly to natural color and RGB average color than gray monochrome stimuli. Analyses of chromatic and luminance intensity contrast values for spiders and backgrounds suggest that for both intended female receivers and eavesdroppers, intensity and chromatic contrast influence detection and mate recognition in complex and subtle ways. These results support the hypothesis that receivers with different visual sensory capacities vary in response to color and contrast of courting male spiders against complex backgrounds.
C-H-activated Csp2-Csp3 diastereoselective gridization enables ultraviolet-emitting stereo-molecular nanohydrocarbons with mulitple H•••H interactions
Authors: Wei Ying , Zhong Chunxiao , Sun Yue , Ma Shuwei , Wu Xiangping , Yan Yongxia , Yang Lei , Khodov Ilya A. , Ge Jiaoyang , Li Yang , Lin Dongqing , Wang Yongxia , Bao Qiujing , Zhang He , Wang Shasha , Song Juan , Huang Wei , Xie Linghai 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Gridization is an emerging molecular integration technology that enables the creation of cross-scale materials by facilitating the generation and their networks of molecular nanohydrocarbon through precise and stepwise linkages. Despite the fact that Friedel-Crafts gridization of fluorenols is powerful, direct linkage among fluorene molecules is challenging owing to the limitation of the Csp2-Csp3 coupling reactions. Herein, we reported an achiral Pd-PPh3-cataylized diastereoselective (> 99:1 d.r.) gridization based on the C-H-activation at the fluorene the 9-position to give dimeric and trimeric windmill-type nanogrids (DWGs and TWGs). The cis-cis-TWGs exhibit unique intramolecular and multiple H•••H interactions with a low field shift to 8.51 ppm, which is rare for hydrocarbon aromatics. Furthermore, these non-conjugated nanogrids show ultraviolet emission behaviors with emission peaks at 361-393 nm in film and 356-373 nm in crystal state, representing the first report of ultraviolet-emitting macrocycles. These nanogrids offer potential nanoscafflolds for ultraviolet organic light-emitting diodes and lasing applications.
BNT162b2 vaccine induced variant-specific immunity, safety and risk of Omicron breakthrough infection in children aged 5 to 11 years: A cohort study
Authors: Yung Chee Fu , Bert Nina Le , Kam Kai Qian , Saffari Seyed Ehsan , Tan Chee Wah , Mah Yun Yan , Zhang Jinyan , Yeoh Aileen Ying-Yan , Zhu Feng , Hariharaputran Smrithi , Chong Chia Yin , Bertoletti Antonio , Wang Linfa 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
There is little information on BNT162b2 vaccine-induced variant-specific immunogenicity, safety data and dynamics of breakthrough infections in pediatric populations. We addressed these questions using a prospective two dose BNT162b2(10mcg) vaccination cohort study of healthy children 5–11 years in Singapore. Follow up included blood samples at scheduled visits, daily vaccination symptom diary and confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) and spike-specific T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants were performed. The mean age of 127 participants was 8.27 years (SD: 1.95) and 51.2% were males. The median sVNT level against original variant after 1 dose and 2 dose vaccination was 61.4% and 95.1% respectively (p < 0.0001). Neutralizing antibodies against the Omicron variant was the lowest, median 22.4% (IQR:16.5 to 30.8). However, T cell IFN-γ cytokine response against Omicron variant was high and remained so about 4 months after vaccination. Fever rate increased significantly from 4% (dose 1) to 11.5% (dose 2). The risk of Omicron breakthrough infection decreased by 7.8% for every 1% increase in sVNT inhibition level measured after dose 2 vaccination. BNT162b2 vaccines were safe, induced good T cell responses but poor neutralizing antibodies against Omicron in children. Neutralizing antibody levels post-vaccination was predictive of subsequent breakthrough infection.
Joint toxicity of Cadmium (II) and microplastic leachates on wheat seed germination and seedling growth
Authors: Du Ling , Wu Dongming , Yang Xi , Xu Li , Tian Xu , Li Youping , Liu Yanmei 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) and microplastics are widely distributed in soil and pose potential threats to agricultural production and human health. However, the joint toxicity of Cd and microplastics on crop growth remain largely unknown. In this study, the toxic effects of Cd2+ solution and two kinds of microplastic leachates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), on wheat seeds germination and seedlings’ growth were explored under the single and combined conditions. The results showed that Cd2+ solution and two kinds of microplastic leachates stimulated wheat seeds germination process but inhibited the germination rate by 0–8.6%. The combined treatments promoted wheat seeds germination but inhibited the growth of wheat seedlings on different degree. In especial, the combination of 2.0 mg L-1 Cd2+ and 1.0 mgC L-1 PVC could promote both wheat seeds germination and seedlings’ growth, but they synergistically increased the antioxidant enzyme activity of seedlings. The physiological and biochemical indicators showed that the possible mechanism through which Cd2+ and microplastics leachates and their combination affected wheat seedlings involved oxidative stress. The toxicity of the PVC leachate to wheat seedlings was stronger than LDPE leachate. The addition of Cd2+ could alleviate the toxicity of PVC leachate on wheat seedlings, and reduce the toxicity of LDPE leachate on wheat seedlings under the same concentration class combinations but aggravated stress under different concentration class combinations, consistent with the effect on wheat seedlings’ growth. Overall, our study has important implications for the joint toxicity of Cd2+ solution and microplastic leachates in agriculture.
Assessment of the wind power density over South America simulated by CMIP6 models in the present and future climate
Authors: Ferreira Glauber , Reboita Michelle , Ribeiro João Gabriel , Carvalho Vanessa , Santiago Maria , Silva Pedro , Baldoni Thales , Souza Christie 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Expanding the South American renewable energy matrix to ensure more sustainable socio-economic development, mitigate the climate change effects, and meet the targets set in the Paris Agreement is crucial. Hence, this study sought to estimate South America’s wind speed and wind power density alterations projected by eight global climate models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project – Phase 6 (CMIP6). To this end, we applied statistical downscaling and bias correction to the GCMs outputs through the Quantile Delta Mapping method and assessed the projected changes in wind power in future climate under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 emission scenarios. ERA5 reanalysis data from 1995–2014 validated the models’ historical simulations. The CMIP6 multimodel ensemble indicated an approximate 25–50% increase in wind power density in sectors such as Northeast and South Brazil and growing wind power in regions such as Argentine Patagonia, northern Venezuela, and portions of Uruguay, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Estimates of the wind power growth for the 21st century in those regions reiterated their potential performance in the historical period. For the SSP5-8.5 emission scenario, the ensemble projections indicated even more favorable wind power conditions in the sectors mentioned. However, individual projections of wind intensity anomalies obtained by each ensemble member showed a large spread among the GCMs, evidencing the uncertainties associated with the prospects of change in wind power on the continent. Furthermore, this study has presented a first analysis of CMIP6 projections for South American wind power generation, providing relevant information to the energy sector decision-makers.
Synthesis and Use of Nano Particles for Enhancing the Self-Cleaning Effects in White-Cement
Authors: Alshoaibi Adil , Hussain Fayaz , Aslam Muhammad , Zubairi Hareem , Aijaz Anabia , Majeeed Faryal , Khan Iqra 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
A major ingredient of concrete, tiles and other materials used for architectural and decorative purposes is white cement. Self-cleaning would be a sustainable and environmental-friendly approach to resolve the cleaning issues of building surfaces as well as to overcome the cost of time, energy, labour and materials. So this study has explored the synthesis of anatase-TiO2, Ag and ZnO nanoparticles, and their photo-catalytical properties to enhance the self-cleaning effects in white-cement at different ratios of composition. The doped formulations were mixed and coated on bricks to check the ink-stains degradation concerning the time under sunlight exposure concerning the time. The self-cleaning ability of prepared samples was evaluated under UV radiations from sunlight. - The white cement containing TiO2 co-doped with 0.2% Ag and 0.2% ZnO, mixed into the cement in a ratio of 0.2 (co-doped TiO2 to Cement) has proved to be the best combination. This ratio combination has also recorded the maximum dye (ink) degradation, the highest rate of absorption, and enhanced the degree of whiteness as compared to the remaining samples. They were characterized by XRD, UV Spectroscopy and Stereo micrographs and the maximum degradation is obtained in the 0 TiO2 co-doped with 0.2% Ag and 0.2% ZnO samples.
Study of biochar for salinity adsorption in barly plant
Authors: Norolahi Zahra , farasati masumeh , moghaddam ali nakhzari 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The aim of research was investigation of biochar effect on reducing of salinity in mung bean plant. The experiment was performed in a randomized complete block design with three replications and three treatments of saline, non-saline and saline + biochar. A silty soil was used for the plant substrate while calcium chloride and sodium chloride salts were employed in order to create the salinity levels in it. The results of analysis variance associated with the studied traits showed that the simple effects of salinity and plant organs as well as the interaction of salinity×plant organs on the calcium, magnesium, chlorine, sodium, potassium levels are significant at a level of 1%. Also, the results of comparing the mean interaction of salinity×organ indicated that the highest calcium content in most cases is associated with leaf. The biochar consumption has been found to reduce the calcium absorption at high salinity in leaves and roots and increase it in the stem and pod. Increasing the calcium chloride and sodium chloride salinities in plant organs, the concentration of potassium decreased compared to calcium and with increasing salinity levels, the concentration of all mentioned elements increased in most treatments. According to the results, effect of organ, salinity and organ× salinity on all characteristics was significant. From the above results, it can be inferred that although high salinity reduces the growth of barly plant, this plant is resistant to low salinity levels. It has been found that the salinity resistance mechanism of this plant is the salt tolerance through the accumulation of ions in its organs. Therefore, it can be used in the improvement of saline soils, for the optimal use of soil resources and saline waters. Also, in order to prepare biochar, the type of plant and the conversion temperature of the plant to biochar should be considered.
The Proteasome Modulates Endocytosis in a Glomerular Cell Type Specific Modality to Secure Kidney Filtration
Authors: Sachs Wiebke , Blume Lukas , Loreth Desiree , Schebsdat Lisa , Hatje Favian , Köhler Sybille , Wedekind Uta , Sachs Marlies , Zielinski Stephanie , Brand Johannes , Conze Christian , Florea Bogdan , Heppner Frank , Krüger Elke , Rinschen Markus , Kretz Oliver , Thünauer Roland , Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Kidney filtration is ensured in the glomerulus by the interaction of podocytes, endothelial and mesangial cells. In comparison to autophagy and mitochondrial function, the proteasome system represents a completely unexplored aspect of cellular metabolism especially in kidney cells, even though it is getting more and more clear that proteasome alterations are central to many glomerular metabolic and immune pathologies. Here we identify the proteasome to be critical in a conserved cell type specific modality. Combining genetic and inhibitor-based human, pig, mouse, and Drosophila models we demonstrate that the proteasome ensures filtration barrier integrity, with podocyte metabolism depending on the constitutive proteasome whereas glomerular endothelial cells depend on the immunoproteasome. Endothelial immunoproteasome deficiency as well as proteasome inhibition disrupt the filtration barrier in mice, resulting in pathologic immunoglobulin deposition under the slit diaphragm and glomerular basement membrane alterations. Mechanistically, a reduced endocytic activity was identified, which relates to altered membrane recycling and turnover of endocytic receptors for collagen 4 and immunoglobulins.
Our findings expand the concept of the (immuno)proteasome as a control protease for protein degradation and antigen presentation to an orchestrator of endocytosis and will lead to new therapeutic principles in targeting disease-associated glomerular protein accumulations.
Transmembrane Stem Factor Nanodiscs Enhanced Revascularization in a Hind Limb Ischemia Model in Diabetic, Hyperlipidemic Rabbits
Authors: Takematsu Eri , Massidda Miles , Howe Gretchen , Goldman Julia , Felli Patricia , Mei Lei , Callahan Gregory , Sligar Andrew , Smalling Richard , Baker Aaron 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Therapies to revascularize ischemic tissue have long been a goal for the treatment of vascular disease and other disorders. Therapies using stem cell factor (SCF), also known as a c-Kit ligand, had great promise for treating ischemia for myocardial infarct and stroke, however clinical development for SCF was stopped due to toxic side effects including mast cell activation in patients. We recently developed a novel therapy using a transmembrane form of SCF (tmSCF) delivered in lipid nanodiscs. In previous studies, we demonstrated tmSCF nanodiscs were able to induce revascularization of ischemia limbs in mice and did not activate mast cells. To advance this therapeutic towards clinical application, we tested this therapy in an advanced model of hindlimb ischemia in rabbits with hyperlipidemia and diabetes. This model has therapeutic resistance to angiogenic therapies and maintains long term deficits in recovery from ischemic injury. We treated rabbits with local treatment with tmSCF nanodiscs or control solution delivered locally from an alginate gel delivered into the ischemic limb of the rabbits. After eight weeks, we found significantly higher vascularity in the tmSCF nanodisc-treated group in comparison to alginate treated control as quantified through angiography. Histological analysis also showed a significantly higher number of small and large blood vessels in the ischemic muscles of the tmSCF nanodisc treated group. Importantly, we did not observe inflammation or mast cell activation in the rabbits. Overall, this study supports the therapeutic potential of tmSCF nanodiscs for treating peripheral ischemia.
Bayesian inference elucidates fault-system anatomy and resurgent earthquakes induced by continuing saltwater disposal
Authors: Vasyura-Bathke Hannes , Biegel Katherine , Salvage Rebecca , Eaton David , Ackerley Nick , Samsonov Sergey , Dettmer Jan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
A sequence of injection-induced earthquakes in western Canada demonstrates a resurgent response of a fault system to persistent, post-mainshock saltwater disposal. Compared with independent analysis, joint inference of InSAR and seismic waveform data significantly reduces uncertainty in source parameters, showing that the mainshock nucleated at 5-km depth, propagating up-dip towards the injection source, arresting at 1.9-km depth. Precise hypocenter relocations, combined with Bayesian inference, reveal that four subparallel faults were reactivated, likely part of a regional, basement-rooted graben system. The reactivated faults appear to be truncated by a conjugate fault that is misoriented for slip in the present-day stress regime. The nearest saltwater disposal well targets a permeable Devonian reef that is in direct contact with Precambrian basement, atop a ridge-like uplift. Our observations show that a fault system can be activated more than a decade after initiation of saltwater disposal, and continued disposal may lead to resurgence of seismicity.
Bioluminescence imaging of Cyp1a1-luciferase reporter mice demonstrates prolonged activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the lung
Authors: Veland Nicolas , Gleneadie Hannah , Brown Karen , Sardini Alessandro , Pombo Joaquim , Dimond Andrew , Burns Vanessa , Sarkisyan Karen , Schiering Chris , Webster Zoe , Merkenschlager Matthias , Fisher Amanda 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signalling integrates biological processes that sense and respond to environmental, dietary, and metabolic challenges to ensure tissue homeostasis. AHR is a transcription factor that is inactive in the cytosol but upon encounter with ligand translocates to the nucleus and drives the expression of AHR targets, including genes of the cytochrome P4501 family of enzymes such as Cyp1a1. To dynamically visualise AHR activity in vivo, we generated reporter mice in which firefly luciferase (Fluc) was non-disruptively targeted into the endogenous Cyp1a1 locus. Exposure of these animals to FICZ, 3-MC or to dietary I3C induced strong bioluminescence signal and Cyp1a1 expression in many organs including liver, lung and intestine. Longitudinal studies revealed that AHR activity was surprisingly long-lived in the lung, with sustained Cyp1a1 expression evident in discrete populations of cells including columnar epithelia around bronchioles. Our data link diet to lung physiology and also reveal the power of bespoke Cyp1a1-Fluc reporters to longitudinally monitor AHR activity in vivo.
The association of mortality with vaccination and underlying disease among COVID-19 patients in long term care hospitals at Daegu and Gyeonsangbuk-do in Korea
Authors: Park Hanul , Park Chungmin , Choi Seong-Ju , Jung Yeon Haw , Hwang Myung-Jae , Son Junseock , Seo Inyeong , Park Taeyeon , Kim You Kyung , Seong Ji-Seon , Son Taejong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to estimate the effects of vaccine on reducing the mortality rate and the relationship between underlying diseases and death among long term care hospital residents during the Omicron epidemic.
Methods
This study included 2,507 inpatients at 18 long term care hospitals that experienced COVID-19 outbreaks more than twice in Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do in Korea, from January 2022 to August 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participants’ demographic characteristics and mortality, which were expressed as percentages (%). Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare mortality, and the crude risk ratio (cRR) and adjusted risk risk (aRR) were estimated. The analysis model was adjusted for sex, age, region, history of Paxlovid priscription, vaccine status, reinfection, and presence, type, and number of underlying diseases.
Results
In terms of vaccination status, the aRR in the group with < 90 days after the 3 doses was 0.20 (CI:0.09–0.45) and ≥ 90 days was 0.14 (CI:0.06–0.32), that in the group with < 90 days after 4 doses was 0.18 (CI:0.06–0.43), compared with the non-vaccinated group. The fatality rate in the group prescribed Paxlovid was higher than that in the non-prescribed group. However, the difference was not statistically significant. The aRR of hypothyroidism was 5.75 (CI:1.10–30.13) and that of COPD and asthma were 2.84 (CI:1.15–6.99), compared with the group that did not have each underlying disease.
Conclusion
We confirmed the preventive effects of vaccination on death and the high risk of death from hypothyroidism, COPD, and asthma in COVID-19-confirmed patients in long term care hospitals.