bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of URR equals that of Kt/V for all-cause mortality in Taiwan after 10-year follow-up
Authors: Chen Yi-Kong , Chu Chih-Sheng , Niu Sheng-Wen , Lin Hugo You-Hsien , Yu Pei-Hua , Shen Feng-Ching , Chao Yu-Lin , Kuo I-Ching , Hung Chi-Chih , Chang Jer-Ming 
Published: June 2023

AbstractKt/V and URR (urea reduction ratio) measurements represent dialysis adequacy. Single-pool Kt/V is theoretically a superior method and is recommended by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. However, the prognostic value of URR compared with Kt/V for all-cause mortality is unknown. The effect modifiers and cut-off values of the two parameters have not been compared. We investigated 2615 incident hemodialysis patients with URR of 72% and Kt/V (Daugirdas) of 1.6. The average patient age was 59 years, 50.7% were female, and 1113 (40.2%) died within 10 years. URR and Kt/V were both positively associated with nutrition factors and female sex and negatively associated with body weight and heart failure. In Cox regression mod-els for all-cause mortality, the hazard ratios (HRs) of high URR groups (65–70%, 70–75%, and > 75%) and the URR < 65% group were 0.748 (0.623–0.898), 0.693 (0.578–0.829), and 0.640 (0.519–0.788), respectively. The HRs of high Kt/V groups (Kt/V 1.2–1.4, 1.4–1.7, and > 1.7) and the Kt/V < 1.2 group were 0.711 (0.580–0.873), 0.656 (0.540–0.799), and 0.623 (0.498–0.779), respec-tively. In subgroup analysis, Kt/V was not associated with all-cause mortality in women. The prognostic value of URR for all-cause mortality is as great as that of Kt/V. URR > 70% and Kt/V > 1.4 were associated with a higher survival rate. Kt/V may have weaker prognostic value for women.
Detecting introgressive hybridization to maintain genetic integrity in endangered large waterbird: a case study in milky stork
Authors: Kaminsin Damisa , Warrit Natapot , Sankhom Rangsinee , Piamsanga Krittee , Sanannu Saowaphang , Baicharoen Sudarath , Wiwegweaw Amporn 
Published: June 2023

AbstractHybridization between milky stork (Mycteria cinerea) and painted stork (M. leucocephala) occurs frequently in captivity. Dusit Zoo is a captive breeding facility where storks with phenotypically ambiguous patterns have recently been observed, and their status remaining inconclusive. Here, we used a combination of phenotypic characters and genetic markers (cytochrome b and 14 microsatellite markers) to distinguish and identify hybrids from the two parental species (n = 114). Haplotype analysis revealed asymmetric mtDNA introgression from M. cinerea to M. leucocephala, with twelve morphologically classified M. leucocephala individuals carrying heterospecific mtDNA. Comprehensive biparental genetic assessments identified 33% of all three genetic clusters as admixed individuals, of which most were either F2 hybrids, backcrosses with M. leucocephala, or hybrids of unknown generation, implying weak premating isolation with the absence of intrinsic postzygotic isolation between parentals. Morphological analysis demonstrated that the absence or indistinctness of a black bar across the breast is the most noticeable trait to identify these hybrids. The endangered M. cinerea was found to have genomic contamination from M. leucocephala and vice versa, with at least 41 hybrid individuals being identified. These findings provide critical information for detecting hybrids and identifying suitable breeding stocks with genetic purity for future reintroduction and conservation management.
Implication of the micro- and lithofacies types on the quality of a gas-bearing deltaic reservoir in the Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Nabawy Bassem S. , Abd El Aziz Emad A. , Ramadan Mohamed , Shehata Amer A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe Messinian Qawasim sequence, as one of the most important reservoirs in the Egyptian Nile Delta, represents a typical gas-bearing deltaic reservoir sequence. It aims at delineating the implication of the litho- and microfacies associations on the reservoir characteristics of the different stages of the fluvial deltas including the prodelta, proximal/distal delta front, and the delta plain depositional sequences. The studied reservoir sequence was divided into two units; upper and lower clastic units. The petrophysical properties of these two units were studied on the borehole scale using the gamma-ray, caliper, sonic, density, neutron, and resistivity logs to estimate the reservoir parameters including the total and effective porosities, water saturation, shale volume, and the net-pay thickness. For more details, they are also examined on the plug-scale using the core dataset including helium porosity, density, permeability, and fluids saturations, where the flow zone indicator, the reservoir potentiality index, the reservoir quality index, and the average reservoir pore radius were then estimated. The entire sequence is divided into five reservoir rock types (RRT1-RRT5) where, the best quality is assigned to the first RRT (the upper reservoir unit), and the lowest quality is assigned to the RRT5 of the lower reservoir unit. Based on core description and the petrographical studies five lithofacies and four microfacies have been identified. The lithofacies are (1) laminated mudstones/siltstones, (2) ripple laminated sandstones, (3) cross-laminated sandstones, (4) cross-bedded sandstones, and (5) pebbly massive sandstones. These lithofacies are primarily composed of four microfacies; sublithic arenites, subarkose arenite, glauconitic quartz wacke, and sandy mudstone/siltstone. Based on this study, the pebbly massive and the cross-bedded sandstones of the upper unit which is composed of the sublithic and subarkose arenites (RRT1-RRT2) have the best reservoir quality. On the other hand, the lowest quality is assigned to the RRT5 (sandy mudstone/siltstone microfacies) which is represented on the macro scale by the laminated mudstones/siltstones lithofacies. The integration between multi-scale datasets (core-well, petrography, well logs, and seismic) gives a precise picture of the deltaic Qawasim reservoir rock units in the Nile Delta. This workflow has never been applied to the deltaic system in the onshore Nile delta and North Africa. Thereby, this study is considered a standard case study for the deltaic sequences and its proposed workflow is applicable to the Nile Delta elsewhere and worldwide for similar reservoir sequences.
High-pressure studies in the supercooled and glassy state of the strongly associated active pharmaceutical ingredient—ticagrelor
Authors: Jesionek Paulina , Heczko Dawid , Hachuła Barbara , Kamiński Kamil , Kamińska Ewa 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the molecular dynamics at different thermodynamic conditions of hydrogen-bonded (H-bonded) active pharmaceutical ingredient—ticagrelor (TICA) have been investigated. Extensive high-pressure (HP) dielectric studies revealed surprising high sensitivity of the structural (α)-relaxation to compression. They also showed that unexpectedly the shape of the α-peak remains invariable at various temperature (T) and pressure (p) conditions at constant α-relaxation time. Further infrared measurements on the ordinary and pressure densified glasses of the examined compound indicated that the hydrogen-bonding pattern in TICA is unchanged by the applied experimental conditions. Such behavior was in contrast to that observed recently for ritonavir (where the organization of hydrogen bonds varied at high p) and explained the lack of changes in the width of α-dispersion with compression. Moreover, HP dielectric measurements performed in the glassy state of TICA revealed the high sensitivity of the slow secondary (β)-relaxation (Johari–Goldstein type) to pressure and fulfillment of the isochronal superpositioning of α- and JG-β-relaxation times. Additionally, it was found that the activation entropy for the β-process, estimated from the Eyring equation (a high positive value at 0.1 MPa) slightly increases with compression. We suggested that the reason for that are probably small conformational variations of TICA molecules at elevated p.
A de novo evolved domain improves the cadmium detoxification capacity of limpet metallothioneins
Authors: García-Risco Mario , Calatayud Sara , Pedrini-Martha Veronika , Albalat Ricard , Palacios Òscar , Capdevila Mercè , Dallinger Reinhard 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMetallothioneins (MTs) constitute an important family of metal binding proteins. Mollusk MTs, in particular, have been used as model systems to better understand the evolution of their metal binding features and functional adaptation. In the present study two recombinantly produced MTs, LgiMT1 and LgiMT2, and their de novo evolved γ domain, of the marine limpet Lottia gigantea, were analyzed by electronic spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Both MT proteins, as well as their γ domains, exhibit a strong binding specificity for Cd(II), but not for Zn(II) or Cu(I). The LgiMTs’ γ domain renders an MII4(SCys)10 cluster with an increased Cd stoichiometry (binding 4 instead of 3 Cd2+ ions), representing a novel structural element in the world of MTs, probably featuring an adamantane 3D structure. This cluster significantly improves the Cd(II)-binding performance of the full length proteins and thus contributes to the particularly high Cd coping capacity observed in free-living limpets.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 isolation in cell culture from nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs or saliva specimens of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Yazawa Shunsuke , Yamazaki Emiko , Saga Yumiko , Itamochi Masae , Inasaki Noriko , Shimada Takahisa , Oishi Kazunori , Tani Hideki 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIt has been revealed that SARS-CoV-2 can be efficiently isolated from clinical specimens such as nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs or saliva in cultured cells. In this study, we examined the efficiency of viral isolation including SARS-CoV-2 mutant strains between nasal/nasopharyngeal swab or saliva specimens. Furthermore, we also examined the comparison of viral isolation rates by sample species using simulated specimens for COVID-19. As a result, it was found that the isolation efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in the saliva specimens was significantly lower than that in the nasal/nasopharyngeal swab specimens. In order to determine which component of saliva is responsible for the lower isolation rate of saliva specimens, we tested the abilities of lactoferrin, amylase, cathelicidin, and mucin, which are considered to be abundant in saliva, to inhibit the infection of SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped viruses (SARS-CoV-2pv). Lactoferrin and amylase were found to inhibit SARS-CoV-2pv infection. In conclusion, even if the same number of viral genome copies was detected by the real-time RT-PCR test, infection of SARS-CoV-2 present in saliva is thought to be inhibited by inhibitory factors such as lactoferrin and amylase, compared to nasal/nasopharyngeal swab specimens.
Factors associated with frequent high-cost individuals with cystic fibrosis and their healthcare utilization and cost patterns
Authors: Desai Sameer , Zhang Wei , Sutherland Jason M. , Singer Joel , Quon Bradley S. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive multi-organ disease with significant morbidity placing extensive demands on the healthcare system. Little is known about those individuals with CF who continually incur high costs over multiple years. Understanding their characteristics may help inform opportunities to improve management and care, and potentially reduce costs. The purpose of this study was to identify and understand the clinical and demographic attributes of frequent high-costing CF individuals and characterize their healthcare utilization and costs over time. A longitudinal study of retrospective data was completed in British Columbia, Canada by linking the Canadian CF Registry with provincial healthcare administrative databases for the period between 2009 and 2017. Multivariable Cox regression models were employed to identify baseline factors associated with becoming a frequent high-cost CF user (vs. not a frequent high-cost CF user) in the follow-up period. We found that severe lung impairment (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 3.71, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49–9.21), lung transplantation (HR: 4.23, 95% CI, 1.68–10.69), liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension (HR: 10.96, 95% CI: 3.85–31.20) and female sex (HR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.13–3.44) were associated with becoming a frequent high-cost CF user. Fifty-nine (17% of cohort) frequent high-cost CF users accounted for more than one-third of the overall total healthcare costs, largely due to inpatient hospitalization and outpatient medication costs.
Major and minor ECG abnormalities depending on regional living conditions in Russia
Authors: Maksimov Sergey , Muromtseva Galina , Kutsenko Vladimir , Shalnova Svetlana , Evstifeeva Svetlana , Drapkina Oksana 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe goal of our study was to explore the effect of living conditions on the odd of major and minor ECG abnormalities on a large region scale in Russia. For the analysis, cross-sectional data of the Russian study, ESSE-RF 2013–2014, were used. They were collected on a sample of 16,400 subjects from 10 regions of the Russia. ECG abnormalities were grouped into two categories: Major and Minor (sensu the 2009 version of the Minnesota Code Classification System). Regional living conditions were considered comprehensively via five indices combining 33 characteristics of the regions. The estimates were presented as odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals. The prevalence values of major abnormalities in the sample were 8.4% among women and 9.4% among men (p = 0.021). The prevalence of minor abnormalities constituted 34.1% and 45.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). In men, the odd of major ECG abnormalities increased with the demographic depression growth (1.08: 1.04–1.12) and with industrial development growth in the region (1.12: 1.07–1.17). In women, an increase in the odd of major ECG abnormalities was directly associated with industrial development (1.12: 1.07–1.16) and inversely related to the economic development in the region (0.94: 0.89–0.99). The odd of minor ECG abnormalities in men and women declined with the growth of the regional economic development: OR of 0.95: 0.93–0.98, and OR of 0.92: 0.87–0.99, respectively. The study demonstrated an effect of regional living conditions of the Russian population on the odd of major and minor ECG abnormalities. The most stable and logically explainable relationships were obtained for industrial and economic characteristics of living conditions.
Polyproline type II helical antifreeze proteins are widespread in Collembola and likely originated over 400 million years ago in the Ordovician Period
Authors: Scholl Connor L. , Holmstrup Martin , Graham Laurie A. , Davies Peter L. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAntifreeze proteins (AFPs) bind to ice crystals to prevent organisms from freezing. A diversity of AFP folds has been found in fish and insects, including alpha helices, globular proteins, and several different beta solenoids. But the variety of AFPs in flightless arthropods, like Collembola, has not yet been adequately assessed. Here, antifreeze activity was shown to be present in 18 of the 22 species of Collembola from cold or temperate zones. Several methods were used to characterize these AFPs, including isolation by ice affinity purification, MALDI mass spectrometry, amino acid composition analysis, tandem mass spectrometry sequencing, transcriptome sequencing, and bioinformatic investigations of sequence databases. All of these AFPs had a high glycine content and were predicted to have the same polyproline type II helical bundle fold, a fold unique to Collembola. These Hexapods arose in the Ordovician Period with the two orders known to produce AFPs diverging around 400 million years ago during the Andean-Saharan Ice Age. Therefore, it is likely that the AFP arose then and persisted in many lineages through the following two ice ages and intervening warm periods, unlike the AFPs of fish which arose independently during the Cenozoic Ice Age beginning ~ 30 million years ago.
CD36 relative mean fluorescence intensity of CD105+ nucleated erythroid cells can be used to differentiate myelodysplastic syndrome from megaloblastic anemia
Authors: Lu Yan , Chen Xuya , Zhang Longyi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study aims to evaluate the differences in CD105+ nucleated erythroid cell (NEC) immunophenotypes between myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and megaloblastic anemia (MA) using multiparameter flow cytometry and to screen potential markers. We analyzed bone marrow sample data from 37 patients with MDS, 35 with MA, 53 with iron-deficiency anemia (anemic controls), and 35 without anemia (normal controls). Compared with normal controls, the MDS and MA groups showed a decrease in the proportion of CD117+CD105+NEC and the relative mean fluorescence intensity (RMFI) of CD71 in CD105+NEC, accompanied by an increase in the coefficient of variation (CV) of CD71 and CD36. Additionally, CD36 RMFI of CD105+NEC increased in the MA group. Compared with anemia controls, the MDS and MA groups showed a significant increase in CD36 CV of CD105+NEC, and the CD36 RMFI in the MA group increased while that in the MDS group decreased. The proportions of CD117+CD105+NEC, CD36 CV, and CD36 RMFI in CD105+NEC differed significantly between MDS and MA groups. Among them, CD36 RMFI had good diagnostic performance (area under the curve: 0.844, 95% confidence interval: 0.753–0.935). CD36 RMFI of CD105+NEC may be a helpful marker in differentiating MDS and MA using multiparameter flow cytometry.
Development of bismuth sulfide nanorods and polyamidoamine dendrimer on reduced graphene oxide as electrode nanomaterials for electrochemical determination of salbutamol
Authors: Padash Mahshid , Maghsoudi Shahab , Mousavi Mehdi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDendrimers, a new class of nanomaterials, are receiving more attention in various fields. In this study, by combining the advantages of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3), we came to design a new composite and its application for electrochemical sensors was investigated for the first time. As a new approach in the preparation of the composite, PAMAM was used for the first time to increase the surface of Bi2S3 with rGO, which ultimately led to an increase in the active surface area of the sensor (5 times compared to the bare electrode). For the first time, we used the sonochemical method for interaction between PAMAM with Bi2S3 and rGO, which was a simpler and faster method to prepare the composite. The purposeful design of the composite was done by using the experimental design method to obtain the optimum composition of components. The new nanocomposite was successfully applied for simple and sensitive electrochemical sensing of salbutamol for controlling the health of food. Salbutamol is used as a prohibited additive in animal and poultry feed. The sensor has good sensitivity (35 times increase compared to the bare electrode) and a low detection limit (1.62 nmol/L). Moreover, it has acceptable selectivity, good repeatability (1.52–3.50%), good reproducibility (1.88%), and satisfactory accuracy (recoveries: 84.6–97.8%). An outstanding feature of the sensor is its broad linear range (5.00–6.00 × 102 nmol/L). This sensor is well suited for the determination of salbutamol in milk, sausage, and livestock and poultry feed samples.
Electromagnetic deactivation spectroscopy of human coronavirus 229E
Authors: Banting Hayden , Goode Ian , Flores Carla E. Gallardo , Colpitts Che C. , Saavedra Carlos E. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAn investigation of the deactivation of pathogens using electromagnetic waves in the microwave region of the spectrum is achieved using custom-built waveguide structures. The waveguides feature sub-wavelength gratings to allow the integration of an air cooling system without disturbing the internal propagating fields. The waveguides are tapered to accommodate an experimental sample internally with sufficient surrounding airflow. The proposed methodology allows for precise control over power densities due to the well-defined fundamental mode excited in each waveguide, in addition to temperature control of the sample due to microwave exposure over time. Human coronavirus (HCoV-229E) is investigated over the 0–40 GHz range, where a peak 3-log viral reduction is observed in the 15.0–19.5 GHz sub-band. We conclude HCoV-229E has an intrinsic resonance in this range, where nonthermal structure damage is optimal through the structure-resonant energy transfer effect.
Epigenomic landscape exhibits interferon signaling suppression in the patient of myocarditis after BNT162b2 vaccination
Authors: Kim Hyeonhui , Ahn Hyo-Suk , Hwang Nahee , Huh Yune , Bu Seonghyeon , Seo Kyung Jin , Kwon Se Hwan , Lee Hae-Kyung , Kim Jae-woo , Yoon Bo Kyung , Fang Sungsoon 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAfter the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, a novel mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2) was developed at an unprecedented speed. Although most countries have achieved widespread immunity from vaccines and infections, yet people, even who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection, are recommended to receive vaccination due to their effectiveness in lowering the risk of recurrent infection. However, the BNT162b2 vaccine has been reported to increase the risk of myocarditis. To our knowledge, for the first time in this study, we tracked changes in the chromatin dynamics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the patient who underwent myocarditis after BNT162b2 vaccination. A longitudinal study of chromatin accessibility using concurrent analysis of single-cell assays for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing showed downregulation of interferon signaling and upregulated RUNX2/3 activity in PBMCs. Considering BNT162b2 vaccination increases the level of interferon-α/γ in serum, our data highlight the immune responses different from the conventional responses to the vaccination, which is possibly the key to understanding the side effects of BNT162b2 vaccination.
The risk of colorectal cancer according to obesity status at four-year intervals: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Seo Ji Yeon , Jin Eun Hyo , Chung Goh Eun , Kim Young Sun , Bae Jung Ho , Yim Jeong Yoon , Han Kyung-Do , Yang Sun Young 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObesity is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. However, the effect of body weight change on colorectal cancer is uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between difference in body mass index and the risk of colorectal cancer. In this nationwide population-based cohort study, participants of the national cancer screening program in 2005 and 2009 were enrolled. Difference of body mass index was calculated from screening data from 2005 and 2009. Participants were divided into four groups according to direction of obesity status: non-obese/non-obese, non-obese/obese, obese/non-obese, and obese/obese. The effect of differences in body mass index on colorectal cancer was analyzed. Among 3,858,228 participants, 47,894 (1.24%) participants were newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer during the 9.2 years of follow-up. The incidence of colorectal cancer was higher in the obese/obese group than the non-obese/non-obese group (hazard ratio = 1.08 [1.06–1.11], P trend < 0.001). The men in the obese/obese group had a higher risk of colon cancer than women (hazard ratio = 1.13 [1.10–1.17] in men, and hazard ratio = 1.04 [1.01–1.18] in women, P = 0.001). Persistent obesity was associated with a higher risk of incidence of colorectal cancer.