bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multidecadal fluctuations in green turtle hatchling production related to climate variability
Authors: del Monte-Luna Pablo , Nakamura Miguel , Guzmán-Hernández Vicente , Cuevas Eduardo , López-Castro Melania C. , Arreguín-Sánchez Francisco 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe state of Campeche, Mexico, harbors one of the largest green turtle (Chelonia mydas) rookeries of the Wider Caribbean Region. Since the 1970s, harvesting of this population was common practice, but it has since ceased, and the population is rebounding as a consequence. In this rookery, during the past 37 years (1984–2020), the positive relationship between the annual number of nesting females and the number of hatchlings they produce has revealed a long-term population signal that we postulate could be related to environmental factors. To investigate this relationship more deeply, we adopt a stock-recruitment (SR) approach, which is commonly used in fisheries. Regression analysis methods for the SR relationship, including a dynamic version of the model that incorporates the effect of sea surface temperature, show that the number of recruits produced and the number of hatchlings per unit nester were significantly and inversely correlated with a 26-year cycle of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) with a three year lag. A possible explanation for this finding is that environmental conditions during warming periods of the 26-year AMO cycle may negatively affect hatchling production by altering the nest moisture content during the incubation period, and increasing embryonic mortality, while the annual female abundance at nesting beaches may decrease due to trophic effects. The time series of abundance corresponding to other population units of green turtles as well as other species of sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico present a similar behavior to that evaluated here, suggesting a basin-wide environmental effect.
Psychometric properties of the 12-item Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale among stroke survivors in Hong Kong
Authors: Fong Ted C. T. , Lo Temmy L. T. , Ho Rainbow T. H. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe present study examined the psychometric properties of the 12-item Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQOL-12) in 184 stroke survivors in Hong Kong. The participants completed a self-report questionnaire including the SSQOL-12, SF-12 health survey, and validating variables at baseline and 148 stroke survivors completed SSQOL-12 two months later. Confirmatory factor analysis investigated the construct validity, reliability, and measurement invariance of SSQOL-12 across two months. Concurrent, convergent, and divergent validity was examined with respect to SF-12, hope, self-esteem, functional disability, anxiety, and depression. The original 2-factor model did not reveal a superior fit over the 1-factor model and a modified 1-factor model provided an acceptable fit to the data in both waves. The SSQOL-12 factor displayed substantial factor loadings (λ = 0.40–0.87), good internal consistency (Ω = 0.88), temporal stability (r = 0.70), and scalar measurement invariance across time. Stroke-specific quality of life was significantly associated with higher levels of SF-12, hope, and self-esteem and lower levels of functional disability, anxiety, and depression. Most correlations remained significant after controlling for demographic covariates and SF-12. The present findings offered empirical support for the validity and reliability of the unidimensional structure for SSQOL-12 as a measure of stroke-specific quality of life among stroke survivors.
Time-dependent microbial shifts during crayfish decomposition in freshwater and sediment under different environmental conditions
Authors: Mähler Bastian , Janssen Kathrin , Lönartz Mara Iris , Lagos Markus , Geisler Thorsten , Rust Jes , Bierbaum Gabriele 
Published: January 2023

AbstractFossilization processes and especially the role of bacterial activity during the preservation of organic material has not yet been well understood. Here, we report the results of controlled taphonomic experiments with crayfish in freshwater and sediment. 16S rRNA amplicon analyzes showed that the development of the bacterial community composition over time was correlated with different stages of decay and preservation. Three dominating genera, Aeromonas, Clostridium and Acetobacteroides were identified as the main drivers in the decomposition of crayfish in freshwater. Using micro-computed tomography (µ-CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS), calcite clusters were detected after 3–4 days inside crayfish carcasses during their decomposition in freshwater at 24 °C. The precipitation of calcite clusters during the decomposition process was increased in the presence of the bacterial genus Proteocatella. Consequently, Proteocatella might be one of the bacterial genera responsible for fossilization.
Anthropogenic impact on soils of protected areas—example of PAHs
Authors: Kicińska Alicja , Dmytrowski Piotr 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe following study presents the concentrations of 10 individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs10) and the total concentration of PAHs (ΣPAHs) determined in soils of protected areas in Southern Poland (EU). The protected areas discussed here include 5 landscape parks and 5 nature reserves located in the Małopolska region. Surface soil samples were collected at 39 locations characterised by different natural conditions and different human pressure level. The samples were used to determine the contents of anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, chrysene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and naphthalene. These concentrations of individual PAHs ranged from < 0.005 to 6.34 mg/kg. When considering the legal regulations currently in force, this meant that permissible values were exceeded in 23% of the samples analysed, while increased concentrations were found in another 26% of the samples. The limit values were exceeded most in the case of benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene. This occurred with samples collected in the vicinity of transportation routes, mainly local roads. In the case of naphthalene and anthracene, the limit values were not exceeded. Increased or excessive PAHs concentrations do not occur in the vicinity of major industrial plants located near the boundaries of individual landscape parks, which indicates how these pollutants spread. The paper also points to the need to develop new legal solutions to improve the method for assessing PAHs concentrations and their impact on valuable natural areas.
Molecular identification of Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Blastocystis from stray and household cats and cat owners in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Karimi Poorya , Shafaghi-Sisi Soheila , Meamar Ahmad Reza , Razmjou Elham 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, and blastocystosis are among the most important parasitic diseases common between humans and cats. In addition, there are concerns about the possible transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected cats to humans. Hence, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Blastocystis sp. in stray and household cats and cat owners. Our study was performed on 132, 33, and 33 fecal samples of stray and household cats, as well as cat owners in Tehran, Iran. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified using a nested PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) and sequencing the internal amplified fragments. Furthermore, to perform multilocus genotyping of G. duodenalis, the ß-giardin (bg), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes were amplified to assess the DNA of G. duodenalis in the fecal samples of cats and cat owners. In addition, Blastocystis was detected by targeting the SSU rRNA gene, and the subtypes of Blastocystis were determined via the sequencing of amplicons. Cryptosporidium felis and Cryptosporidium canis were detected in seven stray cats (5.3%) and one household cat (3%). The bg gene of G. duodenalis was amplified and successfully sequenced in two (1.5%) stray cats and revealed assemblages F and B of G. duodenalis. Sequencing and phylogenic analysis of SSU rRNA gene nucleotide sequences of Blastocystis detected ST5 and ST10 in stray cats (1.5%), ST1 in household cats (9.1%), and ST1, ST2, ST3, and ST7 in owners (30.3%). The low prevalence of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Blastocystis in cats and the presence of species/assemblages/subtypes with limited zoonotic potential indicate that cats had a minor role in their owners' infection in the investigated population. However, the presence of zoonotic protozoa in cats suggests the necessity of special attention to high-risk individuals during close contact with cats. Therefore, it is recommended that veterinarians, physicians, and urban managers plan to prevent, control, or treat these parasites to help the urban community live healthily alongside cats.
Multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment training simulation by paired teachers using case-based teaching of oral histopathology that promotes clinical thinking
Authors: Wang Shan , Qiu Yanfen 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment (MDT) model has significant advantages in the diagnosing and treatment of intricate cases. In addition, it can eliminate subspecialty barriers and provide a more accurate and individualized diagnosis and treatment plan. It has been assumed that the future development of diagnosis and treatment will retain this course, and the MDT is an essential type of clinical thinking, especially for medical students. This study attempted to guide stomatology undergraduates’ thinking via an MDT simulation in oral histopathology practicums through typical case-based education and paired-teachers’ explanations. The aim was to cultivate clinical thinking among students based on individual cases and to improve class participation and students’ clinical thinking ability. Forty-six undergraduates in a 5-year stomatology program who enrolled in 2018 participated in a simulation MDT model. Ten typical clinical cases were selected, and they were previously collected and analyzed by clinicians in accordance with the simulation MDT model and handed out to teachers and students before the class. Two to three cases were interpreted by teacher pairs that included a pathologist (oral pathology teacher) and a radiologist (oral imaging teacher). The rest of the cases were used for simulation MDT student groups in class. The oral pathology teacher and oral imaging teacher illustrated the corresponding data from typical cases in advance. The simulation MDT group members acting as a surgeon, pathologist, or radiologist demonstrated their own cases assigned randomly before the class. A curriculum satisfaction survey illustrated that the simulation MDT group agreed that simulation MDT was novel for them, and they had a strong sense of participation. The mimic MDT training with typical cases guided by paired teachers was useful for establishing student clinical thinking.
Low-volume label-free SARS-CoV-2 detection with the microcavity-based optical fiber sensor
Authors: Janik Monika , Gabler Tomasz , Koba Marcin , Panasiuk Mirosława , Dashkevich Yanina , Łęga Tomasz , Dąbrowska Agnieszka , Naskalska Antonina , Żołędowska Sabina , Nidzworski Dawid , Pyrć Krzysztof , Gromadzka Beata , Śmietana Mateusz 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAccurate and fast detection of viruses is crucial for controlling outbreaks of many diseases; therefore, to date, numerous sensing systems for their detection have been studied. On top of the performance of these sensing systems, the availability of biorecognition elements specific to especially the new etiological agents is an additional fundamental challenge. Therefore, besides high sensitivity and selectivity, such advantages as the size of the sensor and possibly low volume of analyzed samples are also important, especially at the stage of evaluating the receptor-target interactions in the case of new etiological agents when typically, only tiny amounts of the receptor are available for testing. This work introduces a real-time, highly miniaturized sensing solution based on microcavity in-line Mach–Zehnder interferometer (μIMZI) induced in optical fiber for SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles detection. The assay is designed to detect conserved regions of the SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in a sample with a volume as small as hundreds of picoliters, reaching the detection limit at the single ng per mL level.
Health risk assessment and metal contamination in fish, water and soil sediments in the East Kolkata Wetlands, India, Ramsar site
Authors: Kumar Neeraj , Chandan Nitish Kumar , Bhushan Shashi , Singh Dilip Kumar , Kumar Satish 
Published: January 2023

AbstractEast Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) is an important site for fish culture in sewage-fed areas, which are major receivers of pollutants and wastages from Kolkata. EKW is internationally important as the Ramsar site was declared on Aug 2002 with an area of 125 km2. EKW is a natural water body where wastewater-fed natural aquaculture has been practiced for more than 70 years. It is ecologically vulnerable due to the discharge of toxic waste through sewage canals from cities. Assessing the EKW to understand the inflow and load of the toxic metal (s) in fish, water, and sediments samples is essential. The field (samples collection from 13 sites) and lab (determination of toxic level of metals) based research were carried out to assess metal toxicity and health risk assessment in EKW. The levels of eighteen metals (18), namely Chromium, Vanadium, Cobalt, Manganese, Copper, Nickel, Zinc, Silver, Molybdenum, Arsenic, Selenium, Tin, Gallium, Germanium, Strontium, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead, were determined using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in five fish tissues viz. muscle, liver, kidney, gill and brain, along with the water samples and soil sediments in 13 sampling sites. The bioaccumulation and concentration of metals in fish tissues, soil sediments, and water samples were well within the safe level concerning the recommendation of different national and international agencies except for a few metals in a few sampling sites like Cd, As, and Pb. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) was also determined in the soil sediments, indicating moderate arsenic, selenium, and mercury contamination in a few sites. The contamination index in water was also determined in 13 sampling sites. The estimated daily intake (EDI), reference dose (RfD), target hazard quotient (THQ), slope factor and cancer risk of Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Pb and Hg from fish muscle were determined. Based on the results of the present investigation, it is concluded that fish consumption in the East Kolkata Wetland (EKW) is safe. The effects of bioaccumulation of metals in muscle tissue were well within the safe level for consumption as recommended by WHO/FAO.
LINE-1 ORF1p as a candidate biomarker in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Sato Sho , Gillette Michael , de Santiago Pamela R. , Kuhn Eric , Burgess Michael , Doucette Kristen , Feng Yi , Mendez-Dorantes Carlos , Ippoliti Paul J. , Hobday Sara , Mitchell Marilyn A. , Doberstein Kai , Gysler Stefan M. , Hirsch Michelle S. , Schwartz Lauren , Birrer Michael J. , Skates Steven J. , Burns Kathleen H. , Carr Steven A. , Drapkin Ronny 
Published: January 2023

AbstractLong interspersed element 1 (LINE-1) open reading frame 1 protein (ORF1p) expression is a common feature of many cancer types, including high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Here, we report that ORF1p is not only expressed but also released by ovarian cancer and primary tumor cells. Immuno-multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry assays showed that released ORF1p is confidently detectable in conditioned media, ascites, and patients’ plasma, implicating ORF1p as a potential biomarker. Interestingly, ORF1p expression is detectable in fallopian tube (FT) epithelial precursors of HGSOC but not in benign FT, suggesting that ORF1p expression in an early event in HGSOC development. Finally, treatment of FT cells with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors led to robust expression and release of ORF1p, validating the regulatory role of DNA methylation in LINE-1 repression in non-tumorigenic tissue.
Topical ocular delivery of nanoparticles with epoetin beta in Wistar Hannover rats
Authors: Silva Beatriz , Gonçalves Lídia M. , São Braz Berta , Delgado Esmeralda 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTopical instillation of drugs targeting the posterior ocular segment is an expanding area of research. Chitosan and hyaluronic acid have remarkable mucoadhesive properties and potentially enhance pre-corneal retention time after topical instillation. Bearing this in mind, we explored the possibility of delivering epoetin beta (EPOβ) to the posterior segment of the eye in a chitosan-hyaluronic acid (CS/HA-EPOβ) nanoparticulate system using the topical route of administration. Complete ophthalmological examinations, electroretinography and microhematocrit evaluations were performed in Wistar Hannover (WH) rats, before and after topical administration of nanoparticles. The right eye received CS/HA-EPOβ and the left eye received only empty nanocarriers (control). Animals were split into 6 groups and at designated timepoints, all animals from each group (n = 3) were euthanized and both eyes enucleated. Retinal morphology and EPOβ ocular distribution were assessed, respectively, through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunofluorescence staining. After topical administration, no adverse ocular signs were noted and no significant changes either in microhematocrits nor in electroretinographies were detected. During the study, intraocular pressure (IOP) was always kept within physiological range bilaterally. No histological changes were detected in any of the ocular globes. Immunofluorescence enabled the identification of EPOβ in the retina 12 h after the administration, its presence still being detectable at day 21. In conclusion, CS/HA nanoparticles could efficiently deliver EPOβ to the retina of WH rats after topical instillation, being considered biologically safe. Topical administration of this nanoformulation could be a valuable tool for retinal neuroprotection, decreasing risks associated with more invasive routes of administration, being cost effective and also increasing long-term patients’ compliance.
Investigation of predictors for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Song Li , Zhao Yingjie , Wang Gang , Zou Wenlu , Sai Lintao 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPatients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) had been confirmed to have immune dysfunction and were prone to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA), which was directly related to the increased mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictors for IPA in SFTS patients, and the results were expected to be helpful for early identification of IPA and initiation of anti-fungal therapy. The study was performed to review laboratory confirmed SFTS patients in two tertiary hospitals in Shandong province (Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and Shandong Public Health Clinical Center) from April 2021 to August 2022. The enrolled patients were further divided into IPA group and non-IPA group. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters between IPA group and non-IPA group patients were analyzed and compared to identify the independent predictors for IPA by univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of independent predictors were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. In total, 67 SFTS patients were enrolled with an average age of 64.7 (± 8.4) years old. The incidence of IPA was 32.8% (22/67). Mortality of patients in IPA group was 27.3% (6/22), which was significantly higher than that in non-IPA group. Results of univariate analysis showed that uncontrolled diabetes, central nervous system symptoms, platelet < 40 × 109/L, CD4+ T cell < 300/μL and CD8+ T cell < 400/μL were risk factors for development of IPA. These factors were further analyzed by multivariable logistic regression analysis and the results indicated that uncontrolled diabetes, platelet < 40 × 109/L, CD4+ T cell < 300/μL and CD8+ T cell < 400/μL could be recognized as independent predictors for IPA in SFTS patients. In conclusion, IPA is a serious complication for SFTS patients and increases mortality. It is necessary to early identify predictors of IPA for improving survival of SFTS patients.
Germline rare deleterious variant load alters cancer risk, age of onset and tumor characteristics
Authors: Esai Selvan Myvizhi , Onel Kenan , Gnjatic Sacha , Klein Robert J. , Gümüş Zeynep H. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractRecent studies show that rare, deleterious variants (RDVs) in certain genes are critical determinants of heritable cancer risk. To more comprehensively understand RDVs, we performed the largest-to-date germline variant calling analysis in a case-control setting for a multi-cancer association study from whole-exome sequencing data of 20,789 participants, split into discovery and validation cohorts. We confirm and extend known associations between cancer risk and germline RDVs in specific gene-sets, including DNA repair (OR = 1.50; p-value = 8.30e-07; 95% CI: 1.28–1.77), cancer predisposition (OR = 1.51; p-value = 4.58e-08; 95% CI: 1.30–1.75), and somatic cancer drivers (OR = 1.46; p-value = 4.04e-06; 95% CI: 1.24–1.72). Furthermore, personal RDV load in these gene-sets associated with increased risk, younger age of onset, increased M1 macrophages in tumor and, increased tumor mutational burden in specific cancers. Our findings can be used towards identifying high-risk individuals, who can then benefit from increased surveillance, earlier screening, and treatments that exploit their tumor characteristics, improving prognosis.
Self-recycling and partially conservative replication of mycobacterial methylmannose polysaccharides
Authors: Maranha Ana , Costa Mafalda , Ripoll-Rozada Jorge , Manso José A. , Miranda Vanessa , Mendes Vera M. , Manadas Bruno , Macedo-Ribeiro Sandra , Ventura M. Rita , Pereira Pedro José Barbosa , Empadinhas Nuno 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe steep increase in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections makes understanding their unique physiology an urgent health priority. NTM synthesize two polysaccharides proposed to modulate fatty acid metabolism: the ubiquitous 6-O-methylglucose lipopolysaccharide, and the 3-O-methylmannose polysaccharide (MMP) so far detected in rapidly growing mycobacteria. The recent identification of a unique MMP methyltransferase implicated the adjacent genes in MMP biosynthesis. We report a wide distribution of this gene cluster in NTM, including slowly growing mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium avium, which we reveal to produce MMP. Using a combination of MMP purification and chemoenzymatic syntheses of intermediates, we identified the biosynthetic mechanism of MMP, relying on two enzymes that we characterized biochemically and structurally: a previously undescribed α–endomannosidase that hydrolyses MMP into defined-sized mannoligosaccharides that prime the elongation of new daughter MMP chains by a rare α-(1→4)-mannosyltransferase. Therefore, MMP biogenesis occurs through a partially conservative replication mechanism, whose disruption affected mycobacterial growth rate at low temperature.