bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient selective removal of uremic toxin precursor by olefin-linked covalent organic frameworks for nephropathy treatment
Authors: Wei Jinxia , Li Rui , Zhang Penghui , Jin Haiqun , Zhang Zhenjie , Li Yubo , Chen Yao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIndoxyl sulfate is a protein-bound uremic toxin synthesized from indole that cannot be efficiently removed by the hemodialysis method and thus becomes a key risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease. Here, we develop a non-dialysis treatment strategy to fabricate an ultramicroporous olefin-linked covalent organic framework with high crystallinity in a green and scalable fashion for selectively removing the indoxyl sulfate precursor (i.e., indole) from the intestine. Various analyses show that the resulting material exhibits excellent gastrointestinal fluid stability, high adsorption efficiency, and good biocompatibility. Notably, it realizes the efficient and selective removal of indole from the intestine and significantly attenuates serum indoxyl sulfate level in vivo. More importantly, the selective removal efficacy of indole is substantially higher than that of the commercial adsorbent AST-120 used in the clinic. The present study opens up a new avenue to eliminate indoxyl sulfate by a non-dialysis strategy and further expands the in vivo applications of covalent organic frameworks.
Virological characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 XBB variant derived from recombination of two Omicron subvariants
Authors: Tamura Tomokazu , Ito Jumpei , Uriu Keiya , Zahradnik Jiri , Kida Izumi , Anraku Yuki , Nasser Hesham , Shofa Maya , Oda Yoshitaka , Lytras Spyros , Nao Naganori , Itakura Yukari , Deguchi Sayaka , Suzuki Rigel , Wang Lei , Begum MST Monira , Kita Shunsuke , Yajima Hisano , Sasaki Jiei , Sasaki-Tabata Kaori , Shimizu Ryo , Tsuda Masumi , Kosugi Yusuke , Fujita Shigeru , Pan Lin , Sauter Daniel , Yoshimatsu Kumiko , Suzuki Saori , Asakura Hiroyuki , Nagashima Mami , Sadamasu Kenji , Yoshimura Kazuhisa , Yamamoto Yuki , Nagamoto Tetsuharu , Schreiber Gideon , Maenaka Katsumi ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Ito Hayato , Misawa Naoko , Kimura Izumi , Suganami Mai , Chiba Mika , Yoshimura Ryo , Yasuda Kyoko , Iida Keiko , Ohsumi Naomi , Strange Adam P. , Takahashi Otowa , Ichihara Kimiko , Shibatani Yuki , Nishiuchi Tomoko , Kato Marie , Ferdous Zannatul , Mouri Hiromi , Shishido Kenji , Sawa Hirofumi , Hashimoto Rina , Watanabe Yukio , Sakamoto Ayaka , Yasuhara Naoko , Suzuki Tateki , Kimura Kanako , Nakajima Yukari , Nakagawa So , Wu Jiaqi , Shirakawa Kotaro , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi , Nagata Kayoko , Kazuma Yasuhiro , Nomura Ryosuke , Horisawa Yoshihito , Tashiro Yusuke , Kawai Yugo , Irie Takashi , Kawabata Ryoko , Motozono Chihiro , Toyoda Mako , Ueno Takamasa , Hashiguchi Takao , Ikeda Terumasa , Fukuhara Takasuke , Saito Akatsuki , Tanaka Shinya , Matsuno Keita , Takayama Kazuo , Sato Kei 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn late 2022, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants have become highly diversified, and XBB is spreading rapidly around the world. Our phylogenetic analyses suggested that XBB emerged through the recombination of two cocirculating BA.2 lineages, BJ.1 and BM.1.1.1 (a progeny of BA.2.75), during the summer of 2022. XBB.1 is the variant most profoundly resistant to BA.2/5 breakthrough infection sera to date and is more fusogenic than BA.2.75. The recombination breakpoint is located in the receptor-binding domain of spike, and each region of the recombinant spike confers immune evasion and increases fusogenicity. We further provide the structural basis for the interaction between XBB.1 spike and human ACE2. Finally, the intrinsic pathogenicity of XBB.1 in male hamsters is comparable to or even lower than that of BA.2.75. Our multiscale investigation provides evidence suggesting that XBB is the first observed SARS-CoV-2 variant to increase its fitness through recombination rather than substitutions.
Modelling the economic burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health care workers in four countries
Authors: Wang Huihui , Zeng Wu , Kabubei Kenneth Munge , Rasanathan Jennifer J. K. , Kazungu Jacob , Ginindza Sandile , Mtshali Sifiso , Salinas Luis E. , McClelland Amanda , Buissonniere Marine , Lee Christopher T. , Chuma Jane , Veillard Jeremy , Matsebula Thulani , Chopra Mickey 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHealth care workers (HCWs) experienced greater risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study applies a cost-of-illness (COI) approach to model the economic burden associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs in five low- and middle-income sites (Kenya, Eswatini, Colombia, KwaZulu-Natal province, and Western Cape province of South Africa) during the first year of the pandemic. We find that not only did HCWs have a higher incidence of COVID-19 than the general population, but in all sites except Colombia, viral transmission from infected HCWs to close contacts resulted in substantial secondary SARS-CoV-2 infection and death. Disruption in health services as a result of HCW illness affected maternal and child deaths dramatically. Total economic losses attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs as a share of total health expenditure ranged from 1.51% in Colombia to 8.38% in Western Cape province, South Africa. This economic burden to society highlights the importance of adequate infection prevention and control measures to minimize the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs.
Value chain carbon footprints of Chinese listed companies
Authors: Zhang Zengkai , Li Jiaoyan , Guan Dabo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMeasuring the value chain carbon footprints of listed companies is essential for cumulative climate actions and climate-efficient capital allocation. We trace the carbon emissions embodied in the value chains of Chinese listed companies and find that there is an increasing trend in terms of the carbon footprints of listed companies over the period 2010–2019. In 2019, the direct emissions from these companies reached 1.9 billion tonnes, accounting for 18.3% of national emissions. The indirect emissions were well over twice as large as the direct emissions from 2010 to 2019. Energy, construction and finance companies tend to have a greater volume of value chain carbon footprints, yet the distribution of their carbon footprints varies significantly. Finally, we apply the results to evaluate the financed emissions of leading asset managers’ equity portfolio investment in China’s stock market.
A Yap-dependent mechanoregulatory program sustains cell migration for embryo axis assembly
Authors: Sousa-Ortega Ana , Vázquez-Marín Javier , Sanabria-Reinoso Estefanía , Corbacho Jorge , Polvillo Rocío , Campoy-López Alejandro , Buono Lorena , Loosli Felix , Almuedo-Castillo María , Martínez-Morales Juan R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe assembly of the embryo’s primary axis is a fundamental landmark for the establishment of the vertebrate body plan. Although the morphogenetic movements directing cell convergence towards the midline have been described extensively, little is known on how gastrulating cells interpret mechanical cues. Yap proteins are well-known transcriptional mechanotransducers, yet their role in gastrulation remains elusive. Here we show that the double knockout of yap and its paralog yap1b in medaka results in an axis assembly failure, due to reduced displacement and migratory persistence in mutant cells. Accordingly, we identified genes involved in cytoskeletal organization and cell-ECM adhesion as potentially direct Yap targets. Dynamic analysis of live sensors and downstream targets reveal that Yap is acting in migratory cells, promoting cortical actin and focal adhesions recruitment. Our results indicate that Yap coordinates a mechanoregulatory program to sustain intracellular tension and maintain the directed cell migration for embryo axis development.
Epidemiology and molecular characterization of avian influenza A viruses H5N1 and H3N8 subtypes in poultry farms and live bird markets in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Ariful , Islam Shariful , Flora Meerjady S. , Amin Emama , Woodard Karlie , Webb Ashley , Webster Robert G. , Webby Richard J. , Ducatez Mariette F. , Hassan Mohammad M. , El Zowalaty Mohamed E. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAvian influenza virus (AIV) remains a global threat, with waterfowl serving as the primary reservoir from which viruses spread to other hosts. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses continue to be a devastating threat to the poultry industry and an incipient threat to humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven districts of Bangladesh to estimate the prevalence and subtypes (H3, H5, and H9) of AIV in poultry and identify underlying risk factors and phylogenetic analysis of AIVs subtypes H5N1 and H3N8. Cloacal and oropharyngeal swab samples were collected from 500 birds in live bird markets (LBMs) and poultry farms. Each bird was sampled by cloacal and oropharyngeal swabbing, and swabs were pooled for further analysis. Pooled samples were analyzed for the influenza A virus (IAV) matrix (M) gene, followed by H5 and H9 molecular subtyping using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Non-H5 and Non-H9 influenza A virus positive samples were sequenced to identify possible subtypes. Selected H5 positive samples were subjected to hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) gene sequencing. Multivariable logistic regression was used for risk factor analysis. We found that IAV M gene prevalence was 40.20% (95% CI 35.98–44.57), with 52.38%, 46.96%, and 31.11% detected in chicken, waterfowl, and turkey, respectively. Prevalence of H5, H3, and H9 reached 22%, 3.4%, and 6.9%, respectively. Waterfowl had a higher risk of having AIV (AOR: 4.75), and H5 (AOR: 5.71) compared to chicken; more virus was detected in the winter season than in the summer season (AOR: 4.93); dead birds had a higher risk of AIVs and H5 detection than healthy birds, and the odds of H5 detection increased in LBM. All six H5N1 viruses sequenced were clade 2.3.2.1a-R1 viruses circulating since 2015 in poultry and wild birds in Bangladesh. The 12 H3N8 viruses in our study formed two genetic groups that had more similarity to influenza viruses from wild birds in Mongolia and China than to previous H3N8 viruses from Bangladesh. The findings of this study may be used to modify guidelines on AIV control and prevention to account for the identified risk factors that impact their spread.
Mitogenomic phylogenetic analyses provide novel insights into the taxonomic problems of several hesperiid taxa (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)
Authors: Zhu Lijuan , Han Yuke , Hou Yongxiang , Huang Zhenfu , Wang Min , Chiba Hideyuki , Chen Liusheng , Fan Xiaoling 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHere, we present new molecular and morphological evidence that contributes towards clarifying the phylogenetic relations within the family Hesperiidae, and overcomes taxonomic problems regarding this family. First, nine new complete mitogenomes, comprising seven newly sequenced species and two samples of previously sequenced species collected from different localities, were obtained and assembled to analyze characteristics. The length of the mitogenomes ranges from 15,284 to 15,853 bp and encodes 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a control region. Two model-based methods (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference) were used to infer the phylogenetic relationships. Based on the mitogenomic phylogenetic analyses and morphological evidence, we claim that the lineage that comprises two Asian genera, Apostictopterus Leech and Barca de Nicéville, should be a tribe Barcini stat. nov. of the subfamily Trapezitinae, Pseudocoladenia dea (Leech, 1894), P. festa (Evans, 1949), and Abraximorpha esta Evans, 1949 are considered distinct species. Finally, we suggest that Lotongus saralus chinensis Evans, 1932 should belong to the genus Acerbas de Nicéville, 1895, namely Acerbas saralus chinensis (Evans, 1932) comb. nov..
Genomic surveillance identifies potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission at a mid-sized university in a small rural town
Authors: Andrews Kimberly R. , New Daniel D. , Gour Digpal S. , Francetich Kane , Minnich Scott A. , Robison Barrie D. , Hovde Carolyn J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractUnderstanding transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in institutions of higher education (IHEs) is important because these settings have potential for rapid viral spread. Here, we used genomic surveillance to retrospectively investigate transmission dynamics throughout the 2020–2021 academic year for the University of Idaho (“University”), a mid-sized IHE in a small rural town. We generated genome assemblies for 1168 SARS-CoV-2 samples collected during the academic year, representing 46.8% of positive samples collected from the University population and 49.8% of positive samples collected from the surrounding community (“Community”) at the local hospital during this time. Transmission dynamics differed for the University when compared to the Community, with more infection waves that lasted shorter lengths of time, potentially resulting from high-transmission congregate settings along with mitigation efforts implemented by the University to combat outbreaks. We found evidence for low transmission rates between the University and Community, with approximately 8% of transmissions into the Community originating from the University, and approximately 6% of transmissions into the University originating from the Community. Potential transmission risk factors identified for the University included congregate settings such as sorority and fraternity events and residences, holiday travel, and high caseloads in the surrounding community. Knowledge of these risk factors can help the University and other IHEs develop effective mitigation measures for SARS-CoV-2 and similar pathogens.
The effect of chronic low back pain on postural control during quiet standing: A meta-analysis
Authors: Park Jinhan , Nguyen Vinh Q. , Ho Rachel L. M. , Coombes Stephen A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLow back pain (LBP) has been associated with altered body sway during quiet standing, but the pattern of results is inconsistent. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to examine the effects of vision (eyes open, eyes closed) and changing the support surface (foam surface, firm surface) on postural sway during quiet standing in individuals with chronic LBP (cLBP). Five electronic databases were searched on March 27th, 2022. Of 2,856, 16 studies (n = 663) were included. Across all conditions, we found a positive and medium effect size (g = 0.77 [0.50, 1.04]) that represented greater body sway in individuals with cLBP. Subgroup analyses revealed medium effects during eyes open conditions (firm surface: g = 0.60 [0.33, 0.87]; foam surface: g = 0.68 [0.38, 0.97]), and large effects during eyes closed conditions (firm surface: g = 0.97 [0.60, 1.35]; foam surface: g = 0.89 [0.28, 1.51]). We quantified effects of self-reported pain and found a moderate effect during eyes closed plus firm surface conditions (Q = 3.28; p = 0.070). We conclude that cLBP is associated with increased postural sway, with largest effect sizes evident when vision is removed and when self-reported pain intensity is higher.
A multicenter feasibility study on implementing a brief mindful breathing exercise into regular university courses
Authors: Konrad Annika C. , Engert Veronika , Albrecht Reyk , Dobel Christian , Döring Nicola , Haueisen Jens , Klimecki Olga , Sandbothe Mike , Kanske Philipp 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPracticing mindfulness is associated with stress reduction and with positive effects in the context of learning and teaching. Although effects on student populations have been studied extensively, there are few studies implementing mindfulness exercises in university courses directly. For this reason, we aimed to investigate whether the use of a brief mindfulness exercise in regular university courses, guided by the lecturers, is feasible and has immediate effects on the students’ mental states. We conducted a preregistered multicenter study with one observational arm, following an ABAB design. In total, N = 325 students from 19 different university courses were included at baseline and n = 101 students at post measurement. Students were recruited by N = 14 lecturers located in six different universities in Germany. Lecturers started their courses either by guiding a brief mindfulness exercise (intervention condition) or as they regularly would, with no such exercise (control condition). In both conditions, the mental states of students and lecturers were assessed. Over the semester, n = 1193 weekly observations from students and n = 160 observations from lecturers were collected. Intervention effects were analyzed with linear mixed-effects models. The brief mindfulness exercise, compared to no such exercise, was associated with lower stress composite scores, higher presence composite scores, higher motivation for the courses, as well as better mood in students. Effects persisted throughout a respective course session. Lecturers also reported positive effects of instructing mindfulness. Implementing a brief mindfulness exercise in regular university teaching sessions is feasible and has positive effects on both students and lecturers.
Regional long-term analysis of dietary isotopes in Neolithic southeastern Italy: new patterns and research directions
Authors: Tafuri M. A. , Soncin S. , Panella S. , Thompson J. E. , Tiberi I. , Fabbri P. F. , Sivilli S. , Radina F. , Minozzi S. , Muntoni I. M. , Fiorentino G. , Robb J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIsotopic analyses of prehistoric diet have only recently reached the threshold of going beyond site-focused reports to provide regional syntheses showing larger trends. In this work we present the first regional analysis for Neolithic southeastern Italy as a whole, including both substantial original data and a review of the available published data. The results show that dietary isotopes can shed new light on a number of traditional and important questions about Neolithic foodways. First, we observe regional variations in the distribution of stable isotope values across the area, suggesting variability in the Neolithic diet. Secondly, we show that, although the plant food calorific intake was primary for these communities, animal products were also important, representing on average 40% of the total calories. Third, we note that marine fish was only minorly consumed, but that this could be an underestimation, and we observe some variability in the regions considered, suggesting differences in local human–environment interactions. People in different regions of southeastern Italy may have consumed different versions of a common Neolithic diet. Regional synthesis also allows us to take stock of gaps and new directions in the field, suggesting an agenda for Neolithic isotopic research for the 2020s.
Cigarette smoke increases susceptibility of alveolar macrophages to SARS-CoV-2 infection through inducing reactive oxygen species-upregulated angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression
Authors: Kuo Chin-Wei , Su Po-Lan , Huang Tang-Hsiu , Lin Chien-Chung , Chen Chian-Wei , Tsai Jeng-Shiuan , Liao Xin-Min , Chan Tzu-Yi , Shieh Chi-Chang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAlveolar macrophages (AMs) are the drivers of pulmonary cytokine storm in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This study aimed to investigate clinical–regulatory factors for the entrance protein of SARS-CoV-2, angiotensin–converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in AMs. Human AMs were collected from 56 patients using bronchoalveolar lavage. ACE2 expression in AMs was positively correlated with smoking pack-year (Spearman’s r = 0.347, P = 0.038). In multivariate analysis, current smoking was associated with increased ACE2 in AMs (β-coefficient: 0.791, 95% CI 0.019–1.562, P = 0.045). In vitro study, ex-vivo human AMs with higher ACE2 were more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (CoV-2 PsV). Treating human AMs using cigarette smoking extract (CSE) increases the ACE2 and susceptibility to CoV-2 PsV. CSE did not significantly increase the ACE2 in AMs of reactive oxygen species (ROS) deficient Cybb–/– mice; however, exogenous ROS increased the ACE2 in Cybb–/– AMs. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) decreases ACE2 by suppressing intracellular ROS in human AMs. In conclusion, cigarette smoking increases the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 by increasing ROS–induced ACE2 expression of AMs. Further investigation into the preventive effect of NAC on the pulmonary complications of COVID-19 is required.
Association of rural living with COPD-related hospitalizations and deaths in US veterans
Authors: Fortis Spyridon , Gao Yubo , Baldomero Arianne K. , Sarrazin Mary Vaughan , Kaboli Peter J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIt is unclear whether the high burden of COPD in rural areas is related to worse outcomes in patients with COPD or is because the prevalence of COPD is higher in rural areas. We assessed the association of rural living with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPDs)-related hospitalization and mortality. We retrospectively analyzed Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare data of a nationwide cohort of veterans with COPD aged ≥ 65 years with COPD diagnosis between 2011 and 2014 that had follow-up data until 2017. Patients were categorized based on residential location into urban, rural, and isolated rural. We used generalized linear and Cox proportional hazards models to assess the association of residential location with AECOPD-related hospitalizations and long-term mortality. Of 152,065 patients, 80,162 (52.7%) experienced at least one AECOPD-related hospitalization. After adjusting for demographics and comorbidities, rural living was associated with fewer hospitalizations (relative risk-RR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.89–0.91; P < 0.001) but isolated rural living was not associated with hospitalizations. Only after accounting for travel time to the closest VA medical center, neighborhood disadvantage, and air quality, isolated rural living was associated with more AECOPD-related hospitalizations (RR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.05–1.09; P < 0.001). Mortality did not vary between rural and urban living patients. Our findings suggest that other aspects than hospital care may be responsible for the excess of hospitalizations in isolated rural patients like poor access to appropriate outpatient care.
Defining the filarial N-glycoproteome by glycosite mapping in the human parasitic nematode Brugia malayi
Authors: Mersha Fana B. , McClung Colleen M. , Chen Minyong , Ruse Cristian I. , Foster Jeremy M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractN-linked glycosylation is a critical post translational modification of eukaryotic proteins. N-linked glycans are present on surface and secreted filarial proteins that play a role in host parasite interactions. Examples of glycosylated Brugia malayi proteins have been previously identified but there has not been a systematic study of the N-linked glycoproteome of this or any other filarial parasite. In this study, we applied an enhanced N-glyco FASP protocol using an engineered carbohydrate-binding protein, Fbs1, to enrich N-glycosylated peptides for analysis by LC-MS/MS. We then mapped the N-glycosites on proteins from three host stages of the parasite: adult female, adult male and microfilariae. Fbs1 enrichment of N-glycosylated peptides enhanced the identification of N-glycosites. Our data identified 582 N-linked glycoproteins with 1273 N-glycosites. Gene ontology and cell localization prediction of the identified N-glycoproteins indicated that they were mostly membrane and extracellular proteins. Comparing results from adult female worms, adult male worms, and microfilariae, we find variability in N-glycosylation at the protein level as well as at the individual N-glycosite level. These variations are highlighted in cuticle N-glycoproteins and adult worm restricted N-glycoproteins as examples of proteins at the host parasite interface that are well positioned as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers.