bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aquatic food web expansion and trophic redundancy along the Rocky Mountain–Great Plains ecotone
Authors: Maitland Bryan M. , Rahel Frank J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractChanging ecological conditions along environmental gradients influence patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, how networks of interacting species respond to these changes remains unclear. We quantified aquatic food webs along longitudinal stream gradients spanning the Rocky Mountain–Great Plains ecotone using community composition, functional traits, and stable isotopes. We predicted that increasing ecosystem size, productivity, and species richness along the gradient would positively influence aquatic trophic diversity (e.g., expanded vertical and horizontal trophic niche breadths). We also predicted that trophic redundancy among fish species would decrease moving downstream as species partition food resources (e.g., reduced trophic niche overlap). Consumer stable isotope data (δ13C and δ15N) revealed nonlinear changes in trophic diversity along the gradient. Invertebrate trophic diversity had a dome‐shaped relationship with the gradient, strongly linked to an expanding then contracting δ13C range. Fish trophic diversity initially increased and then plateaued downstream, despite linearly expanding δ13C and δ15N ranges. Trophic redundancy within the fish community decreased downstream along the gradient. However, trophic redundancy also showed a nonlinear relationship with fish species richness; it initially declined, then began to increase when more than nine species were present, indicating a shift from niche partitioning to niche packing at intermediate species richness levels. This result suggests that while δ13C and δ15N ranges for fish communities increased across the gradient, niche packing within communities in the Great Plains caused overall trophic diversity to saturate. Our results demonstrate that food web structure along stream gradients reflects an interaction between factors that decrease trophic redundancy, such as increased living space and niche partitioning, versus factors that increase trophic redundancy, such as increased species richness and niche packing. Our study helps to explain how multiple mechanisms shape food web properties along longitudinal stream gradients, and where niche partitioning or niche packing may be dominant. Understanding the functional roles of organisms across similar environmental gradients in other ecosystems will be increasingly important because they determine how food webs, and thus ecosystem function, will respond to environmental change, biodiversity loss, or species invasions.
Asymmetric S‐Michael Reaction: Synthesis of CF2H−Containing S‐Ether Compounds through Isosteric Replacement
Authors: Hao Jiayi , Deng Yabo , Guo Hai , Guo Yifei , Yan Wenjin , Huang Jinqi 
Published: May 2023

AbstractOptical pharmaceutical important compounds which bring CF2H to mimic the role of –SH were synthesized through the asymmetric S‐Michael addition reaction in the presence of quinine–a derived squaramide catalyst. Various sulfhydryl compounds including Benzyl mercaptan, phenthiol, alkyl thiophenol, mercaptoacetate, methyl 3‐mercaptoacrylate, and 1,4‐dithiane‐2,5‐diol were tested. The broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and easy derivatization make this synthesis method very attractive.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of surgical outcomes in head and neck cancer
Authors: Kao Derek D. , Ferrandino Rocco M. , Roof Scott A. , Marshall Deborah C. , Khan Mohemmed Nazir , Chai Raymond L. , Park Yeun‐Hee A. , Sigel Keith M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundNeutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation that is associated with adverse oncologic and surgical outcomes. We investigated the use of NLR as a prognostic indicator of complications of head and neck cancer (HNC) surgeries.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 11 187 Veterans who underwent HNC surgery between 2000 and 2020. We calculated preoperative NLR values and fit logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounding factors, comparing high‐NLR patients to low‐NLR patients.ResultsThe cohort had a median age of 63 and was 98% men. High‐NLR patients had increased odds of 30‐day mortality (p < 0.001), having 1+ perioperative complications (p < 0.001), sepsis (p = 0.03), failure to wean from mechanical ventilation (p = 0.04), pneumonia (p < 0.001), and pulmonary embolism (p = 0.02) compared with low‐NLR patients.ConclusionNLR was a robust, independent predictor of 30‐day mortality, having 1+ surgical complications, sepsis, failure to wean from mechanical ventilation, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism.
Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on allogenic trabecular bone grafts treated with high hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Waletzko‐Hellwig Janine , Dau Michael , Krebs Vivien , Bader Rainer 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe requirements for bone substitute materials are multifaceted. Beside biomechanical stability, these materials should provide osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties to promote integration into the host tissue. So far, autologous bone is the only material, which combines all properties, but is naturally limited. Allogenic bone grafts have to be decellularized prior to implantation. This causes the reduction of biomechanical properties and the loss of osteoinductive qualities. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) offers a gentle alternative for processing and supply of allogenic bone substitute materials while preserving biomechanical integrity. To determine whether osteogenic properties are retained by HHP treatment, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured with HHP‐treated and untreated allogenic trabecular bone blocks up to 28 days. Both, gene expression and protein analysis showed that HHP‐treated bone positively influenced differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts and mineralization of bone matrix. This effect was greater in samples cultivated with HHP‐treated bone blocks. The present study shows that HHP treatment does not result in the reduction of osteoinductivity, thus serving as an alternative approach for processing allogeneic bone substitute materials.
Buprenorphine Continuation During Critical Illness Associated With Decreased Inpatient Opioid Use in Individuals Maintained on Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder in a Retrospective Study
Authors: Quaye Aurora , Wampole Chelsea , Riker Richard R. , Seder David B. , Sauer William J. , Richard Janelle M. , Craig Wendy Y. , Gagnon David J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe number of patients maintained on buprenorphine is steadily increasing. To date, no study has reported buprenorphine management practices for these patients during critical illness, nor its relationship with supplemental full‐agonist opioid administration during their hospital stay. In this single‐center retrospective study, we have explored the incidence of buprenorphine continuation during critical illness among patients receiving buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between nonbuprenorphine opioid exposure and buprenorphine administration during the intensive care unit (ICU) and post‐ICU phases of care. Our study included adults maintained on buprenorphine for opioid use disorder admitted to the ICU between December 1, 2014, and May 31, 2019. Nonbuprenorphine, full agonist opioid doses were converted to fentanyl equivalents (FEs). Fifty‐one (44%) patients received buprenorphine during the ICU phase of care, with an average dose of 8 (8–12) mg/day. During the post‐ICU phase of care, 68 (62%) received buprenorphine, with an average dose of 10 (7–14) mg/day. Lack of mechanical ventilation and acetaminophen use were also associated with buprenorphine use. Full agonist opioid use was more frequent on days when buprenorphine was not given (odds ratio [OR], 6.2 [95% CI, 2.3–16.4]; P < .001). Additionally, the average cumulative dose of opioids given on nonbuprenorphine administration days was significantly higher both in the ICU (OR, 1803 [95% CI, 1271–2553] vs OR, 327 [95% CI, 152–708] FEs/day; P < 0.001) and after ICU discharge (OR, 1476 [95% CI, 962–2265] vs OR, 238 [95% CI, 150‐377] FEs/day; P < .001). Given these findings, buprenorphine continuation during critical illness should be considered, as it is associated with significantly decreased full agonist opioid use.
Precise evaluation of blood flow patterns in human carotid bifurcation based on high‐frame‐rate vector flow imaging
Authors: Hong Shaofu , Dong Yinghui , Song Di , Liu Mengmeng , Gao Wenjing , Li Weiyue , Wan Yong , Du Yigang , Xu Jinfeng , Dong Fajin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the feasibility of high‐frame‐rate vector flow imaging (HiFR‐VFI) compared to ultrasound color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) for precisely evaluating flow characteristics in the carotid bifurcation (CB) of presumed healthy adults.MethodsForty‐three volunteers were assessed for flow characteristics and their extensions using HiFR‐VFI and CDFI in CBs. The flow patterns were classified according to the streamlines in HiFR‐VFI and quantitatively measured using an innovative turbulence index (Tur‐value). Interobserver agreement was also assessed.ResultsHiFR‐VFI was consistent with CDFI in detecting laminar and nonlaminar flow in 81.4% of the cases; however, in 18.6% of the cases, only HiFR‐VFI identified the nonlaminar flow. HiFR‐VFI showed a larger extension of complex flow (0.37 ± 0.26 cm2) compared to CDFI (0.22 ± 0.21 cm2; p < 0.05). The flow patterns were classified into four types: 3 type‐I (laminar flow), 35 type‐II (rotational flow), 27 type‐III (reversed flow), and 5 type‐IV (complex flow). The Tur‐value of type‐IV (50.03 ± 14.97)% is larger than type‐III (44.57 ± 8.89)%, type‐II (16.30 ± 8.16)%, and type‐I (1.48 ± 1.43)% (p < 0.05). Two radiologists demonstrated almost perfect interobserver agreement on recognizing the change of streamlines (κ = 0.81, p < 0.001). The intraclass correlation coefficient of the Tur‐value was 0.98.ConclusionHiFR‐VFI can reliably characterize complex hemodynamics with quantitative turbulence measurement and may be an auxiliary diagnostic tool for assessing atherosclerotic arterial disease.
A new case with the recurrent PURA p.(Phe233del) pathogenic variant: Expansion of the phenotype and review of the literature
Authors: Ben Issa Abir , Ben Ayed Ikhlas , Jallouli Olfa , Souissi Amal , Bouchaalla Wafa , Ben Said Mariem , Mallouli Salma , Masmoudi Saber , Charfi Triki Chahnez , Hadj Kacem Hassen , Kammoun Fatma 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn the process of neuronal development, the protein Purα (encoded by the PURA gene) is essential for neuronal proliferation, dendritic maturation, and the transportation of mRNA to translation sites. Mutations in the PURA gene may alter normal brain development and impair neuronal function, contributing to developmental delays and seizures. Recently, PURA syndrome is described as developmental encephalopathy with or without epilepsy, neonatal hypotonia, feeding difficulties, global developmental delay, and severe intellectual disability. In our study, we aimed to perform a genetic analysis by whole exome sequencing (WES) in a Tunisian patient presented with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy to provide a molecular explanation for the developed phenotype. We collected, also, clinical data of all PURA p.(Phe233del) patients reported yet and compared the clinical features with those of our patient. Results revealed the presence of the known PURA c.697_699del, p.(Phe233del) variant. Our studied case shares some clinical features including hypotonia, feeding difficulties, severe developmental delay, epilepsy, and language delay (nonverbal) but presents a radiological finding undescribed before. Our finding defines and expands the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of the PURA syndrome supporting the absence of reliable genotype–phenotype correlations and the existence of a highly variable, wide‐ranging clinical spectrum.
Cultural differences in intertemporal decision making: A comparison between Chile and China
Authors: Raineri Andrés , Kausel Edgar , Jin Zhang , Chamorro Natalia 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA cross‐cultural comparison is made of delay discounting in samples of participants from Chile and China. Comparisons are made based on previous literature that suggests that individuals from an Asian culture should be willing to postpone delayed rewards more than are individuals from a Latin American culture. To test the cross‐cultural validity of a hyperbolic discounting model, the model was fitted to both data sets. Additionally, a self‐enhancement measure was evaluated as a potential mediator between culture of origin and delay discounting. Seventy‐eight college students from China and 120 college students from Chile, with similar demographic backgrounds, discounted hypothetical monetary outcomes using an adjusting‐amount titration procedure. Additionally, participants completed a self‐enhancement measure. Age, academic major, gender, and grade point average were controlled. Chilean participants discounted much more steeply than Chinese nationals did. No support was obtained for the mediation of self‐enhancement between culture of origin and degree of delay discounting. In both samples, delay discounting was better described by a hyperboloid than an exponential function, the only exception being the $10,000 condition in which the medians for Chilean participants' present subjective value were equally well explained by a hyperboloid and an exponential function.
Benchmarking blood collection tubes and processing intervals for extracellular vesicle performance metrics
Authors: Dhondt Bert , Pinheiro Cláudio , Geeurickx Edward , Tulkens Joeri , Vergauwen Glenn , Van Der Pol Edwin , Nieuwland Rienk , Decock Anneleen , Miinalainen Ilkka , Rappu Pekka , Schroth Gary , Kuersten Scott , Vandesompele Jo , Mestdagh Pieter , Lumen Nicolaas , De Wever Olivier , Hendrix An 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe analysis of extracellular vesicles (EV) in blood samples is under intense investigation and holds the potential to deliver clinically meaningful biomarkers for health and disease. Technical variation must be minimized to confidently assess EV‐associated biomarkers, but the impact of pre‐analytics on EV characteristics in blood samples remains minimally explored. We present the results from the first large‐scale EV Blood Benchmarking (EVBB) study in which we systematically compared 11 blood collection tubes (BCT; six preservation and five non‐preservation) and three blood processing intervals (BPI; 1, 8 and 72 h) on defined performance metrics (n = 9). The EVBB study identifies a significant impact of multiple BCT and BPI on a diverse set of metrics reflecting blood sample quality, ex‐vivo generation of blood‐cell derived EV, EV recovery and EV‐associated molecular signatures. The results assist the informed selection of the optimal BCT and BPI for EV analysis. The proposed metrics serve as a framework to guide future research on pre‐analytics and further support methodological standardization of EV studies.
Trends in the morbidity and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 in different ethnic groups and gender in a large Brazilian city
Authors: Nascimento João Henrique Fonseca do , Andrade André Bouzas de , Gusmão‐Cunha André , Cunha Andréa Mendonça Gusmão 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAs the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak spread, evidence has emerged that gender and race would bear a disproportionate impact on the morbimortality of COVID‐19. Here, we conducted a retrospective observational study using the TabNet/Departamento de informática do sistema único de saúde platform of the city of São Paulo. COVID‐19 records from March 2020 through December 2021 were included, and we evaluated the temporal trends of confirmed cases and case fatality rate by gender and ethnicity. Statistical analysis was performed using the R‐software and BioEstat‐software, considering p < 0.05 significant. From March/2020 to December/2021, 1 315 160 COVID‐19 confirmed cases were recorded (57.1% females), and 2973 deaths were due to COVID‐19. Males presented higher median mortality (0.44% vs. 0.23%; p < 0.05) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission rates (0.34% vs. 0.20%; p < 0.05). Men were also associated with a higher risk of death (risk ratio [RR] = 1.28; p < 0.05) and a higher chance of requiring ICU care (RR = 1.29; p < 0.05). Black ethnicity was associated with a higher risk of death (RR = 1.19; p < 0.05). White patients were more likely to require ICU admission (RR = 1.13; p < 0.05), whereas Browns were associated with a protective effect (RR = 0.86; p < 0.05). Furthermore, men presented a higher chance of death than women across the three major ethnic groups: Whites (RR = 1.33; p < 0.05), Blacks (RR = 1.24; p < 0.05), and Browns (RR = 1.35; p < 0.05). In this study of COVID‐19 in São Paulo, men were associated with worse outcomes, including in the three major ethnicities in the population. Blacks exhibited a higher risk of death, Whites were more likely to require intensive care, and Browns were at protection from ICU hospitalization.
The effect of exercise post vertebral augmentation in osteoporotic patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Than Christian A. , Adra Maamoun , Curtis Tom J. , Shi Ao , Kim Grace E. , Nakanishi Hayato , Matar Reem H. , Brown J. Mark M. , Dannawi Zaher , Beck Belinda R. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis meta‐analysis investigated the effects of exercise on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores following vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty in osteoporotic fractures. A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE (Elsevier), CiNAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from database inception to October 6, 2022. Eligible studies reported osteoporosis patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of at least one vertebral fracture via radiography or clinical assessment. This review was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022340791). Ten studies met the eligibility criteria (n = 889). VAS scores at baseline were 7.75 (95% CI: 7.54, 7.97, I2 = 76.11%). Following initiation of exercise, VAS scores at the endpoint of 12 months were 1.91 (95% CI: 1.53, 2.29, I2 = 92.69%). ODI scores at baseline were 68.66 (95% CI: 56.19, 81.13, I2 = 85%). Following initiation of exercise, ODI scores at the endpoint of 12 months were 21.20 (95% CI: 14.52, 27.87, I2 = 99.30). A two‐arm analysis demonstrated improved VAS and ODI for the exercise group compared to non‐exercise control at 6 months (MD = −0.70, 95% CI: −1.08, −0.32, I2 = 87% and MD = −6.48, 95% CI: −7.52, −5.44, I2 = 46%, respectively) and 12 months (MD = −0.88, 95% CI: −1.27, −0.49, I2 = 85% and MD = −9.62, 95% CI: −13.24, −5.99, I2 = 93%). Refracture was the only adverse event reported and occurred almost twice as frequently in the non‐exercise group than in the exercise group. Exercise rehabilitation post vertebral augmentation is associated with improved pain and functionality, particularly after 6 months of exposure, and may reduce refracture rate.
Reconstructive Spectrum Analyzer with High‐Resolution and Large‐Bandwidth Using Physical‐Model and Data‐Driven Model Combined Neural Network
Authors: Wan Yangyang , Fan Xinyu , Xu Bingxin , He Zuyuan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMost neural networks (NNs) used for reconstructive spectrum analyzers (RSAs) rely on data‐driven training strategies, which can be time‐consuming due to the need for a large training dataset with a limited amount of output channels. Here, a specially designed NN is proposed for a reconstructive wavemeter based on temporal speckle obtained from a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator. By combining a physical model and data‐driven model, it only takes 10 µs to obtain a reference speckle for the generation of a training dataset. The WGM resonator‐based wavemeter assisted by the NN uses only one photo‐detector to obtain a temporal speckle, achieving a spectral resolution of 3.2 fm. The number of output channels reaches 2300, which is the largest dynamic range achieved by an NN in RSA without the need for re‐training. It demonstrates that the proposed NN has capability to resolve unseen spectrum with multi‐tone wavelengths. Moreover, the proposed network exhibits better robustness in long‐time measurement compared to data‐driven model based networks. This opens up new possibilities for NN design methods in RSA, without the need for a large training dataset, by incorporating a physical model to achieve high‐resolution, high‐dynamic‐range, and fast‐speed spectrum measurement.
Comprehensive DNA methylation profiling of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma in Japanese patients
Authors: Shijimaya Takuya , Tahara Tomomitsu , Yamazaki Jumpei , Matsumoto Yasushi , Nakamura Naohiro , Takahashi Yu , Tomiyama Takashi , Fukui Toshiro , Shibata Tomoyuki , Naganuma Makoto 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMolecular mechanisms of Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remain unclear in Japanese patients. Japanese EACs frequently have underlying short length BE: short‐segment BE (SSBE), for which, neoplastic potential remains unclear. We performed comprehensive methylation profiling of EAC and BE in Japanese patients, mostly comprised with SSBE. Using three different groups of biopsies obtained from non‐neoplastic BE from patients without cancer (n = 50; N group), with EAC (n = 27; ADJ group) and EAC (n = 22; T group), methylation statuses of nine candidate genes (N33, DPYS, SLC16A12, CDH13, IGF2, MLF1, MYOD1, PRDM5, and P2RX7) were examined by the bisulfite pyrosequencing. Reduced representation bisulfite sequencing was performed to characterize the genome‐wide methylation status in 32 samples (12 from N, 12 ADJ, and 8 from T groups). In the candidate approach, methylation levels of N33, DPYS, and SLC16A12 were higher in ADJ and T groups compared to that in N group. The ADJ group was an independent factor for higher DNA methylation in non‐neoplastic BE. The genome‐wide approach demonstrated an increase of hypermethylation from ADJ to T groups relative to N group near the transcription start sites. Among gene groups hypermethylated in ADJ and T groups (n = 645) and T group alone (n = 1438), 1/4 and 1/3 were overlapped with downregulated genes in the microarray data set, respectively. Accelerated DNA methylation is observed in EAC and underlying BE in Japanese patients, mostly comprised with SSBE, highlighting the potential impact of methylation in early carcinogenesis.