bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ground warming releases inorganic mercury and increases net methylmercury production in two boreal peatland types
Authors: Sun Ting , Lindo Zoë , Branfireun Brian A. 
Published: April 2023

Boreal peatlands are considered sinks for atmospheric mercury (Hg) and are important sources of methylmercury (MeHg) to downstream ecosystems. Climate change-driven increases in average annual temperature in coming decades will be amplified at higher latitudes and will modify many biogeochemical processes in high boreal and subarctic peatlands that are important landscape features in these regions. Changes in water quality are an important issue for Northern ecosystems and fish consumers, and the directionality of changes in mercury levels due to climate warming presents considerable uncertainty. Peatlands are key landscape hotspots for MeHg production, however, the impact of climate warming on Hg cycling in boreal peatlands is not well studied. We use a multi-year field-based warming experiment (2 years passive, 1 year active ground warming) across two boreal peatland types (moss and sedge dominated) to explore the effects of ground warming on inorganic Hg (IHg) release, net MeHg production, and biogeochemical controls on both of these processes including the availability of sulfate (SO42−) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) quality and concentration. There were higher porewater IHg and MeHg concentrations under active ground warming conditions in both peatlands, likely related to both increased microbial metabolism, and changes in biogeochemical conditions that favor Hg methylation. Both SO42− (electron acceptor) and bioaccessible DOM (electron donor) are nutrients for sulfate-reducing bacteria which are dominant Hg methylators in freshwater environments, and increases in SO42− and/or bioaccessible DOM concentrations under warming played an important role in the observed changes in net MeHg production. Warming increased SO42− concentrations in the sedge-dominated but not in the moss-dominated fen likely because of a larger pool of groundwater derived SO42− in the sedge-dominated site. Warming increased DOM concentration in both peatland sites through enhanced decomposition of peat and increased release of root exudates from vascular plants, and the balance of these processes varied by peatland type and degree of warming. Experimentally increased ground temperatures increased microbial metabolism, organic matter turnover, and the availability of IHg all of which resulted in increases in porewater MeHg, indicating that climate-driven ground warming will increase MeHg production in northern peatlands in the future.
Identification and validation of chemokine system-related genes in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhao Tianming , Wu Xu , Zhao Xuelei , Yao Kecheng , Li Xiaojuan , Ni Jixiang 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease with limited therapeutic options. Recent studies have demonstrated that chemokines play a vital role in IPF pathogenesis. In the present study, we explored whether the gene signature associated with chemokines could be used as a reliable biological marker for patients with IPF.MethodsChemokine-related differentially expressed genes (CR-DEGs) in IPF and control lung tissue samples were identified using data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A chemokine-related signature of the diagnostic model was established using the LASSO-Cox regression. In addition, unsupervised cluster analysis was conducted using consensus-clustering algorithms. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate immune cell infiltration across patient subgroups. Finally, we established a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and a model of fibroblasts treated with TGFβ1. Expression levels of chemokine-related signature genes were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).ResultsWe established a chemokine-related eleven-gene signature of a diagnostic model consisting of CXCL2, CCRL2, ARRB1, XCL1, GRK5, PPBP, CCL19, CCL13, CCL11, CXCL6, and CXCL13, which could easily distinguish between IPF patients and controls. Additionally, we identified two subtypes of IPF samples based on chemokine-related gene expression. Pulmonary function parameters and stromal scores were significantly higher in subtype 1 than in subtype 2. Several immune cell types, especially plasma cells and macrophages, differ significantly between the two subtypes. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression levels of Cxcl2 and Ccl2 increased considerably in bleomycin-induced mice. Meanwhile, Arrb1, Ccrl2, Grk5, and Ppbp expression was significantly reduced. Furthermore, multiple chemokine-related genes were altered in TGFβ1 or TNFα-induced fibroblast cells.ConclusionsA novel chemokine-related eleven-signature of diagnostic model was developed. These genes are potential biomarkers of IPF and may play essential roles in its pathogenesis.
Prevalence and factors associated with hyperphosphatemia in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yin Xiaojing , Zhang Fan , Shi Yan 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundHyperphosphatemia remains a major complication in patients with Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) leading to increased morbidity and mortality. However, phosphorus management still has many challenges.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors of hyperphosphatemia among continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients in a tertiary public hospital in Shanghai, China.MethodsThe single-center cross-sectional study recruited end-stage renal failure patients who received continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for at least 3 months. The participants aged 18–80 years had undergone CAPD between 1 July 2021 and 30 May 2022, in Shanghai, China.The patients’ sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected prospectively from medical records and via face-to-face interviews. A sample size of convenience decides the sample size. This study used the information-motivation-behavioral (IMB) skills model as a theoretical framework. The questionnaire included knowledge and behavior of diet and medication in patients with hyperphosphatemia of chronic kidney disease, self-efficacy for managing chronic disease, and social support rating scale. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed to identify the influencing factors of hyperphosphatemia by SPPS 27.0.ResultsIn total, 141 CAPD patients (73% hyperphosphatemia) were included in the final analysis. In logistic regression analysis, dialysis vintage (OR: 0.975, 95%CI: 0.957–0.993), dialysis exchanges (OR: 0.317, 95%CI: 0.131–0.768), urine output (OR: 0.997, 95%CI: 0.995–0.999), serum albumin (OR: 1.166, 95%CI:1.008–1.349), serum creatinine (OR: 1.005, 95%CI: 1.001–1.008), hyperphosphatemia knowledge behavior score (OR: 0.888, 95%CI: 0.797–0.991), and social support level (OR: 0.841, 95%CI:0.765–0.925) were the influencing factors of hyperphosphatemia.ConclusionHyperphosphatemia is a frequent complication in CAPD patients. Dialysis vintage, dialysis exchanges, urine output, serum albumin, serum creatinine, hyperphosphatemia knowledge behavior, and social support were the associated factors of hyperphosphatemia in CAPD patients. It is crucial for healthcare providers to maintain phosphorus balance among CAPD patients using phosphorus management strategies.
Positive effects of Cordyceps cateniannulata colonization in tobacco: Growth promotion and resistance to abiotic stress
Authors: Qiao Lu , Liu Jing , Zhou Zhengxiong , Li Zhimo , Zhou Yeming , Xu Shaohuan , Yang Zhengkai , Qu Jiaojiao , Zou Xiao 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundEntomopathogenic fungi can live in insects to cause disease and death and are the largest group of entomopathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, these fungi are best known for their microbial control potential. Importantly, they also have other beneficial effects, including promoting plant growth and development by colonizing plant. Here, the study sought to identify specific strains of the entomopathogenic fungus, Cordyceps cateniannulata that would form endophytic associations with tobacco, thus benefiting plant growth and resistance to abiotic stresses, thereby highlighting the application of entomopathogenic fungi in tobacco.MethodsThe C. cateniannulata-tobacco symbiont was constructed by root irrigation. The effects of C. cateniannulata on tobacco growth were evaluated by measuring the maximum leaf length, maximum leaf width, number of leaves, plant height, stem thickness, stem circumference, dry and fresh shoot weight 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after colonization. The peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were measured to observe the impact of C. cateniannulata on tobacco defense enzyme activity. Finally, high-throughput sequencing was used to access microbial communities in the rhizosphere, with data subsequently linked to growth indicators.ResultsAfter tobacco was inoculated with C. cateniannulata X8, which significantly promoted growth and related enzyme activity, malondialdehyde was decreased. The most significant impact was on peroxidase, with its activity being upregulated by 98.20, 154.42, 180.65, and 170.38% in the four time periods, respectively. The high throughput sequencing results indicated that C. cateniannulata had changed the rhizosphere microbial relative abundances, such as increasing Acidobacteria and Ascomycetes, and decreasing Actinomycetes and Basidiomycetes. The redundancy analysis showed that C. cateniannulata significantly boosted tobacco growth by reducing the abundance of specific dominant genera such as Stachybotrys, Cephalotrichum, Streptomyces, Isoptericola, and Microbacterium.ConclusionSpecific strains of C. cateniannulata can be introduced into host plants as endophytes, resulting in promotion of host plant growth and increased resistance to abiotic stress and microbial pathogens. The study provides a foundation for future studies of C. cateniannulata as an ecological agent.
Molecular characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of human Brucella in Northeast China
Authors: Ma Han-rui , Xu Hui-jiao , Wang Xin , Bu Zhao-yang , Yao Teng , Zheng Zun-rong , Sun Yang , Ji Xue , Liu Jun 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionNortheast China has always been an area with severe brucellosis prevalence. This study will identify Brucella in Northeast China and test its resistance to antibiotics, in order to clarify its resistance mechanism. Brucella is a widespread and highly pathogenic bacteria that poses serious threats to public health and animal husbandry.MethodsIn this study, 61 Brucella isolates were identified by abortus-melitensis-ovis-suis polymerase chain reaction (AMOS-PCR) for biotypes and epidemic potential was clarified by multi-locus sequence analysis. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed and the antibiotic susceptibility of the Brucella strains against 13 antibiotics was detected with the use of E-test strips.ResultsThe results showed that all of the isolates were Brucella melitensis ST8, group CC4 with little genetic variation and obvious geographical characteristics. All 61 Brucella isolates were sensitive to doxycycline, tetracycline, minocycline, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and streptomycin, while 24.6%, 86.9%, 65.6%, 27.9%, 3.3%, and 1.6% were resistant to rifampin, azithromycin, cefepime, cefoperazone/sulbactam, cefotaxime, and meperidine/sulfamethoxazole, respectively. This is the first report of cephalosporin-resistant B. melitensis in China. The WGS results indicated that about 60% of the antibiotic resistance genes were associated with efflux pumps (mainly the resistance nodulation division family).DiscussionBrucellosis is usually treated with antibiotics for several months, which can easily lead to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. To ensure the effectiveness and safety of antibiotics for treatment of brucellosis, continuous surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility is especially important.
The effect of orthokeratology lenses on optical quality and visual function in children
Authors: Lu Weiwei , Song Guanxin , Zhang Yuhan , Lian Yan , Ma Ke , Lu Qingqing , Jin Yiyu , Zhao Yang , Zhang Shuyu , Lv Fan , Jin Wanqing 
Published: April 2023

PurposeTo assess changes in optical quality and visual function in children after 3 months of wearing orthokeratology (OK) lenses.MethodsA total of 25 myopic children aged 8–12 years were recruited and completed the follow-up study. Optical quality, visual function and corneal morphology were assessed at baseline and at follow-ups 1 and 3 months after wearing OK lenses. Optical quality parameters mainly included the modulation transfer function (MTF) cutoff, objective scattering index (OSI), Strehl ratio (SR) and the predicted visual acuities (PVAs). Visual function was assessed by visual acuity, monocular contrast sensitivity function (CSF) across five spatial frequencies and the area under the log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) that was also computed as an index for overall CSF.ResultsThe MTF cutoff and SR values both increased after 1 month of wearing the OK lenses (baseline vs. 1 month: PMTF = 0.008 and PSR = 0.049); this improvement plateaued after 3 months of lens wear (1 month vs. 3 months: PMTF = 0.626, PSR = 0.428). The corneal morphology also showed the similar change trend. The OSI showed the opposite change trend (baseline vs. 1 month: POSI &lt; 0.001; 1 month vs. 3 months: POSI = 0.720). The mean CSF at 1.5 cpd decreased significantly after 1 month of wearing the lenses (baseline vs. 1 month: p = 0.001) and recovered after 3 months of lens wear (baseline vs. 3 months: p = 0.076). CSF at spatial frequencies of 3, 6, 12 and 18 cpd as well as the AULCSF did not significantly differ between any two timepoints (all Ps &gt; 0.05).ConclusionAfter 3 months of wearing OK lenses, the subjects exhibited a decrease in optical quality, similar to corneal morphology, whereas their visual function remained largely unchanged. Thus, the optical quality was more susceptible to OK lenses than visual function in children. The initial month of OK treatment of children is a key period to be paid close attention to deterioration of optical quality and visual function.
Observation of the application effect of low-volume polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) combined with ascorbic acid tablets in bowel preparation for colonoscopy in hospitalized patients
Authors: Wu Le-Can , Zheng En-Dian , Sun Hao-Yue , Lin Xi-Zhou , Pan Ju-Yi , Lin Xiao-Xiao 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundThis study explored the effectiveness and safety of low-volume polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) combined with ascorbic acid tablets (PEG-ELS/Asc) in bowel preparation for a colonoscopy.MethodsA total of 240 hospitalized patients who underwent a colonoscopy in Wenzhou People’s Hospital, Wenzhou Third Clinical College of Wenzhou Medical University from July 2020 to June 2022 were randomly divided into two groups, with 120 patients each. All of the participants were given a low-residue or residue-free diet one day before the examination and fasted after dinner (completed before 18:00) the day before the examination. The 2-L PEG-ELS/Asc group took 2-L PEG-ELS plus 10 g ascorbic acid tablets once orally, while the 3-L PEG-ELS group took 3-L PEG orally on several occasions. The primary endpoint was the achievement of preparation adequacy and an overall colon cleansing score of ≥6, both assessed by blinded investigators using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS). The bowel cleansing effect, polyp detection rate, adverse reaction rate, oral drug tolerance rate, renal function, and electrolyte level changes were also compared between the two patient groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the success rate of bowel preparation, the detection rate of polyps, or the adverse reaction rate between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). The tolerance rate of bowel preparation in the 2-L PEG-ELS/Asc group was significantly higher than that in the 3-L PEG-ELS group (93.3% vs. 80.23%) (P &lt; 0.05). The levels of creatinine, serum potassium, serum sodium, and serum chlorine of the two groups before and after bowel preparation were within the normal range. In addition, the intestinal cleaning effect of the two preparation schemes for the hospitalized patients with diabetes and constipation is worse than that of those without these conditions (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe effectiveness and safety of using 2-L PEG-ELS/Asc in bowel preparation for a colonoscopy in hospitalized patients were not inferior to using 3-L PEG-ELS. For patients with diabetes and constipation, the cleansing effect of the two bowel preparation options was not very satisfactory, and further clinical research is needed in this regard.
Combined CT and serum CA19-9 for stratifying risk for progression in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer receiving intraoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Cai Wei , Zhu Yongjian , Teng Ze , Li Dengfeng , Feng Qinfu , Jiang Zhichao , Cong Rong , Chen Zhaowei , Liu Siyun , Zhao Xinming , Ma Xiaohong 
Published: April 2023

Background and purposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of baseline computed tomography (CT) imaging features and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in predicting prognosis of locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) receiving intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) and to establish a progression risk nomogram that helps to identify the potential beneficiary of IORT.MethodsA total of 88 LAPC patients with IORT as their initial treatment were enrolled retrospectively. Clinical data and CT imaging features were analyzed. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors for progression-free survival (PFS) and to establish a nomogram. A risk-score was calculated by the coefficients of the regression model to stratify the risk of progression.ResultsMultivariate analyses revealed that relative enhanced value in portal-venous phase (REV-PVP), peripancreatic fat infiltration, necrosis, and CA19-9 were significantly associated with PFS (all p &lt; 0.05). The nomogram was constructed according to the above variables and showed a good performance in predicting the risk of progression with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.779. Our nomogram stratified patients with LAPC into low- and high-risk groups with distinct differences in progression after IORT (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe integrated nomogram would help clinicians to identify appropriate patients who might benefit from IORT before treatment and to adapt an individualized treatment strategy.
Drug-induced tooth discoloration: An analysis of the US food and drug administration adverse event reporting system
Authors: Wang Jun , Zou Dongna , Li Yuchao , Liu Pingping , Guo Chenyu 
Published: April 2023

Background: Certain drugs can cause intrinsic or extrinsic tooth discoloration, which is not only a clinical issue but also an esthetic problem. However, limited investigations have focused on drug-induced tooth discoloration. The present work aimed to determine the drugs causing tooth discoloration and to estimate their risks of causing tooth discoloration.Methods: An observational, retrospective, and pharmacovigilance analysis was conducted, in which we extracted adverse event (AE) reports involving tooth discoloration by using the data of the US Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from the first quarter (Q1) of 2004 to the third quarter (Q3) of 2021. Disproportionality analyses were performed to examine risk signals for tooth discoloration and determine the drugs inducing tooth discoloration.Results: Based on predefined inclusion criteria, 1188 AE reports involving 302 suspected drugs were identified. After data mining, 25 drugs generated positive risk signals for tooth discoloration, of which 10 were anti-infectives for systemic use. The top reported drug was tetracycline (n = 106), followed by salmeterol and fluticasone (n = 68), amoxicillin (n = 60), chlorhexidine (n = 54), and nicotine (n = 52). Cetylpyridinium (PRR = 472.2, ROR = 502.5), tetracycline (PRR = 220.4, ROR = 277), stannous fluoride (PRR = 254.3, ROR = 262.8), hydrogen peroxide (PRR = 240.0, ROR = 247.6), and chlorhexidine (PRR = 107.0, ROR = 108.4) showed stronger associations with tooth discoloration than the remaining drugs. Of 625 AE reports involving 25 drugs with positive risk signals, tooth discoloration was mostly reported in patients aged 45–64 (n = 110) and ≤18 (n = 95), and 29.4% (192/652) of the reports recorded serious outcomes.Conclusion: This study revealed that certain drugs are significantly associated with tooth discoloration. Caution should be exercised when using these drugs, especially during pregnancy and early childhood.
Highly accurate and reliable ultrasonic focusing capability in heterogeneous media using a spherical cavity transducer
Authors: Song Dan , Xiong Jiupeng , Luo Man , Gong Xiaobo , Huang Wenjun , Zeng Chen , Zhou Yufeng , Li Faqi , Wang Zhibiao 
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS) has been emerging to treat a wide range of conditions non-invasively and effectively with promising therapeutic outcomes. The focusing capability of an ultrasound transducer (i.e., focus shift, beam distortion, and acoustic pressure at the focus) determines the ablation effects. However, the focus shift and focal beam distortion after ultrasound propagating through multi-layered heterogeneous viscoelastic biological tissues become significant and are found to deteriorate the performance of FUAS in clinics.Methods: To achieve an accurate and reliable focal field among patients with large variations in the anatomical structures and properties, a spherical cavity transducer with open ends and sub-wavelength focal size (Li et al., APL, 2013,102:204102) was applied here. Both experimental measurements and numerical simulations were performed to characterize the acoustic fields of the spherical cavity transducer in water, the multi-layered concentric cylindrical phantom, and the heterogeneous tissue model (an adult male pelvis enclosed by porcine skin, fat, and muscle) and then compared with those of a conventional concave transducer at the same electrical power output.Results: It is found that standing-wave focusing using the spherical cavity transducer results in much less focus shift (0.25λ vs. 1.67λ) along the transducer axis and focal beam distortion (−6 dB beam area of 0.71 mm2vs. 4.72 mm2 in water and 2.55 mm2vs. 17.30 mm2 in tissue) in the focal plane but higher pressure focusing gain (40.05 dB vs. 33.61 dB in tissue).Discussion: Such a highly accurate and reliable focal field is due to the excitation at an appropriate eigen-frequency of the spherical cavity with the varied media inside rather than the reverberation from the concave surface. Together with its sub-wavelength focal size, the spherical cavity transducer is technically advantageous in comparison to the concave one. The improved focusing capability would benefit ultrasound exposure for not only safer and more effective FUAS in clinics, but also broad acoustic applications.