bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a method for analyzing the sialylated glycopeptides of recombinant erythropoietin in urine using LC–HRMS
Authors: Seo Yoondam , Park Jisoo , Lee Hyeon-Jeong , Kim Minyoung , Kang Inseon , Son Junghyun , Oh Min-Kyu , Min Hophil 
Published: March 2023

AbstractErythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. It is produced naturally in the body and is used to treat patients with anemia. Recombinant EPO (rEPO) is used illicitly in sports to improve performance by increasing the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. The World Anti-Doping Agency has therefore prohibited the use of rEPO. In this study, we developed a bottom-up mass spectrometric method for profiling the site-specific N-glycosylation of rEPO. We revealed that intact glycopeptides have a site-specific tetra-sialic glycan structure. Using this structure as an exogenous marker, we developed a method for use in doping studies. The profiling of rEPO N-glycopeptides revealed the presence of tri- and tetra-sialylated N-glycopeptides. By selecting a peptide with a tetra-sialic acid structure as the target, its limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be < 500 pg/mL. Furthermore, we confirmed the detection of the target rEPO glycopeptide using three other rEPO products. We additionally validated the linearity, carryover, selectivity, matrix effect, LOD, and intraday precision of this method. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a doping analysis using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based detection of the rEPO glycopeptide with a tetra-sialic acid structure in human urine samples.
Analysis of the effects of vertical joints on the stability of loess slope
Authors: Zhang Rong , Wang Bin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractVertical joints with different lengths and slope distances (the horizontal distance from joints to slope shoulder) are generated at the top of the loess slope because of the unloading and collapsibility of the loess. The existence of vertical joints is a significant risk factor for loess landslides. This paper applies three methods, including laboratory tests, numerical simulation and theoretical analysis, to analyze the influence of vertical joints on the stability of loess slope. Firstly, the typical failure mode and strength characteristics of the samples containing vertical joints are analyzed through the unconfined compressive strength test and triaxial compression test. Further, the effects of vertical joints with different lengths and the slope distance on the slope safety coefficient and sliding surface position are calculated by finite element numerical analysis. Finally, the formula for calculating the safety coefficient of loess slope with vertical joints is derived. The results show that: the joint bonding degree affects the sample's strength and failure rate. The strength of the sample with open vertical joints is less than that of closed ones, and the failure rate is greater than that of closed ones. When the length and the slope distances of the vertical joint are less than 5 m, the influence of vertical joints on the shape and position of the sliding surface will be small. When the length of the vertical joint is more than 5 m and less than 15 m, the safety factor of the slope decreases with the increase in the length of vertical joints. When the length of vertical joints reaches 15 m, and the slope distance is 10 m, the deterioration degree of vertical joints on the slope comes up to the peak. Statistical analysis shows that the dominant dip angle of shear fracture at the back edge of the landslide affected by the vertical joint surface is between 45° and 65°. The research results can be used for rapid calculation of the safety coefficient and rapid evaluation of slope stability of loess slope with vertical joints.
The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index predicts sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Saeki Chisato , Kinoshita Akiyoshi , Kanai Tomoya , Ueda Kaoru , Nakano Masanori , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Torisu Yuichi , Saruta Masayuki , Tsubota Akihito 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPatients with cirrhosis are at high risk for sarcopenia and malnutrition, which are associated with reduced quality of life and increased mortality. We investigated the relationship between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and sarcopenia/gait speed and assessed the usefulness of the GNRI for predicting sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. We evaluated 202 patients with cirrhosis and divided them into three groups based on baseline GNRI values: low (L)-GNRI (< 94.0, n = 49), intermediate (I)-GNRI (between 94.0 and 109.5, n = 103), and high (H)-GNRI groups (> 109.5, n = 50). Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the criteria of the Japan Society of Hepatology. The prevalence of sarcopenia and slow gait speed was the lowest in the H-GNRI group (8.0% and 26.0%, respectively) and the highest in the L-GNRI group (49.0% and 44.9%, respectively). They increased stepwise with a decline in the GNRI group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.05, respectively). The GNRI values were significantly and positively correlated with handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass index, and gait speed. Multivariate analysis identified lower GNRI as an independent risk factor for sarcopenia. The optimal cutoff value of the GNRI for predicting sarcopenia was 102.1 (sensitivity/specificity, 0.768/0.630). The GNRI was significantly associated with sarcopenia and physical performance and could be a helpful screening tool for predicting sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis.
Proximal versus distal bone transport for the management of large segmental tibial defect: a clinical case series
Authors: Lu Yao , Wang Qian , Ren Cheng , Li Ming , Li Zhong , Zhang Kun , Huang Qiang , Ma Teng 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis retrospective study compared proximal bone transport and distal bone transport in a series of cases diagnosed with large segmental tibial defects. Patients with a tibial segmental defect (> 5 cm) were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-nine patients were treated using proximal bone transport technique (PBT group) and 21 cases were managed by distal bone transport technique (DBT group). We recorded the demographic information, operation indexes, external fixation index (EFI), visual analog score (VAS), limb function scores, and complications. Patients were followed for 24–52 months. There was no significant difference in operation time, blood loss, time in frame, EFI and HSS score between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, the PBT group displayed better clinical effects than the DBT group, including higher AOFAS scores, lower VAS, and complication incidence (p < 0.05). In particular, the incidence of Grade-II pin-tract infection, transient loss of ankle movement, and foot drop was significantly lower in PBT group than that in DBT group (p < 0.05). Although both methods could be used safely for the management of large segmental tibial defects, the proximal bone transport may confer greater patient satisfaction because of better ankle functions and lower complications.
Metabolic syndrome for the prognosis of postoperative complications after open pancreatic surgery in Chinese adult: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Dai Yuanqiang , Shi Yaping , Wang Heng , Cheng Tianhua , Xia Boyang , Deng Yu , Xu Tao 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTo investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MS) and postoperative complications in Chinese adults after open pancreatic surgery. Relevant data were retrieved from the Medical system database of Changhai hospital (MDCH). All patients who underwent pancreatectomy from January 2017 to May 2019 were included, and relevant data were collected and analyzed. A propensity score matching (PSM) and a multivariate generalized estimating equation were used to investigate the association between MS and composite compositions during hospitalization. Cox regression model was employed for survival analysis. 1481 patients were finally eligible for this analysis. According to diagnostic criteria of Chinese MS, 235 patients were defined as MS, and the other 1246 patients were controls. After PSM, no association was found between MS and postoperative composite complications (OR: 0.958, 95%CI: 0.715–1.282, P = 0.958). But MS was associated with postoperative acute kidney injury (OR: 1.730, 95%CI: 1.050–2.849, P = 0.031). Postoperative AKI was associated with mortality in 30 and 90 days after surgery (P < 0.001). MS is not an independent risk factor correlated with postoperative composite complications after open pancreatic surgery. But MS is an independent risk factor for postoperative AKI of pancreatic surgery in Chinese population, and AKI is associated with survival after surgery.
Geochemistry and mineralogy of auriferous tailings deposits and their potential for reuse in Nova Lima Region, Brazil
Authors: Lemos Mariana , Valente Teresa , Reis Paula Marinho , Fonseca Rita , Pantaleão João Paulo , Guabiroba Fernanda , Filho José Gregorio , Magalhães Marcus , Afonseca Bruno , Silva Antonio Roberto , Delbem Itamar 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSince the mid-nineteenth century, gold ores, mainly hosted in sulfides, have been processed at metallurgical plants located in Nova Lima, Brazil. The generated wastes have been accumulated over the years in tailings dams or in piles. These materials represent wasted from old circuits, as well as from plants still in production. In this study, geochemical, mineralogical, 3D modelling, and metallurgical analyses wastes were carried out to evaluate potential reuse of these wastes. The performed characterization detected residues of very fine grain size containing sulfides and oxides. The wastes show high grades of Au hosted in different minerals. In addition to Au, samples contain S, Fe, Zn, Pb, Sc, Si, and As. The 3D modelling for spatial definition of Au was performed using ordinary kriging with dimensional variograms. The results indicated the occurrence of Au enrichment zones and allowed to reveal the most attractive tailing deposits in terms of Au content. Metallurgical tests showed recovery of 70% of Au and suggested other potential reuse of the wastes, such as aggregates for the civil construction sector and recovery of other metals. The present work highlights the importance of an integrative characterization within the scope of the circular economy and the value of tailings in the production chain of the mineral sector.
Comparative analysis of Acomys cahirinus and Mus musculus responses to genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation
Authors: Ghebryal Lamees N. , Noshy Magda M. , El-Ghor Akmal A. , Eissa Shaymaa M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe Egyptian spiny mouse, Acomyscahirinus, is a recently described model organism for regeneration studies. It has surprising powers of regeneration with relatively fast repairing mechanisms and reduced inflammation form compared to other mammals. Although several studies have documented the exceptional capabilities of Acomys to regenerate different tissues after injury, its response to different cellular and genetic stresses is not yet investigated. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate Acomys abilities to resist genotoxicity, oxidative stress and inflammation induced by acute and subacute treatments with lead acetate. Responses of Acomys were compared with those of the lab mouse (Musmusculus), which displays signatures of the “typical” mammalian response to various stressors. Cellular and genetic stresses were induced by using acute and subacute doses of Lead acetate (400 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg for 5 days, respectively). The assessment of genotoxicity was carried out by using comet assay, while oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the biomarkers; MDA, GSH and antioxidant enzymes CAT and SOD. Moreover, inflammation was assessed by analyzing the expression of some inflammatory-regeneration-related genes: CXCL1, IL1-β, and Notch2 and immunohistochemical staining of TNF-α protein in brain tissue, in addition to histopathological examination of brain, liver, and kidneys. The obtained results revealed a unique resistance potency of Acomys to genotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation in certain tissues in comparison to Mus. Altogether, the results revealed an adaptive and protective response to cellular and genetic stresses in Acomys.
Resilience and coping behaviour among adolescents in a high-income city-state during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Moosa Aminath Shiwaza , Ng Ding Xuan , Aau Wai Keong , Goy Wei Teck Timothy , Yang Chenghan Roy , Sim En Hsien Andrew , Wee Juan Dee , Tan Ngiap Chuan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe study aimed to determine the resilience of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural adolescent students in cosmopolitan Singapore, their coping abilities, and the impact on their social and physical activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with their resilience. A total of 582 adolescents in post-secondary education institutes completed an online survey from June to November 2021. The survey assessed their sociodemographic status, resilience level using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) and Hardy-Gill Resilience Scale (HGRS), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their daily activities, life settings, social life, social interactions, and coping ability in these aspects of life. Poor ability to cope with school life (adjusted beta = − 0.163, 95% CI − 1.928 to 0.639, p < 0.001), staying home (adjusted beta = − 0.108, 95% CI = − 1.611 to − 0.126, p = 0.022), sports (adjusted beta = − 0.116, 95% CI − 1.691 to − 0.197, p = 0.013) and friends (adjusted beta = − 0.143, 95% CI − 1.904 to − 0.363, p = 0.004) were associated with statistically significant low resilience level measured with HGRS. About half and a third of the participants reported normal and low resilience, respectively, based on BRS (59.6%/32.7%) and HGRS (49.0%/29.0%) scores. Adolescents of Chinese ethnicity and low socioeconomic status had comparatively lower resilience scores. Approximately half of the adolescents in this study had normal resilience despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents with lower resilience tended to have lower coping abilities. The study did not compare changes in the social life and coping behaviour of the adolescents due to COVID-19, as data on these aspects prior to the pandemic was unavailable.
Utilization possibilities of steel slag as backfill material in coastal structures
Authors: Tozsin Gulsen , Yonar Fatih , Yucel Onuralp , Dikbas Atilla 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the utilization possibilities of steel slags, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) and electric arc furnace (EAF) slags, as backfill material in coastal structures. Within the scope of the study, physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the steel slags were investigated and their potential to create environmental risks were evaluated. The results showed that soundness loss and filler content ratio were below the limit values for steel slags to be used as backfill material. It was determined that the density, porosity, water absorption and Los Angeles abrasion ratios of steel slags were generally higher than natural aggregates. In order to reach the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) limit (> 25%), the maximum particle size of the steel slag was reduced to 25 mm. In this particle size, CBR of the slag samples generally gave better results compared to the natural aggregate (38%), except for Kardemir and Asil samples. In addition, the concentration values of heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn, Hg and As) were below the limit values specified in the regulation. It is suggested that EAF slags should be aged for at least 6 months and BOF slags for at least 24 months in open air conditions before being used as backfill material in coastal structures after the maximum particle size is reduced to 25 mm.
Clinical evaluation of DIAGNOVIR SARS-CoV-2 ultra-rapid antigen test performance compared to PCR-based testing
Authors: Seymen Ali Aytac , Gulten Ezgi , Ozgur Erol , Ortaç Bülend , Akdemir Irem , Cinar Gule , Saricaoglu Elif Mukime , Guney-Esken Gulen , Akkus Erman , Can Fusun , Karahan Zeynep Ceren , Azap Alpay , Tuncay Erkan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCoronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The development of rapid antigen tests has contributed to easing the burden on healthcare and lifting restrictions by detecting infected individuals to help prevent further transmission of the virus. We developed a state-of-art rapid antigen testing system, named DIAGNOVIR, based on immune-fluorescence analysis, which can process and give the results in a minute. In our study, we assessed the performance of the DIAGNOVIR and compared the results with those of the qRT-PCR test. Our results demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of the DIAGNOVIR were 94% and 99.2%, respectively, with a 100% sensitivity and 96.97% specificity, among asymptomatic patients. In addition, DIAGNOVIR can detect SARS‑CoV‑2 with 100% sensitivity up to 5 days after symptom onset. We observed that the DIAGNOVIR Rapid Antigen Test’s limit of detection (LoD) was not significantly affected by the SARS‑CoV‑2 variants including Wuhan, alpha (B1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) variants, and LoD was calculated as 8 × 102, 6.81 × 101.5, 3.2 × 101.5, 1 × 103, and 1 × 103.5 TCID50/mL, respectively. Our results indicated that DIAGNOVIR can detect all SARS-CoV-2 variants in just seconds with higher sensitivity and specificity lower testing costs and decreased turnover time.
A real-time prediction interval correction method with an unscented Kalman filter for settlement monitoring of a power station dam
Authors: Zhou Ting , Jie Yuxin , Wei Yingjie , Zhang Yanyi , Chen Hui 
Published: March 2023

AbstractA prediction interval (PI) method is developed to quantify the model uncertainty of embankment settlement prediction. Traditional PIs are constructed based on specific past period information and remain unchanged; hence, they neglect discrepancies between previous calculations and new monitoring data. In this paper, a real-time prediction interval correction method is proposed. Time-varying PIs are built by continuously incorporating new measurements into model uncertainty calculations. The method consists of trend identification, PI construction, and real-time correction. Primarily, trend identification is carried out by wavelet analysis to eliminate early unstable noise and determine the settlement trend. Then, the Delta method is applied to construct PIs based on the characterized trend, and a comprehensive evaluation index is introduced. The model output and the upper and lower bounds of the PIs are updated by the unscented Kalman filter (UKF). The effect of the UKF is compared with that of the Kalman filter (KF) and extended Kalman filter (EKF). The method was demonstrated in the Qingyuan power station dam. The results show that the time-varying PIs based on trend data are smoother than those based on original data with better evaluation index scores. Also, the PIs are not affected by local anomalies. The proposed PIs are consistent with the actual measurements, and the UKF performs better than the KF and EKF. The approach has the potential to provide more reliable embankment safety assessments.
Development of novel broad-spectrum antimicrobial lipopeptides derived from plantaricin NC8 β
Authors: Wiman Emanuel , Zattarin Elisa , Aili Daniel , Bengtsson Torbjörn , Selegård Robert , Khalaf Hazem 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBacterial resistance towards antibiotics is a major global health issue. Very few novel antimicrobial agents and therapies have been made available for clinical use during the past decades, despite an increasing need. Antimicrobial peptides have been intensely studied, many of which have shown great promise in vitro. We have previously demonstrated that the bacteriocin Plantaricin NC8 αβ (PLNC8 αβ) from Lactobacillus plantarum effectively inhibits Staphylococcus spp., and shows little to no cytotoxicity towards human keratinocytes. However, due to its limitations in inhibiting gram-negative species, the aim of the present study was to identify novel antimicrobial peptidomimetic compounds with an enhanced spectrum of activity, derived from the β peptide of PLNC8 αβ. We have rationally designed and synthesized a small library of lipopeptides with significantly improved antimicrobial activity towards both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including the ESKAPE pathogens. The lipopeptides consist of 16 amino acids with a terminal fatty acid chain and assemble into micelles that effectively inhibit and kill bacteria by permeabilizing their cell membranes. They demonstrate low hemolytic activity and liposome model systems further confirm selectivity for bacterial lipid membranes. The combination of lipopeptides with different antibiotics enhanced the effects in a synergistic or additive manner. Our data suggest that the novel lipopeptides are promising as future antimicrobial agents, however additional experiments using relevant animal models are necessary to further validate their in vivo efficacy.
Individual differences in sensory processing sensitivity amplify effects of post-learning activity for better and for worse
Authors: Marhenke Robert , Acevedo Bianca , Sachse Pierre , Martini Markus 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a biologically-based trait associated with greater reactivity to both positive and negative environments. Recent studies suggest that the activity following learning can support or hinder memory retention. Here, we employed a within-subject experiment to examine whether and how individual differences in SPS contribute to differences in memory retention. Sixty-four participants encoded and immediately recalled two word lists: one followed by 8-min of eyes-closed, wakeful resting; and the other by a distraction task. After 7 days, participants completed a surprise free recall test for both word lists. If participants wakefully rested after encoding, memory retention increased as a function of higher SPS. However, in the distraction condition, a negative curvilinear relationship indicated that memory retention was especially hindered for highly sensitive individuals. These results suggest that individual differences in SPS are an important factor to consider when examining the effects of environmental conditions on learning and memory.
Investigating quorum-quenching marine bacilli as potential biocontrol agents for protection of shrimps against Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS)
Authors: Müller Moritz , Spiers Andrew J. , Tan Angelica , Mujahid Aazani 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEarly Mortality Syndrome (EMS) has been a major problem for shrimp aquaculture in Southeast Asia due to its epizootic prevalence within the region since the first reported case in 2009. This study explores the application of halophilic marine bacilli isolated from coral mucus and their quorum-quenching abilities as potential biocontrol agents in aquaculture systems to combat the causative agent of EMS, Vibrio parahaemolyticus. N-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL)-degrading (AiiA) activity was first screened by PCR then confirmed by bio-reporter assay, and a combination of 16S rDNA sequence analysis and quantitative phenotype assays including biofilm-formation and temperature-growth responses were used to demonstrate diversity amongst these quorum-quenching isolates. Three phenotypically distinct strains showing notable potential were chosen to undergo co-cultivation as a method for strain improvement via long term exposure to the pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus. The novel approach taken led to significant improvements in antagonism and quorum quenching activities as compared to the ancestral wild-type strains and offers a potential solution as well as pathway to improve existing beneficial microbes for one of the most pressing issues in shrimp aquacultures worldwide.