bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Desiccation does not increase frost resistance of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) seeds
Authors: Chmielarz Paweł , Suszka Jan , Wawrzyniak Mikołaj Krzysztof 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Key message
Decreasing acorns moisture content does not significantly increase the frost resistance of pedunculate oak seeds. Slight reduction in acorn moisture content below the relatively high, optimal level decreased seed survival at temperatures below − 5 °C. The limiting temperature for pedunculate oak’s acorns below which they lose their ability to germinate is about − 10 °C.

Context
Seed moisture content plays an important role in successful seed storage of many species, as desiccation increases frost resistance; however, oak seeds tolerate desiccation only to a very small extent.

Aims
In our study, we examined the impact of decreasing moisture content in acorns of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) on their frost resistance (below − 3 °C) and the growth of seedling derived from frozen seeds.

Methods
Germination and seedling emergence of individual seeds, as well as the dry mass of their 3-month-old seedlings, were measured after acorn desiccation (24–40%, fresh weight basis) and desiccation followed by freezing at temperatures from − 3 °C to − 18 °C for 2 weeks.

Results
Decreasing acorns moisture content did not significantly increase the frost resistance of pedunculate oak seeds. The lowest temperature at which at least half seeds remain viable was − 10 °C. Slight acorns desiccation had only a small positive effect on seeds frozen below − 11 °C (down to − 13 °C), but in this case (acorn moisture content of 33%), low germinability after freezing made storage uneconomic because of the high mortality of seeds. Germinated seeds after desiccation and freezing showed no significant difference in later growth.

Conclusion
Fresh pedunculate oak seed can survive freezing temperature down to − 10 °C and produce good quality seedlings. Temperatures around − 11° to − 13 °C are near lethal to acorns and significantly reduce their viability. Overall, desiccation does not increase their frost resistance; therefore, in practice, it is important to keep acorns during a cold storage in the highly hydrated state.
Establishment of the basidiomycete Fomes fomentarius for the production of composite materials
Authors: Pohl Carsten , Schmidt Bertram , Nunez Guitar Tamara , Klemm Sophie , Gusovius Hans-Jörg , Platzk Stefan , Kruggel-Emden Harald , Klunker Andre , Völlmecke Christina , Fleck Claudia , Meyer Vera 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Filamentous fungi of the phylum Basidiomycota are considered as an attractive source for the biotechnological production of composite materials. The ability of many basidiomycetes to accept residual lignocellulosic plant biomass from agriculture and forestry such as straw, shives and sawdust as substrates and to bind and glue together these otherwise loose but reinforcing substrate particles into their mycelial network, makes them ideal candidates to produce biological composites to replace petroleum-based synthetic plastics and foams in the near future.

Results
Here, we describe for the first time the application potential of the tinder fungus Fomes fomentarius for lab-scale production of mycelium composites. We used fine, medium and coarse particle fractions of hemp shives and rapeseed straw to produce a set of diverse composite materials and show that the mechanical materials properties are dependent on the nature and particle size of the substrates. Compression tests and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize composite material properties and to model their compression behaviour by numerical simulations. Their properties were compared amongst each other and with the benchmark expanded polystyrene (EPS), a petroleum-based foam used for thermal isolation in the construction industry. Our analyses uncovered that EPS shows an elastic modulus of 2.37 ± 0.17 MPa which is 4-times higher compared to the F. fomentarius composite materials whereas the compressive strength of 0.09 ± 0.003 MPa is in the range of the fungal composite material. However, when comparing the ability to take up compressive forces at higher strain values, the fungal composites performed better than EPS. Hemp-shive based composites were able to resist a compressive force of 0.2 MPa at 50% compression, rapeseed composites 0.3 MPa but EPS only 0.15 MPa.

Conclusion
The data obtained in this study suggest that F. fomentarius constitutes a promising cell factory for the future production of fungal composite materials with similar mechanical behaviour as synthetic foams such as EPS. Future work will focus on designing materials characteristics through optimizing substrate properties, cultivation conditions and by modulating growth and cell wall composition of F. fomentarius, i.e. factors that contribute on the meso- and microscale level to the composite behaviour.
Optimised passive marker device visibility and automatic marker detection for 3-T MRI-guided endovascular interventions: a pulsatile flow phantom study
Authors: Nijsink Han , Overduin Christiaan G. , Brand Patrick , De Jong Sytse F. , Borm Paul J. A. , Warlé Michiel C. , Fütterer Jurgen J. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Passive paramagnetic markers on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible endovascular devices induce susceptibility artifacts, enabling MRI-visibility and real-time MRI-guidance. Optimised visibility is crucial for automatic detection and device tracking but depends on MRI technical parameters and marker characteristics. We assessed marker visibility and automatic detection robustness for varying MRI parameters and marker characteristics in a pulsatile flow phantom.

Methods
Guidewires with varying iron(II,III) oxide nanoparticle (IONP) concentration markers were imaged using gradient-echo (GRE) and balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequences at 3 T. Furthermore, echo time (TE), slice thickness (ST) and phase encoding direction (PED) were varied. Artifact width was measured and contrast-to-noise ratios were calculated. Marker visibility and image quality were scored by two MRI interventional radiologists. Additionally, a deep learning model for automatic marker detection was trained and the effects of the parameters on detection performance were evaluated. Two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used (significance level, p < 0.05).

Results
Medan artifact width (IQR) was larger in bSSFP compared to GRE images (12.7 mm (11.0–15.2) versus 8.4 mm (6.5–11.0)) (p < 0.001) and showed a positive relation with TE and IONP concentration. Switching PED and doubling ST had limited effect on artifact width. Image quality assessment scores were higher for GRE compared to bSSFP images. The deep learning model automatically detected the markers. However, the model performance was reduced after adjusting PED, TE, and IONP concentration.

Conclusion
Marker visibility was sufficient and a large range of artifact sizes was generated by adjusting TE and IONP concentration. Deep learning-based marker detection was feasible but performance decreased for altered MR parameters. These factors should be considered to optimise device visibility and ensure reliable automatic marker detectability in MRI-guided endovascular interventions.
A critical evaluation of Nigeria’s response to the first wave of COVID-19
Authors: Jacobs Ezekiel Damilare , Okeke Malachy Ifeanyi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
The first wave of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began when the first index case was reported in Nigeria on the 27th of February 2020, and since then, more than 68,000 cases of the disease were confirmed, with 1173 deaths as of November 30, 2020.

Main body
Daily situation reports from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control spanning February 27–November 30, 2020, were fully considered in this review. Further literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles related to response measures adopted by Nigeria. The instantaneous reproduction number (R) was then estimated as a metric to investigate the non-pharmaceutical intervention measures. Nigeria responded to COVID-19 pandemic by implementing anti-COVID-19 mitigation strategies in travel restrictions, social distancing, source control, contact tracing, self-isolation, and quarantine, as well as in clinical interventions. Our epidemiological model estimated the R-value of more than 1.0 in Nigeria and in each of all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Conclusion
Nigeria implemented containment and mitigation measures in response to the first wave of COVID-19 and these measures may have contributed to the mild COVID-19 outcome in Nigeria compared to the global trend. However, inadequate PCR testing capacity, lack or suboptimal utilization of epidemic metrics like the virus reproduction number (R) to inform decision making, and premature easing of lockdown measures among others were major challenges to the effective implementation of the COVID-19 response measures.
Toxicological outcome of phthalate exposure on male fertility: Ameliorative impacts of the co-administration of N-acetylcysteine and zinc sulfate in rats
Authors: Emojevwe V. , Nwangwa E. K. , Naiho A. O. , Oyovwi M. O. , Ben-Azu B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundReports have shown that humans are consistently exposed to environmental toxicants such as phthalate (PHT) during their daily activities. This results in reproductive dysfunction and infertility-related issues as already noted in human and experimental animals. We therefore designed this study to investigate fertility outcome in phthalate-exposed male rats treated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) with the view of providing a therapeutic alternative to reproductive toxicity caused by phthalate. The research was done in two phases. In phase 1, thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of five (n= 7) groups given the following treatments for 21 days: group A was given distilled water as a control, while groups B, C, D, and E were given phthalate (750 mg/kg/day). Animals in groups C to E were also given ZnSO4 (0.5 mg/kg/day), N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kg/day), and ZnSO4 (0.5 mg/kg/day) + N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kg/day) in addition to phthalate. In phase 2, animals from groups in phase 1 were mated with females for fecundity testing.ResultsThe result shows alteration in testicular and epididymis weight and testis/epididymis ratio, semen parameters, sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, sperm DNA, serum Zn and Mg, testicular mitochondria apoptosis mechanisms (TNF-α and BCL-2), and testicularCa2+-ATPaseas well as fecundity outcome in the phthalate-treated group. However, ZnSO4and NAC successfully ameliorated the deleterious effects of phthalate on semen parameters, sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, serum electrolyte and mitochondria apoptosis mechanisms, and testicular electrogenicCa2+-ATPasein phthalate-induced male rats with a better outcome in the combined therapy. Pregnancy outcome and litter sizes were also higher in the combined therapy when also compared with the phthalate-treated groups.ConclusionAccording to the result, ZnSO4and NAC increased fertility outcome in phthalate-treated male rats through enhancement of testicular BCL-2, serum electrolyte, testicularCa2+ATPasepumps, and cytoprotection.
Evaluation of micronutrients among pediatric liver cirrhosis in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Amirhakimi Anis , Baligh Parisa , Javaherizadeh Hazhir 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Cirrhosis is the final result of most types of liver disease. Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin D have a significantly vital role in the immunologic and physiologic mechanisms in the body. The current study aimed to measure magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D level among children with liver cirrhosis.

Results
One hundred cases were included in the current study. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 53% of the cases. Zinc deficiency was present in 23% of the cases. The magnesium level was more than the normal level among 99% of the cases. There is a significant inverse correlation between zinc level and PELD score (Pearson correlation = − 0.314, P = 0.007).

Conclusion
Zinc deficiency and vitamin D deficiency were seen in children with liver cirrhosis. Serum magnesium level in children with liver cirrhosis was higher than standard. A significant correlation was seen between zinc level and PELD score.
Emergency department-based cancer screening interventions
Authors: Adler David , Abar Beau , Chiao Elizabeth Yu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Emergency department patients are disproportionately non-adherent with the United States Preventive Services Task Force cancer screening recommendations, making the emergency department a target-rich environment for interventions aimed at increasing the uptake of cancer screening. Promotion of cancer screening in the emergency department has the potential to address health disparities and to reach patients that experience significant barriers to accessing preventive care.

Topics of review
This narrative review presents concise summaries of the four types of cancer screenings with grade A or B recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung) and presents the potential enabling factors and challenges of utilizing the emergency department setting to increase cancer screening uptake. Past and ongoing efforts to promote cancer screening among emergency department patients are discussed, and critical knowledge gaps and research opportunities are highlighted.

Conclusion
Although there has been a paucity of research evaluating interventions that have the potential to increase cancer screening uptake among emergency department patients, the emergency department setting is uniquely positioned to address disparities in cancer screening uptake and contribute to progress towards national cancer screening goals. To be effective, interventions that aim to achieve this purpose must identify patients with screening needs, engage with patients regarding their knowledge and beliefs about screening, and provide an effective method to conduct or connect patients with screening procedures and subsequent follow-up.
Dirac cones and higher-order topology in quasi-continuous media
Authors: Lin Zhi-Kang , Jiang Jian-Hua 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
We consider the Dirac cones and higher-order topological phases in quasi-continuous media of classical waves (e.g., photonic and sonic crystals). Using sonic crystals as prototype examples, we revisit some of the known systems in the study of topological acoustics. We show the emergence of various Dirac cones and higher-order topological band gaps in the same framework by tuning the geometry of the system. We provide a pedagogical review of the underlying physics and methodology via the bulk-edge-corner correspondence, symmetry-based indicators, Wannier representations, filling anomaly, and fractional corner charges. In particular, the theory of the Dirac cones and the higher-order topology are put in the same framework. These examples and the underlying physics principles can be inspiring and useful in the future study of higher-order topological metamaterials.
The Weight of Place: Built Environment Correlates of Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Howell Nicholas A , Booth Gillian L 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In recent decades, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes has risen substantially in North America and worldwide. To address these dual epidemics, researchers and policymakers alike have been searching for effective means to promote healthy lifestyles at a population level. As a consequence, there has been a proliferation of research examining how the “built” environment in which we live influences physical activity levels, by promoting active forms of transportation, such as walking and cycling, over passive ones, such as car use. Shifting the transportation choices of local residents may mean that more members of the population can participate in physical activity during their daily routine without structured exercise programs. Increasingly, this line of research has considered the downstream metabolic consequences of the environment in which we live, raising the possibility that “healthier” community designs could help mitigate the rise in obesity and diabetes prevalence. This review discusses the evidence examining the relationship between the built environment, physical activity, and obesity-related diseases. We also consider how other environmental factors may interact with the built environment to influence metabolic health, highlighting challenges in understanding causal relationships in this area of research.
A Rare Hemoglobin Variant (β51Pro → His) Causing Misleading Measurements of Hemoglobin A1c
Authors: Mackley Michael P , Morgenthau Ari , Elnenaei Manal , MacKenzie Heather 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is considered the standard of care for the testing and monitoring of diabetes. Its ability to accurately reflect glycemia, however, is imperfect. Hemoglobin variants—mutant forms of hemoglobin caused by genetic variation present in 7% of the population—are known to adversely affect the ability of HbA1c measurement to reflect glycemic control. We report an illustrative case of a 64-year-old nondiabetic man with a steadily decreasing HbA1c and no symptoms of hypoglycemia or concerning family history. Preliminary investigative workup returned nothing of significance. Genetic sequencing, however, identified a rare benign hemoglobin variant: a heterozygous missense mutation in the gene encoding the hemoglobin β chain (c.155C &gt; A, p.Pro51His). This variant has been reported only once previously, and the report predates genetic sequence data of the variant. Although this variant had no clinical implications for the patient, it was the cause of falsely low HbA1c levels on high-performance ion-exchange chromatography. This case highlights the importance of considering the effect of hemoglobin variants on the measurement of HbA1c. When available, family history should be carefully considered. Clinicians should suspect hemoglobin variants when HbA1c is too high or low, or discordant with the clinical picture.
Early Vasopressor Utilization Strategies and Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Toro Camilo , Ohnuma Tetsu , Komisarow Jordan , Vavilala Monica S. , Laskowitz Daniel T. , James Michael L. , Mathew Joseph P. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Goldstein Ben A. , Sampson John H. , Krishnamoorthy Vijay 
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND:
Early hypotension after severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is associated with increased mortality and poor long-term outcomes. Current guidelines suggest the use of intravenous vasopressors, commonly norepinephrine and phenylephrine, to support blood pressure after TBI. However, guidelines do not specify vasopressor type, resulting in variation in clinical practice. We describe early vasopressor utilization patterns in critically ill patients with TBI and examine the association between utilization of norepinephrine, compared to phenylephrine, with hospital mortality after sTBI.

METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of US hospitals participating in the Premier Healthcare Database between 2009 and 2018. We examined adult patients (>17 years of age) with a primary diagnosis of sTBI who were treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) after injury. The primary exposure was vasopressor choice (phenylephrine versus norepinephrine) within the first 2 days of hospital admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes examined included hospital length of stay (LOS) and ICU LOS. We conducted a post hoc subgroup analysis in all patients with intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor placement. Regression analysis was used to assess differences in outcomes between patients exposed to phenylephrine versus norepinephrine, with propensity matching to address selection bias due to the nonrandom allocation of treatment groups.

RESULTS:
From 2009 to 2018, 24,718 (37.1%) of 66,610 sTBI patients received vasopressors within the first 2 days of hospitalization. Among these patients, 60.6% (n = 14,991) received only phenylephrine, 10.8% (n = 2668) received only norepinephrine, 3.5% (n = 877) received other vasopressors, and 25.0% (n = 6182) received multiple vasopressors. In that time period, the use of all vasopressors after sTBI increased. A moderate degree of variation in vasopressor choice was explained at the individual hospital level (23.1%). In propensity-matched analysis, the use of norepinephrine compared to phenylephrine was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.65; CI, 1.46–1.86; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:
Early vasopressor utilization among critically ill patients with sTBI is common, increasing over the last decade, and varies across hospitals caring for TBI patients. Compared to phenylephrine, norepinephrine was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality in propensity-matched analysis. Given the wide variation in vasopressor utilization and possible differences in efficacy, our analysis suggests the need for randomized controlled trials to better inform vasopressor choice for patients with sTBI.
miND (miRNA NGS Discovery pipeline): a small RNA-seq analysis pipeline and report generator for microRNA biomarker discovery studies
Authors: Diendorfer Andreas , Khamina Kseniya , Pultar Marianne , Hackl Matthias 
Published: February 2022

In contrast to traditional methods like real-time polymerase chain reaction, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and especially small RNA-seq, enables the untargeted investigation of the whole small RNAome, including microRNAs (miRNAs) but also a multitude of other RNA species. With the promising application of small RNAs as biofluid-based biomarkers, small RNA-seq is the method of choice for an initial discovery study. However, the presentation of specific quality aspects of small RNA-seq data varies significantly between laboratories and is lacking a common (minimal) standard. The miRNA NGS Discovery pipeline (miND) aims to bridge the gap between wet lab scientist and bioinformatics with an easy to setup configuration sheet and an automatically generated comprehensive report that contains all essential qualitative and quantitative results that should be reported. Besides the standard steps like preprocessing, mapping, visualization, and quantification of reads, the pipeline also incorporates differential expression analysis when given the appropriate information regarding sample groups. Although miND has a focus on miRNAs, other RNA species like tRNAs, piRNA, snRNA, or snoRNA are included and mapping statistics are available for further analysis. miND has been developed and tested on a multitude of data sets with various RNA sources (tissue, plasma, extracellular vesicles, urine, etc.) and different species. miND is a Snakemake based pipeline and thus incorporates all advantages using a flexible workflow management system. Reference databases are downloaded, prepared and built with an included (but separate) workflow and thus can easily be updated to the most recent version but also stored for reproducibility. In conclusion, the miND pipeline aims to streamline the bioinformatics processing of small RNA-seq data by standardizing the processing from raw data to a final, comprehensive and reproducible report.