bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-Rate Sulfate Removal Coupled to Elemental Sulfur Production in Mining Process Waters Based on Membrane-Biofilm Technology
Authors: Schwarz Alex , Gaete María , Nancucheo Iván , Villa-Gomez Denys , Aybar Marcelo , Sbárbaro Daniel 
Published: March 2022

It is anticipated that copper mining output will significantly increase over the next 20 years because of the more intensive use of copper in electricity-related technologies such as for transport and clean power generation, leading to a significant increase in the impacts on water resources if stricter regulations and as a result cleaner mining and processing technologies are not implemented. A key concern of discarded copper production process water is sulfate. In this study we aim to transform sulfate into sulfur in real mining process water. For that, we operate a sequential 2-step membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) system. We coupled a hydrogenotrophic MBfR (H2-MBfR) for sulfate reduction to an oxidizing MBfR (O2-MBfR) for oxidation of sulfide to elemental sulfur. A key process improvement of the H2-MBfR was online pH control, which led to stable high-rate sulfate removal not limited by biomass accumulation and with H2 supply that was on demand. The H2-MBfR easily adapted to increasing sulfate loads, but the O2-MBfR was difficult to adjust to the varying H2-MBfR outputs, requiring better coupling control. The H2-MBfR achieved high average volumetric sulfate reduction performances of 1.7–3.74 g S/m3-d at 92–97% efficiencies, comparable to current high-rate technologies, but without requiring gas recycling and recompression and by minimizing the H2 off-gassing risk. On the other hand, the O2-MBfR reached average volumetric sulfur production rates of 0.7–2.66 g S/m3-d at efficiencies of 48–78%. The O2-MBfR needs further optimization by automatizing the gas feed, evaluating the controlled removal of excess biomass and S0 particles accumulating in the biofilm, and achieving better coupling control between both reactors. Finally, an economic/sustainability evaluation shows that MBfR technology can benefit from the green production of H2 and O2 at operating costs which compare favorably with membrane filtration, without generating residual streams, and with the recovery of valuable elemental sulfur.
Effect of Different Concentrations of Silver Nanoparticles on the Quality of the Chemical Bond of Glass Ionomer Cement Dentine in Primary Teeth
Authors: Abed Faisal Mohammed , Kotha Sunil Babu , AlShukairi Haneen , Almotawah Fatmah Nasser , Alabdulaly Rwan Abdulali , Mallineni Sreekanth Kumar 
Published: March 2022

Background: The nanotechnologies have been applied for dental restorative materials manufacturing such as glass ionomer cement, composites, tooth regeneration, and endodontic sealers. The study aimed to investigate the chemical bond of conventional glass ionomer cement and to evaluate the addition of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the quality of the chemical bond of glass ionomer cement to primary dentin.Methods: Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) powder was added in concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% to the conventional powder of GIC Fuji II. Then, the powder was added to the liquid and mixed with the recommended powder/liquid ratio of 3.6:1 g. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) of teeth with 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% w/w of silver nanoparticles in GIC fills and the control tooth were obtained. The conventional glass ionomer was used as a control group. The control and the plain silver tooth were subjected to FTIR analysis using an ATR–FTIR spectrophotometer (ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, United States) with zinc selenide (ZnSe) ATR crystal (attenuated total reflection) and OPUS v7.5 software. All spectra were recorded in the range of 500–3,500 cm−1 in the transmission mode with an ATR module.Results: The AgNPs added at 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% concentration to GIC provided some information in the context of bond interaction with the dentin. Various bond peaks were seen for calcium, carbonate, phosphate, and amide. In our study, only the amide and phosphate were generated. The amide peaks were almost similar to the control, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%, with the peaks in the range of 1250–1650 cm−1. There was a clear shift in the phosphate peak from the control, 0.2, and 0.4%, which was about 1050 cm−1, whereas for 0.6%, there was a clear shift from 1050 cm−1 to 880 cm−1.Conclusion: GIC supplemented with AgNPs showed that a concentration above 0.4% of AgNPs altered the bond quality in dentin interaction. In conclusion, adding AgNPs at a minimal level improves the mechanical properties and maintains the same bond quality as GIC.
Exploring the Cunninghamia lanceolata(Lamb.) Hook Genome by BAC Sequencing
Authors: Ji Yuan , Zhu Liming , Hao Zhaodong , Su Shunde , Zheng Xueyan , Shi Jisen , Zheng Renhua , Chen Jinhui 
Published: March 2022

Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.)Hook is an important economic timber tree in China. However, its genome characteristics have not been extensively assessed. To better understand its genome information, the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of chinese fir was constructed. A total of 422 BAC clones were selected and divided into 10 pools and sequenced, and with an average insert size of 121 kb, ranging from 97 to 145 kb. A total of 61,902,523 bp of reference sequences were sequenced and assembled, and based on an estimated genome size of 11.6 Gb for Chinese fir, the BAC library was estimated to have a total coverage of 0.53% genome equivalents. Bioinformatics analyses were also performed for repeated sequences, tRNAs, coding gene prediction, and functional annotation. The results of this study provide insights into the brief structure of the Chinese fir genome and has generated gene data that will facilitate molecular investigations on the mechanisms underlying tree growth.
Macrophage Paired Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor B Deficiency Promotes Peripheral Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice
Authors: Su Wenhua , Liang Liwen , Zhou Liang , Cao Yu , Zhou Xiuli , Liu Shiqi , Wang Qian , Zhang Hong 
Published: March 2022

Background: Peripheral atherosclerotic disease (PAD) is the narrowing or blockage of arteries that supply blood to the lower limbs. Given its complex nature, bioinformatics can help identify crucial genes involved in the progression of peripheral atherosclerosis.Materials and Methods: Raw human gene expression data for 462 PAD arterial plaque and 23 normal arterial samples were obtained from the GEO database. The data was analyzed using an integrated, multi-layer approach involving differentially-expressed gene analysis, KEGG pathway analysis, GO term enrichment analysis, weighted gene correlation network analysis, and protein-protein interaction analysis. The monocyte/macrophage-expressed leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2 (LILRB2) was strongly associated with the human PAD phenotype. To explore the role of the murine LILRB2 homologue PirB in vivo, we created a myeloid-specific PirB-knockout Apoe−/− murine model of PAD (PirBMΦKO) to analyze femoral atherosclerotic burden, plaque features of vulnerability, and monocyte recruitment to femoral atherosclerotic lesions. The phenotypes of PirBMΦKO macrophages under various stimuli were also investigated in vitro.Results:PirBMΦKO mice displayed increased femoral atherogenesis, a more vulnerable plaque phenotype, and enhanced monocyte recruitment into lesions. PirBMΦKO macrophages showed enhanced pro-inflammatory responses and a shift toward M1 over M2 polarization under interferon-γ and oxidized LDL exposure. PirBMΦKO macrophages also displayed enhanced efferocytosis and reduced lipid efflux under lipid exposure.Conclusion: Macrophage PirB reduces peripheral atherosclerotic burden, stabilizes peripheral plaque composition, and suppresses macrophage accumulation in peripheral lesions. Macrophage PirB inhibits pro-inflammatory activation, inhibits efferocytosis, and promotes lipid efflux, characteristics critical to suppressing peripheral atherogenesis.
Kinetics of Cardiac Remodeling and Fibrosis Biomarkers During an Extreme Mountain Ultramarathon
Authors: Le Goff Caroline , Viallon Magalie , Kaux Jean-François , Andonian Pierre , Moulin Kevin , Seidel Laurence , Giardini Guido , Gergelé Laurent , Croisille Pierre , Cavalier Etienne , Millet Gregoire P. 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThe effects of ultra-distance on cardiac remodeling and fibrosis are unclear. Moreover, there are no data reporting the kinetics of cardiac alterations throughout the event and during recovery. Our aim was to investigate the kinetics of biological markers including new cardiac fibrosis biomarkers suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) during and after an extreme mountain ultramarathon.MethodsFifty experienced runners participating in one of the most challenging mountain ultramarathons (330 km, D+ 25,000 m) were enrolled in our study. Blood samples were collected at four time points: before (Pre-), at 148 km (Mid-), at the finish line (Post-), and 3 days after the recovery period (Recov-).ResultsThe cardiac fibrosis biomarkers (ST2 and Gal-3) increased from Pre- to Mid-. During the second half, ST2 remained higher than pre-values as opposed to Gal-3. Necrosis, ischemia, and myocyte injury biomarkers increased until Mid- then decreased but remained higher at Recov- than Pre-values. Oxidative stress appeared at Mid-. Lipid peroxides remained higher at Recov- compared to Pre-. The maximal value in most of these biomarkers was observed at Mid- and not at Post-.ConclusionsThe present study supports biphasic kinetics of cardiac fibrosis biomarkers, with a relative recovery during the second half of the event that seems specific to this extreme event. Overall, performing at such an extreme ultramarathon seems less deleterious for the heart than shorter events.
Sodium Glucose Cotransporter Type 2 Inhibitors Improve Cardiorenal Outcome of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wei Wen , Liu Jin , Chen Shiqun , Xu Xinghao , Guo Dachuan , He Yibo , Huang Zhidong , Wang Bo , Huang Haozhang , Li Qiang , Chen Jiyan , Chen Hong , Tan Ning , Liu Yong 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveSodium glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are beneficial for cardiorenal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), heart failure (HF) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, whether or not the patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have prognostic benefit from SGLT-2i treatment has not been fully studied. The purpose of this meta−analysis is to determine the prognostic benefit of SGLT-2i administration in CAD patients.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library from inception until October 15, 2021. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effect of SGLT-2i on major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), cardiovascular (CV) death and cardiorenal parameters in CAD patients. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and mean difference (MD) from trials were meta-analyzed using fixed-effects models.ResultsNine trials enrolling 15,301 patients with CAD were included in the analyses. Overall, SGLT2i were associated with a reduced risk of MACE (HR: 0.84; 95% CI 0.74–0.95; I2 = 0%), HHF (HR: 0.69; 95% CI 0.58–0.83; I2 = 0%) and a composite of CV death or HHF (HR: 0.78; 95% CI 0.71–0.86; I2 = 37%) in CAD patients. Compared with control group, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level decreased less in SGLT-2i group (mean difference [MD] = −3.60, 95% CI, −5.90 to −1.30, p = 0.002; I2 = 0%).ConclusionsSGLT-2i can improve cardiorenal outcomes in CAD patients. Further RCTs and real world studies are need to investigate the effect of SGLT2i on CAD patients.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, CRD42021258237.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Integration Analysis Reveals the Correlation Between Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Fibroblasts
Authors: Fan Chuiqin , Liao Maochuan , Xie Lichun , Huang Liangping , Lv Siyu , Cai Siyu , Su Xing , Wang Yue , Wang Hongwu , Wang Manna , Liu Yulin , Wang Yu , Guo Huijie , Yang Hanhua , Liu Yufeng , Wang Tianyou , Ma Lian 
Published: March 2022

Background: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and fibroblasts show similar morphology, surface marker expression, and proliferation, differentiation, and immunomodulatory capacities. These similarities not only blur their cell identities but also limit their application.Methods: We performed single-cell transcriptome sequencing of the human umbilical cord and foreskin MSCs (HuMSCs and FSMSCs) and extracted the single-cell transcriptome data of the bone marrow and adipose MSCs (BMSCs and ADMSCs) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, we performed quality control, batch effect correction, integration, and clustering analysis of the integrated single-cell transcriptome data from the HuMSCs, FMSCs, BMSCs, and ADMSCs. The cell subsets were annotated based on the surface marker phenotypes for the MSCs (CD105+, CD90+, CD73+, CD45−, CD34−, CD19−, HLA-DRA−, and CD11b−), fibroblasts (VIM+, PECAM1−, CD34−, CD45−, EPCAM−, and MYH11−), and pericytes (CD146+, PDGFRB+, PECAM1−, CD34−, and CD45−). The expression levels of common fibroblast markers (ACTA2, FAP, PDGFRA, PDGFRB, S100A4, FN1, COL1A1, POSTN, DCN, COL1A2, FBLN2, COL1A2, DES, and CDH11) were also analyzed in all cell subsets. Finally, the gene expression profiles, differentiation status, and the enrichment status of various gene sets and regulons were compared between the cell subsets.Results: We demonstrated 15 distinct cell subsets in the integrated single-cell transcriptome sequencing data. Surface marker annotation demonstrated the MSC phenotype in 12 of the 15 cell subsets. C10 and C14 subsets demonstrated both the MSC and pericyte phenotypes. All 15 cell subsets demonstrated the fibroblast phenotype. C8, C12, and C13 subsets exclusively demonstrated the fibroblast phenotype. We identified 3,275 differentially expressed genes, 305 enriched gene sets, and 34 enriched regulons between the 15 cell subsets. The cell subsets that exclusively demonstrated the fibroblast phenotype represented less primitive and more differentiated cell types.Conclusion: Cell subsets with the MSC phenotype also demonstrated the fibroblast phenotype, but cell subsets with the fibroblast phenotype did not necessarily demonstrate the MSC phenotype, suggesting that MSCs represented a subclass of fibroblasts. We also demonstrated that the MSCs and fibroblasts represented highly heterogeneous populations with distinct cell subsets, which could be identified based on the differentially enriched gene sets and regulons that specify proliferating, differentiating, metabolic, and/or immunomodulatory functions.
Sequencing Reveals Population Structure and Selection Signatures for Reproductive Traits in Yunnan Semi-Fine Wool Sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Guo Yi , Liang Jiachong , Lv Chunrong , Wang Yi , Wu Guoquan , Ding Xiangdong , Quan Guobo 
Published: March 2022

Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep are among the most important cultivated sheep breeds in China. However, their population structure, genetic characteristics and traits of interest are poorly studied. In this study, we systematically studied the population characteristics and selection signatures of 40 Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep using SNPs obtained from whole-genome resequencing data. A total of 1393 Gb of clean data were acquired. The mapping rate against the reference genome was 91.23% on average (86.01%–92.26%), and the average sequence depth was 9.51X. After filtering, 28,593,198 SNPs and 4,725,259 indels with high quality were obtained. The heterozygosity rate, inbreeding coefficient and effective population size of the sheep were calculated to preliminarily explore their genetic characteristics. The average heterozygosity rate was 0.264, the average inbreeding coefficient was 0.0099, and the effective population size estimated from the heterozygote excess (HE) was 242.9. Based on the Tajima’s D and integrated haplotype score (iHS) approaches, 562 windows and 11,356 core SNPs showed selection signatures in the Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep population. After genome annotation and gene enrichment analysis, we found traces of early domestication in sensory organs, behavioural activity and the nervous system as well as adaptive changes in reproductive and wool traits under selection in this population. Some selected genes related to litter size, including FSHR, BMPR1B and OXT, were identified as being under selection. Specific missense mutations of the FSHR gene that differed from the reference genome were also identified in the population, and we found some SNP variations that may affect litter size. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the conservation and utilization of Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep. Furthermore, our results reveal some changes common to sheep after domestication and provide a new opportunity to investigate the genetic variation influencing fecundity within a population evolving under artificial selection.
Targeted Exome Sequencing of Genes Involved in Rare CNVs in Early-Onset Severe Obesity
Authors: Loid Petra , Pekkinen Minna , Mustila Taina , Tossavainen Päivi , Viljakainen Heli , Lindstrand Anna , Mäkitie Outi 
Published: March 2022

Context: Rare copy number variants (CNVs) have been associated with the development of severe obesity. However, the potential disease-causing contribution of individual genes within the region of CNVs is often not known.Objective: Screening of rare variants in genes involved in CNVs in Finnish patients with severe early-onset obesity to find candidate genes linked to severe obesity.Methods: Custom-made targeted exome sequencing panel to search for rare (minor allele frequency &lt;0.1%) variants in genes affected by previously identified CNVs in 92 subjects (median age 14 years) with early-onset severe obesity (median body mass index (BMI) Z-score + 4.0).Results: We identified thirteen rare heterozygous variants of unknown significance in eleven subjects in twelve of the CNV genes. Two rare missense variants (p.Pro405Arg and p.Tyr232Cys) were found in SORCS1, a gene highly expressed in the brain and previously linked to diabetes risk. Four rare variants were in genes in the proximal 16p11.2 region (a frameshift variant in TAOK2 and missense variants in SEZ6L2, ALDOA and KIF22) and three rare missense variants were in genes in the 22q11.21 region (AIFM3, ARVCF and KLHL22).Conclusion: We report several rare variants in CNV genes in subjects with childhood obesity. However, the role of the individual genes in the previously identified rare CNVs to development of obesity remains uncertain. More studies are needed to understand the potential role of the specific genes within obesity associated CNVs.
Transformation of Health and Social Care Systems—An Interdisciplinary Approach Toward a Foundational Architecture
Authors: Blobel Bernd , Oemig Frank , Ruotsalainen Pekka , Lopez Diego M. 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveFor realizing pervasive and ubiquitous health and social care services in a safe and high quality as well as efficient and effective way, health and social care systems have to meet new organizational, methodological, and technological paradigms. The resulting ecosystems are highly complex, highly distributed, and highly dynamic, following inter-organizational and even international approaches. Even though based on international, but domain-specific models and standards, achieving interoperability between such systems integrating multiple domains managed by multiple disciplines and their individually skilled actors is cumbersome.MethodsUsing the abstract presentation of any system by the universal type theory as well as universal logics and combining the resulting Barendregt Cube with parameters and the engineering approach of cognitive theories, systems theory, and good modeling best practices, this study argues for a generic reference architecture model moderating between the different perspectives and disciplines involved provide on that system. To represent architectural elements consistently, an aligned system of ontologies is used.ResultsThe system-oriented, architecture-centric, and ontology-based generic reference model allows for re-engineering the existing and emerging knowledge representations, models, and standards, also considering the real-world business processes and the related development process of supporting IT systems for the sake of comprehensive systems integration and interoperability. The solution enables the analysis, design, and implementation of dynamic, interoperable multi-domain systems without requesting continuous revision of existing specifications.
Two-Week Central Macular Thickness Reduction Rate >37% Predicts the Long-Term Efficacy of Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment for Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Zhou Jialin , Ma Huafeng , Zhou Xiyuan , Wang Qiuyu , Li Weihou , Luo Shuai , Cai Chang , Li Zefeng , Liu Danning 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo determine if the early response assessments can predict the long-term efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment for macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO-ME).MethodsA retrospective study of patients with diagnosis of RVO-ME and intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment was conducted. Clinical characteristics including age, gender, disease subtype and disease duration were recorded at baseline. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA and logMAR), intraocular pressure (IOP), and central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded at baseline, 2 weeks, and every month (months 1–6) after injection. Further, we compared the early response assessments between the cured group (6-month CMT ≤ 250 μm) and the uncured group (6-month CMT &gt; 250 μm).ResultsA total of 164 eyes in 164 patients (77 male and 87 female) were included. At each post-injection time point, both BCVA and CMT are significantly decreased from baseline (all P &lt; 0.001). Spearman’s test showed that 2-week CMT reduction rate after the first injection was negatively correlated with BCVA at 6 months (r = −0.359, P &lt; 0.001). Compared with the uncured group (47 cases), the cured group (117 cases) was younger (59.53 ± 11.68 vs. 65.19 ± 13.10 years old, P &lt; 0.01), had more BRVO patients (76.1% vs. 44.7%, P &lt; 0.01), a shorter disease duration (1.92 ± 2.43 vs. 5.05 ± 4.32 months, P &lt; 0.01), lower baseline CMT (527.09 ± 154.95 vs. 768.96 ± 287.75 μm, P &lt; 0.01), and lower baseline BCVA (0.86 ± 0.44 vs. 1.31 ± 0.51, P &lt; 0.01). At each post-injection time point, the cured group had lower CMT and BCVA values when compared to the uncured group (all P &lt; 0.01), and the 2-week CMT reduction rate was identified as the earliest response time to predict the long-term treatment efficacy. Moreover, ROC curve analysis indicated that a 2-week CMT reduction rate &gt;37% yielded the best cut-off point for predicting the long-term cure of anti-VEGF treatment at 6 months (P &lt; 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression confirmed that the 2-week CMT reduction rate &gt;37% was independently associated with the 6-month cured rate (OR = 9.639, 95% Cl = 1.030–90.227, P = 0.047).ConclusionAge, disease duration, baseline CMT, and baseline BCVA are associated with visual outcomes at 6-month of anti-VEGF treatment for RVO-ME. The “2-week CMT reduction rate &gt;37%” after the first injection is an independent factor to predict better long-term outcomes.