bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mercury biomonitoring in German adults using volumetric absorptive microsampling
Authors: Koutsimpani-Wagner Anastasia , Quartucci Caroline , Rooney James P. K. , Bose-O’Reilly Stephan , Rakete Stefan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMercury (Hg) is a global pollutant and a danger to human health. Human biomonitoring of Hg using a dried blood matrix instead of venous blood sampling for exposure assessment is of growing interest. This study aims to develop, validate, and evaluate the application of volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) for Hg biomonitoring in humans. Sampling, drying, and storage conditions were evaluated during method development. Storage in pre-cleaned glass vials after drying for 2 h in a desiccator ensured analyte stability for at least 4 weeks. Sixty-eight paired capillary VAMS and venous blood samples from volunteers in Munich, Germany, were used for method validation. Hg levels in VAMS and venous blood samples were determined by direct mercury analysis. The limits of detection and quantitation for VAMS were 0.18 and 0.61 µg/l, respectively. However, sensitivity could be improved by using two microsamples for analysis instead of one. Hg levels in VAMS samples correlated very well with Hg levels in venous blood samples (R2 = 0.958). Furthermore, VAMS showed a high accuracy (median recovery: 117%) and precision (median relative standard deviation: 8.7%), especially for Hg concentrations above 1.0 µg/l. In fact, accuracy and precision of VAMS improved with increasing Hg concentrations. In conclusion, VAMS in combination with direct mercury analysis is an accurate and viable alternative for human biomonitoring of Hg.
Graphical abstract
What can a midsized, semi-arid city teach us about human-made forests?
Authors: Rasmussen Shaundra Mae , Tinkham Wade Travis , McHale Melissa Renee 
Published: March 2022

AbstractResearch has shown that urban tree canopy (UTC) provides a multitude of ecosystem services to people in cities, yet the benefits and costs of trees are not always equitably distributed among residents and households. To support urban forest managers and sustainability planning, many studies have analyzed the relationships between UTC and various morphological and social variables. Most of these studies, however, focus on large cities like Baltimore, MD, Los Angeles, CA, and New York, NY. Yet, small and midsized cities are experiencing the most growth globally, often having more opportunity to alter management strategies and policies to conserve and/or increase canopy cover and other green infrastructure. Using both a linear and spatial regression approach, we analyzed the main drivers of UTC across census block groups in Fort Collins, CO, a midsize, semi-arid city projected to undergo significant population growth in the next 20-30 years. Results from Fort Collins indicated that block groups with older buildings and greater housing density contained more UTC, with 2.2% more canopy cover for every 10 years of building age and 4.1% more for every 10 houses per hectare. We also found that distributional inequities may already be developing within this midsized city, as block groups with more minority communities were associated with lower UTC. We compared the drivers of UTC in Fort Collins to other cities located in different climate regions, or biomes, and in various stages of urban development. Based on these results, we suggested future urban forest management strategies for semi-arid cities like Fort Collins.
Historical links between climate and fire on species dispersion and trait evolution
Authors: Lamont Byron B. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe interaction effects between climate and fire regime in controlling the type of vegetation and species composition is well established among the Earth’s biomes. Climate and the associated fire regime are never stable for long, and annual temperatures, atmospheric carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, and burn probability have varied radically over the last 350 million years. At the scale of thousands of years, floras have oscillated between spreading and retracting as climate and the dependent fire regime have fluctuated. At the scale of millions of years, distinct traits have evolved along three lines: fire resistance, fire-stimulated dormancy release, and rapid postfire growth, all limited by the type of fire (as controlled by climate) and postfire weather. Eight pairings of fire- and postfire-related traits resulting from the interplay between fire and climate are noted here. Smoke-released seed dormancy is beneficial on two counts: it increases the chance of recruitment under the present fireprone climate and increases the chances of survival should the wet season shift to another time of year where temperatures are higher or lower. Four pathways can be recognized with respect to the fire regimes induced by climate changes: (1) from non-fireprone to fireprone habitats (gains fire-adapted trait, 13 studies covering the last 115 million years (My) described here); (2) from a surface fire to a crown fire-type habitat (gains a different fire-adapted trait, 13 studies); (3) from a crown fire-type to surface fire-type habitat (loss of fire-adapted trait, 12 studies); and (4) from moderately burnt (crown fire) to non-fireprone habitat, such as desert, rainforest, or alpine habitats (loss of fire-adapted trait, 6 studies). Four case studies, at decreasing taxonomic rank, are used to illustrate the intimate relationship between climate change with its associated vegetation and fire regime change as they promote adaptive trait evolution: gain then loss of heat-released seed dormancy in Dipterocarpaceae–Cistaceae–Bixaceae over 90 My, gain then loss of serotiny in Callitroid Cupressaceae over the last 65 My, gain then loss of smoke-released seed dormancy in Proteoid Proteaceae over the last 120 My, and gain then loss of resprouting and serotiny among Hakea species (Grevilleoid Proteaceae) over the last 20 My. Examples of within-species rates of migration and trait change, including a model describing increasing degree of serotiny with intensifying drought, are given. The relevance of this historical approach to current (anthropogenic) climate change and associated fire regime alteration is discussed. Despite major threats expected to species conservation status at both the macro-(biome) and micro-(population) scales, I conclude that insufficient time or opportunities remain for effective migration to less-stressed areas or suitable adaptive responses to climate/fire regime change to evolve.
Plant-Microbial Symbioses in Coastal Systems: Their Ecological Importance and Role in Coastal Restoration
Authors: Farrer Emily C. , Van Bael Sunshine A. , Clay Keith , Smith McKenzie K. H. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCoastal systems are immensely valuable to humans. They contain unique ecosystems that are biodiversity reservoirs and provide key ecosystem services as well as a wealth of cultural heritage. Despite their importance to humans, many coastal systems are experiencing degradation that threatens their integrity and provisioning of services. While much is known about the plant communities and associated wildlife in coastal areas, the importance of microorganisms represents a large knowledge gap. Here we review the ecology of plant-microbial symbioses in coastal systems, including mycorrhizae, nitrogen fixers, endophytes, rhizosphere microbes, and pathogens. We focus on four common coastal communities: sand dunes, marshes, mangroves, and forests/shrublands. We also assess recent research and the potential for using microbes in coastal restoration efforts to mitigate anthropogenic impacts. We find that microbial symbionts are largely responsible for the health of plants constituting the foundation of coastal communities by affecting plant establishment, growth, competitive ability, and stress tolerance, as well as modulating biogeochemical cycling in these stressful coastal systems. Current use of microbial symbionts to augment restoration of stressful and degraded coastal systems is still very much in its infancy; however, it holds great promise for increasing restoration success on the coast. Much research is still needed to test and develop microbial inocula for facilitating restoration of different coastal systems. This is an excellent opportunity for collaboration between restoration practitioners and microbial ecologists to work toward a common goal of enhancing resilience of our coastal ecosystems at a time when these systems are vulnerable to an increasing number of threats.
Prescription Patterns and Testosterone Concentrations Achieved with AndroForte 5% Testosterone Cream in Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals
Authors: Nolan Brendan J. , Zwickl Sav , Locke Peter , Simpson Satu , Li Ling , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Cheung Ada S. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundMasculinizing hormone therapy with testosterone is used to align an individual’s physical characteristics with their gender identity in trans and gender diverse individuals. Standard testosterone doses and formulations recommended for hypogonadal cisgender men are typically administered. 100 mg AndroForte 5% testosterone cream is the recommended starting dose in hypogonadal cisgender men but there are no data evaluating the use of AndroForte 5% testosterone cream in gender-affirming hormone therapy regimens.AimTo assess the prescription patterns and serum total testosterone concentrations achieved with AndroForte 5% testosterone cream in trans and gender diverse individuals.MethodsA retrospective analysis was undertaken of trans and gender diverse individuals at a primary and secondary care clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Seventy-two individuals treated with AndroForte 5% testosterone cream to the torso were included.OutcomesTestosterone dose and serum total testosterone concentration.ResultsMedian age was 26 years (IQR 22–30) and median duration of testosterone therapy was 14 months (7–24). Fifty (69%) individuals had a non-binary gender identity. Initial median testosterone dose was 50 mg (50–100) daily. Thirty-eight (53%) commenced doses &lt;100 mg daily, the recommended starting dose for hypogonadal cisgender men. Median total testosterone concentration achieved from 186 individual laboratory results was 11.9 nmol/L (8.1–16.4). Polycythemia was documented in 5 (7%) individuals.Clinical ImplicationsAndroForte 5% testosterone cream can be used in individuals with a binary and/or non-binary gender identity seeking masculinization. It can be commenced at a lower dose than that administered to hypogonadal cisgender men for individuals seeking slow masculinization goals.Strengths & LimitationsLimitations include the retrospective study design, lack of clinical end points and lack of standardization of timing of laboratory tests in relation to the last dose. This is the first study to evaluate AndroForte 5% testosterone cream in trans and gender diverse individuals and provides insights into prescription patterns in individuals with a non-binary gender identity.ConclusionAndroForte 5% testosterone cream represents an alternative formulation of testosterone administration for trans and gender diverse individuals seeking masculinization.
Identified risk factors for co-infection in hospitalised children infected with adenovirus in Hangzhou
Authors: Lao Qun , Han Ning , Pan Haipeng , Zhan Ming , Wu Yidong , Zhao Shiyong , Jia Yuzhu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to describe the clinical manifestations of adenovirus infections and identify potential risk factors for co-infection with chlamydia, viruses and bacteria in hospitalised children from Hangzhou, China. From January to December 2019, the characteristics of hospitalised children infected with adenovirus at Hangzhou Children's Hospital and Zhejiang Xiaoshan Hospital were collected. The clinical factors related to co-infection with chlamydia, viruses and bacteria were assessed using multivariate logistic regression analyses. A total of 5989 children were infected with adenovirus, of which 573 were hospitalised for adenovirus infection. The severity of adenovirus respiratory infection was categorised as follows: mild (bronchiolitis, 73.6%), moderate (bronchopneumonia, 17.6%) or severe (pneumonia, 8.8%). Of the 573 children who were hospitalised, 280 presented with co-infection of chlamydia, viruses or bacteria, while the remaining 293 had only adenovirus infection. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses indicated that elevated ferritin was associated with an increased risk of chlamydia co-infection (odds ratio (OR) 6.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56–27.11; P = 0.010). However, increased white blood cell (WBC) count was associated with a reduced risk of viral co-infection (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75–0.95; P = 0.006). The study indicated that co-infection with chlamydia could be affected by elevated ferritin levels. WBC levels could affect viral co-infection in hospitalised children infected with adenovirus.
Hong Kong triads: the historical and political evolution of urban criminal polity, 1842–2020
Authors: Wang Peng , Kwok Sharon Ingrid 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article examines the origins and evolution of Hong Kong triads since 1842 through official archival documents, media analysis, interviews with triad members and an analytical framework of criminal politics (organized crime–state relations). We propose ‘the urban criminal polity’ as a novel concept to explicate urban criminal organizations as a non-state power in the city. We argue that interactions between triad societies and the British colonial government were primarily characterized by enforcement–evasion rather than confrontation. Since the 1990s, alliances have grown between patriotic triads and the Chinese central government, which enhances the Chinese government's control over the city.
Infants with Down syndrome and congenital heart disease have altered peri-operative immune responses
Authors: Zakharchenko Lyudmyla , EL-Khuffash Afif , Hurley Tim , Kelly Lynne , Melo Ashanti , Padden Maureen , Franklin Orla , Molloy Eleanor J. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Infants with Down syndrome (DS) have an altered immune response. We aimed to characterise the inflammatory response in infants with DS and congenital heart disease (CHD) peri-operatively in comparison to infants with CHD and a normal chromosomal complement, and to healthy infants pre-operatively.

Methods
Infants with DS/CHD, infants without DS but with CHD (CHD only) and healthy infants were prospectively recruited and serial serum cytokines evaluated peri-operatively using multiplex ELISA: tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and TNF-β; interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-1ra; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF); and erythropoietin (EPO).

Results
Ninety-four infants were recruited including age-matched controls (n = 10), DS/CHD (n = 55), and CHD only (n = 29). Children with DS/CHD had significantly lower concentrations of several cytokines (IL-10, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, VEGF) in the pre- and post-operatively vs CHD only and controls. EPO and GM-CSF were significantly higher in DS/CHD (p value <0.05).

Conclusions
Children with DS/CHD had significantly lower concentrations of several cytokines compared to controls or children with CHD only. EPO and GM-CSF were significantly higher in children with DS/CHD. The assessment of the immune response may be suitable for the predictable clinical outcomes in these children.

Impact

This study demonstrated that children with Down syndrome (DS) and congenital heart disease (CHD) have significant alterations in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses peri-operatively.

These changes may contribute to adverse clinical outcomes, including sepsis, chylothorax, and autoimmunity. They may impact the pathogenesis and outcome post-operatively and long term in this population.

Children with DS and CHD have significantly lower cytokine concentrations, increased EPO and GM-CSF, and decreased VEGF pre- and post-operatively. Assessing their inflammatory state peri-operatively may facilitate the development of a predictive model that can inform tailored management of these infants using novel therapies including immunomodulation.
Mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): timing and pattern of MRI brain injury
Authors: Li Yi , Wisnowski Jessica L. , Chalak Lina , Mathur Amit M. , McKinstry Robert C. , Licona Genesis , Mayock Dennis E. , Chang Taeun , Van Meurs Krisa P. , Wu Tai-Wei , Ahmad Kaashif A. , Cornet Marie-Coralie , Rao Rakesh , Scheffler Aaron , Wu Yvonne W. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for neonatal brain injury. We examined the timing and pattern of brain injury in mild HIE.

Methods
This retrospective cohort study includes infants with mild HIE treated at 9 hospitals. Neonatal brain MRIs were scored by 2 reviewers using a validated classification system, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Severity and timing of MRI brain injury (i.e., acute, subacute, chronic) was scored on the subset of MRIs that were performed at or before 8 days of age.

Results
Of 142 infants with mild HIE, 87 (61%) had injury on MRI at median age 5 (IQR 4–6) days. Watershed (23%), deep gray (20%) and punctate white matter (18%) injury were most common. Among the 125 (88%) infants who received a brain MRI at ≤8 days, mild (44%) injury was more common than moderate (11%) or severe (4%) injury. Subacute (37%) lesions were more commonly observed than acute (32%) or chronic lesions (1%).

Conclusion
Subacute brain injury is common in newborn infants with mild HIE. Novel neuroprotective treatments for mild HIE will ideally target both subacute and acute injury mechanisms.

Impact

Almost two-thirds of infants with mild HIE have evidence of brain injury on MRI obtained in the early neonatal period.

Subacute brain injury was seen in 37% of infants with mild HIE.

Neuroprotective treatments for mild HIE will ideally target both acute and subacute injury mechanisms.
Analysis of the interaction of seeds with a centrifugal disk working body of a chamber-type treater
Authors: Sukhanova Mayya , Mudarisov Salavat , Zabrodin Victor , Bondarev Andrey , Gallyamov Faile 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPresowing seed treatment is the first step in growing crops and obtaining a predicted high-quality yield. It plays a vital role in an integrated plant protection system. When treating seeds before sowing, it is crucial to avoid seed damage by the machine working bodies to obtain the planned harvest. For that reason, when designing new machines, it is necessary to exclude the use of auger working bodies and reduce the treatment speed. This paper analyzes the interaction of seeds with the working surfaces of centrifugal disk distribution bodies of pressown seed treatment machines. This paper considers the influence of geometric and kinematic factors on the distribution of particles at the outlet of the disk working body. Theoretical dependences that allow determining the relative speed of seed escape from the blades of a centrifugal disk have been obtained. An experimental plant allowing testing of the effectiveness of the proposed technical solution has been designed and manufactured. Theoretical and experimental studies allowed us to determine the conditions necessary for uniform chemical treatment of seeds and reduce the impact of centrifugal-type working bodies on seeds when treated with chemical or biological preparations before sowing.
Phenotypic and genotypic within-host diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary isolates
Authors: Cottalorda Agnès , Dahyot Sandrine , Soares Anaïs , Alexandre Kevin , Zorgniotti Isabelle , Etienne Manuel , Jumas-Bilak Estelle , Pestel-Caron Martine 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to assess phenotypic and molecular inter-patient and within-host diversity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates responsible for urinary tract infection (UTI) or asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB). Clinical data of 120 consecutive P. aeruginosa UTI (n = 40) and AB (n = 80) were prospectively analyzed. Up to five P. aeruginosa isolates per sample were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was determined for all isolates (n = 591); a subset of 358 was characterized by multilocus sequence typing. 444 isolates (75%) were non-multidrug resistant (MDR), 113 (19%) were MDR, and 34 (6%) were extensively drug resistant. A genetically highly diverse population was observed (64 sequence types [STs]), without strict correlation between genotypes and clinical settings. 35 patients (28%; 12 UTIs and 23 ABs) presented distinct antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles within a given urine sample, significantly associated with previous carbapenem and fluroquinolones exposure; five of them also exhibited polyclonal UTI or AB (with isolates belonging to two STs). P. aeruginosa urinary isolates of these 120 patients were highly diverse, in terms of AMR as well as genetic background. Both within-host AMR and molecular diversity can complicate AST, treatment and control of P. aeruginosa UTI.
Three-dimensional continuous gait trajectory estimation using single Shank-Worn inertial measurement units and clinical walk test application
Authors: Uchitomi Hirotaka , Hirobe Yuki , Miyake Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractState-of-the-art estimation methods using inertial measurement units (IMUs) for global continuous gait path and local stepwise gait trajectory during walking have been developed. However, estimation methods for continuous gait trajectory integrating both these aspects with high accuracy are almost lacking. Thus, continuous gait trajectory estimation using a single shank-worn IMU with high accuracy is proposed in this study. This method calculates three-dimensional local stepwise gait trajectory based on IMU measurement data extracted between adjacent middle points of stance phases during walking. Continuous gait trajectory is estimated by concatenating adjacent local stepwise gait trajectories based on relative angles determined according to stride vectors and shank orientations. Evaluation experiments results obtained using the optical motion capture system with 12 healthy participants demonstrated estimation errors in the stride length (− 0.027 (− 0.054 to − 0.006) m) and turning angle (0.7 (− 0.2–1.7)°), and normalized endpoint position error (0.029 (0.019–0.04) m). Comparing with previous reports, the proposed method integrally achieves a continuous gait trajectory with a low estimation error level in both local and global aspects despite the continuous measurement of multiple gait cycles. The proposed simple and low-cost method can be applied in the medical field and contribute to expansion of the application of precise gait information in daily life.