bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of eNOS gene polymorphisms on contrast induced nephropathy development in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Kılıç İlhan , Palabıyık Orkide , Kurultak İlhan , Sipahi Tammam , Üstündağ Sedat 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionContrast nephropathy is a result of contrast media given through intravascular routes. Nitric oxide gene polymorphisms may alter the hemodynamic stability resulting in medullary ischemia Nitric oxide gene polymorphisms may have an enhancing role in contrast media related renal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of eNOS intron 4a/b, T786C, and G894T gene polymorphisms on contrast‐nephropathy risk.MethodsNinety‐four chronic kidney disease patients with contrast nephropathy and 120 chronic kidney disease patients without contrast nephropathy were included. DNA isolation was performed and specific regions of DNA for eNOS G894T, T786C, and intron 4a/b genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction technique.ResultsTT polymorphism of T786C gene and GG polymorphism of G894T gene were detected to be possibly protective from contrast induced nephropathy.ConclusionEndothelial nitric oxide synthase G894T gene polymorphisms, older age, and presence of diabetes mellitus may influence contrast nephropathy development.
Enhancing anthocyanin–phenolic copigmentation through epicarp layer treatment and edible coatings to retain anthocyanins in thermally processed whole blueberries
Authors: Jung Jooyeoun , Lin Chieh‐Yi , Zhao Yanyun 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAnthocyanins in processed fruit degrade significantly due to their heat and oxygen sensitivity and water solubility. Copigmentation for stabilizing anthocyanins is less effective for whole fruit due to anthocyanins’ location within cell vacuoles surrounded by the epicarp layer as barrier to prevent copigment complexing with anthocyanins. This study investigated strategies for enhancing anthocyanin–phenolic copigmentation on blueberry surface, and integrated copigmentation with layer‐by‐layer (LBL) coating to retain anthocyanin stability in thermally processed blueberries. Results indicated that epicarp layer treatment of fruit by Tween 80 (T80) and CaCl2is important for enhancing anthocyanin–phenolic copigmentation. The sequential copigmentation treatment using T80, ferulic acid, and CaCl2(T80→FA→CaCl2) or T80, tannic acid, and CaCl2(T80→TA→CaCl2) resulted in higher (p< 0.05) retention of total monomeric anthocyanin (3.18 mg/g and 3.38 mg/g, respectively) in thermally processed blueberries after 7‐day ambient storage than that of untreated fruit (2.79 mg/g). Percent polymeric color (PPC) of blueberries treated by T80→FA→CaCl2(15.5%) or T80→TA→CaCl2(17.4%) was lower (p< 0.05) than that treated by TA alone (22.5%). The LBL coating enhanced microstructure stability for preserving anthocyanins in thermally processed blueberries. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of sequential copigmentation of blueberries after epicarp layer treatment followed by LBL coating for enhancing anthocyanin stability in processed whole fruit.Practical ApplicationWhen anthocyanin‐rich fruit is thermally processed, anthocyanins degrade and leach to aqueous packing solution because of its heat sensitivity and water solubility. This study developed an innovative technology through implementing sequential treatments of copigmentation and water‐ and heat‐resistant coating for preventing heat and water degradation of anthocyanins in whole fruit during processing in aqueous media. The developed technology can be practically applied to enhance the quality and health benefits of thermally processed anthocyanin‐rich whole fruit. The technology can not only be utilized to improve existing fruit products, but also develop new and novel fruit products.
Impact of Climate and Land Use Change on Economic Development in the Baoxing River Watershed in Giant Panda National Park
Authors: Ni Weijia , Mittelstet Aaron R. , Messer Tiffany L. , Tang Ya 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTChina established the Giant Panda National Park for ecological and species protection. New management requirements will impact the socioeconomic sustainability of the Baoxing River watershed, the core area of the national park. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model was used to explore future temporal distribution and magnitude of discharge in the Baoxing River watershed under climate and land use change to evaluate potential impacts on the local economy. Six scenarios were explored according to land use changes and climate emission scenarios. Peak discharge is predicted to shift to May through July in contrast to July through September during the base evaluation period. The gross industrial output and tax revenue of the cascade hydropower system in the watershed were predicted to increase by 68 and 95 million USD/year and 2.9 and 3.8 million USD/year, respectively, compared to the base year 2016 under the Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5) and RCP8.5 emission scenarios, respectively. However, due to the overall loss of the mining industry, the gross industrial output and tax revenue of hydropower and mining in the watershed were predicted to decrease by 125 and 233 million USD/year and 4.1 and 9 million USD/year, respectively, compared to the base year 2016. Findings are important for policy development to maintain ecological security and achieve sustainable economic development within the watershed.
Genomic investigation of the Chinese alligator reveals wild‐extinct genetic diversity and genomic consequences of their continuous decline
Authors: Yang Shangchen , Lan Tianming , Zhang Yi , Wang Qing , Li Haimeng , Dussex Nicolas , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Shi Minhui , Hu Mengyuan , Zhu Yixin , Cao Jun , Liu Lirong , Lin Jianqing , Wan Qiu‐Hong , Liu Huan , Fang Sheng‐Guo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCritically endangered species are usually restricted to small and isolated populations. High inbreeding without gene flow among populations further aggravates their threatened condition and reduces the likelihood of their long‐term survival. Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is one of the most endangered crocodiles in the world and has experienced a continuous decline over the past c. 1 million years. In order to identify the genetic status of the remaining populations and aid conservation efforts, we assembled the first high‐quality chromosome‐level genome of Chinese alligator and explored the genomic characteristics of three extant breeding populations. Our analyses revealed the existence of at least three genetically distinct populations, comprising two breeding populations in China (Changxing and Xuancheng) and one breeding population in an American wildlife refuge. The American population does not belong to the last two populations of its native range (Xuancheng and Changxing), thus representing genetic diversity extinct in the wild and provides future opportunities for genetic rescue. Moreover, the effective population size of these three populations has been continuously declining over the past 20 ka. Consistent with this decline, the species shows extremely low genetic diversity, a large proportion of long runs of homozygous fragments, and mutational load across the genome. Finally, to provide genomic insights for future breeding management and conservation, we assessed the feasibility of mixing extant populations based on the likelihood of introducing new deleterious alleles and signatures of local adaptation. Overall, this study provides a valuable genomic resource and important genomic insights into the ecology, evolution, and conservation of critically endangered alligators.
Short‐term outcomes in patients with lung cancer‐associated acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Ruixia , Xu Peijun , Zhou Jun , Meng Yuanyuan , Men Kun , Zhang Jinyuan , Lu Wei , Xue Juanjuan , Li Xin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the independent risk factors of poor short‐term outcomes in patients with lung cancer‐associated acute ischemic stroke (LCAIS) and use them to develop an index of prognosis LCAIS (pLCAIS) which could help clinicians identify patients at high risk for poor short‐term outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled patients with lung cancer‐associated acute ischemic stroke and employed the 90D modified Rankin cale (mRS) to divide them into two groups: good outcomes (score 0–2) and poor outcomes (score 3–6). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to remove confounding factors, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors of pLCAIS. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) developed a multiple model combining the independent risk factors of pLCAIS.ResultsA total of 172 patients were included: 67 (38.9%) with good outcomes and 105 (61.1%) with poor outcomes. After using PSM, there were 33 cases in each group. The results showed that patients with poor short‐term outcomes were significantly higher in D‐dimer (OR = 1.001, 95% CI: 1.000–1.002, p = 0.048), CRP (OR = 1.078, 95% CI: 1.008–1.153, p = 0.028), and neutrophil count (OR = 14.673, 95% CI: 1.802–19.500, p = 0.012). The ROC curve, used to assess the diagnostic ability of binary classifiers, showed that the product of these three independent risk factors showed high sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionIn this study, we have identified three independent risk factors associated with poor short‐term outcomes in pLCAIS: higher NC, CRP, and D‐dimer levels. These findings may be helpful for clinicians in identifying poor short‐term outcomes patients.
First large‐scale quantification study of DNA preservation in insects from natural history collections using genome‐wide sequencing
Authors: Mullin Victoria E. , Stephen William , Arce Andres N. , Nash Will , Raine Calum , Notton David G. , Whiffin Ashleigh , Blagderov Vladimir , Gharbi Karim , Hogan James , Hunter Tony , Irish Naomi , Jackson Simon , Judd Steve , Watkins Chris , Haerty Wilfried , Ollerton Jeff , Brace Selina , Gill Richard J. , Barnes Ian 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Insect declines are a global issue with significant ecological and economic ramifications. Yet, we have a poor understanding of the genomic impact these losses can have. Genome‐wide data from historical specimens have the potential to provide baselines of population genetic measures to study population change, with natural history collections representing large repositories of such specimens. However, an initial challenge in conducting historical DNA data analyses is to understand how molecular preservation varies between specimens.

Here, we highlight how Next‐Generation Sequencing methods developed for studying archaeological samples can be applied to determine DNA preservation from only a single leg taken from entomological museum specimens, some of which are more than a century old. An analysis of genome‐wide data from a set of 113 red‐tailed bumblebee Bombus lapidarius specimens, from five British museum collections, was used to quantify DNA preservation over time. Additionally, to improve our analysis and further enable future research, we generated a novel assembly of the red‐tailed bumblebee genome.

Our approach shows that museum entomological specimens are comprised of short DNA fragments with mean lengths below 100 base pairs (BP), suggesting a rapid and large‐scale post‐mortem reduction in DNA fragment size. After this initial decline, however, we find a relatively consistent rate of DNA decay in our dataset, and estimate a mean reduction in fragment length of 1.9 bp per decade. The proportion of quality filtered reads mapping to our assembled reference genome was around 50%, and decreased by 1.1% per decade.

We demonstrate that historical insects have significant potential to act as sources of DNA to create valuable genetic baselines. The relatively consistent rate of DNA degradation, both across collections and through time, mean that population‐level analyses—for example for conservation or evolutionary studies—are entirely feasible, as long as the degraded nature of DNA is accounted for.
qad: An R‐package to detect asymmetric and directed dependence in bivariate samples
Authors: Griessenberger Florian , Trutschnig Wolfgang , Junker Robert R. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Correlations belong to the standard repertoire of ecologists for quantifying the strength of dependence between two random variables. Classical dependence measures are usually not capable of detecting non‐monotonic or non‐functional dependencies. Furthermore, they completely fail to detect asymmetry and direction in dependence, which exist in many situations and should not be ignored.

In this paper, we present qad (short for quantification of asymmetric dependence), a nonparametric statistical method to quantify directed and asymmetric dependence of bivariate samples. Qad is applicable in general (e.g. linear, non‐linear, or non‐monotonic) situations, is sensitive to noise in data, exhibits a good small sample performance, detects asymmetry in dependence, shows high power in testing for independence, requires no assumptions regarding the underlying distribution of the data and reliably quantifies the information gain/predictability of quantity Y given knowledge of quantity X, and vice versa (i.e. q(X,Y) q(Y,X)).

Here, we briefly recall the methodology underlying qad, introduce the functions of the R‐package qad, which returns estimates for the measures denoting the directed dependence of on (or, equivalently, the influence of on ), the directed dependence of on , the asymmetry in dependence. Furthermore, qad can be used to predict Y given knowledge of X, and vice versa. Additionally, we compare empirical performance of qad with that of seven other well established measures and demonstrate the applicability of qad on ecological datasets.

We illustrate that direction and asymmetry in dependence are universal properties of bivariate associations. Qad thus provides additional information gain and avoids model bias and will therefore advance and facilitate the understanding of ecological systems.
Adolescent and adult time trends in US hallucinogen use, 2002–19: any use, and use of ecstasy, LSD and PCP
Authors: Livne Ofir , Shmulewitz Dvora , Walsh Claire , Hasin Deborah S. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsHallucinogen use is potentially harmful. Information on whether such use has increased in recent decades is lacking. This study assessed overall and age‐specific time trends in the prevalence of 12‐month hallucinogen use in the US general population.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingData from the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2002–19.ParticipantsRespondents aged ≥ 12 years (n = 1 006 051).MeasurementsPredictors were continuous years. Outcome variables included any hallucinogen use and use of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), ecstasy and phencyclidine (PCP) in the past year. Socio‐demographic variables (gender, age, race/ethnicity, educational level and family income) were covariates.FindingsOverall, hallucinogen use increased between 2015 and 2019 [prevalence difference (PD) = +0.44, P < 0.05]. Since 2002, hallucinogen use has increased in adults aged ≥ 26 years (PD, 2002–14 = +0.24, P < 0.05; PD, 2015–19 = +0.45, P < 0.001) and decreased in adolescents aged 12–17 years (PD, 2002–14 = −1.60, P < 0.0001; PD, 2015–19 = −0.73, P < 0.001). Ecstasy use has decreased in adolescents (PD, 2002–14 = −0.56, P < 0.001), adults aged 18–25 years (PD, 2015–19 = −0.96, P < 0.01) and ≥ 26 years (PD, 2015–19 = −0.13, P < 0.05). LSD use between 2002 and 2019 increased overall (PD = +0.71, P < 0.0001) and in all age groups (12–17: PD = +0.67, P < 0.001; 18–25: PD = +3.12, P < 0.0001; ≥ 26: PD = +0.36, P < 0.0001). Conversely, PCP use between 2002 and 2019 decreased overall (PD = –0.06, P < 0.001), in adolescents (PD = –0.24, P < 0.001) and young adults (PD = –0.32, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsSince 2002, hallucinogen use in the United States has decreased among adolescents but increased in adults and is now estimated to affect more than 3 million adults aged 26+ years and more than 5.5 million adults aged 18+ years.
The effect of environmental temperature on bee activity at strawberry farms
Authors: Jaboor Sarah Katherine , da Silva Carmen Rose Buke , Kellermann Vanessa 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe response of bees to changing environmental temperatures has implications for pollination in natural and agricultural systems, with rising average temperatures and increased environmental stochasticity predicted to cause pollinator population declines. A growing body of evidence for the role of native bees in crop pollination suggests that understanding the temperatures at which bees are active is important for maintaining agricultural productivity under climate change. This study used two methods to sample bees at strawberry farms in south‐eastern Australia, matching activity observations with microclimate temperature to understand how temperature impacts bee activity. Apart from Apis mellifera (introduced), two native bees were identified, Lasioglossum spp. and Exoneura robusta. Apis mellifera was the most abundant species across all environmental temperatures, and E. robusta the least. Visual and sweep‐netting survey results found activity temperature range was broader for A. mellifera (16.21–41.05°C) than Lasioglossum (16.49–38.91°C) and E. robusta (26–38.82°C). The results suggest that activity temperature varies among bee species, with potential implications for community composition and plant pollination under climate change.
Radiological features characterising indeterminate testes masses: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ager Michael , Donegan Sarah , Boeri Luca , de Castro Javier Mayor , Donaldson James F. , Omar Muhammad Imran , Dimitropoulos Konstantinos , Tharakan Tharu , Janisch Florian , Muilwijk Tim , Yuan Cathy , Tudur‐Smith Catrin , Nijman Rien J. M. , Radmayr Christian , Salonia Andrea , Laguna Pes Maria P. , Minhas Suks 
Published: August 2022

ContextThe use of scrotal ultrasonography (SUS) has increased the detection rate of indeterminate testicular masses. Defining radiological characteristics that identify malignancy may reduce the number of men undergoing unnecessary radical orchidectomy.ObjectiveTo define which SUS or scrotal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics can predict benign or malignant disease in pre‐ or post‐pubertal males with indeterminate testicular masses.Evidence AcquisitionThis systematic review was conducted in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration guidance. Medline, Embase, Cochrane controlled trials and systematic reviews databases were searched from (1970 to 26 March 2021). Benign and malignant masses were classified using the reported reference test: i.e., histopathology, or 12 months progression‐free radiological surveillance. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool (QUADAS‐2).Evidence SynthesisA total of 32 studies were identified, including 1692 masses of which 28 studies and 1550 masses reported SUS features, four studies and 142 masses reported MRI features. Meta‐analysis of different SUS (B‐mode) values in post‐pubertal men demonstrated that a size of ≤0.5 cm had a significantly lower odds ratio (OR) of malignancy compared to masses of >0.5 cm (P < 0.001). Comparison of masses of 0.6–1.0 cm and masses of >1.5 cm also demonstrated a significantly lower OR of malignancy (P = 0.04). There was no significant difference between masses of 0.6–1.0 and 1.1–1.5 cm. SUS in post‐pubertal men also had a statistically significantly lower OR of malignancy for heterogenous masses vs homogenous masses (P = 0.04), hyperechogenic vs hypoechogenic masses (P < 0.01), normal vs increased enhancement (P < 0.01), and peripheral vs central vascularity (P < 0.01), respectively. There were limited data on pre‐pubertal SUS, pre‐pubertal MRI and post‐pubertal MRI.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis identifies radiological characteristics that have a lower OR of malignancy and may be of value in the management of the indeterminate testis mass.
Educational mobility in Canada, 1969–2016: Evidence from the longitudinal and international study of adults
Authors: Sartor Stephen 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThat young Canadians are obtaining more education than previous generations might suggest that the relationship between parents’ education and that of their children has weakened. However, accounts of intergenerational educational mobility in Canada published in the past two decades are scant. Drawing on the Longitudinal and International Study of Adults, this paper examines trends in intergenerational educational mobility from 1969 to 2016. Adopting an educational transition approach, I find no change in the relative relationship between parents’ and children's education over time despite the structural expansion of education. The results of a Blinder‐Oaxaca decomposition suggest the upgrading of parents’ education across cohorts partially explains this stability. The analyses further reveal a bifurcation in Canada's post‐secondary system whereby higher parental education provides and advantage to youth for university degree completion while those whose parents have less education make their way to other post‐secondary institutions.
Development and validation of an International Patient’s Attitudes to Prevention in Oral Health Questionnaire
Authors: Csikar Julia , Leggett Heather , Vinall‐Collier Karen , Whelton Helen , Pavitt Susan , Kang Jing , Douglas Gail V.A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo develop a patient's attitude questionnaire regarding prevention in oral health for use internationally.MethodsUsing a mixed methods approach, a questionnaire was developed and refined as part of ADVOCATE (Added Value for Oral Care) study, involving partners in six countries: Netherlands, Hungary, Denmark, Ireland, Germany, and the UK. A literature review explored the history of oral healthcare delivery systems to develop a template for each of the six ADVOCATE countries. A systematic review identified the perceived barriers and facilitators to preventive oral healthcare and underpinned a topic guide and established the patient questionnaire domains. Focus groups in each ADVOCATE country developed the first version of the questionnaire. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in each ADVOCATE country tested the questionnaire and led to further refinement. The questionnaire was produced in five languages. Content validity and reproducibility used principal component analysis (PCA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) refined the questionnaire.ResultsThe literature review aided an understanding of each country's oral healthcare system, and the findings from the 25 studies identified in the systematic review found the main barriers/facilitators to preventive oral healthcare were cost, knowledge (preventive treatments and advice), and a patient awareness and adherence to preventive advice/treatments. Interviews and focus groups with 148 participants in the ADVOCATE study identified receiving the appropriate level of care/feeling valued, cost, level of motivation/priority, not feeling informed, knowledge, and skill mix as the main barriers/facilitators. Fifty‐three PPIE members refined the questionnaire. The pilot questionnaire was tested with 160 participants. Non‐essential or highly correlated variables were then removed, leaving 38 items, covering 6 domains (cost, advice received, advice wanted, message delivery, motivation, knowledge, and responsibility) within the questionnaire. A second pilot test‐run was undertaken with 185 participants. The test‐re‐test reliability demonstrated strong consistency of responses between the two time points (kappa range 0.3–0.7, most p < .0011), which culminated with a final version of the Patient Attitudes to Prevention in Oral Health Questionnaire (PAPOH) questionnaire.ConclusionsThis mixed‐methods approach enabled the development of a multi‐language attitudinal questionnaire for use with patients (PAPOH) to compare attitudes to oral disease prevention internationally.