bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of plasma bone morphogenetic protein‐4 levels with arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients
Authors: Wang Ning , Guo Ying , Dong Ying , Li Xueting , Liu Qian , Liu Qi , Wang Guohong , Qin Mingzhao , Zhang Zhenzhou , Song Jiawei , Liang Lirong , Zhong Jiuchang 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundArterial stiffness interacts with hypertension, becoming an early marker of hypertension‐mediated target organ damage. This study aimed to assess the association between plasma concentrations of bone morphogenetic protein‐4 (BMP‐4) and arterial stiffness during hypertension.MethodsUsing cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) to determine arterial stiffness status, 204 individuals with essential hypertension were classified into two groups, high CAVI (abnormal) group (n = 94) and low (normal) CAVI group (n = 110). Data were collected including clinical characteristics and laboratory measurements. Plasma levels of BMP‐4 were tested by using ELISA analysis.ResultsPlasma levels of BMP‐4 were substantially greater in high CAVI group than that in low CAVI group [38.51 (31.79–50.83) pg/mL vs. 31.15 (29.38–32.37) pg/mL; p < 0.001]. As shown by spearman correlation analysis, BMP‐4 concentrations were correlated with CAVI values in hypertensive individuals (r = 0.406, p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, elevated BMP‐4 levels were related with high CAVI (OR, 1.070; 95% CI, 1.003–1.108; p < 0.001). The best BMP‐4 cutoff value for identifying high CAVI, as determined by ROC curve analysis, was 33.34 pg/mL (AUC, 0.751; 95% CI, 0.683–0.818; p < 0.001).ConclusionPlasma levels of BMP‐4 are increased in hypertensive individuals with high CAVI. Elevated BMP‐4 levels are strongly correlated with higher CAVI values, implying a predictive value of BMP‐4 in arterial stiffness during hypertension.
Matrix‐associated microbial communities in a nitrogen‐removing on‐site wastewater treatment system are largely structured by niche processes
Authors: Langlois Kylie , Collier Jackie L. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractOn‐site wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) can be designed to promote microbial communities with naturally occurring metabolic functions desirable to wastewater treatment. Among such OWTSs are nitrogen‐removing biofilters (NRBs), comprising a sand layer overlying a sand‐lignocellulose (sand‐lc) layer and intended to promote sequential nitrification and denitrification. The design of NRBs is based on the hypothesis that niche processes like environmental selection strongly structure the microbial communities, which predicts that immigrating wastewater communities and matrix‐associated communities will be distinct and that the matrix communities in the two layers will be distinct. We characterized NRB microbial communities by 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing. Selection of the matrix‐associated communities was indicated by clear differences from the immigrating community. For matrix‐associated communities, alpha and beta diversity differed between the matrix layers, as did the relative abundances of many functional groups and genera. Functional groups with strict metabolisms were nearly exclusively detected in either the sand (ammonia and nitrite oxidizers) or sand‐lc layer (methanogens), consistent with the niche hypothesis. Contrary to expectations, denitrifiers as a functional group were not present at greater relative abundance in the sand‐lc than sand matrix because of a portfolio effect: some denitrifying genera were more abundant in the sand layer, whereas others were more abundant in the sand‐lc layer. This study reveals niche processes acting at different levels of community organization for different biogeochemical functions, a crucial consideration in designing effective and reliable OWTSs to mitigate nitrogen pollution.
Efficient recall of SARS‐CoV‐2 variant‐reactive B cells and T responses in the elderly upon heterologous mRNA vaccines as boosters
Authors: Rouers Angeline , Wong Nathan , Goh Yun Shan , Torres‐Ruesta Anthony , Tay Matthew Zirui , Chang Zi Wei , Fong Siew‐Wai , Neo Vanessa , Kam Isaac Kai Jie , Yeo Nicholas Kim‐Wah , Huang Yuling , Loh Chiew Yee , Hor Pei Xiang , Wong Joel Xu En , Tan Yong Jie ,   COVID‐19 Study Group, Macary Paul A. , Qian Xinlei , Bei Wang , Ngoh Eve Zi Xian , Salleh Siti Nazihah Mohd , Wang Cheng-I , Poh Xuan Ying , Rao Suma , Chia Po Ying , Ong Sean W. X. , Lee Tau Hong , Lin Ray J. H. , Lim Clarissa , Teo Jefanie , Ren Ee Chee , Lye David Chien , Young Barnaby E. , Ng Lisa F. P. , Renia Laurent 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWaning antibody levels against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and the emergence of variants of concern highlight the need for booster vaccinations. This is particularly important for the elderly population, who are at a higher risk of developing severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) disease. While studies have shown increased antibody responses following booster vaccination, understanding the changes in T and B cell compartments induced by a third vaccine dose remains limited. We analyzed the humoral and cellular responses in subjects who received either a homologous messenger RNA(mRNA) booster vaccine (BNT162b2 + BNT162b2 + BNT162b2; ‘‘BBB”) or a heterologous mRNA booster vaccine (BNT162b2 + BNT162b2 + mRNA‐1273; ‘‘BBM”) at Day 0 (prebooster), Day 7, and Day 28 (postbooster). Compared with BBB, elderly individuals (≥60 years old) who received the BBM vaccination regimen display higher levels of neutralizing antibodies against the Wuhan and Delta strains along with a higher boost in immunoglobulin G memory B cells, particularly against the Omicron variant. Circulating T helper type 1(Th1), Th2, Th17, and T follicular helper responses were also increased in elderly individuals given the BBM regimen. While mRNA vaccines increase antibody, T cell, and B cell responses against SARS‐CoV‐2 1 month after receiving the third dose booster, the efficacy of the booster vaccine strategies may vary depending on age group and regimen combination.
The emerging roles of IFIT3 in antiviral innate immunity and cellular biology
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Li Yanling , Xin Shuyu , Yang Li , Jiang Mingjuan , Xin Yujie , Wang Yiwei , Cao Pengfei , Zhang Senmiao , Yang Yang , Lu Jianhong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe interferon‐inducible protein with tetrapeptide repeats 3 (IFIT3) is one of the most important members in both the IFIT family and interferon‐stimulated genes family. IFIT3 has typical features of the IFIT family in terms of gene and protein structures, and is able to be activated through the classical PRRs‐IFN‐JAK/STAT pathway. A variety of viruses can induce the expression of IFIT3, which in turn inhibits the replication of viruses, with the underlying mechanism showing its crucial role in antiviral innate immunity. Emerging studies have also identified that IFIT3 is involved in cellular biology changes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and cancer development. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of IFIT3 with respect to molecular structure and regulatory pathways, highlighting the role of IFIT3 in antiviral innate immunity, as well as its diverse biological roles. We also discuss the potential of IFIT3 as a biomarker in disease diagnosis and therapy.
Analysis of a hit‐and‐run tumor model by HPV in oropharyngeal cancers
Authors: Ferreira Danyelle Assis , Idris Adi , McMillan Nigel A. J. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSeveral viruses are known to be associated with the development of certain cancers, including human papilloma virus (HPV), an established causative agent for a range of anogenital and head and neck cancers. However, the causality has been based on the presence of the virus, or its genetic material, in the sampled tumors. We have long wondered if viruses cause cancer via a “hit and run” mechanism such that they are no longer present in the resulting tumors. Here, we hypothesize that the absence of viral genes from the tumor does not necessarily exclude the viral aetiology. To test this, we used an HPV‐driven oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) tumor model and CRISPR to delete the viral oncogene, E7. Indeed, the genetic removal of HPV E7 oncogene eliminates tumors in vivo. Remarkably, E7 deleted tumors recurred over time and develop new mutations not previously seen in HPV+ OPC tumors. Importantly, a number of these new mutations are found to be already present in HPV− OPC tumors.
Changes in nutrient consumption patterns of Lactobacillus fermentum mediated by sodium lactate
Authors: Zhang Kenan , Zhang Zongcai , Guo Xiaoxue , Guo Ruijia , Zhu Lin , Qiu Xinrong , Yu Xiaohan , Chai Jun , Gu Chunhe , Feng Zhen 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDDuring high‐cell‐density culture of Lactobacillus fermentum, the optimal pH is often maintained by adding NaOH. During cultivation at controlled pH, L. fermentum experiences osmotic stress due to the continuous accumulation of sodium lactate as a neutralizer product, affecting its survival in subsequent processing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutrient consumption patterns of L. fermentum ATCC 14931 under sodium lactate stress and to screen nutrients that help it resist osmotic stress.RESULTSThe consumption and consumption rates of amino acids, purines, pyrimidines, vitamins, and metal ions were analyzed in chemically defined media containing 0.13, 0.31, or 0.62 mm L−1 sodium lactate. The highest consumption rates were found for arginine, guanine, folic acid, and Mn2+, and the most consumed nutrients were glutamate + glutamine, guanine, ascorbic acid, and Na+. Arginine 2.58 mm L−1, guanine 0.23 mm L−1, and Mn2+ 0.25 mm L−1 were added to the medium at sodium lactate concentrations of 0.13 and 0.62 mm L−1, and arginine 2.58 mm L−1, guanine 0.26 mm L−1, and Mn2+ 0.25 mm L−1 at a sodium lactate concentration of 0.31 mm L−1. The viable cell counts of L. fermentum ATCC 14931 were approximately 1.02‐fold (P < 0.05) of the counts observed in control medium at all three concentrations of sodium lactate.CONCLUSIONThe present results suggest that certain nutrients accelerate the growth of L. fermentum under sodium lactate stress and enhance its resistance to this adverse condition. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
A RUpture‐Based detection method for the Active mesopeLagIc Zone (RUBALIZ): A crucial step toward rigorous carbon budget assessments
Authors: Fuchs Robin , Baumas Chloé M. J. , Garel Marc , Nerini David , Le Moigne Frédéric A. C. , Tamburini Christian 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDetermining mesopelagic organic carbon budgets is essential to characterize the ocean's role as a carbon dioxide sink. This is because the biological processes observed in the mesopelagic zone are crucial for understanding the biological carbon pump. Yet, field assessments of carbon budgets are often unbalanced with the carbon demand exceeding its supply. This underlines either methodological issues in the budget calculations or incomplete knowledge of the mesopelagic carbon cycling with potentially missing sources. Carbon budgets are built by partitioning the ocean into vertical depth zones. Vertical boundaries are conventionally defined between 200 and 1000 m depth or using various thresholds. Such approaches lack consistent methodology preventing robust comparison of mesopelagic carbon budget from region to region. Here, using a statistical rupture detection method applied to conductivity–temperature–depth (CTD)‐cast variables (fluorescence, O2 concentration, potential temperature, salinity, and density), we aim to provide independent estimates of mesopelagic boundaries. We demonstrate that the so‐determined upper boundary is highly correlated with the knee points of the particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes estimated by a power law and that over 90% of the POC flux attenuation occurs within our method boundaries. The identified zone therefore corresponds to the most active part of the conventional mesopelagic zone and we name it the “active mesopelagic zone” (AMZ). We find that the depths of the mesopelagic zone depend on the region considered. Our results demonstrate that the mesopelagic carbon budget discrepancy can vary up to four folds depending on the boundaries chosen and hence provide novel grounds to reassess existing and future mesopelagic carbon budgets.
Developing ahighly‐reliablelearning health system
Authors: El‐Kareh Robert , Brenner David A. , Longhurst Christopher A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMultiple independent frameworks to support continuous improvement have been proposed to guide healthcare organizations. Two of the most visible are High‐reliability Health care, (Chassin et al., 2013) which is emphasized by The Joint Commission, and Learning Health Systems, (Institute of Medicine, 2011) highlighted by the National Academy of Medicine. We propose that organizations consider tightly linking these two models, creating a “Highly‐reliable Learning Health System.” We describe several efforts at our organization that has resulted from this combined model and have helped our organization weather the COVID‐19 pandemic. The organizational changes created using this framework will enable our health system to support a culture of quality across our teams and better fulfill our tripartite mission of high‐quality care, effective education of trainees, and dissemination of important innovations.
Fear of Cancer Recurrence and associated factors among breast cancer survivors in South India
Authors: Devi Nandakumar , Surendran Veeraiah , Arvind Krishnamurthy , Sridevi Veluswami , Anandi Balasubramanian 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveFear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) is a universal phenomenon widely reported as an unmet need among cancer survivors. The present study aims to determine the patterns of FCR and its associated factors among breast cancer survivors in South India.MethodsA longitudinal study was carried out with pre and post‐assessment.ResultsTwo hundred and forty eight breast cancer survivors (BCSv) were included in the study. The main finding for the pre versus post‐study was the pattern of mean scores. It is observed that in all factors, the pre‐mean scores were steadily higher than the post‐mean scores the predictors for FCR scores were decrease of age (p = 0.016), BCSv living in joint family (p = 0.008) and who were self‐funded (p = 0.031).ConclusionsFCR was a relatively common symptom reported by BCSv. The predictors for FCR were younger age, BCSv living in a joint family and who were self‐funding for their treatment. In the pre and post‐assessment, it could be concluded that BCSv has reported that the overall FCR and on other variables higher FCR mean scores were reported during the preassessment period.
Prognostic value of longitudinal vasoreactivity in pediatric pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Evers Patrick D. , Quinn Patrick , Critser Paul J. , Frank Benjamin S. , Alnoor Mohammad , Armsby Laurie B. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractUpon diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension in pediatrics, standard practice often involves acute vasoreactivity testing (AVT) in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. However, the importance of repeated AVT testing in a given patient thereafter remains unclear. This study sought to describe serial AVT results in pediatric patients and understand the prognostic significance of longitudinal AVT results in pediatric pulmonary hypertension. A retrospective chart review was performed for pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2021. Patients were included if they had two or more catheterizations with AVT. The study cohorts were patients who were AVT negative upon initial catheterization then AVT positive at any subsequent catheterization (AVT−/+) compared to those were AVT negative upon initial and all subsequent catheterizations (AVT−/−). A positive AVT was defined by Sitbon criteria. The analyzed outcome was event‐free survival. The relationship between study cohorts and event‐free survival was analyzed by log‐rank Kaplan–Meier survival as well as Cox proportional hazard regression to control for confounders. There were 35 patients who met inclusion criteria in this time period. Patients who were AVT(−/+) had statistically significantly better event‐free survival than AVT(−/−) (p = 0.002). In univariate and multivariate Cox regressions, a subsequent AVT positive result amongst those who were initially AVT negative was a positive prognostic factor, hazard ratio 0.03 (95% confidence interval: 0.02–0.35). For patients with negative AVT upon initial cardiac catheterization, this data supports that continuing AVT should be performed as any subsequent AVT positive result may indicate improved expectations for event‐free survival.
Molecular insights into onset of autoimmunity in SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients
Authors: Laxminarayana Dama 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSome of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infected patients are facing long‐term devastating effects like induction of autoimmune diseases. Here, I discuss molecular mechanisms and risk factors involved in the induction of autoimmune diseases after SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. Transcript editing genes were upregulated during SARS‐CoV‐2 infections, which might have edited host gene transcripts and paved the way for autoantigens generation and presented as nonself to generate autoantibodies followed by auto immunogenicity after SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. Therefore, some SARS‐CoV‐2 patients acquire autoimmunity. The transient and/or innocuous autoimmune response in some SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients may be due to a lack of repeated production of autoantibodies to host autoantigens and/or viral antigens, which are needed to boost autoimmune response. In the future, SARS‐CoV‐2 mediated autoimmune disease onset will be a challenging task. Therefore, possible preventive measures and strategies to minimize and/or preclude such SARS‐CoV‐2 mediated autoimmune diseases have been presented in this commentary.
Transfer‐friendly institutions: The complex issues of student mobility
Authors: Wehlburg Catherine M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAs the overall demographics are changing in post‐secondary education, the importance of attracting and retaining transfer students into 4‐year institutions is becoming more and more important. This is, however, a challenging shift for many institutions. Becoming a “transfer friendly” institution requires a multi‐faceted approach that impacts every level of the institution. The work may be difficult, but the results can be worth the investments.
Student success metrics at a transfer‐friendly institution
Authors: Guenther Jeffrey , Wehlburg Catherine M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAthens State University (ATSU) is one of the few remaining upper‐division institutions of higher education in the United States. At the undergraduate level, only students who have earned 36 transferable semester hours from an accredited institution are eligible for admission to ATSU. Athens State University strives to provide quality teaching and learning and high‐quality academic programs to its students. However, it is challenging for Athens State to benchmark itself to traditional 4‐year institutions due to its unique transfer‐only status. This chapter presents alternative metrics that ATSU has identified to analyze student performance and success.
HASTE MRI sequence findings correlate with loss of deep pain perception in dogs with thoracolumbar disc extrusion
Authors: Khan Sam , Freeman Paul 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundThoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL IVDE) is a common reason for the veterinary hospital admission. Various imaging factors including degree and length of compression have been tested for correlation with clinical severity, but no reliable correlation has been found. Half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences highlight the dorsal and ventral cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) columns and have been used to demonstrate spinal cord swelling in dogs with TL IVDE. This has been used as a predictor of progressive ascending‐descending myelomalacia but has not been correlated with neurological grade.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the correlation between the attenuation of CSF HASTE signal and clinical severity in dogs suffering from TL disc extrusions.MethodsDogs less than 15 kg who were non‐ambulatory due to suspected TL IVDE were prospectively recruited for a study into conservative management. MRI studies were undertaken under sedation including HASTE sequences. The ratio of the length of CSF attenuation to the length of the L2 vertebra was calculated and correlated with clinical severity.ResultsTwenty dogs met the inclusion criteria. No statistically significant difference was demonstrated between the mean CSF attenuation and neurological grade (p = 0.17 but there was a significant difference in the mean CSF attenuation in those who retained deep pain perception and those who did not (p = 0.02). Time to loss of ambulation was also found to not be correlated with CSF attenuation (p = 0.95).ConclusionIn conclusion, the length of CSF attenuation of HASTE MRI sequences in dogs less than 15 kg suffering from IVDEs may be correlated with a loss of deep pain perception.
Clumsy solutions and climate change: A retrospective
Authors: Verweij Marco 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn 1989, Steve Rayner chided fellow anthropologists for “fiddling while the world warms.” This was the starting point of a decades‐long application to human‐made climate change of the cultural theory that he had developed with Mary Douglas and Michael Thompson. It culminated in a call to develop “clumsy” solutions for addressing the issue. Since then, the concept of clumsy solutions has been applied, praised, and criticised. To clarify its strengths and weaknesses, I first set out cultural theory and explain how the notion of clumsy solutions was derived from it. I then assess the extent to which this notion has increased our understanding of climate change governance. I do so by breaking up the application of this concept into seven predictions, concerning: (1) the major perspectives among stakeholders on how to resolve climate change; (2) the fate of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol; (3) the feasibility of international emissions trading; (4) the possibility of making renewable energy competitive; (5) the need for domestic governmental action to realize this possibility; (6) the effectiveness of a nonbinding global treaty to combat climate change; and (7) the need to explore adaptation, carbon capture, and geoengineering. I show that these predictions have stood the test of time. Finally, I discuss the roles that the concept of clumsy solutions can play in future climate change governance. This article is written in memory of Steve Rayner, one of the first social scientists to focus on climate change.This article is categorized under:
Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Sociology/Anthropology of Climate Knowledge
Climate, History, Society, Culture > Thought Leaders