bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with inpatient complications among patients with obesity and COVID‐19 at an urban safety‐net hospital: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ryan Tyler J. , Heyman Annie S. , Mulvey Elizabeth N. , McLaughlin Angela , Rizo Ivania M. , Assoumou Sabrina A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveObesity increases morbidity and mortality from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This study characterized inpatient complications among patients with obesity and COVID‐19—including myocardial infarction, renal failure requiring dialysis, stroke, secondary bacterial infection, and venous thromboembolism—and identified factors associated with developing at least one inpatient complication at a safety‐net hospital with a diverse cohort.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of all patients admitted for ≥3 days with COVID‐19 between 16 March 2020, and 8 April 2020. Logistic regression identified factors associated with developing at least one COVID‐19‐related complication among patients with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2).Results374 patients were included; 53.7% were classified as having obesity, 43.9% identified as Black, and 38.5% identified as Latino or Hispanic. Obesity was not associated with having at least one inpatient complication on multivariable analysis, but increased age (aOR 1.02, [95% CI 1.01–1.04], p = 0.010) and obstructive sleep apnea (aOR 2.25, [1.08–4.85], p = 0.034) were associated with this outcome.ConclusionsObesity was not associated with specified inpatient complications among patients with COVID‐19 admitted to a health system caring for diverse patients. Future studies should incorporate larger cohorts and reflect newer treatment protocols.
The clinical impact of observer variability in lung nodule classification in children with Wilms tumour
Authors: Brok Jesper Sune , Shelmerdine Susan , Damsgaard Frederikke , Smets Anne , Irtan Sabine , Swinson Sophie , Hedayati Venus , Jacob Joseph , Nair Arjun , Oostveen Minou , Pritchard‐Jones Kathy , Olsen Øystein 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the extent to which observer variability of computed tomography (CT) lung nodule assessment may affect clinical treatment stratification in Wilms tumour (WT) patients, according to the recent Société Internationale d'Oncologie Pédiatrique Renal Tumour Study Group (SIOP‐RTSG) UMBRELLA protocol.MethodsI: CT thoraces of children with WT submitted for central review were used to estimate size distribution of lung metastases. II: Scans were selected for blinded review by five radiologists to determine intra‐ and inter‐observer variability. They assessed identical scans on two occasions 6 months apart. III: Monte Carlo simulation (MCMC) was used to predict the clinical impact of observer variation when applying the UMBRELLA protocol size criteria.ResultsLung nodules were found in 84 out of 360 (23%) children with WT. For 21 identified lung nodules, inter‐observer limits of agreement (LOA) for the five readers were ±2.4 and ±1.4 mm (AP diameter), ±1.9 and ±1.8 mm (TS diameter) and ±2.0 and ±2.4 mm (LS diameter) at assessments 1 and 2. Intra‐observer LOA across the three dimensions were ±1.5, ±2.2, ±3.5, ±3.1 and ±2.6 mm (readers 1–5). MCMC demonstrated that 17% of the patients with a ‘true’ nodule size of ≥3 mm will be scored as <3 mm, and 21% of the patients with a ‘true’ nodule size of <3 mm will be scored as being ≥3 mm.ConclusionA significant intra–inter observer variation was found when measuring lung nodules on CT for patients with WT. This may have significant implications on treatment stratification, and thereby outcome, when applying a threshold of ≥3 mm for a lung nodule to dictate metastatic status.
Bone mineral density in primarily preadolescent children with hemoglobin E/β‐thalassemia with different severities and transfusion requirements
Authors: Nakavachara Pairunyar , Weerakulwattana Praewvarin , Pooliam Julaporn , Viprakasit Vip 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundChildren with β‐thalassemia major and β‐thalassemia intermedia frequently have low bone mass. However, studies of bone mineral density (BMD) in children with transfusion‐dependent (TD) or non‐transfusion‐dependent (NTD) hemoglobin (Hb) E/β‐thalassemia are scarce.ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of low bone mass among mostly preadolescent children with NTD and TD Hb E/β thalassemia and the related factors.MethodsWe investigated the BMD of the lumbar spine (LSBMD) and total body (TBBMD), measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, of 59 children with NTD Hb E/β‐thalassemia and 50 with TD Hb E/β‐thalassemia.ResultsThe median age of the patients was 10.4 (6.2–13.5) years in the NTD group and 10.3 (5.9–14.1) years in the TD group. These children had a relatively low prevalence of low bone mass (NTD: 1.7%–10.2%; TD: 4%–14%). The values varied with the bone site measured and the BMD size‐adjustment method used (height age vs. bone age). The NTD group had significantly lower TBBMD Z‐scores (adjusted for height age) than the TD group. The proportion of patients with low lumbar spine bone mass (adjusted for bone age) was significantly higher for the TD group than for the NTD group.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that most children with either disease had normal BMD. Patients with the NTD form had a lower TBBMD than those with the TD form. Low bone mass affected the lumbar spine of patients with TD Hb E/β‐thalassemia more than those with the NTD form.
Comprehensive characterization of Echinochloa frumentacea leaf fiber as a novel reinforcement for composite applications
Authors: Rathinavelu Ravichandaran , Paramathma Baskara Sethupathi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe promising characteristic features of some natural plant fibers identified has driven many scientists/researchers to seek more plant fibers with good mechanical, thermal, tensile and surface properties. Plant fibers with such characteristics along with their renewable, degradable, eco‐friendly, cost‐effective nature could make them a probable competitor against synthetic ones, in many aspects. Since identification of novel plant fibers with superior quality is necessary at the moment in order to reduce the harmful effects of synthetic materials. Since the current study recognized a novel natural plant fiber from Echinochloa frumentacea and analyzed its efficiency for composite fabrication through various characterization practices. It was found from the physico‐chemical investigation that the fiber encloses with good crystallinity index (35.87%), cellulose content (60.31%) and relatively low density (896 ± 32.14 kg/m3). In fact, EFLF's has admirable thermal stability (330°C) and tensile strength (204.32 ± 14.25 MPa) designated its suitability for temperature varying environments. Conversely, the proposed fiber ensures good fiber‐matrix adhesion in spite of good surface roughness and decreased microfibrillar angle (9.27 ± 0.31°), noted by surface analysis. Hence, the current study recommends further utilization of EFLF as a reinforcing material with high specific qualities and low environmental effect, for composite manufacturing.
Concentrations of nitrogen compounds are related to severe rhinovirus infection in infants. A time‐series analysis from the reference area of a pediatric university hospital in Barcelona
Authors: Armero Georgina , Penela‐Sánchez Daniel , Belmonte Jordina , Gómez‐Barroso Diana , Larrauri Amparo , Henares Desiree , Vallejo Violeta , Jordan Iolanda , Muñoz‐Almagro Carmen , Brotons Pedro , Launes Cristian 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is scarce information focused on the effect of weather conditions and air pollution on specific acute viral respiratory infections, such as rhinovirus (RV), with a wide clinical spectrum of severity.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the association between episodes of severe respiratory tract infection by RV and air pollutant concentrations (NOx and SO2) in the reference area of a pediatric university hospital.MethodsAn analysis of temporal series of daily values of NOx and SO2, weather variables, circulating pollen and mold spores, and daily number of admissions in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with severe respiratory RV infection (RVi) in children between 6 months and 18 years was performed. Lagged variables for 0–5 days were considered. The study spanned from 2010 to 2018. Patients with comorbidities were excluded.ResultsOne hundred and fifty patients were admitted to the PICU. Median age was 19 months old (interquartile range [IQR]: 11–47). No relationship between RV‐PICU admissions and temperature, relative humidity, cumulative rainfall, or wind speed was found. Several logistic regression models with one pollutant and two pollutants were constructed but the best model was that which included average daily NOx concentrations. Average daily NOx concentrations were related with the presence of PICU admissions 3 days later (odds ratio per IQR‐unit increase: 1.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.20–2.25)).ConclusionsThis study has shown a positive correlation between NOx concentrations at Lag 3 and children's PICU admissions with severe RV respiratory infection. Air pollutant data should be taken into consideration when we try to understand the severity of RVis.
PSA density is associated with BPH cellular composition
Authors: Jia Liwei , Strand Douglas W. , Goueli Ramy S. , Gahan Jeffrey C. , Roehrborn Claus G. , Mauck Ryan J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundCurrent AUA guidelines recommend 5 alpha reductase inhibitor (5ARI) treatment for patients with obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that display prostate volume ≥30 cc and total prostate specific antigen (PSA) ≥1.5 ng/ml. However, BPH is highly pleomorphic and response to 5ARIs is highly variable. An understanding of cellular composition based on a noninvasive PSA density test could lead to improved clinical decision making.MethodsThe histological composition of 307 BPH specimens was scored by a pathologist for stromo‐glandular content and associated with total PSA, prostate volume, PSA density and other clinical variables using univariate and multivariate linear regression.ResultsThe percentage of glandular composition in prostates of 5ARI‐naïve men was positively and independently associated with PSA and PSA density. It was determined through statistical modeling that a PSA density ≤0.05 ng/ml2 associated with a glandular composition of ≤30% with 76% sensitivity.ConclusionsPSA density could provide a decisive variable for estimating BPH cellular content and may eventually improve selection of patients for 5ARI treatment. Further work is needed to demonstrate that patients with higher glandular content are more responsive to 5ARI treatment.
New Catalysts for Biodiesel Production under Supercritical Conditions of Alcohols: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Demir Velid , Akgün Mesut 
Published: June 2022

AbstractNowadays, due to detrimental carbon dioxide emissions and dwindling non‐renewable fossil energy from crude oil, biodiesel from green sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, waste oils and microbial oils have been described as a promising non‐fossil fuel, renewable, sustainable, clean, and biodegradable. So far, transesterification is the most superior process for converting green resources into biodiesel by reacting with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. This process is influenced by some considerations such as alcohol to oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, reaction pressure, reaction time and specifically the amount of catalyst, which greatly affect the reaction performance and the biodiesel production. In depth, this review will discuss novel catalysts for biodiesel production under supercritical methanol and ethanol conditions by reviewing published articles related to this field to date.
Sodium Naphthalenide Diglyme Solution for Etching PTFE, Characterizations and Molecular Modelization
Authors: Roina Yaelle , Gonçalves Anne‐Marie , Fregnaux Mathieu , Auber Frédéric , Herlem Guillaume 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWet etching of polytetrafluoroethylene by sodium naphthalenide dissolved in diglyme solution was investigated experimentally and theoretically. First, the irreversible modification of the polymer surface was analyzed by Raman and XPS spectroscopies, water wetting angle measurements and AFM observations. The drastic changes brought to the surface of PTFE could be clearly demonstrated by these analytical methods. Then, first principle calculations coupled to molecular dynamics (FPMD) were performed to simulate the first steps of the reaction involved in the process of surface modification. It has been shown that fluorine directly attacks vicinal sodium with formation of a pair of sodium fluoride ions without grafting of the naphthalene moiety onto the modified surface. While the formation of the alkene and alkyne bond can be modelized, no spectroscopic signature is observed after rinsing etched PTFE.
Reversible phase transition for switchable second harmonic generation in 2D perovskite microwires
Authors: Zhao Yingjie , Zhao Jiahui , Guo Yangwu , Zhao Jinjin , Feng Jiangang , Geng Yue , Yang Junchuan , Gao Hanfei , Yuan Meng , Jiang Lei , Wu Yuchen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHighly efficient second‐harmonic generation (SHG) has facilitated the development of nanophotonics and sustained promising applications, ranging from electro‐optical modulation, frequency conversion, and optical frequency combs to pulse characterization. Although controllable SHG switching has been observed in nanophotonics structures and molecule systems, the relatively small SHG switching contrast impedes its application in switchable nonlinear optics. Herein, reversible phase transitions between glassy and crystalline states without material degradation are demonstrated based on solution‐processed chiral perovskite microwire arrays. Breaking of lattice inversion symmetry and high crystallinity support efficient SHG in microwire arrays. By synergy of high‐performance SHG and reversible phase transitions between glassy and crystalline states, reversible switching of SHG is demonstrated under facile conditions. The high SHG switching performances, together with a small footprint, pave the way toward the integration of switchable nonlinear devices based on microwire arrays.
Cross‐linking enhanced room‐temperature phosphorescence of carbon dots
Authors: Wang Boyang , Sun Zhen , Yu Jingkun , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Lu Siyu , Yang Bai 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCurrently, there is a strong drive to discover alternative materials that exhibit room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) for displays, bioimaging, and data security. Ideally, these materials should be nontoxic, cheap, and possess controllable photoluminescent properties. Carbon dots (CDs) possess each of these characteristics, but to date, less attention has been paid to their RTP mechanism. Herein, we synthesized a series of CDs by self‐crosslinking and carbonization of precursor. The resultant CDs were luminescent and exhibited a bright, micro‐second afterglow lifetime. To increase the RTP, a second microwave processing step was used to coat the CDs with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylamide (PAM), or tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), producing CDs@PVA, CDs@PAM, and CDs@TEOS composites. The core–shell structure acted to enhance crosslinking at the surface of the CDs to boost the RTP, creating abundant energy levels for intersystem crossover. In situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy verified electron transfer during luminescence. Finally, we present a design rule that can be used to tune the quantum yields and RTP lifetime of CDs, based on the effective stabilization of triplet excited states through the extent and strength of cross‐linking. This simple strategy provides a flexible route for guiding the further development of CDs with tailored RTP properties for various applications.
Characterisation, whole‐genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of three H3N2 avian influenza viruses isolated from domestic ducks at live poultry markets of Iran, 2017: First report
Authors: Abtin Alireza , Shoushtari Abdelhamid , Fallah Mehrabadi Mohammad Hossein , Molouki Aidin , Pourbakhsh Seyed Ali , Pourtaghi Hadi , Eshratabadi Fatemeh 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundAvian influenza type A viruses (AIV) can infect a broad range of hosts including human and birds, making them an important viral pathogen with zoonotic potential. Ducks are a known reservoir for many avian viruses including the AIV.ObjectivesTo sequence the entire genome of duck‐derived H3N2 and ran comprehensive phylogenetic analysis on them to study their origin.MethodsIn this study, 962 cloacal swabs were collected from domestic ducks at several live poultry markets (LPMs) of Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces of Iran in the year 2017.ResultsPreliminary assays such as haemagglutination inhibition assay (HI), Neuraminidase Inhibition assay(NI) and RT‐qPCR suggested that 0.5% of the birds were infected by H3 low pathogenic influenza viruses (LPAI). Three isolates were selected for whole genome sequencing. The cleavage site of the HA genes showed a PEKQTR/GLF motif, an indicator of LPAI. Furthermore, BLAST and phylogenetic analyses of the HA gene showed high homology to the Eurasian lineage of H3N8 AIV (95.5%–97.1% to several European and East Asian isolates). However, the NA genes showed high homology (at most 96.5–96.9%) to those belonging to AIV N2 subtype. Furthermore, internal genes showed high homology (96%–98%) to a variety of duck‐origin subtypes and glycoprotein combinations, which were different for each segment. This showed a complex reassortment between different subtypes.DiscussionThis report is the first whole genome sequencing and complete characterisation of H3N2 AIV from Iran.ConclusionSuch surveillance should continue to study the evolution and possible emergence of viruses with pandemic potential.
Clinical and computed tomographic myelography findings of presumed intradural‐intramedullary intervertebral disk extrusion in 16 dogs
Authors: Levy Alice , Deprez Pauline , Harran Nathaniel 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIntradural‐intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion is an uncommon form of intervertebral disc disease in dogs. Magnetic resonance imaging findings include an intramedullary linear tract of mixed intensity representing extruded disc and haemorrhage. We sporadically noticed an intramedullary linear tract of contrast on computed tomographic myelography that could represent an intradural‐intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion. We describe the clinical and computed tomographic myelography findings in 16 dogs with presumed intradural‐intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion. All dogs were presented with acute T3–L3 myelopathy, usually following a trauma. The most affected sites were T12–T13 and T13–L1. The tract originated from the ventral or dorsal subarachnoid space with a cranial or caudal direction. All dogs received medical treatment and physiotherapy. A 3‐month follow‐up was available for 12 dogs. All dogs showed marked improvement of their neurological status. Four dogs with severe neurological score were euthanased due to lack of improvement. This study described clinical and computed tomographic myelography findings in dogs with presumed intradural‐intramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion.
Global soil organic carbon–climate interactions: Why scales matter
Authors: Jungkunst Hermann F. , Göpel Jan , Horvath Thomas , Ott Simone , Brunn Melanie 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSoil organic carbon (SOC) holds the largest terrestrial carbon stock because of soil conditions and processes that favor soil carbon persistence. Vulnerable to climate change, SOC may cross a tipping point toward liberating carbon‐based greenhouse gases, implying massive self‐amplifying SOC‐ climate interactions. Estimates of SOC persistence are challenging as we still lack broad mechanistic insights. Upscaling mechanistic details from small to larger scales is challenging because the driving factors are not available at the needed resolution. Downscaling is problematic as many modeling studies point to the highest uncertainties deriving from the SOC response to climate change, while models themselves have difficulties in replicating contemporary soil properties and dynamics. To bridge the problems of scaling, strict process orientation seems adequate. Holdridge Life Zones (HLZ) classification, as one example, is a climate classification framework at a mesoscale that provides a descriptive approach to facilitate the identification of potential hotspots and coldspots of SOC‐climate interaction. Establishing coordinated experiments across all HLZ, but also including multiple global change drivers, has the potential to advance our understanding of general principles regulating SOC‐climate interaction and SOC persistence. Therefore, regionally tailored solutions for both experiments and modeling are urgently needed and can lead to better management of soil and the ecosystem services provided. Improving “translations” from the scales relevant for process understanding to the scales of decision‐making is key to good management and to predict the fate of our largest terrestrial carbon stock.This article is categorized under:
Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Integrated Scenario Development
Metabolic engineering of Komagataella phaffii for synergetic utilization of glucose and glycerol
Authors: Wang Xiaolu , Zhao Xiaomin , Luo Huiying , Wang Yaru , Wang Yuan , Tu Tao , Qin Xing , Huang Huoqing , Bai Yingguo , Yao Bin , Su Xiaoyun , Zhang Jie 
Published: June 2022

AbstractKomagataella phaffii GS115 is a proven heterologous expression system and has recently been exploited for the production of value‐added biochemicals from glucose through metabolic engineering. A major challenge for high‐level biochemical production is the appropriate distribution of carbon flux between cell growth and product biosynthesis. In this study, we report the development of a synergetic glucose and glycerol coutilization strategy for K. phaffii, potentially enabling this strain to consume glycerol for growth while conserving more glucose for product formation. First, several potential genes encoding mediator proteins and transcriptional factors that were considered to be associated with carbon catabolite repression in K. phaffii were screened, and deletion of gss1, a glucose sensor, appeared to be able to eliminate the glucose‐induced repression of glycerol utilization in a mixed glucose–glycerol medium. Transcriptome comparisons between the parent strain and the Δgss1 mutant were then performed, and the glycerol‐metabolism genes that were subjected to glucose regulation were identified. Second, coutilization of glucose and glycerol in K. phaffii was achieved by overexpressing genes relevant to glycerol metabolism, namely, gt1, gut1, and gut2. Furthermore, knockout or knockdown of pfk and zwf genes resulted in a reduction of carbon flux from glucose towards glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway. With these efforts, the cell metabolism of the final strain was divided into growth and production modules. This study describes a promising strategy to address the challenge of carbon flux distribution in K. phaffii, and would be valuable in engineering this strain as a versatile fermentation platform for biochemical production.