bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of low‐level viremia with mortality among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Dehong, Southwest China: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yu Hailiang , Yang Yuecheng , Cao Dongdong , Zhao Yan , Jin Cong , Sun Haolan , Cao Yanfen , Ye Runhua , Yao Shitang , Duan Song , Wu Zunyou 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the association of low‐level viremia (LLV) with mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Dehong, Southwest China.MethodsWe analysed data collected from a cohort of PLHIV on ART in Dehong. PLHIV were enrolled in this cohort after they started ART, with viral load (VL) tested once a year afterwards. Each VL level was then categorized into one of the four groups: <50, 50–199, 200–999 and ≥1000 copies/ml. VL levels of 50–199 and 200–999 copies/ml were defined as LLV. The VL level for each participant was re‐categorized and fitted into an extended Cox regression model as a time‐varying covariate to examine the associations of VL level with all‐cause and AIDS‐related deaths.ResultsAmong the included 7273 of 8762 PLHIV in this study, median age (interquartile range, IQR) was 36 (30–43) years and 59.9% were male. The patients were followed up for a median duration (IQR) of 6.2 (4.3–8.2) years. Compared with VL <50 copies/ml, LLV 200–999 copies/ml (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] and 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.56 [1.04, 2.32]) were associated with elevated risk of all‐cause mortality and LLV50‐199 (aHR [95% CI]: 1.00 [0.68, 1.45]) were not. Similarly, only LLV200‐999 copies/ml (aHR [95% CI]: 2.37 [1.36, 4.14]) corresponded to higher risk of AIDS‐related mortality.ConclusionsThis study suggests that PLHIV on ART may have elevated death risks even though the viremia is suppressed at a low level. Interventions targeting PLHIV with LLV should be developed to reduce their mortality.
Nonparametric Testing of the Dependence Structure Among Points–Marks–Covariates in Spatial Point Patterns
Authors: Dvořák Jiří , Mrkvička Tomáš , Mateu Jorge , González Jonatan A. 
Published: May 2022

SummaryWe investigate testing of the hypothesis of independence between a covariate and the marks in a marked point process. It would be rather straightforward if the (unmarked) point process were independent of the covariate and the marks. In practice, however, such an assumption is questionable and possible dependence between the point process and the covariate or the marks may lead to incorrect conclusions. Therefore, we propose to investigate the complete dependence structure in the triangle points–marks–covariates together. We take advantage of the recent development of the nonparametric random shift methods, namely, the new variance correction approach, and propose tests of the null hypothesis of independence between the marks and the covariate and between the points and the covariate. We present a detailed simulation study showing the performance of the methods and provide two theorems establishing the appropriate form of the correction factors for the variance correction. Finally, we illustrate the use of the proposed methods in two real applications.
Redesigned pMAL expression vector for easy and fast purification of active native antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Gardijan Lazar , Miljkovic Marija , Obradovic Mina , Borovic Branka , Vukotic Goran , Jovanovic Goran , Kojic Milan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this study was to construct the improved pMAL expression vector to increase the efficacy of purification of small native peptides and their clear-cut separation from MBP tag. The modifications we introduced can be applied to many expression vectors.

Methods and Results
To improve the pMAL expression vector, we introduced the His6 tag and the enterokinase cleavage site (Ek) downstream from the MBP tag and Xa cleavage site on the original vector. For cloning of a desired peptide DNA, the enterokinase site contains a unique BsaBI restriction site adjacent to the original multi-cloning site. This redesigned pMAL vector was optimized for the purification of cytoplasmic (pMALc5HisEk) and periplasmic (pMALp5HisEk) peptides. The purification of native and active peptide (P) was obtained following two-step affinity chromatography. In the first step, the entire MBP-His6-Ek-P fusion protein is purified using the Ni-NTA agarose column. This fusion protein was cleaved with active His6 tagged enterokinase. In the second step, the further purification was performed by column containing the mixture of amylose and Ni-NTA agarose resins. This removes both the MBP-His6 and His6-enterokinase leaving pure native protein in solution. These new vectors and the two-step purification protocol were successfully applied in purification of active native small antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), lactococcin A and human β-defensin.

Conclusions
We constructed the improved pMAL expression vectors and established the pipeline and optimal conditions for their use in efficient purification of large amounts of active native small peptides.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Choice of expression vector impacts on the efficiency of expression and purification of desired proteins. The idea of redesigning pMAL vector was driven by the need for rapid purification of larger amounts of active native AMPs. This newly improved pMAL vector, the cloning strategy, expression conditions and two-step purification protocol represent a unique simple approach which can be applied in every laboratory.
Biosorption optimization of lead(II) and cadmium(II) ions by two novel nanosilica-immobilized fungal mutants
Authors: Zaki Amira G. , Hasanien Yasmeen A. , Abdel-Razek Alaa S. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Aims
This study aims at immobilization of fungal mutants on nanosilica (NSi)-carriers for designing efficient biosorbents as a significant new technology for decontamination practices and maximizing their heavy metal (HM) sorption proficiency through the experimental design methodology.

Materials and Results
Endophytic fungal mutant strains, Chaetomium globosum El26 mutant and Alternaria alternata S5 mutant were heat inactivated and then immobilized, each separately, on NSi carriers to formulate two separated nano-biosorbents. The formulated NSi-Chaetomium globosum El26 mutant (NSi-Chae El26 m) was investigated for Pb+2 uptake while, the formulated NSi-Alternaria alternata S5 mutant (NSi-Alt S5 m) was investigated for Cd+2 uptake, each through a batch equilibrium protocol. Before and after the metal sorption process, the designed nano-biosorbents were characterized via scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. Sorption pH, contact time, sorbent concentration, and initial HM concentration were statistically optimized using a Box–Behnken design. Results showed that NSi-Chae El26 m was efficient in Pb+2 uptake with maximum biosorption capacities of 199.0, while NSi-Alt S5 m was efficient in Cd+2 uptake with maximum biosorption capacities of 162.0 mg g−1. Moreover, the equilibrium data indicated that the adsorption of Pb+2 and Cd+2 by the tested nano-biosorbents fitted to the Freundlich isotherm.

Conclusions
The formulated nano-biosorbents resulted in higher HM biosorption of metal ions from aqueous solution than that obtained by the free fungal biomass. The biosorption statistical modelling described the interactions between the tested sorption parameters and predicted the optimum values for maximum HM biosorption capacity by the two designed nano-biosorbents.

Significance and Impact of The Study
These findings verify that members of the endophytic fungal genera Alternaria and Chaetomium are suitable to produce nano-biosorbents for decontamination practices after treatment by gamma mutagenesis, heat inactivation, and NSi immobilization. Moreover, statistical optimization can assist to evaluate the optimal conditions to produce such bioremediation material.
Assessing the genomic diversity and relatedness in 10 Canadian heritage chicken lines using whole‐genome sequence data
Authors: Heidaritabar Marzieh , Carney Valerie , Groenen Martien A. M. , Plastow Graham 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn the past 50 years, there has been a steep increase in the demand for poultry products, met by increasing production along with genetic selection for improved growth, efficiency, health and reproduction. The selection tends to reduce the number and type of genetic resources contributing to the majority of production. The University of Alberta maintains 10 heritage chicken lines (Brown Leghorn (BL), Light Sussex (LS), New Hampshire (NH), Saskatchewan Barred Rock (SaskBR), Shaver Barred Rock (ShaverBR), Shaver Rhode Island Red (RIR), White Leghorn (WL) and three commercial crosses called Alberta Meat Control strains 1957 (AMC‐1957), 1978 sire line (AMC‐1978‐20S) and 1978 dam line (AMC‐1978‐30D), that played a large role in the evolution of the poultry industry in Canada. Since these lines have not been subjected to the same intensive selection pressures as commercial counterparts, they may contain unique genetic variants lost in commercial lines. Thus, for conservation management of these lines, the first step is to assess their genetic diversity. 71 male samples from across 10 lines were analysed using whole‐genome sequencing and patterns of genetic diversity and relatedness among these lines were explored. AMC‐1978‐30D showed the highest genetic diversity as reflected in observed and expected heterozygosity (0.327 and 0.250), percentage of polymorphic markers (~ 65%) and average recent inbreeding coefficient (−0.039), followed by AMC‐1978‐20S and AMC‐1957. BL showed the lowest genetic diversity as reflected in observed and expected heterozygosity (0.130 and 0.116), percentage of polymorphic markers (~31%) and average recent inbreeding coefficient (0.577), followed by LS, WL and NH. Our findings highlight the need for special attention for the populations of BL, WL, LS and NH, with the largest levels of inbreeding. Our results can be used to develop a breeding strategy to optimize and conserve the genetic variation present in heritage lines.
Cofilin‐1 participates in the hyperfunction of myeloid dendritic cells in patients with severe aplastic anaemia
Authors: Sun Yingying , Zhang Yu , Yu Hong , Wang Huaquan , Shao Zonghong , Liu Chunyan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCofilin‐1 interacts with actin to regulate cell movement. The importance of cofilin‐1 in immunity has been established, and its involvement in a number of autoimmune diseases has been confirmed. However, its role in severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) remains elusive. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the role of cofilin‐1 in patients with SAA. Flow cytometry, Western blotting and real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of cofilin‐1 in myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) from patients with SAA. The expression of cofilin‐1 was then suppressed via siRNA, and its effects on mDCs and downstream effector T‐cell function were evaluated. Cofilin‐1 expression was higher in mDCs from patients with SAA and correlated with routine blood and immune indexes. Moreover, cofilin‐1 knockdown in mDCs from patients with SAA reduced their phagocytic capacity, migration capacity, and CD86 expression through F‐actin remodelling, downregulating the stimulatory capacity of mDCs on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Collectively, these findings indicate that cofilin‐1 participates in the hyperfunction of mDCs in patients with SAA and that the downregulation of cofilin‐1 in mDCs from patients with SAA could be a novel treatment approach for SAA.
2940‐nm erbium:YAG laser versus 980‐nm diode laser in the treatment of multiple seborrheic keratoses: A prospective comparative randomized study
Authors: Osman Mai Abdelraouf 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundSeborrheic keratoses (SKs) are the most common benign epithelial tumors encountered in clinical practice. Complications associated with traditional treatments of SKs urge the scientists to seek alternative treatment modalities. Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of 2940‐nm erbium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser versus 980‐nm diode laser both clinically and dermoscopically for the treatment of seborrheic keratosis.MethodsThirty subjects with multiple SKs were randomized to receive two sessions of either Er:YAG laser (n = 15) or diode laser (n = 15) and were followed up for 2 weeks after each session, and at 3 and 6 months after the second session.ResultsBoth lasers exhibited significant clearance of SKs with no significant difference in clinical and dermoscopic improvement between the two systems. However, Er:YAG laser showed shorter total downtime but more serious erythema, while scarring and hyperpigmentation were observed in diode laser group. No recurrence was detected in both groups at 6 months follow‐up.ConclusionEr:YAG and diode lasers both are effective, non‐invasive and well‐tolerated techniques in treatment of SKs.
The efficacy of adjunctive periodontal therapies during supportive periodontal care in patients with residual pockets. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Calciolari Elena , Ercal Pinar , Dourou Marina , Akcali Aliye , Tagliaferri Sara , Donos Nikolaos 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWhile it is well‐established that patients that develop signs of relapsing periodontitis in supportive periodontal care (SPC) will need to repeat subgingival instrumentation of the residual pockets, less certainty is available in terms of which protocol should be followed and whether the use of adjunctive therapies or physical agents might provide additional benefits to repeated instrumentation alone. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to assess whether repeating subgingival instrumentation in combination with adjunctive therapies (other than antimicrobials) might provide a significant benefit in terms of pocket closure, probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction or clinical attachment level (CAL) gain in patients during SPC with residual/relapsing pockets. Four databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) with a minimum follow‐up of 3 months that investigated the use of adjunctive therapies (other than antimicrobials) in case of residual/relapsing pockets in patients in SPC since at least 3 months. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed in the studies meeting the inclusion criteria and meta‐analysis was performed when ≥3 studies assessing the same adjunctive therapy were identified. 12 studies (2 CCTs and 10 RCTs) were included for qualitative analysis. Meta‐analysis was performed only for 3 studies on the adjunctive use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and it indicated a nonsignificant benefit compared to the placebo in terms of PPD reduction and CAL gain at 3 months (weighted mean difference 0.07 and −0.03, respectively) and at 6 months of follow‐up (weighted mean difference −0.09 and −0.18, respectively). While antiseptics did not provide significant benefits, one study on probiotics and one on the use of vitamin D and calcium supplementation showed significant improvements in periodontal parameters. There is currently insufficient/poor evidence to determine the efficacy of adjunctive strategies (other than antimicrobials) to improve the outcomes of SPC in case of residual/relapsing pockets.
The effect of sleep continuity disruption on multimodal emotion processing and regulation: a laboratory‐based, randomised, controlled experiment in good sleepers
Authors: Reid Matthew J. , Omlin Ximena , Espie Colin A. , Sharman Rachel , Tamm Sandra , Kyle Simon D. 
Published: May 2022

SummaryPrevious research shows that experimental sleep deprivation alters emotion processing, suggesting a potential mechanism linking sleep disruption to mental ill‐health. Extending previous work, we experimentally disrupted sleep continuity in good sleepers and assessed next‐day emotion processing and regulation using tasks with established sensitivity to depression. In a laboratory‐based study, 51 good sleepers (37 female; mean [SD] age 24 [3.63] years), were randomised to 1 night of uninterrupted sleep (n = 24) or sleep continuity disruption (n = 27). We assessed emotion perception, attention, and memory the following day. Participants also completed an emotion regulation task and measures of self‐reported affect, anxiety, sleepiness, overnight declarative memory consolidation, and psychomotor vigilance. Confirming the effects of the manipulation, sleep continuity disruption led to a marked decrease in polysomnography‐defined total sleep time (229.98 versus 434.57 min), increased wake‐time after sleep onset (260.66 versus 23.84 min), and increased sleepiness (d = 0.81). Sleep continuity disruption led to increased anxiety (d = 0.68), decreased positive affect (d = −0.62), reduced overnight declarative memory consolidation (d = −1.08), and reduced psychomotor vigilance (longer reaction times [d = 0.64] and more lapses [d = 0.74]), relative to control. However, contrary to our hypotheses, experimental sleep disruption had no effect on perception of, or bias for, emotional facial expressions, emotional memory for words, or emotion regulation following worry induction. In conclusion, 1 night of sleep continuity disruption had no appreciable effect on objective measures of emotion processing or emotion regulation in response to worry induction, despite clear effects on memory consolidation, vigilance, and self‐reported affect and anxiety.
Dose–responses for solar radiation exposure reveal high sensitivity of microbial decomposition to changes in plant litter quality that occur during photodegradation
Authors: Méndez M. Soledad , Ballaré Carlos L. , Austin Amy T. 
Published: May 2022

SummaryPlant litter decomposition is a key process for carbon (C) turnover in terrestrial ecosystems. Sunlight has been shown to cause and accelerate C release in semiarid ecosystems, yet the dose–response relationships for these effects have not been evaluated.We conducted a two‐phase experiment where plant litter of three species was subjected to a broad range of cumulative solar radiation (CSR) exposures under field conditions. We then evaluated the relationships between CSR exposure and abiotic mass loss, litter quality and the subsequent biotic decomposition and microbial activity in litter.Dose–response relationships demonstrated that CSR exposure was modestly correlated with abiotic mass loss but highly significantly correlated with lignin degradation, saccharification, microbial activity and biotic decay of plant litter across all species. Moreover, a comparison of these dose–response relationships suggested that small reductions in litter lignin due to exposure to sunlight may have large consequences for biotic decay.These results provide strong support for a model that postulates a critical role for lignin photodegradation in the mechanism of photofacilitation and demonstrate that, under natural field conditions, biotic degradation of plant litter is linearly related with the dose of solar radiation received by the material before coming into contact with decomposer microorganisms.
Negative pressure promotes macrophage M1 polarization after Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection via the lncRNA XIST/microRNA–125b–5p/A20/NF–κB axis
Authors: Luo Xiao‐Bo , Li Li‐Tao , Xi Jian‐Cheng , Liu Hong‐Tao , Liu Zhen , Yu Long , Tang Pei‐Fu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractExperiments have demonstrated the regulation of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in tuberculosis (TB), and negative pressure treatment has been associated with the alleviation of TB. Here, we investigated the interaction of negative pressure and the lncRNA X‐inactive specific transcript (XIST) in modulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection. Initially, we established an in vitro cell model of MTB infection and an in vivo mouse model of MTB infection, followed by treatment with negative pressure. Then, we examined the expression of XIST, followed by analysis of the downstream miRNA of XIST. XIST was overexpressed or underexpressed through cell transfection to examine its effects on macrophage polarization via the miR–125b–5p/A2 axis. The MTB models were characterized by upregulated XIST and downregulated miR‐125b‐5p. XIST bound to miR‐125b‐5p, leading to its downregulation, and thus causing higher MTB survival in an ESAT‐6–dependent manner. Additionally, negative pressure treatment decreased MTB‐driven XIST expression through downregulation of A20 (an NF‐κB repressor) via miR‐125b‐5 expression, promoting the M1 polarization program in macrophages through activation of the NF‐κB pathway. In summary, negative pressure treatment after MTB infection can promote the polarization of macrophages to the proinflammatory M1 phenotype by regulating the XIST/miR–125b–5p/A20/NF–κB axis.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder and hiring: The role of social media disclosures on stigma and hiring assessments of veterans
Authors: Pu Wenxi , Roth Philip L. , Thatcher Jason B. , Nittrouer Christine L. , Hebl Mikki 
Published: May 2022

AbstractA significant percentage of veterans suffer from post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans are often directed to social media platforms to seek support during their transition to civilian life. However, social media platforms are increasingly used to aid in hiring decisions, and these platforms may make veterans’ PTSD more discoverable during the hiring process. Based on social identity theory and identity management theory, the integrated suspicion model, and the stigma literature, we conducted four studies that examine veterans’ PTSD disclosures on social media and the consequences in the hiring process. Study 1 suggests that 16%–34% of veterans included cues related to PTSD status on social media. Study 2, based on 290 upper‐level business students, shows that veterans with PTSD were more stigmatized than veterans without PTSD, and stigmatization is associated with more suspicion and lower hiring‐related ratings (of expected task performance, expected organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB), expected counterproductive work behaviors (CWB), and intention to interview). Study 3, based on 431 working professionals with hiring experience, further supports relationships from Study 2. Study 4, based on 298 working professionals, identifies peril (i.e., perceptions regarding danger) as an additional mediator for the effects of PTSD on hiring‐related ratings. In sum, we identify and explore the identity management conundrum that social media disclosure poses for veterans with PTSD in the hiring process and discuss potential remedies and avenues for future research.