bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Registration of ‘Krib'New Lentil variety in Tunisia
Authors: Ouji Ali 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In Tunisia, lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. culinaris) is cultivated in arid and semi-arid areas. Terminal drought and heat stresses during the end of cycle causes significant yield losses. Selection of short cycle varieties could be the best option to escape the effect of pre cited abiotic factors. 'krib’ was developed using both modified pedigree and bulk methods by INRAT in collaboration with ICARDA. It's a selection from an advanced F9 line, FLIP2012 196L, which was derived from a cross of ILL590 (early- maturing genotype) with ILL8113 (drought tolerant). During the three consecutive cropping seasons (2014–2017), the increase in yield of 'krib' above that of the local checks was about 13 and 15% for 'kef' and 'Boulifa', respectively. 'Krib' is an early-flowering (on average ~ 93 d) and early-maturing (on average ~ 138 d) variety. It's therefore, the earliest variety among the previously released varieties. Its dehulled seed has a protein content of 26.8% which was above that of 'Kef' (23.9%) .'Krib' showed good agronomic performance under drought conditions and large adaptation for the Tunisian environments. Tested as ILL11171, 'Krib' was approved for release and registered in the Tunisian Official Catalogue of Plant Varieties in 2019, based on the superior performance, by the DG/PCQPA, Tunisia. The availability of 'Krib' variety to farmers could increase lentil production and offers the producer a profitable benefit in their cropping systems.
An optimized method for the isolation of urinary extracellular vesicles for molecular phenotyping: detection of biomarkers for radiation exposure
Authors: Hinzman Charles P , Jayatilake Meth , Bansal Sunil , Fish Brian L , Li Yaoxiang , Zhang Yubo , Bansal Shivani , Girgis Michael , Iliuk Anton , Xu Xiao , Fernandez Jose A , Griffin John H , Ballew Elizabeth A , Unger Keith , Boerma Marjan , Medhora Meetha , Cheema Amrita K 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Urinary extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a source of biomarkers with broad potential applications across clinical research, including monitoring radiation exposure. A key limitation to their implementation is minimal standardization in EV isolation and analytical analysis methods. Further, most urinary EV isolation protocols necessitate large volumes of sample. This study aimed to compare and optimize isolation and analytical methods for EVs from small volumes of urine.Methods: 3 EV isolation methods were compared: ultracentrifugation, magnetic bead-based, and size-exclusion chromatography from 0.5 mL or 1 mL of rat and human urine. EV yield and mass spectrometry signals (Q-ToF and Triple Quad) were evaluated from each method. Metabolomic profiling was performed on EVs isolated from the urine of rats exposed to ionizing radiation 1-, 14-, 30- or 90-days post-exposure, and human urine from patients receiving thoracic radiotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer pre- and post-treatment.Results: Size-exclusion chromatography is the preferred method for EV isolation from 0.5 mL of urine. Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analyses of EV cargo identified biochemical changes induced by radiation, including altered nucleotide, folate, and lipid metabolism. We have provided standard operating procedures for implementation of these methods in other laboratories.Conclusions: We demonstrate that EVs can be isolated from small volumes of urine and analytically investigated for their biochemical contents to detect radiation induced metabolomic changes. These findings lay a groundwork to develop future methods to monitor response to radiotherapy and can be extended to an array of molecular phenotyping studies aimed at characterizing EV cargo.
Low-dose versus standard-dose computed tomography-guided core needle biopsy for lung nodules: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Er-Liang , Ma Ai-Li , Wang Tao , Fu Yu-Fei , Liu Han-Yang , Li Guang-Chao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
To assess relative safety and diagnostic performance for low- and standard-dose computed tomography (CT)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) for lung nodules (LNs).
Materials and Methods
This is a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) from a single-center. From June 2020 to December 2020, consecutive patients with LNs were randomly assigned into low- or standard-dose groups. The primary outcome was diagnosis accuracy, while secondary outcomes encompassed technical success, diagnostic yield, operative time, radiation dose, and CNB-related complications. This RCT was listed within ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04217655), registered 3 January 2020.
Results
A total of 200 patients were randomly assigned to low-dose (n = 100) and standard-dose (n = 100) groups. All patients achieved technical success of CT-guided CNB and the definite final diagnoses. No significant difference was found for operative times (n = 0.231) between 2 groups. The mean dose-length product was markedly reduced within low-dose group in comparison to standard-dose group (34.6 ± 11.1 vs. 351.4 ± 107.4 mGy-cm, P < 0.001). Within low-dose group, the diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnosis accuracy were 68%, 91.5%, 100%, and 94%, respectively. Within standard-dose group, the diagnostic yield, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnosis accuracy were 65%, 88.6%, 100%, and 92%, respectively. There were no significances in diagnostic yield (P = 0.653) and diagnostic accuracy (P = 0.579) between 2 groups. No significant differences within rates of pneumothorax (P = 0.836) and lung hemorrhage (P = 0.744) between 2 groups were observed.
Conclusions
Compared with standard-dose CT-guided CNB for LNs, low-dose CT can significantly reduce radiation dose, while yield comparable safety and diagnostic accuracy.
Association of polymorphisms in the erythropoietin gene with diabetic retinopathy: a case-control study and systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Sesti Luís Fernando Castagnino , Sbruzzi Renan Cesar , Polina Evelise Regina , Soares Douglas dos Santos , Crispim Daisy , Canani Luís Henrique , Santos Kátia Gonçalves dos 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by ischemia, hypoxia, and angiogenesis. Erythropoietin (EPO), an angiogenic hormone, is upregulated in DR, and the association of EPO genetic variants with DR is still uncertain, as conflicting results have been reported. Therefore, we performed a case-control study followed by a meta-analysis to investigate whether the rs1617640, rs507392, and rs551238 polymorphisms in EPO gene are associated with DR. Methods: The case-control study included 1042 Southern Brazilians with type 2 diabetes (488 without DR and 554 with DR). Eligible studies for the meta-analysis were searched from electronic databases up to June 1, 2021. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for five genetic inheritance models. Results: The minor alleles of the EPO polymorphisms had nearly the same frequency in all groups of patients (35%), and no association was detected with DR in the case-control study. The meta-analysis included 14 independent sets of cases and controls with 9117 subjects for the rs1617640 polymorphism and nine independent sets with more than 5000 subjects for the rs507392 and rs551238 polymorphisms. The G allele of the rs1617640 polymorphism was associated with DR under the dominant (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68-0.98), heterozygous additive (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69-0.97) and overdominant (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.79-0.97) models. In the subgroup analyses, the G allele was also associated with DR among patients with type 1 diabetes or non-Asian ancestry. Regarding the rs507392 and rs551238 polymorphisms, no association was found between these variants and DR. Conclusion: Our findings provide additional support to EPO as a susceptibility gene for DR, with the rs1617640 polymorphism deserving further investigation.
The Clinical Significance of BRAFV600E Mutations in Pediatric Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Li Yangsen , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Liwen , Qiu Xinguang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to review the clinical significance of BRAFV600E mutations in pediatric papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
Methods
From 2018 to 2021, 392 pediatric thyroid operations were performed in our hospital. Of these, 169 patients underwent their first operation in our hospital and were histopathologically diagnosed as papillary thyroid carcinoma. BRAFV600E gene mutation detection was performed in these 169 pediatric patients to investigate the correlation between BRAF gene mutations and clinicopathological features.
Results
Ninety-seven of our 169 patients had a BRAFV600E mutation, with a mutation rate of 57.4%. The incidence of BRAFV600E was higher in boys than in girls, and in the 13–18-year age group as compared with the 6–12-year age group (P < 0.05). The positivity rate of BRAFV600E in unilateral PTC (67.7%) was significantly higher than that in bilateral PTC (28.9%). The occurrence of diffuse microcalcification of the thyroid negatively correlated with the presence of BRAFV600E mutations. BRAFV600E mutations were found more frequently in patients with smaller tumor size, a lack of multifocality, lower TSH levels and central lymph node metastasis. During the follow-up time, 70 patients were treated with iodine-131. Eight patients required a second surgery (All had cervical lymph node recurrence).
Conclusion
BRAFV600E mutations do not suggest a more aggressive course in papillary thyroid carcinoma in pediatric patients in the short term.
Shared medical appointments in English primary care for long-term conditions: a qualitative study of the views and experiences of patients, primary care staff and other stakeholders
Authors: Graham Fiona , Martin Helen , Lecouturier Jan , O'Donnell Amy , Tang Mei Yee , Jackson Katherine , Sniehotta Falko , Kaner Eileen 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Shared medical appointments (SMAs) or group consultations have been promoted in primary care to improve workload pressures, resource-use efficiency and patient self-management of long-term conditions (LTCs). However, few studies have explored stakeholders’ perspectives of this novel care delivery model in the English NHS context, particularly patients’ views about consultations involving other people with similar conditions.
Method
This qualitative study was conducted with 21 patients, 17 primary care staff, 2 commissioners, and 2 SMA training providers in the North East and North Cumbrian region of England. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the perspectives of stakeholders with and without SMA experience from a range of geographical and socio-economic backgrounds. Thematic analysis was conducted to examine perceptions around impact on patient care and outcomes and barriers and facilitators to implementation.
Results
Three main themes were identified: ‘Value of sharing’, ‘Appropriateness of group setting’, ‘Implementation processes’. Patients and staff with SMA experience enjoyed the novelty and informality of SMAs, with some patients reporting that they felt less isolated and more motivated to self-care. Concerns were raised about the appropriateness of SMAs for sharing personal information, particularly in close-knit communities where the risk of breaching confidentiality was perceived to be greater. Patients and staff were uncertain whether the group setting benefitted all, believing SMAs suited some patients more than others. Whilst staff anticipated that SMAs could deliver high quality care more efficiently than 1:1 appointments, none of the practices had evaluated the impact SMAs had on patient outcomes or staff time. Staff reported difficulties ‘selling’ SMAs to patients and low patient attendance at subsequent SMAs.
Conclusion
Newly diagnosed patients and those with limited SMA experience could enjoy and benefit from the added value that peer presence provides during SMAs. Patient intention to attend an SMA appears to be influenced by their existing level of interest in self-care, social support, group work anxiety and the presence of known others in the group. Further research is needed to clarify which patients, health conditions and circumstances are most appropriate for SMAs, and what implications they have for health inequalities.
Experimental Study of Al-Modified Zeolite with Oxygen Nanobubbles in Repairing Black and Odorous Sediments in River Channels
Authors: Chao Guo , Huanyuan Wang , Yulu Wei , Biao Peng , Xiaoxiao Shu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
As an extreme phenomenon of water pollution, black and odorous water not only causes ecological damage, but also severely restricts urban development. At present, the in-situ remediation technology of black and odorous sediment from river channels is still undeveloped, and there are many bottlenecks in the key technologies of black and odorous sediment pollution control and ecological restoration. In this study, three experimental tanks are used to explore the effects of Al-modified zeolite with oxygen nanobubbles on repairing black and odorous sediment from Shichuan river. Which one of the tanks plants Typha orientalis and Canna indica L. (TC), the other plants the same plants and adds Al-modified zeolite with oxygen nanobubbles (TC+AMZON), and the last used as comparison test is not processed (CS). The results show that Nitrogen(N) and phosphorus(P) in the sediment are released violently to the surrounding water. However, TC+AMZON can effectively inhibit the release of P. The amount of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) of pore water in the sediment released reaches the maximum at 40 d, and it is 122.97% and 74.32% bigger in TC and CS than that in TC+AMZON. The amount of total phosphorus (TP) of pore water in the sediment released reaches the maximum at 70 d, and it is 260.14% and 218.23% bigger in TC and CS than that in TC+AMZON, respectively. (2) TC+AMZON can significantly increase the dissolved oxygen (DO) and oxidation-reduction potential(ORP) of pore water in the sediment in the early stage of the test. On the 0 d, the DO content in TC+AMZON reaches 10.6 mg/L, and it is 112.0% and 178.95% bigger than that in TC and CS, respectively. The change laws of ORP in the sediment is consistent with that of DO. (3) TC+AMZON can significantly improve the transparency and reduce the content of chlorophylla of the upper water, and can slightly reduce the N and P content of the upper water. The transparency of the upper water in TC+AMZON is increased by 130.76% and 58.73% compared with TC and CS, and the content of chlorophylla is decreased by 55.6% and 50.0% compared with TC and CS.
Lignin nanoparticles for sustainable and biodegradable packaging films
Authors: Hararak Bongkot , Winotapun Charinee , Prakymoramas Natcha , Klinsukhon Wattana , Wijaranakul Pawarisa 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
A simple, green, and scalable procedure to manufacture spherical lignin nanoparticles is demonstrated in this work. Softwood kraft lignin (S-lignin) was fractionated using acetone which was recoverable and reused in the following step to produce lignin nanoparticles (S-LNPs). Deionized water was used as anti-solvent to precipitate S-LNPs under ultrasonication. The size of S-LNPs was found to be in the range from 40-300 nm with an average of 120±18 nm. S-LNPs had lower ash content at 0.05% as compared to 1.22% of S-lignin. More importantly, S-LNPs had significant increased phenolic to aliphatic hydroxyl ratio. Home-composable polybutylene succinate (PBS) was selected to develop sustainable materials for flexible film applications. Composite films of PBS/S-lignin and PBS/S-LNPs were manufactured via conventional blown film melt-extrusion. Both composite films appeared brownish. At 0.5 wt% loading content, the PBS/S-LNPs composite films possessed comparable mechanical properties to the neat PBS film with several advantages including (a) a superb UV-blocking ability of 69% and 64% enhancement in shielding of UV-B and UV-A, respectively; (b) retardation of thermo-oxidative reaction with 42 % improvement in onset oxidative temperature; and (c) antibacterial activity (R) values of 2.5 for gram-negative (E. coli ATCC8739) and 1.5 for gram-positive (S. aureus ATCC 6538p). For a meaningful approach in fully biodegradable and sustainable plastic products, the spherical lignin nanoparticles produced in this work can be alternative multifunctional bio-additives for UV protection, antioxidation and antibacterial applications.
Regular smoking of male ancestors in adolescence and fat and lean mass in young adult grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Authors: Gregory Steven , Suderman Matthew , Northstone Kate , Pembrey Marcus , Watkins Sarah , Iles-Caven Yasmin , Golding Jean 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Our previous studies using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) have shown that if men started smoking before the onset of puberty their sons, their granddaughters and great-granddaughters were more likely to have excess fat mass during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. Here we assess associations between ancestral smoking during adolescence (ages 11-16years) with fat and lean mass of subsequent generations at ages 17 and 24. We found associations between adolescent smoking of the paternal grandfather and the adjusted fat mass of their grandchildren, but no associations with lean mass. Grandchildren at age 17 had an average excess fat mass of + 1.65 [95% CI + 0.04, + 3.26] Kg, and at age 24 an average excess of + 1.55 [95% CI -0.27, + 3.38] Kg. Adolescent smoking by the maternal grandfather showed similar, but weaker, associations: at 17 average excess fat mass of + 1.02 Kg [95% CI -0.20, + 2.25] Kg, and at 24 average excess of + 1.28 [95% CI -0.11, + 2.66] Kg. There were no significant differences between the sexes of the children. For the great-grandparents there were few convincing results. Confirmation of these associations is required, either in a further data set or by demonstrating the presence of supportive biomarkers.
A Lagrangian-Eulerian procedure for the coupled solution of the Navier-Stokes and shallow water equations for landslide-generated waves
Authors: Masó Miguel , Franci Alessandro , de-Pouplana Ignasi , Cornejo Alejandro , Oñate Eugenio 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This work presents a partitioned method for landslide-generated wave events. The proposed strategy combines a Lagrangian Navier Stokes multi-fluid solver with an Eulerian method based on the Boussinesq shallow water equations. The Lagrangian solver uses the Particle Finite Element Method to model the landslide runout, its impact against the water body and the consequent wave generation. The results of this fully-resolved analysis are stored at selected interfaces and then used as input for the shallow water solver to model the far-field wave propagation. This one-way coupling scheme reduces drastically the computational cost of the analyses while maintaining high accuracy in reproducing the key phenomena of the cascading natural hazard. Several numerical examples are presented to show the accuracy and robustness of the proposed coupling strategy and its applicability to large-scale landslide-generated wave events. The validation of the partitioned method is performed versus available results of other numerical methods, analytical solutions and experimental measures.
Study of the dehydroacetic acid homolog by IR, Raman spectroscopy, and DFT
Authors: Furer Victor Lvovich , Vandyukov Alexandr , Nomerotskaya Ekaterina , Mukhtarova Mariyam , Kovalev Vladimir , Kovalenko Valery 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The IR and Raman spectra of 3-(3,3-Dimethylbutanoyl)-4-hydroxy-6-neopentyl-2H-pyran-2-one (1) in the crystalline state have been studied. The tautomerization of 1 was carried out by a quantum-chemical method at the DFT/B3LYP/6-311G** level. The experimental IR and Raman spectra of compound 1 are reproduced by calculations for the 4-hydroxy enol tautomer (A). The classification of the bands in the experimental vibrational spectra of 1 has been carried out. The intramolecular H-bond was characterized by IR spectroscopy. The free energies of the tautomers and their populations were calculated for two different solvents. HOMO and LUMO of molecule 1 are located on the pyran ring. During tautomeric transformations, there is a significant delocalization of charge and a change in the reactivity of the molecule. The reactivity of the pyrone 1 was characterized using descriptors. The enol form B was found to have higher ionization energy, electron affinity, chemical potential, and electrophilic index than the enol A form. The dipole moment is higher for form A, and the softness of the two molecules is the same.
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) in water and sediments along the Udu River, Niger Delta, Nigeria: concentration, distribution and risk assessment
Authors: Iniaghe Paschal , Kpomah Enyohwo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this study, the concentration, distribution, ecological and health risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water and sediment samples from Udu River, Niger Delta Nigeria, was assessed. Water and sediment samples were collected at five different points along the course of the River, which were in proximity to human population. Water samples were liquid-liquid extracted using a mixture of n-hexane and dichloromethane, while sediment samples were soxhlet extracted using acetone/dichloromethane/n-hexane mixture. Extracted PCB congeners were quantified using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The results revealed that only PCB-167 was detected in water samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.02–1.86 mg L − 1. For sediment samples, the concentration of Ʃ29PCBs ranged from 5.34 to 16.1 ng g − 1. The determined PCB concentrations in both water and sediment samples were within regulatory limits. The concentration of dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) ranged from 1.07–5.36 ng g − 1. The toxic equivalence values for dl-PCBs varied between 0.0065–0.018, which were within the sediment quality guideline value of 0.0215 ng g− 1. The calculated health risk assessment values were below the respective risk values for non-cancer and cancer risk evaluations. The results suggest minimal ecological and potential risk linked with exposure to PCBs in water and sediments from Udu River.
Visualizing RNA polymers produced by hot wet-dry cycling
Authors: Hassenkam Tue , Deamer David 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
It is possible that the transition from abiotic systems to life relied on RNA polymers that served as ribozyme-like catalysts and for storing genetic information. The source of such polymers is uncertain, but previous investigations reported that wet–dry cycles simulating prebiotic hot springs provide sufficient energy to drive condensation reactions of mononucleotides to form oligomers and polymers. The aim of the study reported here was to verify this claim and visualize the products prepared from solutions composed of single mononucleotides and 1:1 mixture of two mononucleotides. Therefore, we designed experiments that allowed comparisons of all such mixtures representing six combinations of the four mononucleotides of RNA. We observed irregular stringy patches and crystal strands when wet-dry cycling was performed at room temperature (20 o C). However, when the same solutions were exposed to wet–dry cycles at 80 o C, we observed what appeared to be true polymers. Their thickness was consistent with RNA-like products composed of covalently bonded monomers, while irregular strings and crystal segments of mononucleotides dried or cycled at room temperature were consistent with structures assembled and stabilized by weak hydrogen bonds. In a few instances we observed rings with short polymer attachments. These observations are consistent with previous claims of polymerization during wet–dry cycling. We conclude that RNA-like polymers and rings could have been synthesized non-enzymatically on the prebiotic Earth, with sizes sufficient to fold into ribozymes and genetic molecules required for life to begin.