bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Groundwater Depletion in California’s Central Valley Accelerates During Megadrought
Authors: Liu Pang-Wei , Famiglietti James , Purdy Adam , Kim Kyra , McEvoy Averly , Reager John , Bindlish Rajat , Wiese David , David Cedric , Rodell Matthew 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Groundwater provides nearly half of irrigation water supply, and it enables resilience during drought, but in many regions of the world, it remains poorly, if at all managed. In heavily agricultural regions like California’s Central Valley, where groundwater management is being slowly implemented over a 27-year period that began in 2015, groundwater provides two-thirds or more of irrigation water during drought, which has led to falling water tables, drying wells, subsiding land, and its long-term disappearance. Here we use nearly two decades of observations from NASA’s GRACE satellite missions and show that the rate of groundwater depletion in the Central Valley has been accelerating since 2003 (1.89 km3/yr, 1961–2021; 2.41 km3/yr, 2003–2021; 8.57 km3/yr, 2019–2021), a period of megadrought in southwestern North America. Results suggest the need for expedited implementation of groundwater management in the Central Valley to ensure its availability during the increasingly intense droughts of the future.
The use of participatory disease surveillance, tuberculin test and polymerase chain reaction to determine the presence and prevalence of avian tuberculosis in layers within Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils, Abuja, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kwaghe Ayi Vandi , Bello Muhammed , Balogun Muhammad Shakir , Audu Benshak John , Kabir Junaidu 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction Avian tuberculosis (ATB) is a zoonotic chronic wasting disease of birds with serious economic implications to poultry farmers as well as to public health, particularly in immunocompromised patients. We therefore aimed to determine the presence, prevalence and specie (Mycobacterium avium) of ATB affecting layers in Abuja, Nigeria.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study. We adapted a checklist and conducted participatory disease surveillance (PDS) in 12 farms and a live bird market (LBM). We used systematic random sampling method to select 395 layers that were screened for ATB using avian PPD. Antemortem and postmortem were conducted on those birds that tested positive. Organs and tissues with lesions were obtained, DNA was extracted, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted for confirmation of Mycobacterium avium infection. Data was analyzed using PDS method of analysis (ranking and scoring) and descriptive statistics.ResultsThe study established the presence of ATB in commercial laying birds in Abuja. Using PDS, 3/13 (23.1%) locations identified the presence of ATB. Avian tuberculosis, the disease of interest, ranked eleventh. On biosecurity measures, 3/12 (25%) farms had strict movement restriction, 50% of the farms had other animals on the farm aside the layer and / broilers under intensive management, foot dips were absent in 25% of the farms, 25% had foot dips that were not in use, only a farm (8%) disinfected vehicles before entering. Only 12/23 (52.2%) farms agreed to the Tuberculin test with a 47.8% rejection rate. Out of the 12 farms sampled, 5 (41.7%) were positive for ATB. The overall prevalence of ATB was 2.8% (11/395). Layers 105 weeks old and above had the highest prevalence (4.8%) and cachexia (14.3%). Four out of the eleven (36.4%) layers that turned out positive were cachexic. All the layers that were positive for avian PPD turned out positive as M. avium using PCR analysis.Conclusion We have demonstrated the existence of ATB within Gwagwalada and Kuje local government areas (LGAs) which is a potential threat to the poultry industry and public health. The farm prevalence of 41.7% signifies the need for tuberculin test in all the layer and breeder farms in Abuja to confirm the status of ATB on farms and to curtail the spread of ATB. We have also revealed the lack of knowledge with regards to the availability and relevance of tuberculin test among poultry farmers and the need for sensitization of poultry farmers on ATB and improvement on their biosecurity measures on farms.
Induction of type II collagen expression in M2 macrophages derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Wang Fu-Hui , Hsieh Chia-Ying , Shen Ching-I , Chuang Chang-Han , Chung Yu-Hsuan , Kuo Chi-Chung , Lee Kuan-Der , Lin Chih-Lung , Su Hong-Lin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The human type II collagen (Col II), specifically expressed in chondrocytes, is a crucial component of the adult hyaline cartilage. We examine the potential of artificial induction of Col II in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) as a novel Col II provider. Human PBMNCs were purified and were treated with high doses of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and examined the Col II expression at indicated days. Quantitative Col II expression was validated by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. The subpopulation of the cytokine-induced Col II-expression cells were examined by the maturation markers of macrophages by flow cytometry. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)- and collagen-induced arthritis in rodents were subjected for the anti-inflammatory assays of Col II-expressing cells. We demonstrate that monocytes in PBMNCs can be artificially induced to express both Col II proteins and M2 macrophage markers by high concentration of colony stimulating factors, especially M-CSF and GM-CSF. Combination with IL-4 provides a synergistic effect with M-CSF/GM-CSF to trigger Col II expression in M2 macrophages. These CD206 and Col II double expressing cells, named as modified macrophages, significantly attenuated the inflammatory progress of CFA-induced arthritis and collagen-induced arthritis in rodents. Here, we provide the first evidence that a population of modified macrophages could ectopically express Col II to control the progress of arthritis in animals.
Quality of life domains of most importance to nursing home residents: a case study in Shanghai city
Authors: Xia Qingtao , Wu Tianyan , Chen Zhen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Since the new Chinese leader took office in 2013, an increasingly large number of nursing homes (NHs) in China have undergone culture change transformations intended to enhance the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly. However, current reform measures are primarily based on political and philosophical concepts. As a consequence, the pace of cultural change has been slow. Empirical evidence that identifies necessary improvements in elder care will quicken the transformation of NHs. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that employed a fact-to-face survey. A total of 310 elder residents from three NHs undergoing cultural reform in Shanghai, China were included in this study. Elderly residents’ QOL in 11 domains was examined using the Quality of Life Scale for Nursing Home Elders. The domains included comfort, security, meaningful activities, relationships, function, food enjoyment, privacy, dignity, autonomy, individuality, and spiritual well-being. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify the predictors of elder satisfaction. The collected data were analyzed using SPSSAU and Excel 2010 .Results: After setting cognitive and functional abilities as control variables, of the 11 QOL domains, relationships(β = 0.15, p <. 05), dignity(β = 0.38, p <. 01), and food enjoyment(β = 0.26, p < .05) remained positive predictors of overall satisfaction. Additionally, dignity(β = 0.35, p < .05) and autonomy(β = 0.30, p < .05) were significantly related to elder satisfaction with nursing services and epidemic control.Conclusions: Finally, the importance of dignity, food, relationships, and autonomy for elderly resident satisfaction was established. Among them, dignity had the most significant influence on residents satisfaction, which should be the primary focus of current measures to enhance the QOL of elder residents. Based on empirical results, this study provides effective theoretical supports and practical suggestions for NH cultural change.
Climate-Induced Agricultural Productivity Change and Child Nutritional Outcomes: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria Mulubrhan Amare Bedru Balana
Authors: Amare Mulubrhan , Balana Bedru 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This study examines the effect of climate-induced agricultural productivity change on child nutritional outcomes. We also examine heterogeneity in the effect of climate-induced agricultural productivity changes on child nutritional outcomes through market access and education. Using micro level multiple waves of farm household panel data from Nigeria , we first show that perception and high temperature (heat stress) reduces agricultural productivity. Secondly, using fixed effects instrumental variables (FE-IV) models, we show that climate-induced agricultural productivity change has a negative effect on child nutritional outcomes, measured by child height-for-age and weight-for-age. The results indicate that climate changes undermine the ability of smallholder farmers to increase agricultural productivity and improve nutritional outcomes. The main channel through which climate-induced agricultural productivity change affects child nutritional outcomes is by decreasing food production for own consumption. The results further show that households who have limited access to markets and lower educational level are more vulnerable climatic shocks. Thus, ex ante interventions and policies geared towards climate smart agriculture and ex-post measures are needed to cushion vulnerable households from falling into severe food insecurity and malnutrition. Such measures need to be complemented with strategies for improving farmers’ access to markets and capacity strengthening to enhance smallholders’ resilience to climatic shocks and improved nutritional outcomes.
Pulmonary Artery Anatomical Characterization: Relevance to Pulmonary Artery Pressure Sensors
Authors: Zafar Hamza , Neelam-Naganathan Dharshan , Middleton Jennifer T , Rogers Dominic , Swift Andrew J , Rothman Alexander , Binmahfooz Sarah K , Battersby Christian 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In patients with heart failure, guideline-directed medical therapy improves outcomes and requires close patient monitoring. Pulmonary artery pressure monitors permit remote assessment of cardiopulmonary haemodynamics and facilitate early intervention that has been shown to decrease heart failure hospitalization. Pressure sensors implanted in the pulmonary vasculature are stabilized through passive or active interaction with the anatomy and communicate with an external reader to relay invasively measured pressure by radiofrequency. A body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2 and chest circumference >165 cm prevent use due to poor communication. Pulmonary vasculature anatomy is variable between patients and the pulmonary artery size, angulation of vessels and depth of sensor location from the chest wall in heart failure patients who may be candidates for pressure sensors remains largely unexamined. This paper analyzes the size, angulation, and depth of the pulmonary artery at the position of implantation of two pulmonary artery pressure sensors: the CardioMEMS sensor typically implanted in the left pulmonary artery and the Cordella sensor implanted in the right pulmonary artery. Thirty-four computed tomography pulmonary angiograms from heart failure patients were selected for analysis. Distance from the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery to the implant site was shorter for the right pulmonary artery (4.55 ± 0.64 cm vs 7.4 ± 1.3 cm) and vessel diameter at the implant site was larger (17.15 ± 2.87 mm vs 11.83 ± 2.30 mm). Link distance (length of the communication path between sensor and reader) was shorter for the left pulmonary artery (9.40 ± 1.43 mm vs 12.54 ± 1.37 mm). Therefore, the detailed analysis of pulmonary arterial anatomy using computed tomography pulmonary angiograms may alter the choice of implant location to reduce the risk of sensor migration and improve readability by minimizing sensor to reader link distance.
In situ biodegradation studies of cellophane using indigenously developed bacterial consortia
Authors: Debbarma Prasenjit , Suyal Deep Chandra , Zaidi Mohammad Ghulam Haider , Yadav Amit , Shouche Yogesh , Goel Reeta 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Cellophane, a bio-based fibrous film is considered sustainable, biodegradable and potential substitute for petrochemical based plastic films. However, addition of extra coating agents are making them recalcitrant in nature and therefore, their persistence after disposal is becoming a serious environmental concern. In this study, previously defined bacterial consortia viz. C-I, C-II and C-III were used to evaluate the efficacy under in situ conditions for the possible remediation of cellophane film waste. Comparative analyses of recovered biodegraded films have shown extensive damage on the surface of the films. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that the consortium C-II and C-III have significant effect on the spectral absorptions of the degraded cellophane films. The simultaneous thermogravimetric-derivative thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DTA) of biodegraded samples treated with C-II and C-III also exhibited tremendous weight losses at 457°C (85.7% and 95.7%, respectively) as compared with respective control (85%). Furthermore, the progressive degradation of cellophane films was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing the effect of bacterial mixed cultures on surface topography. Conclusively, present study signifies the cellophane degrading potential of previously tested bacterial consortia under natural conditions which will be a step forward to develop as an eco-friendly tool for plastic waste disposal.
Inhaled Prostacyclin Improves Oxygenation in Patients with COVID-19-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome – a randomized controlled multicenter trial
Authors: Haeberle Helene A. , Calov Stefanie , Martus Peter , Higuita Lina Maria Serna , Koeppen Michael , Goll Almuth , Zarbock Alexander , Meersch Melanie , Weiss Raphael , Mehrländer Martin , Marx Gernot , Putensen Christian , Bakchoul Tamam , Magunia Harry , Nieswandt Bernhard , Mirakaj Valbona , Rosenberger Peter 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) results in significant hypoxia, and ARDS is the central pathology of COVID-19. Inhaled prostacyclin has been proposed as a therapy for ARDS, but data regarding its role in this syndrome are unavailable. Therefore, we investigated whether inhaled prostacyclin would affect the oxygenation and survival of patients suffering from ARDS.
Methods.
We performed a prospective randomized controlled single-blind multicenter trial across Germany. The trial was conducted from March 2019 with final follow-up on 12th of August 2021. Patients with moderate to severe ARDS were included and randomized to receive either inhaled prostacyclin (3 times/day for 5 days) or sodium chloride. The primary outcome was the oxygenation index in the intervention and control groups on Day 5 of therapy. Secondary outcomes were mortality, secondary organ failure, disease severity and adverse events.
Results.
Of 707 patients approached 150 patients were randomized to receive inhaled prostacyclin (n = 73) or sodium chloride (n = 77). Data from 144 patients were analyzed. The baseline oxygenation index did not differ between groups. The primary analysis of the study was negative, and prostacyclin improved oxygenation by 20 mmHg more than NaCl (p = 0·17). Oxygenation was significantly improved in patients with ARDS who were COVID-19-positive (34 mmHg, p = 0·04). Mortality did not differ between groups. Secondary organ failure and adverse events were similar in the intervention and control groups.
Conclusions.
Although the primary result of our study was negative, our data suggest that inhaled prostacyclin might be a more beneficial treatment than standard care for patients with ARDS.
Trial registration:
The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Tübingen (899/2018AMG1) and the corresponding ethical review boards of all participating centers. The trial was also approved by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM, EudraCT No. 2016-003168-37) and registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03111212).
The effect of preoperative anxiety, hormone-induced ovarian stimulation, and prolonged face mask ventilation on gastric antrum size
Authors: Azem Karam , Orbach-Zinger Sharon , Heesen Philip , Finkelstein Arthur , Eidelman Leonid A , Shufaro Yoel , Arzola Cristian 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pulmonary aspiration is a potentially lethal perioperative complication related to gastric size and contents. Several perioperative factors are believed to increase gastric size, while others are less studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of anxiety, hormone-induced ovarian stimulation, and prolonged face mask ventilation (FMV) on gastric size via measuring antral cross-sectional area (CSA) using ultrasound.METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in Rabin Medical Center, Israel. We recruited 49 female patients undergoing hormone-induced ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval for in-vitro fertilization. Preoperatively, they ranked anxiety level on a visual numeric anxiety score (VNS). In the operation room, pre-and postoperative gastric ultrasound examinations were performed. Anesthesia was induced intravenously, followed by FMV with a peak inspiratory pressure of 15 cm H2O.RESULTS: There was no substantial correlation between pre-operative VNS anxiety and antral CSA (p=0.697). Moreover, the number of follicles, blood estradiol, and progesterone levels did not correlate with antral CSA (p=0.590, p=0.104, and p=0.511, respectively). The median duration of FMV was 13 minutes [IQR 18 to 8.5] and did not correlate with the antral CSA delta (p=0.312).CONCLUSIONS: Neither preoperative anxiety nor extensive ovarian stimulation affects gastric size. Moreover, prolonged FMV with a peak inspiratory pressure of 15 cm H2O did not increase the gastric size by insufflation. These findings add to a growing body of literature on this topic. Furthermore, it provides new evidence that FMV is still safe even in a relatively short procedure.TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (Registration number, NCT04833530; Registration date, 06/04/2021).
Prevalence and Consumption Pattern of Kolanut Among Pregnant Women in Ibadan Metropolis
Authors: Atiba F.A. , Popoola O.A. , Odukogbe A.O. , Ihunwo A.O. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundKolanut is popular in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries where it is widely consumed in various social contexts. While some studies have suggested that kolanut is consumed by pregnant women, there is a dearth of information on the prevalence, consumption pattern and reasons for kolanut consumption. MethodologyThis study investigated these gaps among pregnant women in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 478 consenting pregnant women in all three trimesters and registered at health facilities in Ibadan was conducted. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and kolanut use during pregnancy. Association between kolanut use and respondent characteristics was investigated using Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. ResultsThe mean age of the women was 28.7 ±6.3 years, 50.8% had secondary level qualifications, 43.9% were semi-skilled workers. 38.7% were recruited in Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 18% from Secondary Health Centres, 22.6 from Tertiary Health Centres and 20.7 from Traditional Birth Assistants (TBA)/Faith Clinics. 162 (33.9%) of women reported kolanut in pregnancy and 140 (29.3%) in the index/current pregnancy. Frequency of use defined as high (every day), medium (thrice a week), low (≤ once a week) and quantity of use defined as high (≥1 nut at once), medium (half to <1 lobe) and low (quarter to < half lobe). 26.9% reported frequent use, while 12.3% used in high quantity. Significant associations were found between current kolanut use and Hausa respondents (p = 0.014), educational level; secondary (p = 0.032), tertiary (p = 0.006), TBA (p=0.005). Majority (93.7%) used kolanut to prevent spitting, nausea, and vomiting. ConclusionThis study has shown that kolanut use is common among pregnant women and it is consumed in large quantities. The results of this study justifyy research into consequences of kolanut use in pregnant women.
Synthetic two-species allodiploid and three-species allotetraploid Saccharomyces hybrids with euploid (complete) parental subgenomes
Authors: Antunovics Zsuzsa , Szabo Adrienn , Heistinger Lina , Mattanovich Diethard , Sipiczki Matthias 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Combination of the genomes of Saccharomyces species has great potential for the construction of new industrial strains as well as for the study of the process of speciation. However, these species are reproductively isolated by a double sterility barrier. The first barrier is mainly due to the failure of the chromosomes to pair in allodiploid meiosis. The second barrier ensures that the hybrid remains sterile even after genome duplication, an event that can restore fertility in plant interspecies hybrids. The latter is attributable to the autodiploidisation of the allotetraploid meiosis that results in sterile allodiploid spores (return to the first barrier). Occasionally, mating-competent alloaneuploid spores arise by malsegregation of MAT-carrying chromosomes. These can mate with cells of a third species resulting in aneuploid zygotes having at least one incomplete subgenome. Here we report on the construction of euploid three-species hybrids by making use of “rare mating” between a sterile S. kudriavzevii x S. uvarum allodiploid hybrid and S. cerevisiae. The hybrids have allotetraploid 2nScnSk nSu genomes consisting of complete sets of parental chromosomes. This is the first report on the production of euploid three-species Saccharomyces hybrids by natural mating, without genetic manipulation. The hybrids provide possibilities for studying the interactions of three allospecific genomes and their orthologous genes present in the same cell.