bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in ecological conditions may influence intraguild competition: inferring interaction patterns of snow leopard with co-predators
Authors: Pal Ranjana , Panwar Anshu , Goyal Surendra P. , Sathyakumar Sambandam 
Published: October 2022

Background
Large-scale changes in habitat conditions due to human modifications and climate change require management practices to consider how species communities can alter amidst these changes. Understanding species interactions across the gradient of space, anthropogenic pressure, and season provide the opportunity to anticipate possible dynamics in the changing scenarios. We studied the interspecific interactions of carnivore species in a high-altitude ecosystem over seasonal (summer and winter) and resource gradients (livestock grazing) to assess the impact of changing abiotic and biotic settings on coexistence.

Methods
The study was conducted in the Upper Bhagirathi basin, Western Himalaya, India. We analyzed around 4 years of camera trap monitoring data to understand seasonal spatial and temporal interactions of the snow leopard with common leopard and woolly wolf were assessed in the greater and trans-Himalayan habitats, respectively. We used two species occupancy models to assess spatial interactions, and circadian activity patterns were used to assess seasonal temporal overlap amongst carnivores. In addition, we examined scats to understand the commonalities in prey selection.

Results
The result showed that although snow leopard and wolves depend on the same limited prey species and show high temporal overlap, habitat heterogeneity and differential habitat use facilitate co-occurrence between these two predators. Snow leopard and common leopard were spatially independent in the summer. Conversely, the common leopard negatively influences the space use of snow leopard in the winter. Limited prey resources (lack of livestock), restricted space (due to snow cover), and similar activity patterns in winter might result in strong competition, causing these species to avoid each other on a spatial scale. The study showed that in addition to species traits and size, ecological settings also play a significant role in deciding the intensity of competition between large carnivores. Climate change and habitat shifts are predicted to increase the spatial overlap between snow leopard and co-predators in the future. In such scenarios, wolves and snow leopards may coexist in a topographically diverse environment, provided sufficient prey are available. However, shifts in tree line might lead to severe competition between common leopards and snow leopards, which could be detrimental to the latter. Further monitoring of resource use across abiotic and biotic environments may improve our understanding of how changing ecological conditions can affect resource partitioning between snow leopards and predators.
Tumour Necrotic Factor Alpha level and Some Biochemical Parameters as a Measure of Health Risks Due to Exposure to Liquefied Petroleum Gas on Vendors in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Sambo Abara, Ukeme , Chinyere Nsonwu-Anyanwu, Augusta , Sunday Etukudoh, Nkeruwem , Henrietta Etukudo, Maisie , Denkok Yohanna , Obiora Ejinaka, Reginald , Ukeme Abara, Esitmbom , Larrycarr Nwapi, Lucy , Paul Udobong, Caroline 
Published: October 2022

Background: The human body is constantly exposed to chemicals and other substances injurious to health from the environments, foods etc. These substances are taken into the body either consciously or unconsciously through the mouth, nose, and skin which often lead to oxidative stress, gene mutation, direct injury on cells and tissue, alteration of immune system etc, resulting in cancer development and other chronic and acute health challenges and death. This study is aimed at assessing the health risks due to chronic exposure to non-combusted Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and appraising the potential inflammatory and liver problem among its vendors who did not wear Personal Protective Equipments (PPE).
Methods: Forty-one apparently healthy Liquefied Petroleum Gas sellers and Forty-one apparently healthy non Liquefied Petroleum Gas sellers/user (control), aged 18 to 50 years were recruited for this study. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was determined by taking the ratio of weights in Kg to the square of heights in meters. Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) was estimated by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), 2-butanol was estimated using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), ALT and AST were estimated using Colorimetric method. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation at p<0.05.
Results: From the results obtained, AST, ALT and BMI did not show significant variation but TNF-α and 2-butanol showed a significant variation compared to control. TNF-α and 2-butanol showed a significant positive correlation among the exposed group. The duration of exposure does not appear to cause a significant difference in the levels of the biochemical parameters.
Conclusion: This study therefore showed that exposure to Liquefied Petroleum Gas has no effect on anthropometric and liver parameter but appears to cause significant elevation of TNF-α and 2-butanol, meaning that sellers may be predisposed to inflammation. It is therefore recommended that vendors of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) always wear their PPE to avoid deleterious effect on their health.
Analysis of Blood Culture Collection and Laboratory Processing Practices in Israel
Authors: Temkin Elizabeth , Biran Dikla , Braun Tali , Schwartz David , Carmeli Yehuda 
Published: October 2022

ImportanceBlood culturing is a critical diagnostic procedure affecting patient outcomes and antibiotic stewardship. Although there are standards for blood culturing, the process is not often measured.ObjectivesTo evaluate processes related to the diagnosis of bloodstream infection and compare them with best practices.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA quality improvement study using laboratory data from January 1 to June 30, 2019, was conducted in 28 (96.6%) Israeli acute care hospitals. All blood cultures (BCs) performed on samples from adults and children in a period of 147 hospital-months were analyzed. Data analysis was performed from April 12, 2021, to September 9, 2022.Main Outcomes and MeasuresTrue pathogen detection rate, contamination rate, proportion of adults with blood cultures performed, proportion of adult culturing episodes with only 1 set or bottle used, and median time of steps from sample collection to pathogen identification.ResultsThe data set consisted of 348 987 BC bottles. Bloodstream infection was detected in a median of 6.7% (IQR, 5.8%-8.2%) of adult culturing episodes and 1.1% (IQR, 0.7%-1.9%) of pediatric episodes. Eleven of 27 hospitals (40.7%) with adult patients met the standard of a contamination rate of less than 3% and only 2 hospitals (7.4%) met the more stringent standard of less than or equal to 1% contamination rate. The percentage of adults with blood cultures ranged from 2.7% to 29.0% (mean [SD], 15.7% [6.0%]). There was an association between sampling rate and pathogen detection until BCs were performed in 17% of adult admissions. The percentage of solitary BCs ranged from 47.8% to 94.4%. An estimated 1745 of 7436 (23.5%) adult bloodstream infections went undetected because solitary BCs were performed, anaerobic bottles were not used, or BCs were not performed. Median processing time was 51.2 (IQR, 33.9-78.0) hours, 3 times the optimal time: 4.4 (IQR, 1.7-12.5) hours for the preanalytical stage, 15.9 (IQR, 10.2-23.6) hours from incubation to growth detection, 4.5 (IQR, 1.5-10.7) hours from detection to Gram stain, and 30.9 (IQR, 22.0-41.9) hours from detection to isolate identification. An 8.6-hour delay was related to off-hours operating of laboratories.Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this study suggest that the multistep process of blood culturing is not managed comprehensively in Israel, leading to poor clinical practices and delayed results.
The applications of porous FO membranes and polyelectrolyte draw solution in the high‐salinity organic wastewater treatment with a hybrid forward osmosis‐membrane distillation system
Authors: Cao Zaizhi , Zhu Tengyi 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHybrid forward osmosis‐membrane distillation (FO‐MD) system have been considered as a promising technology for wastewater treatment. In the current study, initial and modified porous FO membranes are fabricated, and the intrinsic membrane separation properties are also investigated. Polyacrylic acid sodium (PAAS), sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are used to evaluate the effects of draw solution (DS) in FO experiments. Particularly, alkali treated modified porous FO membrane and PAAS are utilized in the subsequent wastewater treatment owing to the high performance of permeation and rejection. Furthermore, the optimal values of operating parameters (flow velocity, DS concentration and DS temperature), which are selected according to the effects of water flux (JV) in the FO and MD process, are evaluated and utilized to investigate the dynamic changes of JV in the high‐salinity organic wastewater treatment with hybrid FO‐MD system. Results show that the hybrid FO‐MD system with porous FO membranes and polyelectrolyte DS maintain the operation in a constant flux of 16.61 LMH, and the permeate solution can be effectively recovered with favorable quality. This study provides remarkable implications for the design of porous FO membranes and the application of hybrid FO‐MD system in the wastewater treatment.
Association of Gout Polygenic Risk Score With Age at Disease Onset and Tophaceous Disease in European and Polynesian Men With Gout
Authors: Sumpter Nicholas A. , Takei Riku , Cadzow Murray , Topless Ruth K. G. , Phipps‐Green Amanda J. , Murphy Rinki , de Zoysa Janak , Watson Huti , Qasim Muhammad , Lupi Alexa S. , Abhishek Abhishek , Andrés Mariano , Crișan Tania O. , Doherty Michael , Jacobsson Lennart , Janssen Matthijs , Jansen Tim L. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Kapetanovic Meliha , Lioté Frédéric , Matsuo Hirotaka , McCarthy Geraldine M. , Perez‐Ruiz Fernando , Riches Philip , Richette Pascal , Roddy Edward , Stiburkova Blanka , So Alexander , Tausche Anne‐Kathrin , Torres Rosa J. , Uhlig Till , Major Tanya J. , Stamp Lisa K. , Dalbeth Nicola , Choi Hyon K. , Vazquez Ana I. , Leask Megan P. , Reynolds Richard J. , Merriman Tony R. 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo determine whether a gout polygenic risk score (PRS) is associated with age at gout onset and tophaceous disease in European, East Polynesian, and West Polynesian men and women with gout.MethodsA 19‐variant gout PRS was produced in 7 European gout cohorts (N = 4,016), 2 East Polynesian gout cohorts (N = 682), and 1 West Polynesian gout cohort (N = 490). Sex‐stratified regression models were used to estimate the relationship between the PRS and age at gout onset and tophaceous disease.ResultsThe PRS was associated with earlier age at gout onset in men (β = –3.61 in years per unit PRS [95% confidence interval (95% CI) –4.32, –2.90] in European men; β = –6.35 [95% CI –8.91, –3.80] in East Polynesian men; β = –3.51 [95% CI –5.46, –1.57] in West Polynesian men) but not in women (β = 0.07 [95% CI –2.32, 2.45] in European women; β = 0.20 [95% CI –7.21, 7.62] in East Polynesian women; β –3.33 [95% CI –9.28, 2.62] in West Polynesian women). The PRS showed a positive association with tophaceous disease in men (odds ratio [OR] for the association 1.15 [95% CI 1.00, 1.31] in European men; OR 2.60 [95% CI 1.66, 4.06] in East Polynesian men; OR 1.53 [95% CI 1.07, 2.19] in West Polynesian men) but not in women (OR for the association 0.68 [95% CI 0.42, 1.10] in European women; OR 1.45 [95% CI 0.39, 5.36] in East Polynesian women). The PRS association with age at gout onset was robust to the removal of ABCG2 variants from the PRS in European and East Polynesian men (β = –2.42 [95% CI –3.37, –1.46] and β = –6.80 [95% CI –10.06, –3.55], respectively) but not in West Polynesian men (β = –1.79 [95% CI –4.74, 1.16]).ConclusionGenetic risk variants for gout also harbor risk for earlier age at gout onset and tophaceous disease in European and Polynesian men. Our findings suggest that earlier gout onset involves the accumulation of gout risk alleles in men but perhaps not in women, and that this genetic risk is shared across multiple ancestral groups.
Identification of Mechanisms by Which Genetic Susceptibility Loci Influence Systemic Sclerosis Risk Using Functional Genomics in Primary T Cells and Monocytes
Authors: González‐Serna David , Shi Chenfu , Kerick Martin , Hankinson Jenny , Ding James , McGovern Amanda , Tutino Mauro , Villanueva‐Martin Gonzalo , Ortego‐Centeno Norberto , Callejas José Luis , Martin Javier , Orozco Gisela 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease with a strong genetic component. However, most of the genes associated with the disease are still unknown because associated variants affect mostly noncoding intergenic elements of the genome. We used functional genomics to translate the genetic findings into a better understanding of the disease.MethodsPromoter capture Hi‐C and RNA‐sequencing experiments were performed in CD4+ T cells and CD14+ monocytes from 10 SSc patients and 5 healthy controls to link SSc‐associated variants with their target genes, followed by differential expression and differential interaction analyses between cell types.ResultsWe linked SSc‐associated loci to 39 new potential target genes and confirmed 7 previously known SSc‐associated genes. We highlight novel causal genes, such as CXCR5, as the most probable candidate gene for the DDX6 locus. Some previously known SSc‐associated genes, such as IRF8, STAT4, and CD247, showed cell type–specific interactions. We also identified 15 potential drug targets already in use in other similar immune‐mediated diseases that could be repurposed for SSc treatment. Furthermore, we observed that interactions were directly correlated with the expression of important genes implicated in cell type–specific pathways and found evidence that chromatin conformation is associated with genotype.ConclusionOur study revealed potential causal genes for SSc‐associated loci, some of them acting in a cell type–specific manner, suggesting novel biologic mechanisms that might mediate SSc pathogenesis.
Describing settings of care in the last 100 days of life for cancer decedents: a population‐based descriptive study
Authors: Hafid Abe , Howard Michelle , Webber Colleen , Gayowsky Ana , Scott Mary , Jones Aaron , Hsu Amy T. , Tanuseputro Peter , Downar James , Conen Katrin , Manuel Doug , Isenberg Sarina R. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have described the settings cancer decedents spend their end‐of‐life stage, with none considering homecare specifically. We describe the different settings of care experienced in the last 100 days of life by individuals with cancer and how settings of care change as they approached death.MethodsA retrospective cohort study from January 2013 to December 2017, of decedents whose primary cause of death was cancer, using linked population‐level health administrative datasets in Ontario, Canada.ResultsDecedents 125,755 were included in our cohort. The average age at death was 73, 46% were female, and 14% resided in rural regions. And 24% died of lung cancer, 7% breast, 7% colorectal, 7% pancreatic, 5% prostate, and 50% other cancers. In the last 100 days of life, decedents spent 25.9 days in institutions, 25.8 days receiving care in the community, and 48.3 days at home without any care. Individuals who died of lung and pancreatic cancers spent the most days at home without any care (52.1 and 52.6 days), while individuals who died of prostate and breast cancer spent the least days at home without any care (41.6 and 45.1 days). Regardless of cancer type, decedents spent fewer days at home and more days in institutions as they approached death, despite established patient preferences for an end‐of‐life experience at home.ConclusionsIn the last 100 days of life, cancer decedents spent most of their time in either institutions or at home without any care. Improving homecare services during the end‐of‐life may provide people dying of cancer with a preferred dying experience.
Clustering on longitudinal quality‐of‐life measurements using growth mixture models for clinical prognosis: Implementation on CCTG/AGITG CO.20 trial
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Kong Weili , Hu Pingzhao , Jonker Derek , Moore Malcolm , Ringash Jolie , Shapiro Jeremy , Zalcberg John , Simes John , Tu Dongsheng , O'Callaghan Chris J. , Liu Geoffrey , Xu Wei 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionAnalyzing longitudinal cancer quality‐of‐life (QoL) measurements and their impact on clinical outcomes may improve our understanding of patient trajectories during systemic therapy. We applied an unsupervised growth mixture modeling (GMM) approach to identify unobserved subpopulations (“patient clusters”) in the CO.20 clinical trial longitudinal QoL data. Classes were then evaluated for differences in clinico‐epidemiologic characteristics and overall survival (OS).Methods and MaterialsIn CO.20, 750 chemotherapy‐refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients were randomized to receive Brivanib+Cetuximab (n = 376, experimental arm) versus Cetuximab+Placebo (n = 374, standard arm) for 16 weeks. EORTC‐QLQ‐C30 QoL summary scores were calculated for each patient at seven time points, and GMM was applied to identify patient clusters (termed “classes”). Log‐rank/Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses were conducted to analyze the survival performance between classes. Cox analyses were used to explore the relationship between baseline QoL, individual slope, and the quadratic terms from the GMM output with OS.ResultsIn univariable analysis, the linear mixed effect model (LMM) identified sex and ECOG Performance Status as strongly associated with the longitudinal QoL score (p < 0.01). The patients within each treatment arm were clustered into three distinct QoL‐based classes by GMM, respectively. The three classes identified in the experimental (log‐rank p‐value = 0.00058) and in the control arms (p < 0.0001) each showed significantly different survival performance. The GMM's baseline, slope, and quadratic terms were each significantly associated with OS (p < 0.001).ConclusionGMM can be used to analyze longitudinal QoL data in cancer studies, by identifying unobserved subpopulations (patient clusters). As demonstrated by CO.20 data, these classes can have important implications, including clinical prognostication.
Identification of a novel prognostic signature correlated with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, N6‐methyladenosine modification, and immune infiltration in colorectal cancer
Authors: Qu Xiao , Tan Honghong , Mao Jingxian , Yang Mengxue , Xu Jian , Yan Xuebing , Wu Wenjuan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveColorectal cancer (CRC) is a commonly diagnosed human malignancy worldwide. Both epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification play a crucial role in CRC development. This study aimed to construct a prognostic signature based on the genes related to EMT and m6A modification.MethodFirstly, the mRNA expression profiling of CRC tissues was analyzed using TCGA and GEO databases. The prognostic hub genes related to EMT and m6A modification were selected using weighted correlation network and cox regression analysis. The prognostic signature was constructed based on hub genes, followed by validation in three external cohorts. Finally, the expression of the representative hub gene was detected in clinical samples, and its biological role was investigated using assays in vivo and in vitro.ResultsA prognostic signature was constructed using the following genes: YAP1, FAM3C, NUBPL, GLO1, JARID2, NFKB1, CDKN1B, HOOK1, and GIPC2. The signature effectively stratified the clinical outcome of CRC patients in the training cohort and two validation cohorts. The subgroup analysis demonstrated the signature could identify high‐risk population from CRC patients within stage I‐II or III‐IV, female, male and elder patients. The signature was correlated with the infiltration of some immune cells (such as macrophage and regulatory T cells) and gene mutation counts. Finally, the hub gene GIPC2 was found to be downregulated in CRC tissues and most CRC cells lines. GIPC2 overexpression inhibited the malignant characteristics of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo through upregulating E‐cadherin and downregulating N‐cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail, while the opposite results were observed for GIPC2 knockdown in CRC cells.ConclusionOur present study for the first time constructed a novel prognostic signature related to EMT, m6A modification, and immune infiltration for CRC risk stratification. In addition, GIPC2 is identified as a promising clinical biomarker or therapeutical target for CRC.
The use of recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB in combination with β‐tricalcium phosphate and rhPDGF‐BB in combination with freeze‐dried bone allograft plus barrier in two separate complex infrabony defects with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: McClain Pamela K. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundReports from a large‐scale, prospective, masked, randomized controlled clinical trial demonstrated gain in attachment level, linear bone gain, and percentage bone fill in infrabony defects treated with recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (rhPDGF‐BB) and β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) at 6 months. A follow up to that trial at 24 months showed the results were stable in terms of gain in clinical parameters, and assessment of selective cases demonstrated stability at 5 years. The cases presented in this report provide clinical applications to support the use of this biologic in complex infrabony defects. An infrabony defect is described as a periodontal pocket with its base apical to the crest of the alveolar bone. Infrabony defects may have one, two, or three bony walls creating challenges in management.MethodsTwo complex infrabony defect cases are presented in this report: one using rhPDGF‐BB with β‐TCP and the other using rhPDGF‐BB with freeze‐dried bone allograft (FDBA) and a resorbable barrier membrane. The techniques are described with results showing long‐term follow up and reentry at 8 and 14 years (respectively).ResultsBoth cases demonstrate significant gains in clinical attachment levels as well as bone‐like fill as observed radiographically and at reentry.ConclusionsThese case reports of combining rhPDGF‐BB with β‐TCP or with FDBA and a barrier membrane support the literature showing improvement in attachment levels and demonstrating bone fill in complex infrabony defects. The results can be maintained long term.
Vegetable Oil Hydrogenation over Pt Monolithic and Powder Catalysts: Experimental and Modeling Study
Authors: Troncoso Franco David , Pedrozo Hector Alejandro , Tonetto Gabriela Marta 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA complete kinetic study was performed for the hydrogenation of vegetable oil using a powder and a monolithic Pt catalyst. The experimental studies were carried out at a wide interval of H2 pressure, temperature, and catalyst loading using Pt/γ‐Al2O3 powder catalyst in a slurry reactor and Pt/Al2O3/Al‐structured catalyst in a monolithic stirrer reactor. The mathematical model for the reactors includes the hydrogenation and isomerization reactions, the external gas‐liquid and liquid‐solid mass transfer as well as the internal mass transfer. Four kinetic models were evaluated for both catalysts. The best fit of the experimental data was obtained by adopting a Langmuir‐Hinshelwood kinetic model for the liquid reactant and a dissociative adsorption and zero‐order reaction for H2.