bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Structural, Thermal, and Physicochemical Properties of Nanocelluloses Extracted From Bamboo Shoot Processing Byproducts
Authors: Lin Tong , Wang Qi , Zheng Xuan , Chang Yu , Cao Hui , Zheng Yafeng 
Published: June 2022

Nanocellulose has gained increasing interest due to its excellent properties and great potential as a functional component or carrier in food and pharmaceutical industries. This study investigated the structural, thermal, and physicochemical properties of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) extracted from bamboo shoot (Leleba oldhami Nakal) processing byproducts. NFCs were prepared through low concentration acid hydrolysis combined with ultrasonic treatment. CNCs were further isolated from NFCs using sulfuric acid hydrolysis treatment. TEM images showed that NFC and CNC exhibited typical long-chain and needle-like structures, respectively. CNC suspension was stable due to its zeta potential of -34.3 ± 1.23 mV. As expected, both NFC and CNC displayed high crystallinity indexes of 68.51 and 78.87%, and FTIR analysis confirmed the successful removal of lignin and hemicellulose during the treatments. However, the thermogravimetric analysis indicated that sulfuric acid hydrolysis decreased the thermal stability of CNCs. The improved physicochemical properties of NFC and CNC suggested their potential in various applications.
A Novel Frame-Shift Mutation in SCNN1B Identified in a Chinese Family Characterized by Early-Onset Hypertension
Authors: Lu Yi-Ting , Liu Xin-Chang , Zhou Ze-Ming , Zhang Di , Sun Lin , Zhang Ying , Fan Peng , Zhang Lin , Liu Ya-Xin , Luo Fang , Zhou Xian-Liang 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundLiddle syndrome is a form of monogenic hypertension caused by mutations in the three homologous subunits of the epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs), α, β, and γ. It is characterized by early-onset refractory hypertension, hypokalemia, low renin activity, and hypoaldosteronism. In this study, we report a novel frame-shift mutation in SCNN1B responsible for Liddle syndrome in a Chinese family.MethodsDNA samples were collected from all participants. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in the proband to detect possible causative variants. Sanger sequencing was then conducted in the other family members to verify the candidate variant, and in 100 patients with hypertension and 100 normotensive controls to exclude population genetic polymorphism.ResultsWe identified a novel frame-shift mutation (c.1691_1693delinsG) in SCNN1B that was responsible for Liddle syndrome in this family. This mutation leads to the substitution of Arg in place of Gln at codon site 564 and generates a new stop codon at 592, influencing the crucial PY motif and resulting in reduced inactivation of the ENaCs. Aside from the proband, eight family members carried the mutation. Intra-familial phenotypic heterogeneity was observed in the blood pressure and serum potassium levels. Amiloride therapy combined with a low sodium diet is effective to alleviate the symptoms of patients with Liddle syndrome.Conclusionc.1691_1693delinsG, a novel frame-shift mutation in the β subunit of ENaC, was identified in a Chinese family with Liddle syndrome by whole-exome sequencing. Phenotypic heterogeneity can make diagnosis of Liddle syndrome difficult on the basis of clinical or biochemical characteristics alone. Genetic analysis is a useful tool allowing timely and accurate diagnosis of Liddle syndrome and playing a guiding role in precise treatment of the disease.
Heat Accumulation Mechanism of the Gaoyang Carbonatite Geothermal Field, Hebei Province, North China
Authors: Zhang Baojian , Wang Siqi , Kang Fengxin , Wu Yanqiu , Li Yanyan , Gao Jun , Yuan Wenzhen , Xing Yifei 
Published: June 2022

From 2019 to 2021, we constructed two high-productivity geothermal wells with wellhead temperatures of 109.2 and 123.4°C in the Gaoyang geothermal field. Based on the two wells, it was proved that Gaoyang is a medium-temperature carbonate geothermal field with great development potential. The article reported the latest exploration achievements of deep buried hill geothermal resources in the geothermal field. The productivity of D34 and D35 geothermal wells were evaluated by James end-pressure method: the total flow of steam–water mixture was 234.59–331.92 (t/h), the dryness was 1.36–2.03%, and the single-well power generation potential was 2.10–2.55 MW. Combined with those results, the heat control factors and heat accumulation mechanism of the deep carbonatite geothermal field were confirmed. The westward subduction of the Pacific plate caused obvious damage to the eastern North China Craton and greatly reduced the thickness of the lithosphere and crust. This process facilitated the conduction of mantle-derived heat to shallow crust. Deep strike-slip faults (e.g., Maxi fault) cut through the lithosphere, leading the deep mantle-derived heat and magma to migrate into the crust. The heat accumulated from the depression with low thermal conductivity to the uplift with high thermal conductivity. Groundwater was heated up by deep cycle and convection along faults. The catchment of regional karst groundwater also had a certain effect on the heat accumulation. The Gaoyang geothermal field was formed by these factors.
Constraining Paleoseismicity of the Wulashan Piedmont Fault on the Northern Margin of the Ordos Block From Fault Scarp Morphology
Authors: Bi Haiyun , Shi Lin , Zhang Dongli , Peng Hui , Yang Jingjun , You Zicheng , Sun Xin 
Published: June 2022

Fault scarps preserve important information about past earthquakes on a fault, and thus can be applied to investigate the fault slip histories and rupture patterns. In this study, the morphology of fault scarps was used to constrain the paleoseismicity of the Wulashan Piedmont Fault located on the northern margin of the Ordos Block based on high-resolution LiDAR topography. We constructed the vertical displacement distribution of the fault through measuring the heights of a large number of scarp profiles extracted on different geomorphic surfaces along the fault. Through statistical analysis of the dense collection of vertical displacement dataset, a total of seven paleoseismic events were identified which followed a characteristic slip pattern with an average slip of ∼1.0 m. We further detected slope breaks in the fault scarp morphology to quantify the number of paleoearthquakes that occurred on the scarps, and discriminated at least five individual surface-breaking events. Both the number and slip of paleoearthquakes recognized from the morphology of fault scarps were in good agreement with previous paleoseismic trenching records. Based on the empirical scaling relationship between moment magnitude and rupture parameters, a moment magnitude ofMw6.7–7.5 was determined for the paleoearthquakes occurred on the fault. With the fault slip rate derived by previous studies, we estimated an average recurrence interval of 1.3–1.8 kyr for the paleoseismic events, which is very close to the elapsed time since the most recent earthquake, indicating a high potential seismic hazard on the Wulashan Piedmont Fault.
Seismo-Stratigraphic Model for the Urban Area of Milan (Italy) by Ambient-Vibration Monitoring and Implications for Seismic Site Effects Assessment
Authors: Massa M. , Lovati S. , Puglia R. , Brunelli G. , Lorenzetti A. , Mascandola C. , Felicetta C. , Pacor F. , Luzi L. 
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we present the work carried out to characterize the spatial variability of seismic site response related to local soil conditions in the city of Milan and its surroundings, an area with ∼3 million inhabitants and a high density of industrial facilities. The area is located at the northwestern end of the Po Plain, a large and deep sedimentary basin in northern Italy. An urban-scale seismo-stratigraphic model is developed based on new passive and active seismic data, supported by the available geological data and stratigraphic information from shallow and deep vertical wells. In particular, 33 single-station and 4 ambient-vibration array measurements are acquired, together with 4 active multichannel analyses of surface waves (MAWS). To estimate the resonant frequencies of the sediments, the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio technique (HVSR) is applied to the ambient-vibration recordings, whereas to determine the Rayleigh-wave dispersion curves from the passive array, the data are analysed using the conventional frequency-wavenumber, the modified spatial autocorrelation and the extended spatial autocorrelation (ESAC) techniques. The array data are used to determine the local shear wave velocity profiles, VS, via joint inversion of the Rayleigh-wave dispersion and ellipticity curves deduced from the HVSR. The results from HVSR show three main bands of amplified frequencies, the first in the range 0.17–0.23 Hz, the second from 0.45 to 0.65 Hz and the third from 3 to 8 Hz. A decreasing trend of the main peaks is observed from the northern to the southern part of the city, allowing us to hypothesize a progressive deepening of the relative regional chrono-stratigraphic unconformities. The passive ambient noise array and MASW highlight the dispersion of the fundamental mode of the Rayleigh-wave in the range 0.4–30 Hz, enabling to obtain detailed Vs. profiles with depth down to about 1.8 km. The seismo-stratigraphic model is used as input for 1D numerical modelling assuming linear soil conditions. The theoretical 1D transfer functions are compared to the HVSR curves evaluated from both ambient noise signals and earthquake waveforms recorded by the IV. MILN station in the last 10 years.
Association Between the Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Axis and Muscle Density in Children and Adolescents of Short Stature
Authors: Yang Guangzhi , Yang Qing , Li Yanying , Zhang Yanhong , Chen Shuxiong , He Dongye , Zhang Mei , Ban Bo , Liu Fupeng 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis and muscle density in children and adolescents of short stature.MethodsParticipants were children and adolescents of short stature hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University between January 2020 and June 2021. All participants had CT scan images available. We performed an analysis of the images to calculate the muscle density or skeletal muscle attenuation (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and fat mass index (FMI). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was used to ensure that chest CT is a credible way of evaluating body composition.ResultsA total of 297 subjects were included with the mean age of 10.00 ± 3.42 years, mean height standard deviation score (SDS) of -2.51 ± 0.53, and mean IGF-1 SDS of -0.60 ± 1.07. The areas of muscle and fat tissues at the fourth thoracic vertebra level in the CT images showed strong correlation with the total weights of the participants (R2 = 0.884 and 0.897, respectively). The peak of GH was negatively associated with FMI (r = - 0.323, P &lt;.01) and IGF-1 SDS was positively associated with SMI (r = 0.303, P &lt;.01). Both the peak GH and IGF-1 SDS were positively associated with SMA (r = 0.244, P &lt;.01 and r = 0.165, P &lt;.05, respectively). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis demonstrated that the GH peak was the predictor of FMI (β = - 0.210, P &lt; .01), the IGF-1 SDS was the predictor of SMI (β = 0.224, P &lt; .01), and both the peak GH and IGF-1 SDS were predictors of SMA (β = 0.180, P &lt; .01 and β = 0.222, P &lt; .01).ConclusionsA chest CT scan is a credible method of evaluating body composition in children and adolescents of short stature. In these patients, peak GH and IGF-1 SDS are independent predictors of muscle density and the GF/IGF-1 axis may regulate body composition through complex mechanisms.
Exploring the Fundamental Factors Behind Algal-Bacterial Symbiosis and Their Impact on Ecological Interactions
Authors: Sun Li , Lei Yongjia , Li Hui 
Published: June 2022

This study focused on important factors including light intensity, light/dark cycles, and the biomass of algae/bacteria to explore the relationship between algae and bacteria, aiming to obtain the optimal performance in the algae–sludge membrane bioreactor (AS-MBR). It was found that 3000 lux was considered to be the appropriate light intensity that could improve algal biomass and nitrogen removal among the chosen light intensities. Further analysis of results indicated that a higher or lower light intensity could not simultaneously promote algal energy absorption and nitrifying bacterial activity. Moreover, the highest average growth rate of algae (0.16 mg/L d−1) and the removal efficiency of NH4+-N (96.4 ± 1.5%) were both observed during the 12-h light/12-h dark cycle, respectively. Meantime, the appropriate algal proportion would mitigate membrane fouling compared with the conventional MBR. The investigation of the mechanism suggested that light intensity, light–dark cycle, and algal proportion were significantly associated with algal photosynthesis (key proteins, chromophores, and nucleic acids), the characteristics of functional bacteria, and the underlying cognition of cell-to-cell signaling between algae and bacteria, which would further influence the reactor performance.
Relationship Between Platelet Count and In-hospital Mortality in Adult Patients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Qilin , Gao Jun , Zeng Xiaomei , Chen Junyu , Wen Deliang 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic. Systemic inflammation in COVID-19 patients has been associated with poor clinical outcome. This study aims to determine the relationship between platelet count and in-hospital mortality.MethodsThe original data of this study were from article development and validation of a predictive model of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. In this secondary analysis, we adopted multi-variable logistic regression analyses and smooth curve fitting to assess the independent association between platelet count and in-hospital mortality. We further applied a two-piecewise linear regression model to examine the nonlinear association between platelet count and in-hospital mortality.ResultsOf the 2006 patients, the average age of the participants was 65.9 ± 16.5 years and 42.6% were women. We observed a U-shaped relationship between platelet count and in-hospital mortality. We found two different slopes, the correlations between platelet count and in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients were totally different below and above the inflection point which was around 370 × 109/L. On the left side of the inflection point, the OR was 0.996 (OR: 0.996, 95%CI: 0.994–0.998, p &lt; 0.001). On the right side of the inflection point, the OR was 1.011 (OR: 1.011, 95%CI: 1.001–1.021, p = 0.029).ConclusionsA U-shaped association between platelet count and in-hospital mortality was found in the patients with COVID-19. The optimal of platelet count associated with the lowest risk of in-hospital mortality was around 370 × 109/L.
“Endothelium-Out” and “Endothelium-In” Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) Graft Insertion Techniques: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ong Hon Shing , Htoon Hla M. , Ang Marcus , Mehta Jodhbir S. 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundWe evaluated the visual outcomes and complications of “endothelium-out” and “endothelium-in” Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) graft insertion techniques.Materials and MethodsElectronic searches were conducted in CENTRAL, Cochrane databases, PubMed, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov. Study designs included clinical trials, comparative observational studies, and large case series (≥25 eyes). PRISMA guidelines were used for abstracting data and synthesis. Random-effects models were employed for meta-analyses.Results21,323 eyes (95 studies) were included. Eighty-six studies reported on “endothelium-out” techniques; eight studies reported on “endothelium-in” techniques. One study compared “endothelium-out” to “endothelium-in” techniques. Eighteen “endothelium-out” studies reported that 42.5–85% of eyes achieved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥20/25 at 6 months; pooled proportion of eyes achieving BCVA ≥20/25 at 6 months was 58.7% (95% CI 49.4–67.7%,15 studies). Three “endothelium-in” studies reported that 44.7–87.5% of eyes achieved BCVA of ≥20/25 at 6 months; pooled proportion of eyes achieving BCVA ≥20/25 at 6 months was 62.4% (95% CI 33.9–86.9%). Pooled mean endothelial cell loss was lower in the “endothelium-in” studies (28.1 ± 1.3%, 7 studies) compared to “endothelium-out” studies (36.3 ± 6.9%,10 studies) at 6 months (p = 0.018). Graft re-bubbling rates were higher in the “endothelium-out” studies (26.2%, 95% CI 21.9–30.9%, 74 studies) compared to “endothelium-in” studies (16.5%, 95% CI 8.5–26.4%, 6 studies), although statistical significance was not reached (p = 0.440). Primary graft failure rates were comparable between the two groups (p = 0.552). Quality of evidence was considered low and significant heterogeneity existed amongst the studies.ConclusionReported rates of endothelial cell loss were lower in “endothelium-in” DMEK studies at 6 months compared to “endothelium-out” studies. Outcomes of “endothelium-in” techniques were otherwise comparable to those reported in “endothelium-out” studies. Given the technical challenges encountered in “endothelium-out” procedures, surgeons may consider “endothelium-in” techniques designed for easier intra-operative DMEK graft unfolding. “Endothelium-in” studies evaluating outcomes at longer time points are required before conclusive comparisons between the two techniques can be drawn.
Challenges of Primary Care Medicine in a Tertiary Care Setting—The Case of Primary CMV Infection Compared to Primary EBV Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Etienne Samuel , Leuzinger Karoline , Hirsch Hans H. , Osthoff Michael 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundIn the immunocompetent adult primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may present as prolonged febrile illness or may resemble infectious mononucleosis. Hence, establishing a diagnosis of primary CMV infection may be challenging, in particular in the hospital setting.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of all immunocompetent patients treated at a tertiary care center in Switzerland over a 5-year period in whom a diagnosis of primary CMV infection was established. We assessed their demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics and compared them to patients with a diagnosis of primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection during the same period.ResultsWe identified 16 and 125 patients with primary CMV and EBV infection, respectively (rates of 3.1 and 23.8 cases/year, respectively). Patients in the CMV group were older (median 34 vs. 22 years), had a longer illness duration before presentation (median 14 vs. 7 days) and more frequently systemic symptoms compared to patients in the EBV group. Increased lymphocyte count and presence of atypical lymphocytes were observed in both groups, yet less frequently and less pronounced in the CMV group. The overall number of performed tests (including laboratory and radiology tests) was significantly higher in the CMV group (median 11.5 vs. 3.0) before arriving at the final diagnosis. Antibiotic treatment was more frequently prescribed in patients with primary EBV infections (40 vs. 25%).ConclusionsGiven its low incidence and non-specific symptoms, establishing a diagnosis of primary CMV infection can be challenging. Knowledge about clinical features of primary CMV infection in the immunocompetent host might help to adopt a stepwise approach to diagnosis avoiding over-testing.
Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in COVID-19 Survivors, Symptoms Changes Between 4-Months and 1 Year After the COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Labarca Gonzalo , Henríquez-Beltrán Mario , Lamperti Liliana , Nova-Lamperti Estefania , Sanhueza Sergio , Cabrera Camilo , Quiroga Romina , Antilef Barbara , Ormazábal Valeska , Zúñiga Felipe , Castillo Daniela , Horta Gloria , Enos Daniel , Lastra Jaime , Gonzalez Jessica , Targa Adriano , Barbe Ferran 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo determine the association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with long-term symptoms and inflammatory cytokines, exploring the changes between 4-months and 1-year after COVID-19 infection.MethodsWe conducted an observational, prospective cohort study, including patients ≥18 years old with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 between April to July 2020. All participants underwent two clinical follow-up visits, the first at 4-months (Visit 1) and the second at 1 year, after SARS-CoV-2 infection (Visit 2). Plasma glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Regarding pulmonary function, spirometry and lung diffusion capacity tests were assessed. For mental and neurocognitive evaluation, a short-form (SF-12), Beck depression and Hospital-Anxiety depression questionnaires were conducted at both time-points, whereas the Montreal Cognitive assessment was conducted during the second follow-up. Regarding to sleep evaluation, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Insomnia Severity index and STOP-BANG questionnaire were conducted. Additionally, a home sleep apnea test and 7-day wrist actigraphy were performed in all participants. Inflammatory cytokines were measured using an inflammatory cytokine bead array kit. p-values &lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant and statistical analyses were performed using R software.ResultsA total of 60 patients were included in the first follow-up, from which 57 completed the second follow-up. The mean age was 46.4 years-old (SD ± 13.1) and 53.3% were male. 30% of cases reported mild COVID-19 infection, 28.3% with moderate illness, and 41.6% with severe illness. Moreover, 56.6% of them were admitted to the ICU. Regarding to metabolic values, the OSA group showed higher values of insulin resistance (IR) (27%), systolic blood pressure (SBP) 135.2 (±19.1), dyslipidemia (67.5%), total cholesterol 202.1 (±60.5), triglycerides 176.1 (±119.0) and HOMA-IR 9.0 (±18.8) in comparison with the non-OSA group. 1 year after COVID-19 infection, DLCO test remains abnormal in OSA patients (25% OSA vs. 3.6% non-OSA, p = 0.02). Finally, those participants with OSA who develop ARDS reported an adjusted OR 20.4 (95%-CI, 1.04–504) risk of neurocognitive impairment.DiscussionAmong patients with previous COVID-19, OSA impact the development of incident glycemic, neurocognitive impairment, and abnormal functional pulmonary changes that persist up to 1 year since acute phase.